rockruepel comp.two User manual

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Printed!in!GERMANY!© 2013 rockruepel Pro.Audio. All rights reserved.
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BEFORE PROCEEDING WITH COMPLETE UNPACKING AND SETUP
CONSULT UNPACKING AND INSPECTION INSTRUCTIONS ON PAGE
comp.two (version2)
tube compressor
rockruepel
MasteringWorks GmbH
Raderbergerstr.175 50968 Köln GERMANY
Tel +49 2236 393731 Fax +49 2236393732
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Printed!in!GERMANY!© 2013 rockruepel Pro.Audio. All rights reserved.
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2 – Safety Review
WARNING: High Voltage – Risk of electric shock
Do not open chassis.
Ensure that the correct voltage (115V/230V) is selected before connecting the
comp.two to the main power supply.
If the device is damaged or does not work as expected, refer to qualified service staff
only.
Never use damaged power chords.
Replace fuse with the same type and value : T 1 A (115V); T 500 mA (230V)
Ensure that the comp.two is connected via a grounded connection.
Keep away from moisture and other liquids.
Do not use the comp.two close to water or in wet surroundings.
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CAUTION: Temperature – Chassis may become hot during operation
Do not install any heat sources (for instance radiators or stoves) close to the device.
Avoid direct solar irradiation.
Do not block the circulation vents. Warm air must exhaust.
Leave enough free rack-spaces around the compressor to avoid overheating.
Do not install power amps near the device.
WARNING: Incorrect installation – Connection may cause damage
Do not connect power amp-outputs to the comp.two.
Install the device only on flat surfaces or mount it properly into an adequate rack.
WARNING: Condensed water (liquid) may cause damage
Condensation inside the device may occur, when you move the device from a cold
place to a warm room. To avoid damaging the comp.two, always wait until the
device has reached room temperature before switching it on. !
WARNING: High sound volume may harm the sense of hearing
This device produces a maximum amplification of 32 dB. Set input and output
controls on zero position before monitoring the sound via headphones or
loudspeakers.
Gradually increase the volume levels for input and output.
HINT: Delayed operation
The comp.two uses vacuum tubes, therefore the device will be on standby for
several seconds after switching it on.

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Printed!in!GERMANY!© 2013 rockruepel Pro.Audio. All rights reserved.
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3 - Preface
Congratulations on your rockruepel comp.two (version2)!
You now own a versatile vari-µ-compressor. The comp.two is designed for mastering, mixing
and recording and offers a pristine and highly transparent sound due to its exclusive audiophile
approach.
After years of development and searching for optimal sound and design, I have developed the
comp.two resulting in one of the best sounding modern vari-µ-compressor. This stereo/dual-
mono-compressor is optimized for daily professional use. The rockruepel comp. two would not
be what it is today, without feedback and advice from colleagues and friends.
The function of the comp.two is based upon the optimized vari-µ-design and never
compromising on high-end components and a minimalistic approach. The deciding factor in
design were always my ears.
The comp.two is built on fully-balanced tube-circuitry. The main audio path consists of
SOWTER input- and output transformers (SOWTER), two high-end coupling capacitors, input-
and output-tubes (NOS 6N3 and 6CG7).
The „true“ dual mono-design has separate power supplies for every channel. The
potentiometers are encapsulated, quality products from ALPS. The VU-meters can be calibrated
with a trim-pot hidden behind small holes in the rugged front plate. All switches use relays or
directly determine control voltage. The two bypass-switches separate circuitry, so that only input
directly connects with the output (true bypass). An IC is used to regulate the VU-Meter. Apart
from that circuitry, the comp.two consist of discrete components and is hand wired in Germany.
In addition to the essential controls such as input, output, threshold, attack and release, the
comp.two provides a side chain with an integrated four-stage filter. (Flat, 50, 74, 110 and 160
Hz). This filter takes out high-energy bass frequency
that could otherwise affect the compressor’s
behavior. The special “amp-only” -mode uses only the
in- and output-stages and not the compression.
Some may say: “Tube-compressors sound good but
they are too slow. I prefer VCA-compressors because
of their speed“. The comp.two accomplishes both,
with an attack up to 600 µs it is extremely fast but it
also has a soft and really musical knee compression
for your sound processing.
Thanks for buying the rockruepel comp.two.
Oliver Gregor & Stefan Heger
4 – Included in box
• rockruepel comp.two
• IEC power plug
• owner’s manual
only the best
• audiophile, full-balanced circuitry
design
• aluminum chassis with rugged front
plate (6 mm)
• SOWTER-transformers
• ALPS-potentiometers
• VU-meter
• output-tube: 6CG7
• input-tube: NOS 6N3
• high-end coupling capacitors
• amp-only-mode
• true hard bypass
• true dual mono with separate power
supply
• side chain-control (54, 74, 110, 160
Hz)
• THD+N: -68 dB
•
attack-time: 600 µs - 70 ms
• release-time: 0,2 ms - 4 s

