{"product_id":"serpent-audio-chimera-500-series-optical-compressor","title":"Serpent Audio Chimera 500 Series Optical Compressor","description":"\u003ch2\u003eSerpent Audio Chimera 500 Series Optical Compressor\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c!-- Video Section with Keyword Title --\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"margin: 20px auto 10px auto; text-align: center; max-width: 800px;\"\u003e\n\u003ch2 style=\"font-size: 20px; margin-bottom: 12px;\"\u003eSerpent Audio Chimera Optical Compressor Demo\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003ciframe style=\"width: 100%; max-width: 800px; height: 450px; display: block; margin: 0 auto; border-radius: 8px;\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/LbTo2-p4KOY?si=7QVr87CnpXb0_Me-\"\u003e\n  \u003c\/iframe\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c!-- Section 1 --\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"par-section\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"par-image\"\u003e\u003cimg alt=\"Serpent Audio Chimera 500 series optical compressor\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0646\/4031\/9643\/files\/SerpentAudioChimerascaled.png?v=1770240152\"\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"par-text\"\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eTrue T4B Optical Cell for Classic LA3A Character\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAttack 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c!-- Section 2 --\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"par-section reverse\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"par-image\"\u003e\u003cimg alt=\"Serpent Audio Chimera CineMag transformer discrete Class AB\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0646\/4031\/9643\/files\/SerpentAudioChimerafrontview.png?v=1770240152\"\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"par-text\"\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eAll-Discrete Design With Premium Transformers\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWith 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c!-- Section 3 --\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"par-section\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"par-image\"\u003e\u003cimg alt=\"Serpent Audio Chimera HF sidechain de-esser compress limit\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0646\/4031\/9643\/files\/leftviewSerpentAudioChimera.png?v=1770240152\"\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"par-text\"\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eProfessional Features and Infamous Mod\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eHighlights\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eFaithful LA3A replication in 500 series format for the first time\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eTrue T4B optical cell with EL panel and photo resistor cells (user replaceable\/upgradable)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eAll-discrete transistor design with Class AB output circuit\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eCineMag input transformer and custom-wound output transformer (original specs)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eTransformer-balanced input and output for rich harmonic character\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e50 dB available gain (±1 dBu)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eAttack time: 1.5 ms or less (program dependent)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eNoise floor: -80 dBu\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eFrequency response: 20 Hz – 20 kHz\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eInfamous LA3A mod incorporated into design\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eHF sidechain boost for de-essing applications\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eCompress\/Limit mode with sealed pots\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eHard bypass via relay control\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eStereo linkable for paired operation\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSifam VU meter for accurate gain reduction metering\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eFull steel enclosure and cover for maximum shielding\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eOrange Drop and Elna capacitors throughout\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003ePCX Power Monitoring with soft-start and protection\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eVPR compliant (100 mA total power consumption)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eMade in the USA to highest production standards\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eSerpent Audio Chimera Specifications\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003ctable style=\"width: 100%; border-collapse: collapse; border: 1px solid #ccc;\"\u003e\n\u003cthead\u003e\n\u003ctr style=\"background-color: #f2f2f2;\"\u003e\n\u003cth style=\"text-align: left; padding: 10px; border: 1px solid #ccc; width: 35%;\"\u003eSpecification\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003cth style=\"text-align: left; padding: 10px; border: 1px solid #ccc;\"\u003eDetails\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/thead\u003e\n\u003ctbody\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding: 10px; border: 1px solid #ccc;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFormat\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding: 10px; border: 1px solid #ccc;\"\u003e500 Series (VPR compliant)\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr style=\"background-color: #fafafa;\"\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding: 10px; border: 1px solid #ccc;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCompressor Type\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding: 10px; border: 1px solid #ccc;\"\u003eOptical (LA3A-style)\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding: 10px; border: 1px solid #ccc;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eGain Reduction Element\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding: 10px; border: 1px solid #ccc;\"\u003eT4B optical cell (user replaceable\/upgradable)\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr style=\"background-color: #fafafa;\"\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding: 10px; border: 