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!

• 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.

• Frequency response:
  • 100% Dry: <10 Hz - 400 kHz (-3 dB)
  • 100% Wet: <10 Hz - 27 kHz (-3 dB)
• THD+N (100 % Dry):
  • @ 0 dBu: 0.013 %
  • @ +10 dBu: 0.024 %
• THD+N - 100 % Wet (in Saturation Mode):
  • @ 0 dBu Min Drive: 0.47 %
  • @ 0 dBu Max Drive:35.1 %
• Noise floor (20 Hz - 20 kHz [A-weighted]):
  • 100% Dry: -91 dBu
  • 100% Wet (depending on Drive and Gain): -81 to -91 dBu
• Dynamic range:
  • 20 Hz - 22 kHz: 112 dB
• Maximum level:
  • Input: +21 dBu
  • Output: +21 dBu
• Impedance:
  • Input: 10 kOhm
  • Output: 68 Ohm
• Power consumption:
  • Total: 210 mA
  • Per slot: 105 mA