WesAudio ngBusComp

The Smart Research C2 The C2 compressor houses two independant mono compressors, or in STEREO mode, the left-hand controls operate both audio channels, with the right-hand controls not used, giving true Stereo operation. The C2M version has one set of controls and two audio channels for Stereo use, whilst the C2R is a dual channel remote expander for building up to 8 channel systems controlled from one C2M or C2.

The characteristic sound of this unit arises mostly from the fast response at the onset of compression, which when delayed to occur around the mid range attack settings (after 0.3 to 3 milliseconds) results in a window through which transients can still pass. When used accross a mix, or with any dynamic programme, this has the effect of adding 'punch', as the sidechain 'breathes' around these transients, while still controlling overall levels. CRUSH mode has been developed as an extension of this 'musicality', adding to and accentuating the factors involved in producing the character of the unit. CRUSH may sound surprising to those interested in more gentle applications, being capable of exaggerated compression effects, but in conjunction with the fast limit settings also introduced with this unit, it allows the C2 to be used for a much wider range of applications than the C1.

Also available with a parallel compression stage (Blend) check the Smart Research C2B

Smart Research C1t is the modified version of the venerable C1 you can find in most modern UK and West Coast recording studios. The C1t is upgraded with the following new features:

C1 Sidechain Modifications
These mods add a three position sidechain high pass filter switch to each channel, and a stereo, unbalanced external sidechain input connector on the rear panel. Using the switches to roll off low frequency signals feeding the sidechain can reduce compression slightly at low frequencies, but without effecting frequency response of the audio signal path. The external inputs can be used for various effects such as 'ducking' from a vocal or the overlap of 'a bass and a kick ... etc.

High Pass Filter switches
The upper toggle switch is for the left channel, and the lower switch for the right. The center position is off (no filter): up is 75Hz, or down is 150Hz high pass. The filters either work on the normal (internal) sidechain signal, or on an external signal if fed into the external jack input.

External Input
Added to rear panel. The stereo input connector is normalled to break the internal sidechain source when a jack is inserted.

WesAudio MIMAS 1176 Style Analog Compressor with Digital Recall
NEW IMPLEMENTATION OF A LEGEND
Since year 1968 this style of compression dominated hundreds of recordings and to this day it is most commonly used signal processor in the industry. Lightning-fast attack and release times became main companions of audio engineers. WesAudio proudly presents _MIMAS – ng500 series implementation of legendary FET compressor. This time along with classic analog sound You will receive most demanded feature in audio industry – DIGITAL RECALL.

Buzz Audio Essence is a 500 Series version of the flagship SOC-1.1 opto compressor with a similar compression characteristic. The signal path uses Lundahl input and output transformers and our True Class A discrete amplifiers. This compressor is the only compressor on the market to offer a side chain insert point in the 500 Series format. In addition, on board side chain equalisation allows you to alter the sensitivity of the compressor at high and low frequencies - another unique feature of the Essence.

Acme Audio Mfg. Co. is proud to introduce the OPTICOM XLA-500. Taking inspiration from the acclaimed XLA-3, Acme Audio has painstakingly squeezed the XLA-3’s topology into a convenient two space 500 series module.  The XLA-500 is a tube optical audio limiter designed to produce a full range of non-linear, dynamic audio effects.

Vertigo Sound VSC-3 is the legal successor of the VSC-2, which now is a modern classic and can be found in many top class studios around the world.

Vertigo Sound spent a lot of effort making a good product even better. The VSC-3 can do all the tricks the VSC-2 is known and loved for plus a bunch of new features and options.

Available in 2 versions : standard and Mastering (stepped 41 position Threshold and Make up Gain)

Buzz Audio DBC-M mastering diode bridge compressor. Add some real vibe to your mastering project with this take on the vintage diode bridge compressor technique.

The DBC-M is available with a grey (silver) or black face plate.

GC Audio Density compressor is a complete VCA Compressor.
The de-symmetrization stage consists of a Lundhal LL 1585 transformer which remains to this day the only way to perform common mode rejection without adding distortion. The follower OPA are ultra low noise AD797s recommended by That Corporation for optimal operation of the VCA.

WesAudio ng76 Sterei Pair Two 100% analog FET compressors with digital controls
ng76 is a 100% analog processing unit with 24dBu of headroom. Regardless of its full digital control, the analog signal path provides lightning speed compression sound we all know from countless records.

