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Serpent Audio Chimera 500 Series Optical Compressor

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$1,699.00
$1,499.00
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Description

Serpent Audio Chimera 500 Series Optical Compressor

 

Serpent Audio Chimera Optical Compressor Demo

  Serpent Audio Chimera 500 series optical compressor

True T4B Optical Cell for Classic LA3A Character

The Serpent Audio Chimera features a true T4B optical cell that utilizes an Electroluminescent panel and photo resistor cells to achieve gain reduction, exactly like the classic LA3A. This user-replaceable and upgradable optical cell delivers the thick, rich, and smooth compression character that made the LA3A one of the most sought-after compressors in recording history.

Attack time is 1.5 ms or less (program dependent), providing that gentle, musical compression that allows transients through while controlling the body of the sound. The optical compression responds naturally to the dynamics of your source material, creating that effortless glue and cohesion that engineers reach for when they need tracks to sit perfectly in a mix.

 Serpent Audio Chimera CineMag transformer discrete Class AB

All-Discrete Design With Premium Transformers

The Chimera employs an all-discrete transistor design with a Class AB transistor output circuit for maximum headroom and minimal distortion. A CineMag input transformer and custom-wound output transformer (made to original specifications) ensure transformer-balanced inputs and outputs with the harmonic richness and depth that only iron can provide.

With 50 dB of available gain (±1 dBu), maximum input level of +16 dBu, and maximum output level of +19 dBu, the Chimera handles hot signals with ease while maintaining a noise floor of -80 dBu. Frequency response extends from 20 Hz to 20 kHz, ensuring full-range performance without sacrificing the lows or highs.

 Serpent Audio Chimera HF sidechain de-esser compress limit

Professional Features and Infamous Mod

The Chimera includes the infamous LA3A mod incorporated into the design, along with professional features like HF sidechain boost for de-essing, compress/limit mode with sealed pots for long-term reliability, and stereo linking capability for paired operation. Hard bypass via relay control ensures your signal remains pristine when the compressor is not engaged.

A Sifam VU meter provides accurate visual feedback of gain reduction, making it easy to dial in the perfect amount of compression. The full steel enclosure and cover provide maximum signal shielding, eliminating interference and ensuring the cleanest possible signal path. Orange Drop and Elna capacitors throughout guarantee audiophile-grade performance.

Highlights

  • Faithful LA3A replication in 500 series format for the first time
  • True T4B optical cell with EL panel and photo resistor cells (user replaceable/upgradable)
  • All-discrete transistor design with Class AB output circuit
  • CineMag input transformer and custom-wound output transformer (original specs)
  • Transformer-balanced input and output for rich harmonic character
  • 50 dB available gain (±1 dBu)
  • Attack time: 1.5 ms or less (program dependent)
  • Noise floor: -80 dBu
  • Frequency response: 20 Hz – 20 kHz
  • Infamous LA3A mod incorporated into design
  • HF sidechain boost for de-essing applications
  • Compress/Limit mode with sealed pots
  • Hard bypass via relay control
  • Stereo linkable for paired operation
  • Sifam VU meter for accurate gain reduction metering
  • Full steel enclosure and cover for maximum shielding
  • Orange Drop and Elna capacitors throughout
  • PCX Power Monitoring with soft-start and protection
  • VPR compliant (100 mA total power consumption)
  • Made in the USA to highest production standards

