Eventide Omnipressor® Model 2830 Au: The Golden Anniversary Edition

Eventide Celebrates the 50th Anniversary of the Omnipressor with a Special Edition

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New York, NY, October 26, 2023 – Eventide Clockworks, a pioneer in studio effects, marks the 50th anniversary of their groundbreaking Omnipressor with the launch of the Eventide Omnipressor® Model 2830 Au. This special edition is a faithful recreation of the original model, a device that revolutionized dynamics processing for special effects in the music industry.

The Original Omnipressor: A Legacy of Innovation

• Debut in 1973: The Omnipressor was the first studio product encouraging the use of dynamics for special effects.
• Unique Features: Unlike other studio effects like the Instant Phaser® and Flanger®, the Omnipressor introduced dynamic reversal, infinite compression, variable gating, and a separate “side chain”.
• Discontinuation: Despite its groundbreaking features, production ceased due to parts scarcity and complexity for a then less sophisticated industry.

Rare and Revered: The Collector’s Favorite

• The limited production run and subsequent rarity of the original units turned them into highly sought-after collector’s items, fetching prices upwards of $6000 in resale markets.

The Genesis of the Omnipressor

• Inspired Origins: The Omnipressor was conceived by Eventide’s founder, Richard Factor, drawing inspiration from conversations with scientist Mark Weiss during the Nixon Watergate scandal investigation.
• Technological Leap: This compressor leveraged new hardware capabilities of the 1970s, surpassing the limits of earlier compression architectures.

The Model 2830: A Commercial Success Yet a Short-Lived Reign

• The Black Face Model 2830: Designed by Jon Paul, this version sold several hundred units before succumbing to commercial and supply chain pressures.
• Dynamics as an Effect: This model demonstrated the potential of using dynamics in creative ways, but its complexity and supply issues led to its discontinuation.

The Omnipressor Legacy Continues

• Demand for the Unique Sound: The Omnipressor’s unique dynamics effects led to hardware emulation and a Pro Tools plugin.
• Reintroduction: Responding to enthusiast demand, Eventide announced the return of this classic in a podcast, leading to the development of the golden-anniversary edition.

Introducing the Eventide Omnipressor® Model 2830 Au

• Faithful Recreation: Utilizing original schematics from the Eventide archives, this anniversary edition replicates the sound and circuitry of the classic 2830 model.
• Modern Enhancements: The 2830 Au includes new features such as linked unit capability, audio transformers (a premium feature on the original), a universal power supply, and a backlit meter. Enhanced connectivity is provided through modern TRS/XLR connectors, replacing the original terminal strip.
• Pricing and Availability: The 2830 Au is priced comparably to the original, adjusted for 2023’s market, making it a valuable yet accessible addition to modern studios.

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This special anniversary edition is not just a tribute to the past; it’s a bridge to the future, enabling a new generation of artists and producers to explore the unique sound and capabilities of the legendary Omnipressor. As Eventide looks back on 50 years of innovation, the Model 2830 Au stands as a testament to their enduring legacy in shaping the sound of modern music.