Designed as an update to Rupert Neve's legendary 2254 compressor, the Rupert Neve Designs 535 Diode Bridge Compressor is a dynamics-taming color piece designed for integration in 500-series racks. It's suitable for use in pro audio scenarios, particularly in the studio.

This compressor takes the 2254's assets and helps eliminate its limitations by improving the noise floor, expanding the attack/release options, giving you a greater amount of threshold and ratio controls, and minimizing the effects of inter-modulation distortion. The unit uses a diode bridge as a gain control element to give you a pleasing, sonic character.

Controls are on hand for Threshold, Ratio, Timing, Gain, and Blend. These controls are detented for accurate recall. A Link switch lets you operate two of these compressors in stereo. Meters give you output-level readings or gain-reduction readings.

This unit is compatible with any compatible 500-Series chassis. It requires such a chassis to operate.

Based on Design of 2254 Compressor    Dynamics-Taming with Color    Threshold, Ratio & Timing Controls    Blend, Gain & Sidechain High-Pass Filter    Detented Controls for Recall    Single-Channel with Linkable Operation    Output Level & Gain Reduction Metering    For 500-Series Units

This compressor is designed to deliver punch, vibe, and color. The character of the diode bridge provides a versatile update to a vintage compressor topology for the modern studio engineer.

Threshold: This control has 31 detents, allowing you to adjust the point at which compression begins, between -25 and +20 dBu. Turning this control counter-clockwise will increase the amount of compression; turning it clockwise will decrease the amount of compression. If the input signal is lower than the set threshold, no compression will occur. 

Ratio: This control has 6 selectable positions on the rotary switch and lets you set the slope of the compressor curve, with pre-selected ratios of 1.5:1 through 8:1. This range of compression ratios allows you to compress very moderately, or if desired, dole out heavy compression to achieve an intentional effect on higher ratio settings.

Timing: This control allows you to change the attack and release times simultaneously. Each TIMING setting has a different attack and release time constant. Due to the nature of this topology, these time constants will adapt themselves slightly depending on several factors: compression ratio, threshold, and source material. This allows the compressor to remain flexible with various types of source material. 

Fast: This control divides the attack and release times available on the Timing control in half, effectively doubling the number of TIMING presets available.

Sidechain HPF: This control inserts a 150 Hz high-pass filter in the compressor sidechain. When this filter is engaged, the compressor will be considerably less responsive to information below 150 Hz. As an example, if used on a drum kit, the low end of the kick drum would be less compressed than the snare drum or cymbals since a significant portion of the kick drum’s dynamic energy is focused below 150 Hz.

Blend: This control has 31 detents and allows you to mix the uncompressed signal with processed signal. Turning the control towards 0% will shift the mix to fully uncompressed dry signal, whereas turning the control towards 100% will shift the mix to the fully compressed signal. This feature allows for parallel compression by blending the direct and compressed signals, enabling a wider range of subtlety. 

Gain: This control has 31 detents and allows you to add makeup gain. As it is easier to evaluate the tonal effect of the compressor when levels are matched, the gain knob is crucial for making decisions as to whether the compression is helping or hurting.

Comp In: This switch lets you audition the compression effect by engaging/bypassing the signal. Use this in conjunction with the aforementioned gain control.

Related Questions and Answers

Q: 1. will this fit in the Explore 60?

A: Yes, the Shimoda Designs DSLR V3 Core Unit (Large) will fit in the Shimoda Designs Explore 60 Backpack.

Q: 2. Which of the Shimoda backpacks will this core fit into?

A: The Shimoda Designs DSLR V3 Core Unit (Large) will fit the the Shimoda X70, X50, v2 X40, and v2 X35.

Q: 3. Could I pack in here a Sony 100-400GM plus a 16-35GM attached to a Sony a7RIV both with their lens hoods?

A: If you have the lens hoods reversed on the lens in their storage position, then yes, you may use the Sony FE 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6 GM OSS Lens and the Sony Alpha a7R IV Mirrorless Digital Camera with the Sony FE 16-35mm f/2.8 GM Lens inside the Shimoda Designs Small Core Unit for Mirrorless Camera.

Q: 4. Is this the largest core unit that will fit in the Roller v2?

A: Yes, the largest size available to fit in the Roller V2 is the Large Core V3. Please note, the X-Large DV Core Unit (BH# RUPQX115BV2), will not fit in the Roller V2 or the DV Roller.

Q: 5. Will this work in the x40 backpack?

A: The Shimoda Designs Small Core Unit for Mirrorless Camera will work inside the Shimoda Designs Action X40 V2 backpack.

Q: 6. What are the exact interior dimensions of this core unit? The description and the spec contradicts each other.

A: The exact interior dimensions of the Shimoda Designs Large Core Unit for Mirrorless Camera are 10.6W x 14.6H x 4.7"D.

Q: 7. Can I fit a Sony 200-600 lense?

A: The interior dimensions of the Shimoda Designs DV V2 Core Unit (Large) are 15.7 x 11.4 x 7.9". The Sony FE 200-600mm f/5.6-6.3 G OSS Lens can be inserted in the core unit with the camera attached and the lens hood on reverse.

Q: 8. Description says it's for the X70 backpack. Also for the x70 HD, is that correct? This is the most current XXL core? Thanks.

A: Yes, the Shimoda Designs DV Core Unit (XX-Large) fits the X70 backpack and the X70 HD.

Q: 9. Can this be used with the Shimoda Designs Explore v2 35 Backpack?

A: Yes it can be!

Q: 10. Could you fit 2 small core units inside a 30L Shimodo Explore V2? Like, to use one for drone hear and the other for camera gear?

A: The Shimoda Designs Explore V2 30 Backpack will comfortably hold only one of the Shimoda Designs Small Core Unit for Mirrorless Camera. Two units will put too much strain on the zipper.