OctoPre features eight independent compressor/limiters, whose revolutionary circuit design allows dynamics to be handled via a single control. Starting with a brick-walllimiter (to avoid critical overs), the rotary control then allows you to add increasing amounts of compression. Two independent side-chain control circuits are used for each channel of dynamics, one for limiting and one for compression. The limiter and compressor side-chains each generate two separate control signals, one fast and one slow, that are then fed to the gain change elements in the audio path. The gain control elements consist of a pair of custom Optos, which follow a crossover network that splits the audio into two bands, “high” and “low”. The fast side-chain drives the high frequency opto, whilst the slow side-chain drives the low frequency opto. This process ensures less distortion when the limiter is reacting to very fast transients. By splitting the response, only the high frequency section of the waveform is drastically affected, reducing inter-modulation distortion, and therefore non-related harmonics, providing a far more musical effect. In addition, both the side-chains operate as feedback systems. Thus, the amount of compression and limiting is calculated using the level after the split opto stage. The advantage of this feedback system is that the limiter senses the level after compression has been applied and therefore the limiter only works when it absolutely has to. The dynamics control also introduces an additional make-up gain, balancing the level change caused by compression. This auto make-up gain ensures the output level to the A/D remains constant whilst further compression is applied. Consequently, any input levels already set will not require any further adjustment during dynamics set-up. Only one dial, but all the control, providing the quickest route to a warm, controlled, yet entirely musical signal. All the excitement and all the control without compromise.