WIDOWSPEAK - Microphone Preamp w/ Compressor Limiter

WIDOWSPEAK is a hand built microphone preamp with opto-compression.

An opto (or optical) compressor utilizes a light source (LED) and light detector (LDR) as the core of its gain reduction circuit.

As a compressor, WIDOWSPEAK aims to smooth out audio by pushing transients (the spikes or peaks in the waveform) down without reducing the entire signal. This smoothing process allows you to increase your INPUT gain without causing your signal to clip or distort.

The microphone preamp is transformer-less and uses NE5532 dual op amps for gain staging.

Tech Specs:
-INPUT: XLR type, balanced, suited well for dynamic microphones
***No Phantom Power
-BAL.(output): XLR type, balanced line level
-UNBAL.(output): 1/4" TS mono
-DC jack is standard 2.1mm, center-negative.
-Operates with a supply of 9VDC.
-Draws no more than 15mA of power.
-Contains reverse-polarity (power) protection.

-No internal battery connection.

***No battery or power supply is included.

Widowspeak video guide: https://youtu.be/FkYDIgKW970