Acme Audio / Opticom XLA-500

This optical limiter is compatible with the API500 series from Acme Audio. It features three response modes: FAST, NORMAL, and SLOW. Its modern design makes it suitable for a wide range of applications.

■Optic Limiter - API 500 Series Compatible

The XLA-3 MkII, a 2U rack-mount tube optical limiter that creates a dynamic envelope with nonlinear characteristics across the full range, has been reborn as the Opticom XLA-500, a conversion model conforming to the API 500 standard.

The Opticom XLA-500's notable feature lies in its heart: its optical circuitry. It features three selectable response modes (FAST, NORMAL, SLOW), each with a different compression curve character. By combining Cinemag transformers and Class A gain stages on the input and output stages, the XLA-500 can produce a wide range of characteristics, from clean sounds to rich tones rich with harmonics, and even distorted, ""dirty"" sounds. This powerful optical limiter offers full control, from relaxed, mellow compression to extremely fast, aggressive limiting.

The Opticom XLA-500 is arguably the most versatile and user-friendly optical limiter in the API 500 family. Gently and smoothly tame the dynamic range of vocals, add body and solidity to bass tracks, or even crush drum tracks.
The Opticom XLA-500 performs these tasks with ease, providing ultimate satisfaction for both the user and the listener.

XLA-3 MkII
The original Opticom XLA-500 was the 2U rackmount ""XLA-3 MkII,"" manufactured by Acme Audio and inspired by the Teletronix LA-2A. Based on the smooth, natural compression character that has made the LA-2A beloved throughout its long history, it features a RESPONSE function (also carried over to the Opticom XLA-500) that creates different envelopes using three different response speeds, and its modern arrangements have earned it rave reviews as a highly versatile optical limiter that can be used in a variety of situations.