Also available in mono version.

Purple Audio ACTION is a FET compressor reminiscent of the MC77, designed to work in standard 500 racks.

The Action by Purple Audio features a constant impedance 600 ohm input attenuator feeding the input transformer, just like the MC77 units. This makes the input more resistant to overload by hot signals. After the input transformer, the signal is attenuated by the same gain reduction FET as in the MC77. The attenuated signal is buffered by a class A KDJ3 Op-Amp, which feeds the output fader. Lastly, the class AB KDJ4 output Op-Amp drives the custom hexafilar nickel and steel output transformer. The total gain (with no attenuation) is 45dB, just like the MC77.

Overstayer Stereo Voltage Control Model 3722 is like having an entire mixing signal chain in a single rack space. It goes beyond the capabilities of a typical compressor/limiter and enables new sonic possibilities while streamlining workflow.  

The SVC 3722 combines the gain control and punch of VCA gain cells, the warmth and character of our discrete analog Harmonics circuitry, and the sculpting power of an ultra-smooth 2-band shelving EQ. The SVC has dynamics control from fast peak limiting to smooth RMS compression, with multiple starting ratios and a Behavior control to create new and unique envelopes. Use the LEVEL control to drive into Harmonics to further bend transient peaks, adding musical harmonic color and cohesiveness as well as increasing apparent volume.

GC Audio revealed the Analog Riser - 5-stage processor for tracking, Mixing & Mastering
The GC Audio Analog Riser is a high-end dynamics and harmonics processor, which allows you to obtain sharp and unique dynamics and harmonics processing. It offers a unique sound signature for demanding engineers, right up to the mastering stage.

Several years of research and development have been necessary to create this analog processor so that it can be used in all areas of the audio business.

An uncompromising electronic design has been made to obtain an irreproachable sound quality.

The GC Audio Analog Riser will allow you to process sound with confidence and pleasure for recording, mixing and mastering.

Smart Research C1 Compressor is the original black front panel version of C2 compressor. (Two sets of controls and two audio channels, but no Sidechain inputs, or Crush facility). Popular in UK and US west coast studios.

A modded version with 2 high-pass filters and a Sidechain input, the C1t is also available.

Chandler Limited TG1 Limiter - Dual EMI Abbey Road Compressor/Limiter
The Chandler Limited TG1 is a recreation of the classic EMI TG12413 Limiter used in custom EMI and Abbey Road recording and mastering consoles from the late 60's. The TG Limiter was originally designed to be like the Fairchild 660/670 which was loved by many EMI engineers, including Geoff Emerick, but ended up with a very special sound all its own. These rare pieces were never commercially available and only EMI owned studios had access to them. Our version has been remade from the original design information and circuit board drawings as provided by Abbey Road and EMI to ensure extreme authenticity!

TG1 Updates & Modifications: Harmonic Distortion Function
Now standard on all Abbey Road Special Edition TG-1's, this option allows bypassing of the compressor/limiter threshold but leaves all circuits in the signal path, turning the unit into a powerful Harmonic Distortion generator capable of kicking out up to 2% Total Harmonic Distortion. That's more than 2 times the amount of analog tape! And all with 100% discrete transformer balanced circuits. Adjust the input for amount of THD and the output to match level. Try running Distortion on one channel and hard limiting on the other. The ultimate in retro! This option is placed on the front panel of the unit with a toggle switch for each channel.

WesAudio NG76 Next generation FET compressor with digital recall and automation
FET compressors have been an essential tool in recording studios for over 50 years. Its distinctive sound and reliability have made it a go-to for producers and engineers around the world. The 76-style FET compressor has left its mark on countless hit records which has helped to establish its reputation as a reliable and versatile tool in the recording technology. We have improved this design, creating a whole new level of versatility with seamless DAW integration – We present ng76 – fully analog FET compressor with digital recall.

Also available in Stereo Pair.

The Buzz Audio DBC-20 is a new take on a vintage technique utilizing a gain reduction element of silicon diodes in a balanced bridge arrangement. The diode bridge is coupled via a "radio steel" laminated transformer of our own design. This element produces a desirable compression character that can best be described as tight, colourful and rich with harmonics. In the style of compressors from the 60's, the DBC-20 incorporates a self-adjusting ratio whereby the compression ratio is progressively increased with deepening gain reduction. This feature allows for the control of very dynamic signals (such as vocals) in a seamless fashion. The DBC does sound very vintage but does not carry the vintage price tag!

