The karacter 500 is a box full of vibrant colors. It covers a complete spectrum including mastering-grade saturation, tube-inspired distortion and glorious destruction. Gone are the days when only racks full of outboard gear could achieve these elusive and highly desirable styles of tonal coloration…
This all-in-one solution offers two separate channels which can be set up for dual mono, linked stereo or linked and unlinked M/S operation. Integrated mix stages for parallel signal processing and the unique Color Control add to its remarkable flexibility.
The entire unit is designed with discrete class-A topology, so even the most lo-fi sounds will benefit from the karacter’s high-end touch. Enhance your tracks or decimate everything – It’s a matter of karacter.
• 100% Class-A Topology
Expensive boutique sound made affordable.
• Mastering-Grade Saturation
Gentle THD generation with a soft characteristic.
• Tube-Inspired Distortion
Wide ranges of asymmetrical low noise clipping.
• Glorious Destruction
Turbo Boost for massive sonic mayhem.
• Color Filter
Harmonics-frequency relation tweaks.
• Dual Mono/Stereo Link/Mid Side
Signal matrix for maximum flexibility.
• Stepped Controllers
Fast and easy recall guaranteed.
• Made in Germany
Build quality without compromise.
Features
Discrete Class-A Topology
The input and output stages as well as the complete audio path are fully discrete designs running in constant class-A mode. The result: Signal coloration, high-end style.
Mastering-Grade Saturation
In this mode, the karacter 500 generates gentle Total Harmonic Distortion (THD) with a soft characteristic curve, resulting in very musical symmetrical clipping.
Tube-Inspired Distortion
In FET Shred mode, the behavior of the karacter 500 changes drastically. The sound instantly reminds of tube amplifiers, with a wide range of asymmetrical distortion.
Glorious Destruction
Now, this is pushing the envelope. The Turbo Boost shifts the operating point of the distortion circuit in FET shred mode and generates even more asymmetrical wave forms.
Color Filter
The Color control changes the harmonics-frequency relation with tons of interesting variations. Middle is flat; turn left for more dub and right for more shred.
Integrated M/S Matrix
As an alternative to standard stereo operation you can process the mid and side signals, opening up completely new options for your work!
Dual Mono/Stereo Link
For ultimate flexibility, the karacter 500 offers both true dual mono and linked stereo operation, while in M/S mode the channels can be linked or unlinked as well.
Stepped Controllers
All potentiometers of the karacter 500 have 41 steps, which is a great help for recalling your previous sessions fast and precisely.
Ground Layer Shield
One of the six layers of both PCBs is a full copper plane which helps to reduce interferences caused by electric fields.