TransAudio Group Introduces Daking FET3 Dual-Channel Limiter

TransAudio Group has announced the introduction of the Daking FET3, a new dual-channel limiter incorporating Class A discrete compressor circuitry and gain stages that is built in the U.S. by Geoffrey Daking. The FET3 builds on the quality and performance benchmarks set by the renowned Daking FET II single-channel limiter while adding several unique front-panel features for enhanced user control. The Daking FET3 design utilizes the same audio path and detector circuits as the FET II limiter, which has become highly regarded for its speed, high performance, and unique ability to sound great on an extraordinary variety of sources. The FET3 adds new variable high-pass filters — from 0 to 200 Hz — at the detector stage to improve and customize the behavior of each limiter channel. Signal content below the user set HPF frequency will not trigger the limiter, a design feature that is extremely beneficial in fine-tuning limiter behavior on bass-heavy material, for example. The FET3, which is essentially two independent limiters in a single 2RU unit, uses audio summing for stereo linking, a much more accurate method than the control voltage summing supported by the FET II design. The FET3 stereo link is continuously variable from 0 to 100%, which allows the operation of each limiter channel to be tied together to a greater or lesser degree. All FET3 front panel controls are fully variable rotary pots, which provide the ability to fine-tune the behavior of the unit in the studio. The FET II will continue to be produced for users, such as mastering engineers, who prefer the repeatability of switches. Inputs and outputs are electronically balanced through the inclusion of a new design in differential amps that offers superior signal quality. The common mode rejection in the FET3 is equal to that of the FET II. The unit offers an output level of +24 dB. The unit, which is fully RoHS compliant, provides storage in the back panel for the external power supply. "The new Daking FET3 offers tremendous features and outstanding performance at a fantastic price point," said Brad Lunde, president, TransAudio Group. "I wanted a new stereo Daking compressor that sounds like the FET II but was under $2,000. The added features, such as variable high-pass filters and variable stereo linking, put the FET3 in a unique class, outperforming many other high-end, stereo limiters for less." Stop by and see us at AES NEW YORK, 2009 Booth #555