Serpent Audio Chimera Specifications

Specification Details
Format 500 Series (VPR compliant)
Compressor Type Optical (LA3A-style)
Gain Reduction Element T4B optical cell (user replaceable/upgradable)
Circuit Design All-discrete transistor, Class AB output
Input Transformer CineMag (transformer balanced)
Output Transformer Custom wound to original specifications (transformer balanced)
Gain 50 dB (±1 dBu)
Attack Time 1.5 ms or less (program dependent)
Maximum Input Level +16 dBu
Maximum Output Level +19 dBu
Maximum Output Load 600 Ω
Frequency Response 20 Hz – 20 kHz
Noise Floor -80 dBu
Features Infamous mod, HF sidechain boost, compress/limit mode, hard bypass (relay), stereo link
Metering Sifam VU meter
PCX Power Monitoring Soft-start, constant voltage monitoring, over/under voltage protection
Power Consumption 100 mA total (70 mA @ ±16V)
Construction Full steel enclosure and cover, Orange Drop and Elna capacitors, sealed pots
Made In USA

What's in the Box

Included Items
Serpent Audio Chimera 500 Series Optical Compressor
User Documentation
Shipping

Shipping & Returns

  • We deliver all US orders in 3–5 business days
  • Free cancellations
  • Returns accepted within 30 days (unused items)

Order Confirmation

Once your order is placed, you will receive an order confirmation email. This confirms that we have received your order and have pre-authorized your credit card for the purchase. After confirming availability with our suppliers, we will proceed accordingly:

  • If your item is available and ready to ship within 1–2 business days, we will process the charge and arrange for shipment.

  • If your item is on backorder or unavailable, the pre-authorization will be voided and you will be notified by email.

  • Please note: While most items ship out within 1–2 business days, total delivery time is typically 3–5 business days, depending on your location and carrier handling.

Order Shipment

If your item is in stock and your payment has been processed, your order will typically ship within 1–2 business days. Total delivery time is approximately 3–5 business days from the date of order. Once shipped, you will receive tracking information at the email address provided during checkout within 24 hours of dispatch.

If you have not received tracking information within 3–5 business days of placing your order, please contact us at support@proaudioreserve.com.

The Distributor-Direct Advantage

To ensure you receive the most recent hardware revisions and 100% factory-sealed units, Pro Audio Reserve utilizes a Distributor-Direct fulfillment model. Unlike big-box retailers that may ship "floor models" or gear that has been sitting in general-purpose warehouses, your equipment is pulled directly from the primary manufacturer hub, serialized, and dispatched. This process ensures the highest level of quality control for professional-grade recording equipment.

Shipping Policy

We currently offer free shipping within the United States only. If the checkout process on our website allows you to enter a shipping address and complete your order, your location is eligible to receive delivery.

Changing Shipping Address

If you need to change your shipping address after your order has been processed or shipped, we will do our best to accommodate the request. Please note that address changes may result in delivery delays. Any additional costs incurred due to address changes, including carrier fees or rerouting charges will be the responsibility of the customer. No exceptions.

Shipping Times

All shipping times provided are estimates and should not be considered guarantees. Most orders ship out within 1–2 business days from the time payment is processed. However, total delivery time is typically 3–5 business days, depending on your location, carrier performance, and supplier fulfillment timelines.

We work closely with our vendors to ensure timely deliveries, but please note that supply chain disruptions, high-demand periods, or weather events may occasionally cause delays beyond our control.

  • To avoid misunderstandings: The “shipping time” refers to the total time from order placement to final delivery, not just when the item leaves the warehouse.

  • Cancellations: If you choose to cancel your order because it has not arrived within the estimated delivery window, you may be responsible for applicable shipping charges, restocking fees, warehouse handling costs, and other related fees.

  • Chargebacks: Customers who initiate chargebacks due to shipping delays without contacting us first may be held legally responsible for losses. We strongly encourage open communication so we can resolve any delivery concerns directly and efficiently via our Atlanta-based support team.

Delivery Options

  • Threshold Shipping: Your item will be delivered to your front door, porch, garage, or a covered entryway.

 

Why Buy From Us

We get it. You've got a lot of choice when it comes to online retailers.
Here's why we think you should shop with us at ProAudioReserve.

  • Free Shipping USA wide. 
  • 30 Day Easy Returns. Not happy with your product, we'll take it back noquestions asked.
  • Great Service. We pride ourselves on the best service, anywhere.

