The Highland Dynamics BG1 Compressor is a
modern compressor with a vintage soul! The BG1 nods to classic tube
designs of the 50s and 60s without being a clone stuck in the past. Like the BG2, the BG1 is a marriage of classic tube compressor
topologies. The vintage Altec 436 serves as the starting point for its
design but an array of tone tweaks, control modifications and noise
improvements elevate that circuit to “very-mu” status, including the
legendary British mods.
While the BG1 Stereo omits the heavy-duty, twin 6V6 output stage of
the BG2, it gains some very useful features not found in the BG2. The
twin compressor channels can be stereo linked via a front panel switch
and 9-position Attack and Release controls allow the BG1 Stereo to be
used in very fast to incredibly slow settings for anything from drums,
to stereo bus or special effects.
COMPRESSION MODES
Perhaps its most unique feature
is the ability to change feedback modes between British(B) and
American(A) styles. Essentially giving you two completely different
compressor sounds to choose from.
- British: British mode utilizes a modified Altec 436 plate-to-plate
style feedback. With less gain, a cleaner, more hi-fi sound and smoother
operation. British mode is the big smooth tube compressor voicing.
- American: American mode lets more harmonics and color come through,
instantly changing your BG1 to a different animal altogether. The sound
is rich, lively and robust.
THRESHOLD
The three-way Threshold switch
determine how much signal can pass before the circuit begins to
compress. The Low setting is the classic/stock threshold level. Medium
raises the threshold and High raises it even further and can enable
soft, transient distortion.
COMPRESSION HOLD
When engaged the Hold switch
allows gain reduction but does not allow the compression to release
until the switch is placed in Operate mode.
COMPRESSION ON/OFF
There is a compression on/off
switch that removes the side-chain tube, turning the compressor into a
tube line amp. With the compression turned off, you can drive it into
distortion. You can achieve different colors of distortion with both the
feedback and input selection switches.
INPUT IMPEDANCE
The BG1 has standard 600 Ohm
input, or 150 ohm for more gain and transformer color. It's also useful
when running a microphone directly in with no preamp.
LINKING
The twin channels can be linked with the link switch on the front panel.
BUILD
The BG1 build quality is impressive with a
rugged chassis, custom transformers, NOS tubes, US and European
capacitors, and military-style, US-made Hoyt panel meters. It’s built by
hand, for people that truly appreciate thoughtful design and
construction.
Highland Dynamics BG1 Compressor Features
- Transformer-balanced I/O
- Input and output level controls
- Switchable feedback settings
- 9 attack and release positions
- Link switch for stereo use
- Compression HOLD function
- 600 and 150 ohm input impedance taps