{"product_id":"spl-iron-tube-compressor","title":"SPL Iron - Tube Compressor","description":"\u003ch2\u003eSPL Iron - Tube Compressor\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e\u003cspan\u003eLegendary Vari-Mu Compression with Modern Mastering Precision\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe \u003cstrong\u003eSPL IRON\u003c\/strong\u003e is a premium stereo mastering compressor that combines the musicality of classic variable-bias tube compression with the precision, flexibility and headroom demanded by today's mastering engineers. Built around SPL's renowned 120V technology and an innovative dual-tube compression topology, IRON delivers rich analogue warmth, exceptional depth and transparent dynamic control without sacrificing detail or transient integrity.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eDesigned for professional mastering studios, mix engineers and high-end production environments, the IRON adds cohesion, size and character to stereo mixes, stems and buses while remaining remarkably transparent, even under significant gain reduction.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e\u003cspan\u003eInnovative Variable-Bias Tube Design\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eUnlike conventional vari-mu compressors, the IRON employs a unique parallel tube architecture using carefully matched 12AU7 and Wathen CryoTone™ 12AX7 long plate valves. Different tube characteristics are combined to create exceptionally smooth, musical compression with outstanding control across a wide dynamic range.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eSpecially designed Lundahl balanced Mu-metal transformers integrate the valve stages into the signal path, while a feed-forward resistive opto-isolator manages transient peaks before they reach the compression circuit. The result is a compressor that remains open, natural and musical even during more aggressive processing.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e\u003cspan\u003eSPL 120V Technology\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAt the heart of the IRON lies SPL's proprietary 120V rail technology, operating internally at ±60V—far higher than conventional analogue processors.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThis increased operating voltage provides substantially greater headroom, lower distortion and improved dynamic range, allowing the compressor to handle high-level mastering signals effortlessly while preserving clarity and detail throughout the audio spectrum.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e\u003cspan\u003eComprehensive Dynamic Control\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eEvery aspect of the compression behaviour can be tailored to suit the programme material.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eFeatures include:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eVariable input and output gain (±12dB)\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eSix-step Attack control\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eSix-step Release control\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003e41-position Threshold adjustment\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThree-position Tube Bias selection\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eSix Rectifier modes that alter the compressor's timing characteristics\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eTogether these controls allow everything from gentle mastering glue to more obvious vintage-style compression, making the IRON equally capable on stereo buses, stems and individual sources.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e\u003cspan\u003eFlexible Side-Chain Processing\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe IRON features four carefully designed side-chain EQ presets alongside a bypass mode and external side-chain insert.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eBecause these filters operate only within the detector circuit, they allow frequency-selective compression without colouring the audio path itself. This makes it easy to prevent excessive low-frequency pumping or target specific frequency ranges while maintaining a completely transparent signal path.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe current IRON v2 also includes balanced XLR side-chain send and return connections for integrating external EQs into the detector circuit.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAirBass \u0026amp; Tape Roll-Off\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eFollowing the compression stage, the IRON includes two passive analogue finishing filters.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAirBass\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e gently enhances both low and high frequencies to add weight, openness and perceived depth, while \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eTape Roll-Off\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e recreates the smooth high-frequency response associated with classic analogue tape machines.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThese subtle finishing tools allow engineers to shape the overall presentation without introducing harshness or excessive EQ.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e\u003cspan\u003eDesigned for Accurate Recall\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eMastering sessions often require complete project recall, and the IRON has been designed with this in mind.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe Threshold control uses a precision detented potentiometer, while virtually every other processing parameter is selected using stepped switches, allowing settings to be recreated quickly and accurately between sessions.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e\u003cspan\u003eStereo Linking \u0026amp; Auto Bypass\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe Link function provides true stereo operation by combining the side-chain control signals, ensuring stable stereo imaging throughout compression.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAn integrated Auto Bypass function periodically switches processing in and out of circuit, making objective A\/B comparisons effortless during critical mastering decisions.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e\u003cspan\u003eBuilt for Professional Studios\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eManufactured in Germany using premium through-hole components, matched valves and high-quality transformers, the SPL IRON is built to deliver years of reliable operation in demanding studio environments.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eWhether adding subtle cohesion to a finished mix or introducing unmistakable analogue depth during mastering, the IRON delivers the unmistakable musicality of classic tube compression with the precision and repeatability expected from a modern mastering processor.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\u003cspan\u003eSPL IRON Key Features\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eStereo variable-bias tube mastering compressor\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eProprietary SPL 120V technology for exceptional headroom\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eParallel dual-tube compression architecture\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eMatched 12AU7 and Wathen CryoTone™ 12AX7 tubes\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eLundahl balanced Mu-metal transformers\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eSix Attack settings\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eSix Release settings\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003e41-step Threshold control\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThree-position Tube Bias adjustment\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eSix selectable Rectifier characteristics\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eFour side-chain EQ presets\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eExternal balanced XLR side-chain insert (v2)\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAirBass and Tape Roll-Off analogue filters\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eStereo Link mode\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAuto Bypass comparison function\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eStepped controls for precise recall\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eBalanced XLR inputs and outputs\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eDesigned and manufactured in Germany\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e","brand":"SPL","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":58137516114294,"sku":"SSPLIRON","price":4868.33,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0256\/2988\/4462\/files\/Untitled-2_0002_IRONFront.jpg?v=1782227554","url":"https:\/\/studiocare.com\/products\/spl-iron-tube-compressor","provider":"Studiocare","version":"1.0","type":"link"}