Reviews
Description

Serpent Audio Chimera 500 Series Optical Compressor

 

Serpent Audio Chimera Optical Compressor Demo

  Serpent Audio Chimera 500 series optical compressor

True T4B Optical Cell for Classic LA3A Character

The Serpent Audio Chimera features a true T4B optical cell that utilizes an Electroluminescent panel and photo resistor cells to achieve gain reduction, exactly like the classic LA3A. This user-replaceable and upgradable optical cell delivers the thick, rich, and smooth compression character that made the LA3A one of the most sought-after compressors in recording history.

Attack time is 1.5 ms or less (program dependent), providing that gentle, musical compression that allows transients through while controlling the body of the sound. The optical compression responds naturally to the dynamics of your source material, creating that effortless glue and cohesion that engineers reach for when they need tracks to sit perfectly in a mix.

 Serpent Audio Chimera CineMag transformer discrete Class AB

All-Discrete Design With Premium Transformers

The Chimera employs an all-discrete transistor design with a Class AB transistor output circuit for maximum headroom and minimal distortion. A CineMag input transformer and custom-wound output transformer (made to original specifications) ensure transformer-balanced inputs and outputs with the harmonic richness and depth that only iron can provide.

With 50 dB of available gain (±1 dBu), maximum input level of +16 dBu, and maximum output level of +19 dBu, the Chimera handles hot signals with ease while maintaining a noise floor of -80 dBu. Frequency response extends from 20 Hz to 20 kHz, ensuring full-range performance without sacrificing the lows or highs.

 Serpent Audio Chimera HF sidechain de-esser compress limit

Professional Features and Infamous Mod

The Chimera includes the infamous LA3A mod incorporated into the design, along with professional features like HF sidechain boost for de-essing, compress/limit mode with sealed pots for long-term reliability, and stereo linking capability for paired operation. Hard bypass via relay control ensures your signal remains pristine when the compressor is not engaged.

A Sifam VU meter provides accurate visual feedback of gain reduction, making it easy to dial in the perfect amount of compression. The full steel enclosure and cover provide maximum signal shielding, eliminating interference and ensuring the cleanest possible signal path. Orange Drop and Elna capacitors throughout guarantee audiophile-grade performance.

Highlights

  • Faithful LA3A replication in 500 series format for the first time
  • True T4B optical cell with EL panel and photo resistor cells (user replaceable/upgradable)
  • All-discrete transistor design with Class AB output circuit
  • CineMag input transformer and custom-wound output transformer (original specs)
  • Transformer-balanced input and output for rich harmonic character
  • 50 dB available gain (±1 dBu)
  • Attack time: 1.5 ms or less (program dependent)
  • Noise floor: -80 dBu
  • Frequency response: 20 Hz – 20 kHz
  • Infamous LA3A mod incorporated into design
  • HF sidechain boost for de-essing applications
  • Compress/Limit mode with sealed pots
  • Hard bypass via relay control
  • Stereo linkable for paired operation
  • Sifam VU meter for accurate gain reduction metering
  • Full steel enclosure and cover for maximum shielding
  • Orange Drop and Elna capacitors throughout
  • PCX Power Monitoring with soft-start and protection
  • VPR compliant (100 mA total power consumption)
  • Made in the USA to highest production standards

Serpent Audio Chimera Specifications

Specification Details
Format 500 Series (VPR compliant)
Compressor Type Optical (LA3A-style)
Gain Reduction Element T4B optical cell (user replaceable/upgradable)
Circuit Design All-discrete transistor, Class AB output
Input Transformer CineMag (transformer balanced)
Output Transformer Custom wound to original specifications (transformer balanced)
Gain 50 dB (±1 dBu)
Attack Time 1.5 ms or less (program dependent)
Maximum Input Level +16 dBu
Maximum Output Level +19 dBu
Maximum Output Load 600 Ω
Frequency Response 20 Hz – 20 kHz
Noise Floor -80 dBu
Features Infamous mod, HF sidechain boost, compress/limit mode, hard bypass (relay), stereo link
Metering Sifam VU meter
PCX Power Monitoring Soft-start, constant voltage monitoring, over/under voltage protection
Power Consumption 100 mA total (70 mA @ ±16V)
Construction Full steel enclosure and cover, Orange Drop and Elna capacitors, sealed pots
Made In USA