The DBC-20 is available with a grey (silver) or black face plate.

The ADR Compex F760X-RS by Q2 Audio reintroduces, at long last, the venerable and highly sought-after dynamics processor of yesteryear. The unique character and spirit of the Compex can be heard on many classic recordings (think of that huge, commanding drum sound on When the Levee Breaks by Led Zeppelin, for instance). With painstaking attention to detail, Q2 Audio has masterfully reproduced the exact circuit design of the original Compex, with a handful of new features and updated components.

An excellent reissue of the ADR (Audio Design & Recording) F690 from the 70's, the machine that makes wonders on percussive sources (Drums, Percussion, Piano ...etc.) known for the sound of Led Zeppelin drums. This new version is identical to the original version, sounds the same but solves the recurring problems of the original machine, and offers a wider stereo image.

Looptrotter MONSTER COMPRESSOR 2 has been redesigned from the ground up to improve durability and sound quality. The Monster Compressor’s second generation features following upgrades:
• Grayhill switches with lifetime warranty
• 6N2P NOS military grade electron tubes
• Burr Brown Sound + integrated circuit components
• Intuitive, soft deesser (compressor mode) for warm, deep yet silky smooth sound
• Thick, heavy duty, coated aluminum front panel

Three independent devices of an original design in one piece
• FET Compressor / Limiter
• Tube saturation
• Mixer of dry and wet signal

Make the Monster Compressor 2 a very creative tool with great versatility, able to:
• Compress and warm up and punch up the sound
• Process subgroups, stems or just single tracks during tracking or mixing
• Master

Obsidian 500 Dual Mono Expansion from Dramastic Audio adds Dual Mono Functionality to the Obsidian 500.

Adds the followings to the Obiodian 500:
• Duplicate Set of Precison Stepped Controls for Dual Mono Fonctionnality
• Independent Metering of Left & Right channels
• External Sidechain Input for Left & Right Channels
• Expansion Port for linking to the Obsidian 500

Smart Research C2B offers an additional parallel compression stage to the standard C2, or a Blend function to the famous C2 VCA compressor by Alan Smart. The pot is located on the left of the front panel. The unit houses two independent mono compressors, in stereo mode, the left channel controls adjust the settings of both channels, so the right channel controls are no longer used, offering a real stereo operation. The C2M version has a set of controls and two audio channels for stereo use, while the C2R is a two-channel extension allows you to build a system with up to 8 channels controlled from a single C2 or C2M.

The Chandler Limited RS660 Compressor builds upon the technological advancements that began with the historic EMI RS124 and Fairchild 660 compressors used at EMI’s Abbey Road Studios during the 1960s, and distills them into a refined and elegant compression circuit…that is the RS660 Compressor. Rather than a reproduction of existing equipment, the RS660 Compressor stands apart and represents a path forward in the recording engineering development department.

Chandler Limited Zener Limiter - TG 12413 Zener Limiter
The EMI TG12413 Zener Limiter is the ultimate TG Limiter issued in celebration of the 75th birthday of Abbey Road Studios. The Zener Limiter was conceived by Chandler Limited designer Wade Goeke and is based on the vintage EMI circuits used to record The Beatles and Pink Floyd. This newest EMI Limiter continues the tradition of EMI Limiters started in 1956 with the RS114 tube limiter, and continued with the RS168 Zener Limiter in 1966, part of the TG12345 console channel in 1968 and TG12413 in 1974. The newest version borrows from the RS168 Zener Limiter and TG12345 console strip to make a new fully featured and flexible unit for modern use. It is interesting to note that the TG Limiter was originally designed to replace both the Fairchild 660 (Limit Mode) and the Altec 436 / RS124 (Comp 1 Mode)

The main reason for Zener Limiter reissue was to add features and flexibility to the powerful and vintage sounding TG limiter circuits. To that end Wade has added many new controls including switchable input impedance for hard of soft driving of the unit, 11 position attack, 21 position release, side chain filtering, and Comp1, Comp2, and Limit settings.

