Chroma+
Chroma+
Shipping info
Shipping info
New orders will ship in 3-5 business days when in stock.
Have a question?
Have a question?
Check out our FAQ and Support page. We have an extensive knowledge base of help articles. You can also click the help icon in the lower right hand corner of this page.
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We are accepting orders for new units now. Please read the pre-order terms and FAQ tab for more info before ordering.
Overview
CHROMA+ is a highly customizable stereo / dual mono tracking and mixing channel designed for modern hybrid studios that want more results in less space. Its Twin Tone-Amp architecture and Tone Shaping EQ is derived from the very circuits used in the acclaimed Silver Bullet. Answering the call for flexibility and customization, CHROMA+ delivers with its twin topology (A or N) line processor and mic/instrument amp, and adds an exciting twist - an analog plugin slot accepting Colour Modules. This feature allows integrated processing like tube saturation, compression, or EQ to be inserted into the signal path and mixed with CHROMA+’s classic 'A' or 'N' inspired MOJO Amps for the ultimate in front and back end versatility that is unmatched by any other product in its class. There’s even a Mega Mono Mode for cascading the full arsenal of CHROMA+ into a 4-stage channel strip!
Features
Selectable 'A' and 'N' inspired MOJO Amps
- Mic or Mix/Line/Instrument mode
- 48V phantom power
- Polarity reverse
- Mix/Line/Instrument Gain: 0 to +26 dB, +26 to +52 dB (High Gain mode)
- Mic Gain: +8 to +34 dB, +34 to +60 dB (High Gain mode)
- Optimized input impedance to reveal full potential of ribbon and dynamic mics
Colour-compatible analog plugin slots
- Colour Drive: -6 to +18 dB
- Colour Mix: crossfade blend of processed and dry signal
Auto-switching stereo DI inputs
- Feeds entire Chroma signal path for full MOJO Amp amplification and Colour slot processing
- Retro Mode alters loading and frequency response for a rounder tone
- DI input gain = +10 dB, selectable via internal jumper to 0 or +20 dB
- DI 2 input can be configured as a THRU jack via internal jumper
Mega Mono channel mode (CH 1>2) feeds channel 1 output into channel 2 input
Baxandall Tone boost EQ
- LF (+3 dB): Pultec-inspired Subsonic (30 Hz) and Bass (60 Hz) frequencies
- HF (+4 dB): Presence and Air frequencies
- Vintage: softens high frequency response to emulate vintage British consoles
Signal present indicator and bi-directional meter
Powered by new ultra-low noise Hypermatter PSU
All circuit components chosen by ear for maximum MOJO
- Custom American made transformers
- ROGUE FIVE discrete op amps designed by Louder Than Liftoff, conforming to standard 2520 footprint
- Nichicon HE and Panasonic FR electrolytic capacitors
- Wima polypropylene film capacitors
- Thin film 0.5% resistors
- Audiophile grade op amps, class A biased
- CIT and Alps pushbutton switches
Made by tone geeks for tone geeks. Designed and assembled in Silicon Valley, California.
Documentation
User Manual (PDF) - Coming Soon
Audio Samples
Chroma Sound Clips - Listen to Chroma compared to other API and Neve style preamps Also check out the Silver Bullet sound clips since Chroma+ is derived from the same architecture.
Videos
video coming soon
Press
Gearspace - Louder Than Liftoff Announces CHROMA+
Gearspace - Silver Bullet vs. Chroma
FAQ
I want to pre-order. What is the process?
Here's how it works: If you see an "Add to Cart" button then that means we are taking orders with normal lead times, and you can disregard the pre-order process below.
1. Click the "Pre-order" button on the product page.
2. Enter your name and email in the form that pops up and click "Pre-order" at the bottom. Only click the button once!
3. We will send you a confirmation email.
4. When we have confirmed that units will be available to build and ship we will notify customers at the top of the pre-order list in groups of 5 to 10, and request payment via an email. Shipping and tax will be added at this time to the most current price of the product.
5. When you receive the payment link email you have 72 hours to complete payment. Making payment creates an official order.
6. If we don’t receive payment within 72 hours then your pre-order expires (we cancel it).
7. Paid orders will ship within 1-3 weeks in the order in which payments were completed.
Please read the complete pre-order terms before ordering.
When will I be charged for my order?
A payment link email will be sent to you when you are next in the queue for a confirmed available unit. You will only be charged when you enter your credit card information and submit your order at checkout. We do not collect any money when you click the Pre-order button above. If there is an Add to Cart button then you will pay in full at checkout. An order will be created immediately and will ship with normal lead times.
When will you be ship my order?
Paid orders received on/after 4/11/23 will start shipping by 4/25/23, subject to availability and demand. Depending on the number of orders received it may take some time for the droids to work through the queue, but in general you can expect your paid order to ship within 1-2 weeks. We appreciate your patience in advance. You will receive a shipping confirmation email once your order ships. We will update this FAQ with new information as necessary.
How much progress have the droids made building this awesome new product so far?
Major components like PCB assemblies, enclosures, transformers, and faceplates are presently on-hand. Additional parts like potentiometers, knobs, switch caps, meter windows, and shipping cartons are also in stock. All PCB assemblies are complete and ready for the droids to start mechanical integration, calibration, and testing of new units. Once they complete assembly they will then box up the product for safe shipping to your studio.
How long does it take to manufacture a product like Chroma?
In the age of Covid manufacturing supply chains can be very unpredictable and often experience delays due to material and part shortages. We are finding that it generally takes 8-10 weeks to have PCBs made and assembled (depending on part availability), 6-8 weeks to have the metal enclosures fabricated and finished, and about 3-4 weeks for faceplates. Final assembly and calibration generally occurs at a rate of 5-10 units per week. Once everything is complete, we box up the units and ship them out to customers that have been patiently waiting in the order queue.
