Artistic Compressor - Compressor Fredenstein - Free user manual and instructions

Product Type	Compressor
Form Factor	500 Series Module
Number of Channels	1 (single channel with link capability)
Circuit Type	FET (Reverse-Mancini architecture)
Input Gain Range	-10 dB to +20 dB
Compression Ratio	2:1 to 20:1 (20:1 = limiter)
Attack Time	0.5 ms or 25 ms (switchable)
Release Time	70 ms to 2.5 s (adjustable)
Make-up Gain	0 dB to +20 dB
Wet/Dry Mix	0% to 100% wet (parallel compression)
Sidechain Low Cut Filter	Off, 150 Hz, or 300 Hz
Metering	LED bar-graph, gain reduction 1-16 dB
Frequency Response	20 Hz - 20 kHz ±1 dB
Maximum Output Gain	+20 dB
Power Requirements	±16 V DC, 75 mA per rail
Link Compatibility	Multi-channel via pin 6 (Fredenstein only)
Output Transformer	American made steel core
Operational Amplifier	Fredenstein OPA2 discrete
Dimensions (approx)	1.5" x 5.25" x 1.5" (38 x 133 x 38 mm)
Weight (approx)	0.5 kg (1.1 lbs)
Country of Manufacture	Taiwan
Design	German-American team

Frequently Asked Questions - Artistic Compressor Fredenstein

How do I install the Artistic Compressor?

Power down your rack or box before inserting the module. Ensure no third-party modules use the same link interconnect (pin 6) if you plan to link multiple Artistic Comps. For Fredenstein Bento boxes, turn off link switches for non-Artistic Comp modules.

Can I use the Artistic Comp with other 500 series modules?

Yes, as long as they do not use the link interconnect (pin 6). Most mic pres and EQs work without issues. If using link, only Artistic Comp modules should share the link bus.

What is the fixed threshold? How do I adjust compression depth?

The Artistic Comp has a fixed threshold. Compression depth is controlled by the Input Gain: increasing input gain increases gain reduction. Use the Output control to make up the lost level.

How does the Wet/Dry mix (parallel compression) work?

The Mix control blends the compressed (wet) and uncompressed (dry) signals. Fully counter-clockwise gives only compressed; fully clockwise gives only dry. This allows parallel compression for more dynamic control.

What are the switch settings for Attack and Sidechain Filter?

Attack: lower position 0.5 ms (fast), middle 25 ms (slow). SC Filter: lower off, middle 300 Hz, upper 150 Hz. The filter prevents low frequencies from triggering compression.

How do I link multiple Artistic Compressors?

Use the Link switch on each module. All linked modules will share the same gain reduction, maintaining stereo balance. Only link Artistic Comps; third-party modules using pin 6 may cause conflicts.

What is the power draw of the Artistic Compressor?

It requires ±16 V DC and draws up to 75 mA per rail (150 mA total). This is quite light and should not overload any standard 500 series enclosure.

How do I clean and maintain the module?

Use a dry, soft cloth to wipe the front panel. Avoid liquids or solvents. No internal user-serviceable parts; contact a qualified technician if issues arise.

What is the warranty and repair policy?

Check with Fredenstein or your dealer for warranty terms. For repairs, contact authorized service centers. The module is designed for long life but should only be serviced by professionals.

Can I use the compressor as a limiter?

Yes, set the Ratio to 20:1 for limiting action. Combined with fast attack (0.5 ms) and appropriate release, it can act as a limiter to prevent peaks.

USER MANUAL Artistic Compressor Fredenstein

Black silhouette of a human ear with the letter F inside, no text or symbols present.

Fredenstein

Professional Audio

Artistic

Fredenstein Artistic Compressor

The Artistic Compressor is a single channel FET compressor with multi-channel link capability in the 500 series form factor. The compressor features rotary controls for Input Gain, Release Time, Compression Ratio, Make-up Gain and Wct-Dry Mixing (parallel compression). The Attack Time can be set in three steps, as well as the side-chain low cut filter. The LED bar-graph meter indicates the gain reduction in the range of 1dB to 16dB. It's punchy and detailed sound is generated by three major components: 1) Fredenstein's proprietary Reverse-Mancini FET architecture 2) our advanced OPA2 discrete Audio Operational Amplifier 3) the American made vintage style steel core output transformer As all Fredenstein products, the Artistic Comp is designed by a German-American team and manufactured in Taiwan.

Installation:

Please power down your rack or box first, before inserting the Artistic Compressor. Since the Artistic Comp uses the link interconnect in the box or rack, it cannot coexist with any other third-party modules using the same link interconnect (PIN 6 on the edge connector). If you are using a Fredenstein Bento box, please turn off the compressor link switches to any third party module(s), only turn on the link switches between Artistic Comp modules. Other third party equipment not using the link interconnect, such as most Mic-Pres and EQs etc, can be used simultaneously with the Artistic Comp in any enclosure. The power requirements are very light at maximum of +/-16V, +/-75mA and should not overload any enclosure.

Fredenstein Artistic Compressor

Rotary Controls:

INPUT : Sets the line level gain in the range of -10 dB to +20 dB

RAT : Sets the compression ratio in the

range of 2:1 to 20:1

REL : Sets the release time of the

compressor from 70ms to 2.5s

OUTPUT: Make-up gain control in the

range of 0 dB to +20 dB

MIX : Output Mixer between the

compressed (wet) and

uncompressed (dry) signals

Switches:

SC Filter : Selects the low cut filter in the

side-chain.

lower position: off

middle position: 300Hz

upper position: 150Hz

LINK : Multi-channel synchronization

for two or more Artistic comp

modules. All channels will have

identical gain reduction to avoid

shifts in the balance

ATT : Compressor Attack Time

lower position: 0.5 ms

middle position: 25 ms

Fredenstein Artistic Compressor

Detailed Descripti on:

Like most FET compressors and caused by limitations of FET devices, the Fredenstein Artistic Compressor features a fixed threshold. The compression depth is controlled by changing the input gain. Increasing the input gain will cause the compressor to apply an increased gain reduction. The compressor output level control is used to make up for the gain reduction. The maximum compressor output gain is +20 dB.

The ATTACK TIME switch and RELEASE TIME control define how fast the compressor reacts and how fast it falls back after the signal is lower than the threshold. The perfect values are depending on the program material and the desired sound..

The COMP RATIO control sets the relationship between input and output level for signals above the threshold and can be varied from 2:1 to 20:1. A ratio of 20:1 is considered a limiter. Additionally, so called dry/wet mixes can be performed (parallel compression). The dry signal (uncompressed) and the wet signal (compressed) can be mix together in any relationship to achieve special sounds. The Wet-Dry control of the Artistic Comp dramatically boosts the versatility of the device. If you put the Wet-Dry control fully counter clockwise, only the compressed signal is present at the output, if turned fully clockwise only the unprocessed input signal reaches the output. Another sound shaping tool is the three position side-chain low cut filter. If switched to 150 or 300Hz, it prevents low frequency signals below the selected value from being processed by the compressor.

Technical Data:

Frequency Response : 20 Hz - 20,000 Hz, +/- 1dB

Make-up Gain : + 20 dB