Stam Audio has announced the SA-1B, a compressor designed as a close replica of the TubeTech CL-1B. This release aims to bring the sought-after opto compression sound of the original to a more affordable price range, with a few updates to improve functionality.
SA-1B: An Accurate Replica of the CL-1B
The SA-1B is designed to closely mirror the sound and design of the TubeTech CL-1B, a compressor known for its smooth, opto-based compression. Stam Audio focused on maintaining the original’s frequency response, tone, and time constants, carefully selecting components to achieve a similar sound profile. The unit uses a Lundahl output transformer (from Sweden) and a custom US-made input transformer, both engineered to replicate the original’s characteristics.
In addition, Stam Audio has incorporated a custom opto element to match the CL-1B’s attack and release times, ensuring the SA-1B behaves similarly to the original unit in terms of compression.
New Features for Increased Versatility
While the SA-1B replicates the core features of the CL-1B, Stam Audio has added some new options for users. These include a Dry/Wet blend control for parallel compression, a 5-position high-pass filter for the side-chain, and a stereo link switch for linking two units. The unit also features a true bypass switch, as well as input, gain reduction, and output LED meters.
Additional SA-1B Specs
The SA-1B features a custom Lundahl output transformer from Sweden and a custom-made input transformer from the United States, both designed to accurately replicate the original’s ratios, frequency response, and total harmonic distortion (THD). The unit uses selected 12AU7 and 12AX7 tubes, further contributing to its faithful sound reproduction.
With a gain of 30dB, the SA-1B employs a custom opto gain reduction element that matches the attack and release times of the original CL-1B, providing users with a similar dynamic response. The compressor offers flexible control options, including continuously variable, fixed, or fixed/manual attack and release times. Additionally, a Dry/Wet blend control allows for parallel compression, and a 5-position high-pass filter for the side-chain provides more precise control over the compression behavior.
The unit also includes a true bypass switch, a stereo link function for linking two units together, and LED meters for input, gain reduction, and output. Its frequency response spans from 20 Hz to 20 kHz with a ±0.1 dB tolerance, and it maintains a signal-to-noise ratio greater than 95 dB. The compressor is housed in a 2U rackmount unit with a power consumption of 450mA.
Handcrafted Construction
The SA-1B is handcrafted in Chile, with each unit tested to ensure consistent sound quality. Stam Audio’s approach involves auditioning every transformer, tube, and component to maintain a high level of craftsmanship and performance.
Each unit comes with a 2-year warranty and a 30-day money-back guarantee.
Pricing and Availability
The SA-1B is available for pre-order at a price of $1,790 USD, with the first 100 units offered for $1,690. The standard price is $1,990. Shipments are scheduled for March 2025. The compressor comes with a 2-year warranty and a 30-day money-back guarantee, allowing customers to return the unit if it doesn’t meet their expectations.
For more information or to pre-order, visit Stam Audio’s website at stamaudio.com.
The SA-1B offers a close approximation of the TubeTech CL-1B, providing users with a cost-effective option to achieve a similar sound with the addition of modern features aimed at improving usability in various recording and mixing environments.
