Effectrode PC-2A Tube Compressor Owner’s Manual

Specifications

PC-2A

• Input impedance: Greater than 1MOhm

• Output impedance: Less than 1KOhm

• Controls: Peak Reduction and Gain

• Features: Limit/Compress switch

• All tube: Based on NOS mil-spec subminiature twin
triode pencil tube operating in class-A

• Photo-optical: Ultra-linear, low distortion photo­resistive attenuator

• True bypass: With ‘anti-pop’ or ‘thump’ foot­switching circuitry

• Power requirements: 12VDC @ 350mA - Centre
positive 2.1mm barrel connector

• Dimensions: Width 4.75"; Depth 3.75"

• Weight: 12oz (on Earth); 1.5oz (Callisto)

• Construction: Solid die-cast aluminum box

• Finish: Tough light-grey powder coat

Owner’s Manual

Serial #

Copyright © 2011 Effectrodeâ Audiophile Pedals

12 Broughton Crescent, Barlaston,

Staffs, UK. ST12 9DB

www.effectrode.com

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Introduction

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The PC-2A is the finest stompbox compressor ever
built! It is uniquely different to other compressor
pedals in that it utilises the same technology found
in high-end, vintage studio compressors. The signal
path is 100% analogue, class A, based on a new old
stock (NOS) mil-spec tube and a special design
Silonex photo-resistive attenuator. This attenuator
has essentially instantaneous gain reduction with no
waveform or harmonic distortion for musical,
unobtrusive and transparent compression.

The PC-2A is designed for flexibility, simplicity and
outstanding sound quality. Audiophile grade
components and silver solder are used throughout
the circuit with precision metal-film resistors for low­noise and stability, polyester coupling capacitors for
their ability to resolve fine signal detail and ground­plane layout. The result is a compressor that exhibits
a level of purity and natural tone not found in solid­state VCA (voltage controlled amplifier) or variable
bias designs.

Thank you for trusting Effectrode to be your effects
company. We wish you many, many years of
musical enjoyment from this very special hand-built,
all-tube pedal.

Tubes

The PC-2A signal path is based
on a NOS mil-spec subminiature
twin triode pencil tube. Raytheon
(meaning, “light of the Gods”)
developed subminiature tubes for
military applications in the 1950s.
These tubes are manufactured to
meet stringent Mil-E-1
specification for reliability and
designed for long service life
under conditions of severe
shock, vibration (20,000G!), high
temperature and high altitude.
Subminiature tubes represent the pinnacle of tube
technology and offer more consistent musical
performance than early germanium transistors.

Phil Taylor – Designer