Heritage Audio Tubesessor Optical Tube Compressor
- Optical Compressor
- Dimensions (W x H x D): 482 x 134 x 153 mm
- Weight: 3.364 kg
Heritage Audio Tubesessor Review
In this article, we’re going to take a closer look at the latest compressor from Heritage Audio: the Tubesessor. It’s well known that tube compression offers a much warmer sound than VCA or FET compression, especially with optical designs—which provide smoother and more natural results compared to the other two.
While some might wonder if we really need another tube compressor, the answer from experienced engineers and producers is a resounding yes. Having a variety of compressor types gives you the flexibility to switch between them and achieve the exact sound you want, depending on the type of compression you need.
When it comes to capturing the warmth and emotion in your recordings, tube compressors are always a top choice. That’s why we’re diving deeper into this new offering from Heritage Audio. The Tubesessor isn’t just any tube optical compressor—it stands out thanks to its compression circuit and the addition of dedicated tube saturation, letting you shape your sound in unique and musical ways.
Tubesessor Features
Inside this compressor, you’ll find top-of-the-line components and custom transformers, whether they’re added to the input or output stages. The NOS tubes operate at a very high internal voltage, allowing the device to deliver exceptional clarity, depth, and the much-desired headroom that every mixing engineer seeks.
This unit is perfect for subtly warming up any recording, no matter what kind of signal you’re working with, while still maintaining dynamic control. It’s also worth mentioning that this compressor comes in a three-unit rack mount enclosure, so it will take up three standard rack spaces.
Beyond the usual compressor components, one standout feature is the Tube Saturation Knob. This knob sends your signal through a NOS Raytheon CK5755 double triode tube to add saturation. With the Tube Saturation Knob, you can choose between four different saturation settings: Classic, Mild, Medium, and Hot.
It’s pretty clear how you can use this compressor for different types of saturation, ranging from the softest and most subtle to the most aggressive and intense. In the saturation section, this compressor also uses a dual triode tube, which is known for delivering some of the best audiophile-quality sound available. Another great point is that Heritage Audio provides lifetime support for repairing the NOS tubes, so you don’t have to worry about maintenance over time.
Aside from the saturation, the usual compressor controls are all here. The threshold ranges from off to -40, the ratio goes from 2:1 up to 10:1, and both the attack and release can be set from fast to slow. The gain can increase up to +30dB. There’s also a sidechain feature, with five different options to choose from depending on your needs.
Additionally, there are two high-pass filters to help prevent bass-heavy sounds from overpowering the compression. There are also two mid-band filters that let you focus the compression on a specific frequency, and a high-pass filter that responds to the high-frequency content in your signal.
When it comes to setting the attack and release parameters, you have three options: you can adjust them manually using knob controls, use the fixed mode, or combine both approaches for even more flexibility. Another handy feature of the Tubesessor is the ability to connect two units with a Link Jack, allowing you to process stereo signals using a single control panel.
For visual monitoring, there’s a large VU meter that makes things easy to keep track of. The meter displays input, gain reduction, and output, giving you a clear visual reference so you’ll always know exactly what’s happening with your compression.
- Optical compression detection
- All tube-based amplification stage
- Fully transformer-balanced input and output
- Tube Saturation section
- Large, user-friendly control set
- Extensive Attack and Release control
- 5 Sidechain Filter settings
- Big, informative VU meter
- Premium NOS tubes
- Mil-spec build quality
Why You Need The Tubesessor
Why should you consider this compressor? It’s simple: this compressor offers a range of unique features that you won’t usually find in other models, and that’s definitely something to keep in mind when you’re ready to make a purchase. Unlike standard optical compressors, this one brings even more to the table, setting it apart from the rest.
We especially love how it enhances both vocals and bass. The manual provides clear instructions on the different ways to connect and use the compressor, so you can get the most out of it.
Overall, this is a fantastic compressor, and we highly recommend it to anyone who’s thinking about buying one. The sound quality is excellent, the price is what you’d expect for this type of unit, and if you’re already familiar with how an Opto compressor sounds, you’ll see this one is totally worth it.
Conclusion
When it comes to building quality gear, Heritage Audio is always there for you, and this is another unit that truly meets your needs. Priced at around $2,500, this is a reliable workhorse you can count on for years to come, handling a wide variety of sources that need compression. On top of that, the saturation adds so much character to your sound that you’ll find yourself reaching for this compressor even on tracks that don’t necessarily need compression.
If you have any additional questions about this compressor, feel free to leave a comment below or contact the Heritage Audio customer service team. They’ll be happy to provide you with more detailed answers before you make your purchase!
