In this video I review the Wes Audio Pandora 500 Series Multiband Compressor. We take the first look at Wes Audio’s latest release. And I must say it is something special. A hugely versatile compressor that can be used in so many unique ways.
Purely Analog Design
PANDORA is a fully analog 3-band multiband compressor, offering up to 24dBu of headroom. Designed for superior audio quality, it preserves the integrity of your signal while delivering precise, dynamic control over multiple frequency ranges.
3-Band Control
Each of the three bands in PANDORA is equipped with crossover filters ranging from 40Hz to 2kHz, and 2kHz to 15kHz. This allows for precise multiband processing, giving you complete control over low, mid, and high-frequency dynamics.
3 Slots Stereo Module
_PANDORA occupies 3 slots in the 500 series format to accommodate its extensive feature set, providing easy access to all controls. Despite using 3 slots, the unit offers purely stereo processing. Only slots 1 and 2 are connected to the 500 series chassis for audio routing, so these should be used for integrating it into your studio system.
Tuned Harmonic Distortion
Each band features tailored harmonic distortion, specifically tuned for its respective frequency range. This ensures that you achieve a perfect balance of warmth and coloration, enhancing the character of your mix with analog richness.
Highly Flexible VCA Compression
With independent VCA compressors for each band, PANDORA offers maximum flexibility. You can control the dynamics of each frequency band separately, allowing for more precise shaping of the overall mix.
Low Band SC High Pass Filters
The low band includes 3 selectable sidechain high-pass filters, allowing you to better manage low-frequency dynamics. This feature is essential for avoiding unwanted low-end triggering and maintaining tight control over bass-heavy content.
High Band SC Low Pass Filters
The high band is equipped with 3 selectable sidechain low-pass filters, designed to isolate problematic high frequencies. This ensures that compression is triggered by the frequencies that need it most, keeping the highs clean and controlled.
Parallel Compression
With a dedicated MIX knob, PANDORA allows you to easily blend dry and compressed signals. This makes it ideal for parallel compression techniques, letting you retain the original dynamics while adding compression for added punch and control.
Modern GUI
PANDORA features a sleek, modern GUI that provides full control over hardware parameters through a plugin interface. This allows you to integrate seamlessly with your digital workflow while enjoying the warmth and precision of analog hardware.
Compatible with 500 Series and ng500 Series
Despite its advanced features, _PANDORA remains fully compatible with the standard 500 series*. Its digital functionalities can be accessed via the mini USB socket on the front panel.
The ng500 (Next Generation 500 series) extends the capabilities of the traditional 500 series, making _ PANDORA fully compatible with the _TITAN chassis. This allows control of all devices in the chassis using a single USB or Ethernet cable.
* Important note: ng500 represents an enhancement of the 500 series standard.
Hardware A/B
Even when using _PANDORA as a purely analog signal processor, you can easily switch between two parallel settings with the simple press of a button, offering seamless transitions and flexibility in sound processing.
Total Recall and Plugin Control
Along with the classic analog compression, _PANDORA offers one of the most highly requested features in the audio industry — TOTAL RECALL.
Complete plugin control via VST2, VST3, AU and AAX ensures _PANDORA is compatible with nearly all major DAWs, providing seamless integration.
This total DAW integration will revolutionize your workflow, allowing for smooth recall of settings and effortless control within your digital environment.
- Purely Analog: 3-band multiband compressor with 24dBu headroom.
- 3-Band Control: Crossover filters from 40Hz to 15kHz for precise processing.
- THD: Tailored distortion per band, optimized by frequency.
- Flexible VCA Compression: Independent compressors for each band.
- Low Band SC Filters: 3 sidechain high-pass filters for low-frequency control.
- High Band SC Filters: 3 sidechain low-pass filters for precise triggering.
- Parallel Compression: MIX knob for blending dry and compressed signals.
- Gain reduction metering on both the hardware and plugin for each band, with input metering for each band in the plugin.
- Modern GUI: Full control over hardware via plugin interface.
- Accurate Metering: GR metering on hardware and plugin, input metering in plugin.
- Compatible with 500 series and ng500 series (e.g., _TITAN).
- Total Recall and plugin control, compatible with most DAWs.
- Supports analog automation within DAWs for seamless integration.
- Occupies 3 slots in the 500 series format but provides purely stereo processing, utilizing only slots 1 and 2 for audio routing.