A simple Limiter from the rich past of EMI and Abbey Road has now come full circle into a modern powerhouse suitable for recording, mixing, and mastering. The rest is NEW Chandler Limited/EMI/Abbey Road history....

Buzz Audio VELOX - Dual channel optical compressor
Taking over where Buzz Audio's classic SOC-1.1 left off, we announce the new VELOX dual channel optical recording compressor.

GC Audio Riser compressor is a full signal chain processor offering 2 stages:
1 – Preamp stage of our RE-11 cartridge, compatible with Mic/Line levels
2 – Full VCA compressor from the brand's flagship, the Analog Riser

1) Preamp stage
Preamp Gain Step -6 dB to +68 dB

2) Compressor stage
• Threshold -30dB to +10dB
• Ratio 12 steps, 1.5 to 10
• Attack 0.5ms to 300ms
• Release 1.5ms to 1.5s
• Make up -20dB to +20dB
• Knee setting (Soft / Hard)
• Auto creator setting (automatic fast Attack and Release for transients)

The Smart Research C2 compressor houses two independant mono compressors, or in STEREO mode, the left-hand controls operate both audio channels, with the right-hand controls not used, giving true Stereo operation. The C2M version has one set of controls and two audio channels for Stereo use, whilst the C2R is a dual channel remote expander for building up to 8 channel systems controlled from one C2M or C2.

The characteristic sound of this unit arises mostly from the fast response at the onset of compression, which when delayed to occur around the mid range attack settings (after 0.3 to 3 milliseconds) results in a window through which transients can still pass. When used accross a mix, or with any dynamic programme, this has the effect of adding 'punch', as the sidechain 'breathes' around these transients, while still controlling overall levels. CRUSH mode has been developed as an extension of this 'musicality', adding to and accentuating the factors involved in producing the character of the unit. CRUSH may sound surprising to those interested in more gentle applications, being capable of exaggerated compression effects, but in conjunction with the fast limit settings also introduced with this unit, it allows the C2 to be used for a much wider range of applications than the C1.

Q2 Audio F765 stereo Pair is the compression and limiting sections of the famous "Compex Limiter"™ built into a single 500 Series slot. The audio path contains the same blue Phillips type capacitors and BC series transistors as the original Compex.

Formatted after the vertical "N-Unit" with slight layout changes for enhanced usability, the F765 lives up to the reputation it's big brother, the F760X-RS, has made over decades of being a "secret weapon" on countless records.

Chandler Limited Little Devil Compressor - 500 Series Compressor Module
The Chandler Little Devil Compressor uses all discrete circuits that combine Chandler's best designs with the hottest designs from the past, transformer balanced everything, and the American hand made quality you expect from Chandler, the LITTLE DEVILS will take the lunchbox UP to the next level...

Undertone Audio UnFairchild 670M II
The Fairchild circuit could be one of the most coveted and time tested compressors of all time. It has proven its extraordinary universal musicality for over 5 decades on countless genres of music. The beauty of its design is in its simplicity. The audio path, primarily consisting of only 2 transformers and 4 paralleled vari-mu tubes, can provide a gentle smoothing of levels or an explosive, energizing compression that will make any recording leap out of the speakers. The UTA UnFairchild is a painstaking recreation of the classic sound of this circuit.

CHANDLER LIMITED TG Opto Compressor - 500 Series Optical Compressor
The Chandler Limited TG Opto compressor is a handmade, fully discrete, mono, dual space module, designed for the 500 Series format.

The TG Opto for 500 Series is a relative of the TG1 Opto, found in Chandler Limited’s TG Microphone Cassette, the TG1 Limiter and Zener Limiter, and traces its lineage to the historic EMI TG12413 limiters found on the TG12345 mixing and mastering consoles of the late ‘60s and early ‘70s.

The TG Opto compressor control-set includes: selectable sharp and rounded knees, continuous input, output (makeup gain), attack, release, and true bypass.

Purple Audio MC77 LIMITER
Le MC77 recrée le circuit audio du 1176 révision E, en utilisant des composants modernes adaptés à l'original.

The Standard Audio Stretch is a 500 Series, multi-band Compressor / Dynamics Processor unit based on noise reduction units from the 1970s and 1980s. Stretch emulates the sound of these classic units in their respective “encode” modes. However, the Stretch adds new features to employ this old trick in multitude of new ways.  

