Classic British diode bridge compression with cutting-edge features

The Successor stereo bus compressor continues Heritage Audio's tradition of manufacturing acclaimed professional audio equipment inspired by hallowed vintage English equipment. The successor features true stereo operation on single controls with matched gain cells for extremely accurate left/right tracking and near-zero offset between channels. Compression tracking works in “Oxford mode”, in which, unlike the sum of the left and right channels, the louder signal controls the compression. Carnhill I/O transformers and balanced and Class A output stages bring the coveted sound of classic British diode bridge compression to your drums or mix buses.

Impressive specifications produce superior sonic results

Featuring a fully discrete Class A signal path, the Heritage Audio Successor is well equipped with stepped controls for easy recall, flexible sidechain filter options, and ultra-fast attack and release times not typically found in older designs. Faster attack and release options allow for more flexible configurations, including FET-like behavior and loudness maximization without transient artifacts. Another modern feature we appreciate is the Blend control for instant parallel compression. The Successor is also equipped with Carnhill transformer-coupled balanced inputs and outputs, ready to add warmth, girth, and authority to any sound source, for some of the sweetest, vintage-flavored compressions we've heard at this price point.

Characteristics

• True stereo operation on single controls with matched gain cells for extremely accurate left/right tracking and near-zero offset between channels;
• Oxford mode compression tracking (higher signal controls compression);
• Balanced inputs and outputs coupled to Carnhill transformer for rich character and vintage vibe;
• Vintage-style Class A output stages bring the coveted sound of classic British diode bridge compression to your drums or mix buses;
• Diode bridge-based compression favors the desirable characteristics of 2nd order harmonic distortion and true vintage tone, while eliminating unpleasant odd-order harmonic content;
• Ultrafast attack and release time options not found in vintage designs allow for more flexible configurations, including FET-like behavior and loudness maximization without transient artifacts;
• Versatile sidechain filtering options build on the mandatory high-pass filters, introducing mid-band peak filters and high-frequency compression, enabling previously impossible dynamic bus shaping;
• Sidechain Send and Return connectors allow for external sidechain signals or additional external internal signal processing;
• Mix control offers integrated parallel compression without any external equipment; The Blend On/Off button allows instant comparison between dry and wet signals;
• Stepped controls for easy settings recall;
• High quality analog gain reduction meter.

Specifications

• Type: class A compressor;
• Number of channels: stereo;
• Controls: Threshold, Ratio, Attack, Release, Side Chain Filter, Make up, Blend;
• Limit: -20dB to +20dB;
• Ratio: 1.5:1 to 20:1;
• Frequency response: 10Hz–30kHz (±1dB);
• Inputs: 2 x XLR;
• Outputs: 2 x XLR;
• Sidechain I/O: 2 x 1/4 in. (send), 2 x 1/4 in. (return);
• Side chain inserts: high-pass filter, mid-band filter;
• Rack spaces: 1U;
• Power source: 5-pin power supply (included).