Orban

The Orban 245F Stereo Synthesizer transformed mono sources into realistic stereo using a patented phase-cancellation method. With adjustable dimension and separation controls, it maintained perfect mono compatibility while creating depth, space, and width ideal for mastering, FM broadcasting, and reissue work.

The Orban 674A was a professional stereo quasi-parametric equaliser that combined the flexibility of parametric controls with the ease of use of a graphic equaliser. It featured eight independent bands per channel with ±16dB of equalisation range and tunable high-pass and low-pass filters that allowed it to function as a full electronic crossover.

The Orban 424A Studio Optimod was a stereo compressor, limiter, and de-esser that combined high-performance dynamic range control with intuitive operation. It utilised a feedback-controlled VCA with program-dependent attack and release times to achieve a natural sound and consistent level control. The unit featured independent compressor and de-esser sections, a selectable linear or exponential release shape, and an idle gain control to manage noise during pauses.

The Orban 622 Parametric Equalizer was a true constant-Q professional parametric equaliser with four independent sections per channel, wide tuning ranges, deep notch capability, low noise and low distortion. Available as the single-channel Orban 622A and dual-channel Orban 622B, it was built for studio, broadcast, live sound, theatre and motion picture applications.

The Orban 111B was a dual-channel spring reverb unit that combined professional-grade electronics with spring delay lines in a single chassis. It featured six springs per channel to ensure low flutter and a bright, natural decay characteristic. The unit included a quasi-parametric midrange equaliser and a bass shelving equaliser for precise tonal control, along with a limiter circuit to manage headroom and reduce artefacts.

The Orban 418A was a stereo limiter/compressor designed for production rooms, featuring programme-controlled attack and release times and a high-frequency limiter with selectable time constants. It utilised a sophisticated analogue release-time processor with four time constants and non-linear smoothing to provide subtle, psychoacoustically matched dynamics. The device was intended for applications such as tape recording, cassette duplication, and optical film recording, where it could control high-frequency energy and broadband levels without audible side-effects.

The Orban 642B Parametric Equaliser/Notch Filter was a professional true parametric equaliser offering dual 4-band or mono 8-band operation, constant-Q equalisation, +16dB boost, infinite cut, deep notch filtering, continuously tunable high-pass and low-pass filters, high headroom and professional balanced I/O for recording studio and sound reinforcement use.

By the 1990s Orban was owned by AKG Acoustics, and during this time they released a number of interesting products, such as the Orban 290RX. The Orban 290RX Adaptive Enhancement Processor was an interesting product that was on one hand a sound restoration device, and on the other a noise reduction system.