MK-609 Precision Stereo Diode Limiter/Compressor

The MK-609 Precision Stereo Diode Limiter/Compressor Plugin is a digital version of the MK-609 Precision Stereo Diode Limiter/Compressor.

The MK-609 Precision Stereo Diode Limiter/Compressor is well known as one of the most classic bus compressors ever made, the original "Metal Knob" 33609 was based on an older venerated bus compressor design, the 2254, dating back to 1969. The 2254 was integral to some of the most iconic British consoles of yesteryear. By utilizing a unique diode-bridge circuit topology, this design uses an internal side-chain, rather than the direct signal, to make it's dynamic adjustments.

AudioScape has now teamed up with Canadian plug-in developer Kiive Audio to re-create this modern tone-monster in the digital realm.

Modern Updates For The Modern World

Featuring two independent channels, each has a discrete LIMIT and COMPRESS section, either of which can be bypassed, both with their own Threshold and Recovery controls. The COMPRESS section also has a makeup GAIN control and variable RATIO switch. Normally used in the STEREO mode, QUAD mode activates a connection on the rear panel that allows multiple MK-609s to be linked together.

The new MK-609 improves on the original design by adding a few new features making it more versatile in the modern studio workflow. We've included a high-pass filter on the sidechain, allowing more precise control over how it triggers compression, with settings at 50 and 100 Hz. Also new for this iteration is an additional "Super Fast" attack setting on both the limiter and the compressor that gives the MK-609 the ultimate control in any application, including kick and snare. Optimized for more subtle bus compression, the original was excellent for that and vocals, but not useful on faster attack, more percussive sources, the MK-609 corrects for that. It's designed to have the harmonic richness so associated with the original British maker, whilst being a much more versatile tool in today's recording studios. The character of compression is altered in a very useful way. You can really 'dig in' to both the compressor and limiter sections now. We found 'super fast' to be the MOST useful mod you could add to this circuit, and we tried everything under the sun.

One other upgrade we've added is having the makeup GAIN available even when the compressor is switched out. Which means that if the MK-609 is being used as a limiter-only, with the compressor out, makeup gain is still available for the limiter, a function not available on the original versions. We actually made this feature reversible back to the original design by way of an internal user-accessible jumper, if that's your preference.

Features & Specs:

• Handcrafted in the USA.
• Custom-Wound transformers matching the original Marinar/St Ives spec.
• Exact replication of the BA440C Amp cards (pictured).
• NOS transistors (found in the original units) utilized in Crucial Areas of the Compressor/Amplifier Sections.
• Period-Correct Attack & Release Time Constants.
• Cornell Dubilier Silver Mica Capacitors.
• Tantalum and Styroflex Capacitors throughout, matching the 1:1 with our original metal knob layout.
• Period correct Carbon film resistors used in the original circuitry, 1% precision resistors used for the modification sections.
• Fully Variable Input/Output and Attack/Release.
• Comp Attack 3 way mini toggle Switch (Fast, Slow, and stock)).
• Limit Attack 3 way toggle Switch with extra mode added (Fast, Slow, and Super Fast).
• SC-HPF 3 way mini toggle switch for 50Hz or 100Hz (or stock/off) of sidechain filtering.
• Additional gain mod jumper inside to allow gain to be active when comp mode is bypassed(original did not have this option).
• Original Style Ratio Control (1.5:1/2:1/3:1/4:1/6:1).
• Lorlin UK rotary switches and custom made stepped potentiometers.
• Electronically Balanced +4dBu circuitry.
• Custom Vintage-Styled dB Gain-Reduction Meter.
• Original toggle switches and Pilot Light.
• Highest-Quality US made Recreation Metal Knobs.
• Real Metal Neutrik XLR Input and Output Connectors.
• Internal 120V/240V Power Supply, everybody worldwide welcome.

{See video at top of page}