Gainlab Audio Empress & Governor Mix and Master Bundle

The Empress is a dual channel passive equalizer equipped with a tube amplifier that has three bands on each side. Thanks to the compact design it only needs 2U space in the studio but it will have a significant impact on your sound.

These types of equalizers have been around since the early 50’s, the most famous Pultec EQP-1 from Pulse Techniques was the first one that provided simultaneously passive filter circuits alongside high quality line amplifiers. The downside of the EQP-1 was the lack of ability to carry out precision frequency isolation, but it was able to change any sound in its core. Many of the modern equalizers are based on the original EQP-1 in both structure and functions that could be limiting in a modern music environment and production.

Gainlabs aim in the lab was to improve the classic concept. First, they added an additional mid frequency filter between the low and high frequency filters in order to improve the versatility of the unit in the modern days music environment. They left the option of simultaneous cutting and boosting in the low and high band, so all those tricks can be done that a user normally would expect from an equalizer. Furthermore, the shift function can be used on these bands so that the mid frequency of the simultaneous cutting and boosting can be shifted relative to each other.

After extensive test bench trials, using the equalizer in real life applications, the versatility of the unit was far beyond expectation. It proved to be suitable from recording to master coloring or can be used in any equalizer task. It is fair to say that it dominates the entire frequency range and most of the time it does sounds great in extreme conditions, hence they named it the Empress.

The Governor is capable of operating in dual mono and stereo modes, with detailed parameterization. It allows for precise control over most dynamic processing operations commonly encountered in audio processing workflows. Due to its electron tube-based transformer output design, it can produce the tube boost effect known from the Empress Equalizer. Based on user feedbacks, we have made it optionally configurable with full-spectrum and high-frequency boost options. The device now includes a side-chain filter option and is prepared to receive external side-chain signals. Notably, the indicator design has been highlighted, providing a much more informative display compared to the classic VU meter solution, offering users a more accurate picture of the signal state changes, and the compressor’s two break points can be set much more intuitively with its assistance.

What is a dual slope compressor?
In the case of The Governor, dual slope design means that after the compressor’s threshold point, another threshold point can be set. Beyond this point, the compressor’s transmission curve becomes much steeper, and the compressor starts operating with a much higher compression ratio. In practice, it’s like applying multi-stage dynamic control. The first threshold would set a smaller ratio, softer knee compressor, and the second threshold would set a larger ratio, harder knee compressor. All of this within a single device, causing the timing of the two compression phases to interact with each other. As a result, the sound of The Governor can be very flexibly shaped and it can remains enjoyable even with extreme settings, ranging from classic levelers to the sound of modern optical compressors and even to the aggressiveness not heard before from an optical compressors.

GOVERNOR Main Properties

• Valve optical compressor
• Dual slope Design
• Side-chain filter
• External side-chain reception
• Transformer Output
• Comprehensive meter section
• Stereo and dual mono operation

GOVERNOR Fields of Application

• Bus Compressor
• Mastering Compressor
• Tracking Compressor
• Recording Compressor

EMPRESS Main properties

• 2 x 3 band setup
• Stepped attenuator design
• Tube gain stage
• Military Grade vacuum tubes
• Nanocrystaline alloy transformers 

EMPRESS Fields of application

• Mixing
• Mastering
• Recording
• Saturation