ADR Compex F760X-RS-TX by Q2 Audio with Jensen transformer - balanced I/O
Renowned for decades by top engineers as the quintessential box for larger-than-life drum sounds! The ADR Compex F760X-RS may be the best compressor/limiter available for drum room mics and drum bus duties and is also highly sought-after for the character and punch it adds to guitars along with a myriad of other sources... And now it can be yours!

An excellent reissue of the ADR (Audio Design & Recording) F690 from the 70's, the machine that makes wonders on percussive sources (Drums, Percussion, Piano ...etc.) known for the sound of Led Zeppelin drums. This new version is identical to the original version, sounds the same but solves the recurring problems of the original machine, and offers a wider stereo image.

The Standard Audio Level-Or MK2 is an agressive JFET limiter and harmonic distortion generator inspired by the Shure Level-Loc PA Limiter from the 60's and 70's. The MK2 version takes the original concept to a new level with improved performance and added features making it an extremely versatile studio tool.

Buzz Audio SOC-20 - Mid side pro-audio compressor
A dual channel precision optical compressor optimized for the stereo buss with features not found on any other LDR compressor manufactured today.

Smart Research C1LA is a stereo compressor/limiter, released to commemorate the 25th anniversary of the original C1 Stereo/Dual Mono unit, and the 50th anniversary of North American distributor, Sunset Sound. It is a versatile unit, housed in a two-module wide 500-series format, with three main modes of operation offering a range of possibilities. It can be used for all stereo or single channel signal applications: as a main mix bus compressor; for sub-mixes; or for tracking either mono or stereo sources.

For 25 years Smart Research compressors have been used across many mixes: with artists as diverse as the Rolling Stones to the Three Tenors. The C1LA shares this history by including the same electronics and settings as the original C1, but with several new features.

Undertone Audio UNFa-1 Accessory Box
The UNFa-1 Accessory is an add-on to the UnFairchild 670m mkII vari-mu tube compressor/limiter. It adds a whole new world of flexibility and function to the already versatile recreation of the Fairchild circuit. There were certain features that didn’t make sense to have included in the UnFairchild design because it would have strayed too far from the mission of faithfully recreating the original Fairchild circuit. Being outside the boundaries of the original Fairchild circuit doesn’t make these new features any less desirable. An optional add on product was and is the perfect solution. With these added features, UnFairchild users can have an authentic hardware recreation of the legendary vintage musicality of an original Fairchild WITH a level of control and flexibility that many plugins don’t even offer. It is truly unfair.

WesAudio DIONE STARLIGHT Black Face Limited Version
Legendary sound of Stereo Bus compressor has been true companion on countless recordings since 40 years. Often recognized as “mixbus glue”, this particular compression sound have become industry standard. We present _DIONE – fully analog, legendary VCA compressor with digital recall.

Q2 Audio F765 500 Series Compressor / limiter
Manufactured by Q2 Audio in close collaboration with Audio & Design, the F765 is a remake of the classic F760-N module and has now been adapted to the 500 series modular rack system. It is authentic in every detail and reproduces the exact sonic qualities of the original product.

Using the original discrete analogue circuit design employing a feedback FET technique and maintaining the use of the same components that give this product such a distinctive sound, the new F765 compressor/limiter will add dynamic punch to your sound as well as controlling peak excursions.

We love FET compression! In fact, some say we’re slightly obsessed with it. They might be right.

The Overstayer Stereo Field Effect Model 3706 Limiter/Compressor is an evolution of our passion for FET compressors and classic analog recording chains. The Stereo Field Effect, or SFE, is a stereo unit with ganged controls that combines compression and limiting, with analog tone shaping and harmonics stages to evoke the tonality of a classic analog recording and mixing chain.

Bettermaker Mastering Limiter 2.0
For over 7 years the Bettermaker Mastering Limiter has dominated the pro audio Mastering industry becoming an essential tool for Grammy winning Mix and Mastering engineers. It became a signature sound of Billboard hits as well as festival anthems being the last piece in the chain of the biggest artists in the world.

After countless hours of research in Bettermaker laboratories, it’s time for the next step. The modern legend has gotten even better, more powerful and more intuitive.

New mastering features, totally redesigned control screen and plugin, and presets from pro audio legends, the Limiter 2.0 is the ultimate tool to bring your music the final touch that it became famous for, but with extra kick.