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Printed!in!GERMANY!© 2013 rockruepel Pro.Audio. All rights reserved.
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5 - Content
Safety Review ...........................................................................................................................2
Imprint........................................................................................................................................3
Included in this box ...................................................................................................................4
About this manual......................................................................................................................6
Handling and controls ...............................................................................................................7
In and outputs………………………............................................................................................9
Tech Specs..............................................................................................................................10
Warranty : 2 years with registration .........................................................................................11

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Printed!in!GERMANY!© 2013 rockruepel Pro.Audio. All rights reserved.
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6 – About this manual
In order to find out all the possibilities and information on the compressor it is
recommended to read this owner’s manual from top to bottom. If you are looking
for some direct information you will find hints about „handling & controls“ on page 6 and
notes about the circuit points, “input and outputs” on page 8. Perhaps you are only
interested in the technical specs on page 10 or the attack- and release-time table also
on page 10. You will surely get some useful information, a quick overview and you will
avoid operational errors with the rockruepel comp.two if you take the time to read this
manual.
If you are an experienced engineer or compressor-geek and tired of reading another boring
owner’s manual, you can use the fast way. The „ruepel“-boxes in every chapter deliver the most
important information, special features or parameters in compact phrases. This ultra-fast
overview gets you working with your comp.two within a few minutes.
the fast way
• „
ruepel
-boxes“ for ultra-fast overview
• „Handling & controls“ (page 6)
• „In and outputs“ (page 8)
• „Tech specs (page 10)

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Printed!in!GERMANY!© 2013 rockruepel Pro.Audio. All rights reserved.
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7 – Handling & controls
1. Input:
The input stage amplification is between non stepped values of 0 (-∞ dB) and 10 (+16
dB). The more input gain you choose, the more harmonic distortion is added to the
signal. The tube stage provides differences from a pure, clean to distorted and saturated
sound.
2. Output:
Every compression causes a loss of volume. The output-stage helps to compensate the
gain reduction with a 26dB gain reserve. The interaction of the input and output stage
offers sound variations depending on how much the input or output tube is driven to
saturation or even distortion (input stage).
In amp-only-mode the compressor-section is skipped completely but the signal still
passes through the circuitry. You can design your sound by using the input and output
controls. The spectrum of coloration without compression ranges from-natural clean to
aggressive distortion.
3. Threshold:
If the input level exceeds the adjusted threshold, the compression will start immediately.
The threshold control offers non stepped values between 0 and 10.
4. Attack:
The rotary control determines in ten steps the attack-time of the compressor. Position 1
is marked with the character ‚F‘ for fast transient response, position 10 uses the
character ‚S‘ for slow operation.
5. Release:
This rotary switch is divided in ten steps to control the release time. The values also
range between ‚F‘(ast) and ‚S‘(low).
6. Sidechain Control/Amp Only
The side chain controls define frequencies of the high pass filter, which affect the control
signal only. As a result high-energy bass frequencies from the side chain signal will not
affect the compressors operation. There are four frequencies: 54, 74, 110 and 160 Hz
and the flat-position, which switches the filter off.
As mentioned previously, the amp only-mode leaves only input and output controls
operational. The signal still passes through the audio path (transformer, tubes,
capacitors) but skips the compressor section.

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Printed!in!GERMANY!© 2013 rockruepel Pro.Audio. All rights reserved.
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7. Meter 0:
The VU-meters are equipped with trim pots, accessible through small holes in the front
plate. Use a suitable screwdriver to set the zero point for calibration.
1. When the unit is turned off check the location of the needle, if not on zero use the
calibration screw on the meter to adjust.
2. Turn unit on and wait 10min. Now use the Meter 0 trim pot and set needle to 0.
8. Bypass:
The comp.two has one “hard bypass” switch per channel. If activated, the complete
circuitry including tubes, transformers and capacitors are excluded and the input is
directly connected to the output. In bypass-mode you hear the unprocessed original
signal for A/B-comparison.
9. Dual Mono/Link On:
The the link-on-mode is helpful for stereo processing. When this mode is activated
the channel with higher level determines the compression for both channels. For perfect
tonal balance it is important that threshold- attack- and release-values are identical. To
adjust volume differences between the channels, use input and output controls.
The dual mono-mode offers two precise separated channels with an individual power
supply (“real” dual mono). Therefore the comp.two has the ability to process two mono-
signal separately.
10. VU-Meter
The backlit VU-meters display gain reduction. The logarithmic scale shows values
between 0 and -20 dB. 1-dB-steps are marked up to a gain reduction of 4 dB. This is the
critical range for gain reduction.
ultra fast, musical and precise
-side chain-filter (54, 74, 110, 160 Hertz)
-32 dB of amplification without compression
-high-speed-control-process (0,6 ms), release
(200,ms)
-hardwire-bypass
-“real” dual mono with separate power supply
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link-on-mode (channel with higher level dictates
compressions process)
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for perfect channel balance, threshold-, attack-
and release-values have to be equal
-trim pots for calibration the VU-meters
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logarithmic scale with zoom-in-effect up to 4 dB

