Golden Age Project COMP-54 MKIII 1-Channel Vintage Style Compressor

The COMP-54 stands as a vintage-style compressor, boasting a single channel with a signal path comprised solely of discrete components like resistors, capacitors, and transistors. Its line input and output are transformer balanced, with an additional third interstage transformer for added performance. This design harks back to the era before integrated circuits became prevalent, emphasizing the superior sound quality and character often associated with vintage equipment. The class-A circuitry, reminiscent of the classic 2254 compressor from 1969, delivers a warm, smooth, and musical sound that has graced countless recordings over the years. Despite its legendary status, the COMP-54 offers this iconic sound at an accessible price point. Employing a diode bridge as the gain control element, akin to revered vintage designs like the 2254 and 33609, the COMP-54 provides flexible controls for Ratio, Attack, and Release times, including two Auto positions. Additionally, it features selectable sidechain high-pass filter frequencies and true bypass functionality for seamless integration into any setup. Whether displaying output level or gain reduction, the meter adds further versatility, while the option to link two units for stereo operation enhances its capabilities.

Golden Age Project Features:

• Vintage style electronics.
• Based on classic diode bridge designs.
• Transformer balanced I/O´s.
• Prepared for transformer upgrade.
• Flexible control range for Ratio, Attack and Release.
• All controls except the Gain make-up one are stepped.
• Three selectable Sidechain filter frequencies.
• Separate Bypass and Compression IN/OUT switches.
• Meter selectable for Output and Gain Reduction.
• Possibility to Link two units for stereo operation.
• Separate in- and output XLR and TRS jacks for flexible connections.
• Back panel switch for 600 Ohm termination.
• External power 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 of normal use.