Squeez SQ-2 Compressor and Gate

The Tapco Squeez SQ-2 gives you two channels of smooth, natural compression and gating, plus an adjustable air filter for that classic studio vocal sound of the '60s and '70s. The adjustable air filter adds natural top-end as you compress, letting you dial in vintage vocal or guitar sounds without expensive and finicky old gear.

The ups and downs of dynamics

It's a law of physics that audio electronics are noisy. You can raise the volume of the desired sounds to hide the hiss, but by mixing louder you can clip your signal (which causes distortion much worse than the dreaded hiss). Another problem is when certain musical passages are pushed to the limits, you'll find that some softer sections get lost.

Enter Squeez

The Squeez SQ-2 compressor and gate act like an extra pair of hands that quickly adjust the volume of two incoming signals to prevent them from clipping. The SQ-2 offers a variety of controls to let you dial in a "personality" for each of these virtual hands and shape their response to suit the dynamics of the signals they are controlling.

Accurate control for better sound

The Squeez SQ-2 provides threshold and ratio controls that determine when to lower the signal, and by how much. Attack and release control how quickly the Tapco SQ-2 reacts and returns to normal when a strong signal is encountered. And there's an output control that let's you make up the volume lost when the compressor does its thing. There are eight bright LEDs on each channel so you can actually see the compression as it happens. And if all this potential overwhelms you, there's an automatic attack/release button you can engage until you're ready to take full control. Finally, each channel includes a smart gate/expander that essentially turns down the channel so you don't hear a bunch of hum and noise when no signal is playing.

Classic Air EQ

Compressing an audio signal can change the sound in a not-so-good way also. Many compressors can suck out the high frequencies--especially when compressing hard. The SQ-2 compressor includes a unique air EQ circuit that restores the high frequencies lost in compression. And because it's variable, you can decide the exact amount of restoration required.

Connections you can rely on

The Squeez SQ-2 features balanced XLR and 1/4-inch inputs and outputs for connecting to virtually any mixer. A 1/4-inch TRS side chain insert is provided for frequency-dependent or time-shifted compression, ducking, or even triggering the processor with another signal entirely, opening up a whole new palette of sonic control. Compact, the SQ-2 requires just one space of a standard 19-inch rack. It has a switchable 115V/230V power supply in case you've got to leave the country in a hurry. And like everything Tapco or Mackie -made, it's designed tough to withstand the rigors of the road.