The new SLATE PRO AUDIO DRAGON is unlike any dynamic audio processor you've heard before. Simply put, the DRAGON was created to be the most versatile compressor, limiter, and sound shaping tool that the pro audio industry has ever seen.
The Concept
The DRAGON starts with a classic FET compressor circuit, reminiscent of vintage units from the 60's and 70's. But the SLATE PRO AUDIO engineers enhanced the circuitry of the unit with a mastering grade signal path, including a CLASS A output section based around a custom-made transformer. The result is a compression quality that is rich and warm, but is also capable of sharp and aggressive tones. But this is only the start of what the DRAGON can do.
Add Some Character
The DRAGON includes three character settings that change the way the unit sounds and responds. The first setting is BOOM. This setting adds sub bass harmonics in a unique way that when combined with some compression, can make basses sound massive and kick drums pound like you've never heard before. The second setting is BITE, which adds a gentle forward character that makes the source more defined and clear. BITE is superb on bass, snare, vocals, and guitars. Last, is SHEEN. This character setting adds an airy gloss to the source, reminiscent of classic opto tube compressors. This setting is absolutely stunning on vocals, acoustics, and overheads. All character settings can be used simultaneously!
Go Vintage
The DRAGON contains a button called 'VINTAGE'. This button enables circuitry which emulates a more vintage sound from a classic age of compression. The result is more harmonics, a bit of 'grit', and an overall more aggressive sound that is amazing on electric guitars, bass, and a must-hear on drums.
Saturate
The DRAGON has a three setting saturation selector. This saturation can add subtle harmonics or even gritty distortion to the source. On setting 1, it can add just the right of "life" to a dull vocal. On setting 2, it can add presence and warmth to a bass. On setting 3, it can add some rich harmonics to a snare to bring out the sustain.
Wait, There's MORE
The DRAGON includes a hi pass filter so you have the option to control the amount of low end that feeds the compressor detection. This is useful when stereo linking two DRAGONS together for transparent mixbuss compression, or for grouped drum compression where you don't want the drums to 'pump'.
FET Your Mixbuss
Classic FET compressors have not been common mixbuss choices due to their excessive color and aggressive nature. However, the DRAGON includes a gentle 2:1 setting that sounds amazing on full mixes. With the character, vintage, and saturate options disabled, the signal path is quiet and clean with just the write amount of rich tone. Of course if you need more color or saturation on your buss, it's just a button or switch away. With settings 2:1, character SHEEN, Saturate 1, and slow attack and fast release, your mix will come alive in an incredible way.
Squash It
The DRAGON is one of the finest drum compressors to ever hit the analog market, and is complete with the famous overcompression "all buttons in" mode called 'Squash'. This setting is simply stunning on drum room mics, or any other source that you want to explode out of the mix. Due to its extremely hifi signal path, the DRAGON's 'Squash' setting can create that larger then life effect without causing a harsh or brittle high end.
Mix It Up
Last and certainly not least, the DRAGON includes a 'Mix' knob to control the wet/dry ratio of the source. This amazing feature allows you to add some heavy compression, and then back it off gently until it creates the perfect balance for your mix. The 'Mix' knob also allows you to parallel compress sources, such as drum busses, without having to mult or buss the drums to additional faders! You'll find the 'mix' knob to be one of the most useful tools in modern analog compression.
Style
The DRAGON's faceplate comes with a beautiful tribal mural designed by world renowned tattoo artist Davey Suicide, and will add a unique beauty to your rack. The striking look matches its remarkable sound.
Presets
Normally compressors don't need presets, but with so many options (there is literally thousands of combinations), the DRAGON ships with a huge listing of presets made by Steven Slate and some of the world's top producers, mixers, an
AUDIO DEMOS
click on the clip titles to play the demo
all demos are 16bit 44.1khz
Gentle Drums:
Ratio: 2:1 Attack: Slowest Release: Fastest Gain Reduction: 3-
6db
Rock star Drums:
Ratio: 4:1 Attack: Slowest Release: Fastest Character: Sheen,
Bite, Boom Gain Reduction: 4- 6db
Cracky Drums:
Ratio: 12:1 Attack: Slowest Release: 10 o’clock Character:
Sheen, Bite
Gain Reduction: 4-6db
Deep Drums:
Ratio: 2:1 Attack: Slowest Release: 12 o’clock Character: Boom
Saturation: 1
Gain Reduction: 4-6db
Hitting Tape Drums:
Ratio: 4:1 Attack: Slowest Release: 12 o’clock Saturation: 2
Gain Reduction: 5-10db
Sizzly Tape Drums:
Ratio: 20:1 Attack: Slowest Release: 12 o’clock Character:
Sheen Saturation: 2
Gain Reduction: 6-10db Note: For this preset, keep the input low
and the output high
Vintage Smacky Drums:
Ratio: 8:1 Attack: Slowest Release: 1 o’clock Vintage: ON
Saturation: 1
Gain Reduction: 5-10db
Modern Smack Drums:
Ratio: 8:1 Attack: Slowest Release: 1 o’clock Vintage: OFF
Saturation: 1
Gain Reduction: 5-10db
Super Smash Drums:
Ratio: 12:1 Attack: Fastest Release: Fastest Squash: ON
Character: Sheen, Bite
Note: Use an input of 5. This preset is meant for an over the top
effect, perfect for using the mix knob to balance wet/dry.
Super Smash Mix Drums:
Use Super Smash Preset, but engage MIX knob at 1 o’clock
Super Squash Drums:
Ratio: 4:1 Attack: Slowest Release: Fastest Gain Reduction: 10-
20db
Super Squash Mix Drums:
Use Super Squash Preset, but engage MIX knob at 2 o’clock.
Vocal Presets:
AUDIO DEMOS
click on the clip titles to play the demo
all demos are 16bit 44.1khz
Easy Vox:
Ratio: 4:1 Attack: Slowest Release: Fastest Gain Reduction: 10-
20db
Pop Vox:
Ratio: 12:1 Attack: 12 o’clock Release: Fastest Character:
Sheen Gain Reduction: 10-20db
Modern Radio Vox:
Ratio: 4:1 Attack: 12 o’clock Release: Fastest Character: Sheen,
Bite Saturation: 1
Gain Reduction: 10-20db
Rich Tape Vox:
Ratio: 4:1 Attack: Slowest Release: Fastest Character: Sheen,
Bite Saturation: 2
Gain Reduction: 10-20db
Dance Club Smashed Vox:
Ratio: 4:1 Attack: Fastest Release: Fastest Vintage: ON
Character: Sheen, Bite, Boom Saturation: 3 Gain Reduction: 5-
12db Note: This is a great distorted vocal setting for pop and dance
music
Slate’s Lead Vox:
Ratio: 20:1 Attack: Slowest Release: Fastest Character: Sheen,
Bite
Gain Reduction: 12-20db MIX Knob: 12 o’clock Note: Turn the Input
all the way up for this preset. Be aware that the noise floor will be
high between vocal passages.
d even mastering engineers. But once you experience the ma