BUS PROCESSOR & MIC/INSTRUMENT PREAMP IN ONE
CHROMA+ is designed for ultimate versatility with hybrid workflows in mind just like its big brother, the Silver Bullet. These days gear needs to deliver results on both the front end and the back end. Featuring LINE, DI, and MIC modes, CHROMA+ is both a line level processor for groups or mix bus, and a preamp for instrument and mic level sources.
TWIN TONE-AMP™ ARCHITECTURE
At the heart of CHROMA+ are two Mojo Amps inspired by classic large format consoles – American (A), and British (N). These Mojo Amps lend their characteristic sonic footprints to any signal passing through the circuit. Like the Silver Bullet, CHROMA+ is the only processor of its kind that allows you to enable A or N sonics at the push of a button. Auditioning these two signature sounds during a session no longer requires re-patching or swapping preamps.
STEREO DI WITH RETRO MODE
A world class FET-input DI was developed for the front end of CHROMA+ offering superior definition, punch, and low end girth for the capture of instrument level sources. This DI probably should have been its own product. It is capable of both stereo and dual mono operation. Synths, samplers, guitars, and basses can be plugged directly into the auto-switching front panel jacks for the full amplification, saturation, and tone-shaping that CHROMA+ offers. A switchable RETRO Mode provides two distinct tonal personalities to the DI. In the out position the sound is modern – detailed in the mids and highs, and extended through the lower octaves. When engaged the tone becomes more rounded and vintage, with a tighter bottom end and mellower high end. RETRO Mode is perfect for vintage bass tones and sweeping 80’s synth sounds.
MEGA MONO CHANNEL
In addition to offering both stereo and dual mono operation, CHROMA+ is capable of becoming a Mega Mono channel to facilitate more creative processing chains. When the CH 1>2 switch is engaged, the output of channel 1 will feed into the input of channel 2 and put the power of two CHROMAs in series. The channel 1 output will also still be available on its respective XLR connector. Have you ever wanted to record your guitar through an N-style preamp, compress it with an 1176, give it a presence boost, then drive it into a second N-style Amp with a tape-like low frequency head bump? Mega Mono Mode makes this and more possible.
TONE SHAPING
Having the ability to shape tone with broad strokes can be just what the doctor ordered to get your tracks to pop in a mix. To round out the feature set, Chroma features switchable Baxandall High Frequency (HF) and Low Frequency (LF) EQ boosts derived from drBill’s favorite Silver Bullet settings for sweetening and enhancing individual tracks or mixes. The user can select PRESENCE or AIR, and SUB or BASS frequencies via onboard jumpers. The HF switch can be programmed to add the Silver Bullet’s VINTAGE filter as well.
CONSOLE-LIKE SIGNAL FLOW
Select your input source - Mic, Mix, or Instrument (DI). Choose A or N MOJO. Apply some sweet sounding saturation, compression, filtering or tone shaping.
FOUR PRESET CONFIGURATIONS
CHROMA+ is available in four pre-configured flavors to best suit your workflow. The behavior of the C-DRV and C-MIX knobs is a function of the analog plugins we pre-install. We also configure the EQ frequences for the HF and LF buttons via internal jumpers.
Tube: valve mojo and 2-band Baxandall boost/cut
Comp: classic 1176-style FET compression
EQ: midrange boost (or cut), HPF, and LPF
Standard: customizable with Colour modules shown below
CUSTOMIZE CHROMA+ WITH ANALOG PLUGINS
Disconnect power, remove the cover, install the Colour Modules of your choice, and power back on.
Pick two (2) mono Colour Modules, one for each channel.
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TAPE•C Colour Module
Regular price $159Regular priceUnit price / per$0Sale price $159 -
Hitmaker 4000 Colour Module
Regular price $149Regular priceUnit price / per$0Sale price $149 -
Super Filter mk2 Colour Module
Regular price $99Regular priceUnit price / per -
Royal Blue Colour Module
Regular price $149Regular priceUnit price / per$0Sale price $149 -
Mass Drivr Colour Module
Regular price $149Regular priceUnit price / per -
Sold out
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Rogue-Tec Air Colour Module
Regular price $129Regular priceUnit price / per -
Sold out
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Pentode Mk2 Colour Module
Regular price $149Regular priceUnit price / per$0Sale price $149 -
Sold out
MN-50 Smash Compressor Colour Module
Regular price $119Regular priceUnit price / perSold out -
Super Filter mk1 Colour Module
Regular price $79Regular priceUnit price / per -
Pulse Colour Module
Regular price $129Regular priceUnit price / per
NERDY DETAILS
ANALOG EXPLANSION SLOT
Choose from our growing list of Colour module options to customize CHROMA+. There is one analog plugin slot per channel you can fill to build your dream channel. You can also install any of the Colour modules from DIY Recording Equipment. This is a platform that adapts to the needs of your studio.
HYPERMATTER POWERED
PREMIUM COMPONENTS & BUILD QUALITY
We chose every component in CHROMA+ by ear for maximum mojo and its sonic synergy with the rest of the circuit. Our meticulous development process involved both empirical measurement and real-world studio use to validate the design. We also leveraged what we learned designing and building the Silver Bullet and Chroma 500 Series. In this design you will find high end parts from Nichicon, Panasonic, Vishay, Susumu, Wima, TI, and Analog Devices. All audio path resistors are 0.5% or 0.1% thin film types for low distortion and noise. CHROMA+ also features custom American wound transformers and our very own ROGUE FIVE discrete op amps. Our PCBs use high temperature Tg 170 material for long-term reliability. The entire assembly is RoHS compliant (lead free). All final assembly and testing is performed by fellow music makers.