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Printed!in!GERMANY!© 2013 rockruepel Pro.Audio. All rights reserved.
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9 – In and Outputs (connections)
1. Input 1 & 2:
The XLR-inputs are transformer-balanced (SOWTER) and designed for line-level
signals.
2. Output 1 & 2:
The line level-outputs are transformer-balanced (SOWTER). Remember, that the
comp.two has an amplification reserve of +26 dB to avoid overloading when other
devices are connected.
3. Main plug and fuse :
The comp.two uses a standard main plug (included). In case of blown fuse, replace it
with identical components. Pay attention to correct specifications. Open the fuse housing
by using a small screwdriver and replace the fuse carefully.
@ 115V: time lag/slow-blow, 1 A
@ 230V: time lag/slow-blow, 500 mA
exquisite connection
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high-end SOWTER-transformers for
in- and outputs
-professional XLR-connectors with
locking mechanism

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Printed!in!GERMANY!© 2013 rockruepel Pro.Audio. All rights reserved.
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10 - Tech Specs
Frequency Response
40Hz – 15 kHz ± 0,70 dB
20Hz – 20 kHz ± 1,25 dB
Amplification 26dB
Max Output Level ( 40Hz kges -40dB ) +24dBu
Supply Voltage 115/230V AC
Power Consumption 40W
Dimensions B/H/T 483 mm (19“) 132,5 mm (3HE) 295mm
Weight 8,7 kg
Input Data:
Input balanced, floating
Impedance over frequency range ⪴ 19kOhm
Common-Mode Rejection Ration (CMMR) @ 15kHz ⪴ 40dB
Output Data:
Output balanced, floating
Impedance over frequency range ⪴ 600Ohm
Common-Mode Rejection Ration (CMMR) @ 15kHz ⪴ 35dB
THD kges ( +4 dBu):
Signal-to-noise ratio
(working level: + 4dBu, input and output conrol: 5)
pGer ⪴ -82 dBqs ( CCIR 486 )
pFr ⪴ -86 dBq ( Bandwidth 10Hz – 30 kHz )
Position
Attack ( Release 5 )
Release ( Attack 5 )
F
3,5 mS
200 mS
2
4 mS
220 mS
3
5,5 mS
240 mS
4
8 mS
300 mS
5
11,5 mS
400 mS
6
17 mS
600 mS
7
25 mS
850 mS
8
30 mS
1,4 S
9
55 mS
2,5 S
S
70 mS
4 S
*** Fastest Attacktime 600 uS (Attack F Release F)***
40Hz
1kHz
6,3 kHz
-43dB
-68dB
-69dB

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Printed!in!GERMANY!© 2013 rockruepel Pro.Audio. All rights reserved.
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11 - Warranty
2 year warranty for registered units:
http://www.masteringworks.de/en/contact.html
Service and contact information
MasteringWorks GmbH
Raderbergerstr.175
50968 Köln
Germany
Email : info @masteringworks.com
Telefon : + 49 2236 393731
About rockruepel and Mastering Works:
Rockruepel launched with the successful tube compressor series consisting of comp.one and
its successor, the comp.two. This boutique compressors are insiders secret tool for recording,
mixing and mastering and are now among engineers such as Russell Elevado, Luca Pretolesi,
Max Dingel, Paul Stacey, Fab Dupont. The amazing sound and build quality that the users of
comp.one and comp.two already know and love, is now in a completely new audio tool
available, the limit.one. The user can balance between loudness and dynamics in a new
previously unknown way.
Mastering Works GmbH is the European distributor of selected high-end audio solutions. CEO
Stefan Heger introduced in 2004 the Dangerous 2 Bus to different studios and engineers and
founded Mastering Works GmbH, a company with an exquisite product portfolio and the
exceptionally close contacts with end users. Besides the brands Dangerous Music, Sterling
Modular, rockruepel and Guzauski Swist it also includes training and individual studio solutions.
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