Inward Connections “The Brute” – Review (by Torry Courte)
Inward Connections The Brute is a one space 500 series optical compressor/limiter for the API Lunchbox format. This is a solid state unit that is extremely straightforward and easy to use, which can come in handy when tracking in situations where time is of the essense, where you don’t want to have to adjust a multitude of settings to dial in your sound. The Brute has just two knobs, controls for gain reduction, and output level. It also features a 250Hz hi-pass filter, which is helpful when you want to filter out lower frequences below that point from triggering the units detection circuit.
The Brute is a great sounding unit and it would be difficult to make it sound bad on anything. When doing it’s job, it’s compression is smooth and fairly unintrusive to the source signal, while at the same time adding a level of thickness/warmth and “class” to the sound. It won’t add the level of heft to the signal that you can get from units like the Retro 176 or Sta-Level at more agressive settings, but I would consider that a positive attribute, making it potentially more versatile for a wider range of sources.
I found the Brute to be excellent in any situation where you would normally want to use an opto comp. It excels for vocal tracking, adding warmth and keeping levels in check without being too much. It also works very well on acoustic guitars for slightly taming transients and making things generally sound better going in. The Brute is also great at mixdown on individual channels.
Overall, an excellent high quality offering from Inward Connections, hand crafted in Los Angeles.
Manufacturer’s Info:
Features
- Gain reduction control
- Zero adjust trim
- Output level control
- Hi-Pass filter: 250Hz for detector circuit
- Bypass switch
- LED lighted VU meter
- VU meter output/reduction switch
- Link switch
- VF600 all discrete legendary amp blocks
- Optocell reduction circuitry identical to TSL-3 Tube Limiter
- Balance input and output transformers
- Fits standard 500 series slot configuration mechanically and electrically
- Powder coating in gunmetal gray
Specifications
- Gain Reduction: up to 40dB
- Input Impedance: >100K ohms balance
- Output Impedance: 600 ohms balance
- Frequency Response: +/- 0.5dB@20Hz to 50KHz
- Output Signal to Noise: -95dB or greater
- THD + Noise: .01%@1KHz/+4dBu
- Reserve Makeup Gain: +15dB
Website: http://www.inwardconnections.com/