Buzz Audio SOC 1.1 The use of Light Dependent Resistors (LDR) as the control element of an audio compressor was pioneered in the 1960's and we are all aware of the value placed on those famous vintage "LA" units. The Buzz Audio SOC-1.1 was designed not to copy, but to take that signature and improve on it by offering the user more control. With 4 ratio settings, 3 attack options and 6 release times, the SOC-1.1 puts you in command of the dynamics rather than dealing with set parameters.

WesAudio Timbre – Vari-mu Tube Compressor
As always It’s all about compression so we’ve created “Timbre” – an all tube vari-mu compressor based on the 6386 tube, inspired by the old, famous and much desired Gates STA-Level compressor. The Timbre is easy to use, full of color and sweetness. It is a vintage-style compressor made from the highest quality of components.

Augmenting the design, we have added new features like the third mode of operation with shorter attack time, a high-pass sidechain filter, a link for stereo operation and a bypass function. Timbre utilizes a novel programme controlled release circuit which creates density and consistency while minimizing typical compressor side-effects at up to 40dB of gain reduction!

Dramastic Audio Obsidian 500 is derived from the 19" rack mount series Obisdian Stereo Compressor, but adds more flexibility with selectable high-pass filters. This 500 series version is also provided with a soft additional ratio of 1.5: 1. This module can also be completed with the Obisdian Dual Mono Expansion  offering all dual mono features like independent L/R channels metering, a side-chain input crucial for some applications and a a duplication of the front panel controls.

Buzz Audio SOC-M - Mastering optical compressor
A precision stereo optical compressor optimized for analogue mastering featuring a mid side matrix and a balanced side chain insert point.

The SOC-M is available with a grey (silver) or black face plate.

Chandler Limited RS124 Mastering, Matched Pair and stepped - EMI/Abbey Road Tube Compressor
The Chandler Limited RS124 Compressor is a recreation of one of the most coveted audio valve compressors of all time, the legendary EMI/Abbey Road RS124, reimagined for use in the modern studio environment.

The RS124, a “variable-mu” compressor circuit, was built for use at Abbey Road Studios, and was never commercially available until now.

Along with features traditionally found on the original counterparts, Input control, Output attenuation, ‘Recovery’ (release) control and the unique ‘HOLD’ setting, the Chandler Limited RS124 Compressor includes modern facilities such as adjustable attack, selectable output impedance, and a special twist, dubbed the ‘SuperFuse’.

The RS124 brings home the sound of a legend, reimagined for the modern era, today.

H2 Audio H760 FET Compressor / Limiter
Undoubtedly one of the best-kept secrets in recording, the F760 designed by AD&R and licensed by Helios is one of the most classic FET comp/limiters ever made. Sold as modules fitted into classic Helios desks and most famously heard on Led Zeppelin’s ‘When The Levee Breaks’ drum recording. A very easy-to-use unit with fixed threshold and 5 pre-selected ratios, selectable attack and release times and separate Limiter threshold. The H760 will allow the user quick adjustment of dynamic control of any audio program and maintain the classic sound of a British FET compressor/limiter.

Dramastic Audio Obsidian Stereo Comp TXIO
Through the use of several proprietary methods the Dramastic Audio Obsidian Stereo compressor performs a range of tasks unheard of from the average SSL or SSL-esque unit.  The fist difference the user will notice is that the unit suffers no ‘shrinkage’ to the audio sound field.  The highs stay brilliant and clear and the bottom will continue to thunder (especially with the unit’s internal High Pass Filter engaged on the unit’s detection circuit).

Chandler Limited RS124 - EMI/Abbey Road Tube Compressor
The Chandler Limited RS124 Compressor is a recreation of one of the most coveted audio valve compressors of all time, the legendary EMI/Abbey Road RS124, reimagined for use in the modern studio environment.

The RS124, a “variable-mu” compressor circuit, was built for use at Abbey Road Studios, and was never commercially available until now.

Along with features traditionally found on the original counterparts, Input control, Output attenuation, ‘Recovery’ (release) control and the unique ‘HOLD’ setting, the Chandler Limited RS124 Compressor includes modern facilities such as adjustable attack, selectable output impedance, and a special twist, dubbed the ‘SuperFuse’.

The RS124 brings home the sound of a legend, reimagined for the modern era, today.