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The 527A is the upgraded version of the popular 527 compressor featuring all the classic functions and sound of API's VCA style compression found in units like the legendary 2500 stereo bus compressor.

It offers a choice of hard, soft, or no bypass option, and improved LED monitoring of gain reduction, while retaining all of its original tone and features, including feed-back or feed-forward style compression, patented THRUST® circuit, 2510/2520 op amps, and our proprietary output transformer.

The features "feed forward" (NEW) and "feed back" (OLD) gain reduction methods selectable on the front panel, provide a choice of "that old way", or "the new way" of compression, for the highest level of flexibility in signal gain control. The "old way" or Feed-Back method is what most of the classic compressors used for the gain control circuit. The "new way" gain reduction is more typical of the newer VCA type compressors that rely on RMS detectors for the gain control voltage.

There is a "SOFT"/"HARD" switch for an "over-easy" type compression resulting in a very natural, uncompressed sound or a typical sharp knee type that lends itself to a much more severe limiting effect. The Threshold control sets the initial operating parameter. The 527 can be operated with signal input levels from +10 dBu to -20 dBu.

The 527 features an Output fader control that ranges from minus infinity to +10dB, and output capability is +28 dBu through our 2520 discrete amplifier and a large API output transformer. The output level remains fairly constant regardless of the threshold or ratio control, much like the "more/less" Ceiling control on the API 525 compressor. This allows for live adjustments without any noticeable gain changes in the program level.

The patented THRUST function can be switched in and out via the front panel as well, applying a high pass filter before the RMS detector circuit that preserves that punchy bottom end. Attack and Release are fully adjustable on the 527. Release time can be adjusted by rotating the inner concentric RELEASE knob. Release time constants: .3 sec to 3 sec. Attack time is adjusted on the outer concentric ATTACK knob, which ranges from 1 millisecond to 25 milliseconds.