1959 Vintage Gates Sta-Level Tube Compressor - Desktop Version
NOTE: This Gates Sta Level is now re-capped, tested and meets original factory specifications. See the four photos of chassis internals for recap work.
Newly listed here on Avanti Audio 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 recently recapped/verified) 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. This Sta-Level will include a pair of rack-ears so the new owner has options for installation.
Recap & Test Details (see four photos of chassis internals)
All of the film capacitors were replaced with Vishay polyethylene capacitors and all of the electrolytic capacitors for the power supply section were replaced with Panasonic brand electrolytic capacitors. One resistor was found faulty and has been replaced; one calibration resistor was added to the meter circuit to allow a better fine adjustment when "zeroing" the meter.
The unit tests near ruler flat and with very low noise across the frequency spectrum original specifications of 30-15,000 hz. The frequency response is within about half a DB or better over that whole range at 10 DB compression. The Sta-Level has been brought back to original factory specifications and the unit performs as original. A new three prong power cord now replaces the aged two-wire version that was previously installed on the unit.
One thing that wasn't replaced during this recent service was the less-than-bright power indicator lamp/bulb (it lights up fine but is not BRIGHT) which is a NE51 neon incandescent type with the bayonet twist-lock base. A replacement wasn't on hand at the time of service but could easily be sourced/purchased by the new owner if they choose to eventually replace the lamp.
Includes original printed manual with schematic, a pair of rack ears AND a spare NOS GE 5-Star 6386 vacuum tube.
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 (Existing) |
| 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: |
6386 (NOS SPARE) |
| Brand: |
5-Star |
| Mfg: |
GE |
| Mfg Date: |
1961 |
| Production Type: |
NOS, Black Plates, 3 Mica, D Getter, Yellow tip, 61-04 date code |
| Test Date: |
5/5/2022 |
| Gm 1: |
4400 |
| Gm 2: |
4200 |
| Min 1: |
2500 |
| Min2: |
2500 |
| Leak: |
No |
| Gas: |
No |
| Rsv Life 1: |
975/1000 |
|
|
|
|
| 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 |
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 and rack ears. Each parcel will 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.
