1959 Vintage Gates Sta-Level Tube Compressor - Desktop Version - unmolested & original!
Now for something different!
Newly listed here on Avanti Audio for sale is a stunningly beautiful example of the legendary Gates Sta-Level Tube Compressor from 1959 in exceptional shape! Originally designed for use in Broadcast Radio applications to automatically adjust and balance program and microphone gain level feeds, vintage Sta-Level's find new life in modern day recording and mixing studio's by amateurs and professionals alike. The Gates Sta-Level was at the foundation of the 1960's hit music sound and in the modern day is/was used by recording industry producers and engineers when recording and mixing the likes of Johnny Cash, Prince, Tool, U2, Elvis Costello and The Red Hot Chili Peppers to name a few.
As a basic un-gated automatic gain control compressor, it utilizes the 6386 dual triode tube type in a variable-mu configuration to create its magic and works exceptionally well on vocals, guitars, bass or anywhere a more solid and beefy sound is needed during the recording process.
This original (and unmolested) Gates Sta-Level comes from my Dad's personal collection of electronic components. He acquired this unit when he was a Gates/Harris Design Engineer back in the late 1960's in Quincy, IL. A circa 1959 Sta-Level, this version is unique in that it has desktop legs / rubber feet with a top cover and retains its original blue knobs. It's in original form and untouched/not-modded! This Sta-Level doesn't have rack mount ears but if one needs them, they can be purchased from Phil Moore at Retro-Instruments.
Includes original printed manual with schematic.
Included tube complement: (tubes tested with Hickok 752A and test great!)
| Tube Type: |
6V6GTA |
| Mfg: |
GE |
| Mfg Date: |
1978 |
| Production Type: |
2 Rib Grey Plates, O Getter, MM date code |
| Test Date: |
12/12/2021 |
| Gm 1: |
3500 |
| Min 1: |
2300 |
| Leak: |
No |
| Gas: |
No |
| Rsv Life 1: |
950/1000 |
|
|
|
|
| Tube Type: |
6V6GTA |
| Mfg: |
GE |
| Mfg Date: |
1978 |
| Production Type: |
2 Rib Grey Plates, O Getter, MM date code |
| Test Date: |
12/12/2021 |
| Gm 1: |
3500 |
| Min 1: |
2300 |
| Leak: |
No |
| Gas: |
No |
| Rsv Life 1: |
950/1000 |
|
|
|
|
| Tube Type: |
6386 |
| Brand: |
RCA |
| Mfg: |
GE |
| Mfg Date: |
1961 |
| Production Type: |
Triple Mica, Black Plates, Bent Square Getter |
| Test Date: |
12/12/2021 |
| Gm 1: |
3700 |
| Gm 2: |
3400 |
| Min 1: |
2500 |
| Min2: |
2500 |
| Leak: |
No |
| Gas: |
No |
| Rsv Life 1: |
1000/1000 |
|
|
|
|
| Tube Type: |
12AT7WA/3223 |
| Mfg: |
Tung-Sol |
| Mfg Date: |
1950's |
| Production Type: |
JTL-12at7wa, D getter, Military |
| Test Date: |
10/29/2021 |
| Gm 1: |
4600 |
| Gm 2: |
4150 |
| Min 1: |
2500 |
| Min2: |
2500 |
| Leak: |
No |
| Gas: |
No |
| Rsv Life 1: |
950/1000 |
|
|
|
|
| Tube Type: |
6AL5 |
| Mfg: |
RCA |
| Mfg Date: |
1960 |
| Production Type: |
NOS, Grey Plates, Square Getter, MA date code |
| Test Date: |
11/18/2021 |
| Gm 1: |
975 |
| Gm 2: |
975 |
| Min 1: |
400 |
| Min2: |
400 |
| Leak: |
No |
|
|
|
|
| Tube Type: |
0B2 |
| Mfg: |
RCA |
| Mfg Date: |
1950's |
| Production Type: |
Square Getter, white print |
| Test Date: |
12/12/2021 |
| Gm 1: |
Tests GOOD within Operating Voltage and MA Rating |
|
|
|
|
| Tube Type: |
5Y3GT |
| Mfg: |
RCA |
| Mfg Date: |
1975 |
| Production Type: |
3 Hole Dark Grey Plates, FB date code |
| Test Date: |
12/12/2021 |
| Gm 1: |
775 |
| Gm 2: |
725 |
| Min 1: |
400 |
| Min2: |
400 |
| Leak: |
No |
I've not powered this unit on since its been in my possession. The last time it was powered up by my dad was ten or so years ago and at that time, he said it worked just fine. That said, due to age this Gates Sta-Level is being sold AS IS and it would be advisable for anyone that purchases it to have their own technician go through the unit thoroughly before using to confirm that it's within spec and/or to make changes and adjustments to it for optimal performance. As such, my asking price will allow a new buyer to have it looked-over/serviced and still walk away with a total out of pocket expense that is palatable for such a fine near mint specimen as this Gates Sta-Level.
Oh, one last thing...there is a silk screen error on the chassis that denotes the location of the 6AL5 tube position. This Sta-Level has "6AL6" silk screened in that position instead!...see pics above.
Shipping within the Continental United States ONLY:
The Sta-Level will be shipped in two separate boxes. One box for the chassis and one box for the tubes. Each parcel will be be packed extremely well for safe transport to their new location. The Avanti Audio $10 Flat Rate Shipping charge (to cover boxes and packing material) applies and I'll use UPS Ground shipping (insured for purchase price) within the CONUS.
