Golden Age Comp-54 MKIII Half Rack (1U) Compressor

Full Description

Vintage-style compression

The Golden Age Project Comp-54 MKIII bases its design around the classic 2254 compressor that was made in 1969, bringing vintage-style compression into the modern era with discrete class-A circuitry and a flexible control section. Utilising a diode-bridge as the gain element, the Comp-54 MKIII boasts a smooth operation that is sought after in vintage compressor designs. This single-channel configuration features transformer balanced line input and output connections. Before integrated circuits became available, the vintage compressors were comprised of components such as resistors, capacitors and transistors. This is what lends to the vintage sound of the Comp-54 MKIII, giving that classic analog warmth, smooth and musical sound that is associated with older compression units. Now you can replicate the sounds from your favourite records with ease!

Flexible control panel with sidechaining

The in-depth control section is comprised of precision attenuators designed for changing the Ratio, Attack and Release settings. All the controls on the compressor except the Gain make-up control one are stepped for precise and trackable changes, allowing you to fine-tune your compression perfectly to your source. Need more punch from your kick drum? Simply side-chain this to your bass guitar to push the volume of your kick drum and let it cut through and bloom in your mix, with side-chaining, you open a whole new world of possibilities to tame specific instruments or busses to get the best out of your music. The control section is comprised of Threshold, Ratio, Attack, Release, HPF, Gain and Link control. The HPF control adds a high pass filter within the sidechain circuitry, resulting in the frequencies below the filter cutoff triggering the compression at a lesser degree. The Comp-54 MKIII also features separate bypass and compression out switches for quick A/B comparisons of your audio or to remove compression but keep the analog warmth of the signal being passed through the circuit.

Design and connectivity

The robust yet sleek all-metal chassis is built-to-last, basing its design on classic vintage-style compressors. One of the most prominent features of the design is the integrated, vintage-style VU meter which provides visual monitoring for your levels. The meter is also selectable, allowing you to toggle between Output and Gain Reduction settings. The versatile design also allows you to upgrade transformers with ease, should you want to use an external transformer. Its flexible design is suited to a wide range of input sources from microphone to electric guitars, basses, pianos and more. Additionally, the compressor comes complete with an external power supply, minimising interaction with the audio circuitry and transformers for strong signal integrity.

Features

• Vintage style electronics
• Based on a classic diode bridge design
• Transformer balanced I/O's
• Prepared for the Carnhill transformer upgrade
• Flexible control range for ratio, attack and recovery
• All controls except the gian make-up are one stepped for precise dialing in
• Three selectable sidechain filter frequencies
• Separate bypass and compression out switches for quick A/B comparisons
• Insert Jack for inserting the EQ-73 or EQ-81 equalizer in the signal path
• Meter selectable for output and gain reduction
• Possibility to link two units for stereo operation
• Separate in and out XLR and TRS jacks for flexible connections
• Back panel switch for 600Ohms termination
• External power supply to avoid interaction with the audio circuitry and the transformers
• Great sound that suits most sound sources and genres
• A solid build quality that will last many years to come

  Specification

  • Product code: COMP-54 MKIII