The Amtec Model 099 is a tube compressor/limiter based on the legendary Fairchild 660. The unique character of the original unit is retained with an addition of some new functions and options.The signal path topology is the same as in its famous precursor from the 50's, but switchable output attenuator is also included. The compression/amplification takes place in a single push-pull tube stage, that consists of readily available tubes. The tubes form a feedbackless amplification circuit with variable-mu characteristics that interfaces with the outside world via high-quality custom input and output transformers.The output attenuator allows to reduce the output level and increase the input level, so that more harmonic content can produced by the 099.The output attenuator control also acts as a termination switch. The original Fairchild unit is unique in that the variable-mu tube gain stage drives the output transformer directly and any load on the output that is other than the proper 600 ohms load disturbs the operation of the gain stage by changing its transfer function. It leads to restricted gain reduction law and also changes the frequency response.We eliminated the problem by including the termination switch. If the following device has modern-style high-impedance "bridging" input, it can be terminated right at the output of the 099 (using the Hi-Z part of the switch), so that the overall load is 600 ohms.The sidechain circuit that controls the actual compression has transformer-balanced input and can be internally routed from the output of the unit post-compression (i.e. feedback topology that is typical to the Fairchild and majority of other compressors, this position is marked NORMAL), from the input of the unit pre-compression (feedforward topology, marked FRWD) or from the external input on the back of the unit (position EXT).This sidechain signal can be filtered, so that the compression is not triggered evenly by the whole frequency spectrum. The rotary switch FILTER lets the user to choose from no filtering, one of four low frequency cut positions or the high frequency boost position marked D-S (de-essing).The compression slope switch has six positions from gentle compression (2:1) to limiting (20:1). The compression slopes are of soft-knee characteristics.The standard six time constans of the original Fairchild are preserved with no changes to them and are marked 1 to 6 around the Time Constans knob. These constans have fast attack time, so to greatly increase the 099's versatility we added some new time constans. These constans are marked P, S, E and D and offer longer attack times, therefore are better suited to processing of drum and bass tracks, as well as the whole mixes. The position D (like Drums) has especially long and uniquely shaped attack.On the other hand, the position marked F is the faster version (both attack and release) of the standard preset 1.The unmarked position at the bottom of the switch disables any compression.One feature of the 099, particularly rarely seen in pro-audio equipment, is presence of the Stand-by switch. It allows to greatly reduce anode voltage supply, while keeping all of the other internal voltages intact (including the heater supply) and thus preserving the tube life, while not in use for prolonged period.Unlike the original unit, the gain reduction meter scale in the 099 is accurate.The entire calibration of the unit and the tube replacement can be done without the need to take the unit out from the rack. Each tube in the 099 has independent balance trim control making the calibration quick and easy.

The PEQ-10 is a 2U-high mono tube unit based on the Pultec EQP-1A. This is however not a faithful copy of the original, but rather an improved version which, besides increased abilities, preserves the sonic quality of incoming signal. Simple at first sight the equalization section is in fact very flexible giving you the tool to powerfully shape tonality without side effects. With the low frequency section you can boost bass without muddying the low mids, and the high frequency section can add sheen and "air" in an almost exciter-like fashion, but with much more natural results. Introduced warmth in the bottom end and sparkle in the treble give individual tracks and entire mixes more depth, punch, presence and clarity. The PEQ-10 consists of a passive equalizer that is coupled to a tube amplifier restoring the gain. The passive circuit uses inductors and capacitors to achieve equalization giving the most musical results and the least distortion possible. The gain recovery amplifier is unique in several respects. It uses commonly available tubes in a high-voltage, feedbackless push-pull circuit coupled to specially wound output transformer which provides balanced and floating output. Another improvement is increased input impedance. A lot of contemporary equipment cannot drive the traditional 600 ohms load sufficiently. The PEQ-10 has input impedance more than 3 times higher, thus it doesn't load down the output of the preceding device. Very gentle equalization curves make Pultec-type EQs sound very musical. This device is not an exception. The equalizer has a low frequency shelving boost and attenuation, which can be used simultaneously for special effects, as well as a peaking high frequency boost with variable bandwidth and a high frequency shelving attenuation. As for the make-up amplifier, it uses a configuration that has intrinsic high bandwidth and linearity, and does not need feedback to improve them. As a result you end up with minimum transient distortion. It also gives more open and effortless sound. The bypass switch omits equalization section leaving tube amplifier in the signal path. The power supply has full regulation of the +B and heater voltages. Each unit is hand-build with great attention to details. Despite having old-style features, the PEQ-10 is very versatile and is perfectly adequate to modern recording techniques. With new frequencies it became yet more flexible than the original. This is the ultimate equalizer to make silky smooth enhancements to vocals, bass, drums and complete mixes, but all of the other sources would benefit as well. SPECIFICATIONSLOW FREQUENCY SECTION:Shelving Boost/Attenuation @ 20, 30, 60, 100 HzHIGH FREQUENCY SECTION:Peaking Boost @ 1.5, 2, 3, 4, 5.6, 8, 10, 12, 16, 20 kHz, 10kHz shelf.Shelving Attenuation @ 5, 10, 20, 40 kHzAll Boost & Attenuation controls are now stepped at 1, 2, 3, 4, 6, 8, 10, 12, 14, & 16dBGain: 0dB +/-0.5dBInput Impedance: >1.8 KΩ, balancedOutput Impedance: 50Ω, balanced and floatingMaximum Output Level: >+20dBu (1% THD) [600Ω]Frequency Response: better than 2Hz..40kHz -3dB [600 ohms]Tubes: (1) ECC82/12AU7, (1) ECC83/12AX7Power Requirements: 115V or 230V (factory option), 12VA