Legendary Vari-Mu Compression
The Sta-Level has been one of the most sought after Vari-Mu compressors: for good reason! With its stunning transformers and tube circuit, most things sound better just running through it. Hand-crafted by our small team in Chile, the Stam-Level is the most accurate sounding replica of the vintage Gates Sta-Level available on the market today. It works exceptionally well on vocals, guitars, bass or anywhere a more solid and beefy sound is needed during the recording process.
Stam Audio has been building tube compressors for over a decade, and we decided it was time to do justice to this legendary piece. We have gone all in, with UK-made Sowter transformers, a US-made Choke, NOS European tubes and a linear power supply that precisely replicates this unit’s unique low end and THD: and unlike others, we have not fallen sonically short.
To add even more value, we included the much requested dry-wet mix blend control, a 3-position side-chain high pass filter, a drive knob, with 1dB increments and a true bypass switch, all housed in a beautiful three-U faceplate with rack ears and yes, we outsourced the elusive original VU meter as well. Without cutting any corners and while also ensuring that it sounds exactly like an original 1950’s unit, we are confident that the Stam-Level will be the last Sta-Level replica you will ever need.
The Iron
We outsourced these transformers to several manufacturers and ended up settling with two UK-made Sowter transformers that painstakingly recreated the timbre, ratios and FR of the original transformers. Though much more expensive than other offerings, Sowter transformers provide superior performance to any other offering. Thanks to their meticulous craftsmanship we can confidently say the Stam-Level recreates every drop of character of the original Sta-Level both in the top and low end and can be used indistinguishably with an original unit. It also comes with a UK-made high grade core toroidal transformer allowing both 115V and 230V operation.
The Tubes
Tubes played a big role in the original character. Each Stam-Level is packed with 8 tubes with an all tube power supply including two matched NOS 6BA6’s, matched 6V6’s, one 12AT7, one 0B2, one 5Y3GT and one 6AL5. These tubes coupled with Sowter Iron ensures that the Stam-Level delivers the same mojo and low end that the original Sta-Level was famous for and that’s typically missing from modern “clones”
Extra features
The Stam-Level is an exact replica of the original schematic from the late 50’s and includes the standard Input, Output, Recovery Time and single, double and triple mode but incorporates several new crucial features.
- A 3 position side-chain high pass filter (off, 60hz and 120hz)
- Blend control
- Drive knob in 1dB increments to saturate the input and output
- A true bypass switch
- An off position to bypass the side-chain
The Aesthetics
Last, but not least, are the looks. We went the extra mile to source the original 3U faceplate and screws in a beautiful finish including the famous rack ears that gave this comp it’s unique look. We also outsourced the original VU meter and knobs.
Manufacturing
We made no compromises in parts selection for this build, ensuring you the best sounding Sta-Level replica money can buy. Every unit is handmade and calibrated in our workshop in Chile, where they get a full health check and are burned in for 72 hours to ensure your compressor will last for decades. Stam Audio Engineering products are about sound quality first and foremost. Every component of every unit is premium quality and carefully selected to ensure our units match or even surpass the quality of high-end boutique gear.
100% satisfaction guarantee – if you don’t love your Stam-Level, we’ll refund you
If you’ve used an original Sta-Level before, we’re extremely confident the Stam-Level will put a big smile on your face every time you use it. However, if you’ve never touched the original before, as gear lovers ourselves we understand that the only way to really know if this compressor is right for you, is to put it through its paces. That’s why the Stam-Level comes with a 30-day money back guarantee. This allows you to get it into your rack and see how it impacts your recordings. If you love it (and we think you will!), great…keep the unit and create amazing music with it. If not, no problems. Just send it back to us and we’ll fully refund your purchase.