1px solid #ccc;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCircuit Design\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding: 10px; border: 1px solid #ccc;\"\u003eAll-discrete transistor, Class AB output\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding: 10px; border: 1px solid #ccc;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eInput Transformer\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding: 10px; border: 1px solid #ccc;\"\u003eCineMag (transformer balanced)\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr style=\"background-color: #fafafa;\"\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding: 10px; border: 1px solid #ccc;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eOutput Transformer\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding: 10px; border: 1px solid #ccc;\"\u003eCustom wound to original specifications (transformer balanced)\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding: 10px; border: 1px solid #ccc;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eGain\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding: 10px; border: 1px solid #ccc;\"\u003e50 dB (±1 dBu)\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr style=\"background-color: #fafafa;\"\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding: 10px; border: 1px solid #ccc;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAttack Time\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding: 10px; border: 1px solid #ccc;\"\u003e1.5 ms or less (program dependent)\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding: 10px; border: 1px solid #ccc;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMaximum Input Level\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding: 10px; border: 1px solid #ccc;\"\u003e+16 dBu\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr style=\"background-color: #fafafa;\"\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding: 10px; border: 1px solid #ccc;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMaximum Output Level\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding: 10px; border: 1px solid #ccc;\"\u003e+19 dBu\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding: 10px; border: 1px solid #ccc;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMaximum Output Load\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding: 10px; border: 1px solid #ccc;\"\u003e600 Ω\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr style=\"background-color: #fafafa;\"\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding: 10px; border: 1px solid #ccc;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFrequency Response\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding: 10px; border: 1px solid #ccc;\"\u003e20 Hz – 20 kHz\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding: 10px; border: 1px solid #ccc;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eNoise Floor\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding: 10px; border: 1px solid #ccc;\"\u003e-80 dBu\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr style=\"background-color: #fafafa;\"\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding: 10px; border: 1px solid #ccc;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFeatures\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding: 10px; border: 1px solid #ccc;\"\u003eInfamous mod, HF sidechain boost, compress\/limit mode, hard bypass (relay), stereo link\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding: 10px; border: 1px solid #ccc;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMetering\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding: 10px; border: 1px solid #ccc;\"\u003eSifam VU meter\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr style=\"background-color: #fafafa;\"\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding: 10px; border: 1px solid #ccc;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePCX Power Monitoring\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding: 10px; border: 1px solid #ccc;\"\u003eSoft-start, constant voltage monitoring, over\/under voltage protection\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding: 10px; border: 1px solid #ccc;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePower Consumption\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding: 10px; border: 1px solid #ccc;\"\u003e100 mA total (70 mA @ ±16V)\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr style=\"background-color: #fafafa;\"\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding: 10px; border: 1px solid #ccc;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eConstruction\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding: 10px; border: 1px solid #ccc;\"\u003eFull steel enclosure and cover, Orange Drop and Elna capacitors, sealed pots\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding: 10px; border: 1px solid #ccc;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMade In\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding: 10px; border: 1px solid #ccc;\"\u003eUSA\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/tbody\u003e\n\u003c\/table\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eWhat's in the Box\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003ctable style=\"width: 100%; border-collapse: collapse; border: 1px solid #ccc;\"\u003e\n\u003cthead\u003e\n\u003ctr style=\"background-color: #f2f2f2;\"\u003e\n\u003cth style=\"text-align: left; padding: 10px; border: 1px solid #ccc;\"\u003eIncluded Items\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/thead\u003e\n\u003ctbody\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding: 10px; border: 1px solid #ccc;\"\u003eSerpent Audio Chimera 500 Series Optical Compressor\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr style=\"background-color: #fafafa;\"\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding: 10px; border: 1px solid #ccc;\"\u003eUser Documentation\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/tbody\u003e\n\u003c\/table\u003e","brand":"Serpent Audio","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":47945771647131,"sku":"SA-Chimera","price":1499.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0646\/4031\/9643\/files\/leftviewSerpentAudioChimera.png?v=1770240152","url":"https:\/\/proaudioreserve.com\/products\/serpent-audio-chimera-500-series-optical-compressor","provider":"Pro Audio Reserve","version":"1.0","type":"link"}