What's in the Box

Included Items
Serpent Audio Chimera 500 Series Optical Compressor
User Documentation
Shipping

Shipping & Returns

  • We deliver all US orders in 3–5 business days
  • Free cancellations
  • Returns accepted within 30 days (unused items)

Order Confirmation

Once your order is placed, you will receive an order confirmation email. This confirms that we have received your order and have pre-authorized your credit card for the purchase. After confirming availability with our suppliers, we will proceed accordingly:

  • If your item is available and ready to ship within 1–2 business days, we will process the charge and arrange for shipment.

  • If your item is on backorder or unavailable, the pre-authorization will be voided and you will be notified by email.

  • Please note: While most items ship out within 1–2 business days, total delivery time is typically 3–5 business days, depending on your location and carrier handling.

Order Shipment

If your item is in stock and your payment has been processed, your order will typically ship within 1–2 business days. Total delivery time is approximately 3–5 business days from the date of order. Once shipped, you will receive tracking information at the email address provided during checkout within 24 hours of dispatch.

If you have not received tracking information within 3–5 business days of placing your order, please contact us at support@proaudioreserve.com.

The Distributor-Direct Advantage

To ensure you receive the most recent hardware revisions and 100% factory-sealed units, Pro Audio Reserve utilizes a Distributor-Direct fulfillment model. Unlike big-box retailers that may ship "floor models" or gear that has been sitting in general-purpose warehouses, your equipment is pulled directly from the primary manufacturer hub, serialized, and dispatched. This process ensures the highest level of quality control for professional-grade recording equipment.

Shipping Policy

We currently offer free shipping within the United States only. If the checkout process on our website allows you to enter a shipping address and complete your order, your location is eligible to receive delivery.

Changing Shipping Address

If you need to change your shipping address after your order has been processed or shipped, we will do our best to accommodate the request. Please note that address changes may result in delivery delays. Any additional costs incurred due to address changes, including carrier fees or rerouting charges will be the responsibility of the customer. No exceptions.

Shipping Times

All shipping times provided are estimates and should not be considered guarantees. Most orders ship out within 1–2 business days from the time payment is processed. However, total delivery time is typically 3–5 business days, depending on your location, carrier performance, and supplier fulfillment timelines.

We work closely with our vendors to ensure timely deliveries, but please note that supply chain disruptions, high-demand periods, or weather events may occasionally cause delays beyond our control.

  • To avoid misunderstandings: The “shipping time” refers to the total time from order placement to final delivery, not just when the item leaves the warehouse.

  • Cancellations: If you choose to cancel your order because it has not arrived within the estimated delivery window, you may be responsible for applicable shipping charges, restocking fees, warehouse handling costs, and other related fees.

  • Chargebacks: Customers who initiate chargebacks due to shipping delays without contacting us first may be held legally responsible for losses. We strongly encourage open communication so we can resolve any delivery concerns directly and efficiently via our Atlanta-based support team.

Delivery Options

  • Threshold Shipping: Your item will be delivered to your front door, porch, garage, or a covered entryway.

 

Why Buy From Us

We get it. You've got a lot of choice when it comes to online retailers.
Here's why we think you should shop with us at ProAudioReserve.

  • Free Shipping USA wide. 
  • 30 Day Easy Returns. Not happy with your product, we'll take it back noquestions asked.
  • Great Service. We pride ourselves on the best service, anywhere.

Reviews