Alta Moda Unicomp is a dual-mono audio compressor designed to combine the strengths of both modern precision compression and classic character-driven designs within a single unit. Built around a unique gain cell and sidechain architecture, Alta Moda Unicomp delivers a distinctive sonic signature while offering the flexibility and control required for tracking, mixing, and mastering applications.
The design philosophy centres on accuracy, versatility, and musicality, allowing the compressor to adapt easily to a wide range of programme material and production styles.
The audio path of Alta Moda Unicomp is fully discrete, class A, and high voltage, following a minimalist approach intended to preserve signal integrity. All amplifiers are DC servo-coupled, removing the need for coupling capacitors in the signal path and ensuring clean, stable operation with consistent low-frequency response. This topology supports both transparent compression and more characterful processing, depending on configuration.
The sidechain section features a high-accuracy logarithmic detector that can operate in either RMS or peak rectifier modes. This allows Alta Moda Unicomp to respond either to perceived loudness or to fast transient events. A single switch enables the user to change the compressor topology between a modern feedforward detection scheme and a classic feedback design. This switch fundamentally alters the behaviour and tone of the compressor, shifting from precise and controlled dynamics to a more colourful and reactive response.
Further tonal shaping is provided by the Warmth control, which introduces second harmonic distortion that increases as compression depth increases. This adds richness and density to the signal, particularly useful for sources that benefit from additional harmonic content. A switchable filter modifies the contour of the warmth effect, making it more suitable for complex material such as full mixes or subgroups.
Alta Moda Unicomp also includes a Blend control, allowing unprocessed signal to be mixed back into the compressed output. This parallel compression capability enables subtle dynamic control on sensitive sources like vocals, or controlled blending of dry signal when applying heavier compression to buses such as drums. A high-pass filter within the blend circuit allows only higher frequencies of the dry signal to be reintroduced, maintaining low-frequency control while restoring clarity and presence.
Alta Moda Unicomp can operate as two independent mono compressors or as a stereo-linked unit, making it suitable for both individual source processing and stereo programme material. The combination of discrete class A circuitry, flexible sidechain design, and advanced blending options positions Alta Moda Unicomp as a versatile compressor with both precision and character.
Features
- Fully discrete class A high voltage signal path
- DC servo-coupled amplifiers with no coupling capacitors
- High accuracy logarithmic sidechain detector
- RMS or peak rectifier sidechain modes
- Switchable feedforward and feedback compression topologies
- Warmth control adding second harmonic distortion
- Switchable warmth contour filter
- Blend control for parallel compression
- High-pass filter within blend circuit
- Stereo linked or dual-mono operation