Description
Darkglass is a hugely respected brand in the bass world, adored for its innovative pedals that, quite frankly, can’t be beaten when it comes to tone! The Hyper Luminal Hybrid Compressor joins Darkglass’ family of stompboxes, delivering uncompromising, studio-quality compression – all within a compact, pedalboard-friendly enclosure.
Boasting 4 essential controls for excellent sonic manipulation, the Hyper Luminal’s all-analogue signal path gives it the warmth and richness you’d expect from only expensive outboard gear. However, it’s called a ‘Hybrid Compressor’ for a reason, and the Hyper Luminal can imitate three classic compressor circuits with its cutting-edge digital modelling technology.
Versatile Control Set
The Darkglass Hyper Luminal Hybrid Compressor employs 4 physical control knobs for easy on-the-fly sound-shaping. Its ‘Compression’ and ‘Output’ controls are self-explanatory; letting you adjust the amount of squeeze and volume respectively.
The two controls above, however, are a little more idiosyncratic. The ‘Time’ knob determines how quickly the compressor is applied (attack), giving you anything from a tight and responsive snap to a slower and more natural-sounding character. The ‘Blend’ control is a thoughtful addition, and is a refinement that has been seen only on more modern compressor pedals. Letting you balance your dry unaffected sound with the compressed signal, you can perfectly find the optimal sweet-spot.
Compressor Modelling
The Darkglass Hyper Luminal is installed with three legendary compressor circuit models, meticulously-captured for an ultra-authentic feel and tone. Selectable via intuitive touch-through-metal sensors, you can easily switch between these circuits, while also being able to adjust their compressor ratios using the same technology too!
The ‘BUS’ model emulates an iconic SSL bus compressor, giving you a pure and uncoloured sound that allows your bass to breathe. ‘FET’ projects that unmistakable UA 1176 tone, delivering a more potent character that can really push your bass sound through in a mix. The final ‘SYM’ model simulated Darkglass’ discontinued Super Symmetry pedal, emitting a punchy and gritty compressor vibe.
If that isn’t enough though, with the free ‘Darkglass Suite’ for PC/Mac you can to connect the pedal via USB to load additional and upcoming compressor models. This software also allows you to adjust other parameters too, if you’re really fastidious about your tone!
Massive Headroom
Although the Hyper Luminal runs at 9V, it doubles the operation voltage internally to 18V for extra headroom. This means that you won’t lose any of the essential low-end from your sound, ensuring that your signal will pass through crystal clear.
Specifications
- Hybrid Analog/Digital Compression
- Pure Analog signal path
- Blend control
- 3 built in yet distinct modes of advanced modelled compression
- Connect to your PC/Mac via Micro-USB (B)
- Free ‘Darkglass Suite’ software (provides additional fine control and compression models)
- 10-LED gain reduction meter
- Touch-Through metal sensors
- Internal doubling of supply voltage to 18V (allows for extra headroom)
- I/O: 6.5mm / ¼” Jack
- Input impedance: 1M Ohm
- Output impedance: 1k Ohm
- Powered by optional 9V PSU (9V DC, centre -, 2.1mm, ~250mA current draw)
