Golden Age Project COMP54MK2PLUS COMP-54 Mk2 Plus 1-Channel, 230V Vintage Style Compressor w/ Carnhill Transformers

The Golden Age Project COMP-54 Mk2 is a one-channel vintage style Compressor whose main difference from the MKI is an insert jack where you can insert one of their EQ units. Its signal path uses only discrete components like resistors, capacitors and transistors, and the line input and outputs are transformer balanced. This version of the COMP-54 Mk2 is upgraded with three carnhill transformers.

Integrated circuits are small, cheap and widely used in most modern designs but audio components built with modern technology don´t always provide the best sound quality or character. Conversely, the sound quality delivered by vintage equipment is often preferred over that of modern units. This is why many vintage audio components are cloned and reproduced, and thus why the vintage originals are expensive on the second hand market.

The class-A circuit used in the COMP-54 is similar to the one in the classic 2254 compressor from 1969. Its unique sound character is warm, smooth, and sweet, which helped make it popular. These versatile sound traits work well on most sound sources and in most genres.

The COMP-54 uses a diode bridge as the gain control element, a method revered for its smooth operation. Some sought-after vintage compressor designs, like the 2254, 2264, 33609, Siemens™ and EMI™ used the same basic design. The controls in the COMP-54 are very flexible, and cover broad ranges of Ratio, Attack and Release times, including two Auto positions. All controls except the Gain make-up are stepped for easy resetting and stereo matching, and there’s three selectable sidechain high pass filter frequencies available to handle special situations.

The Bypass switch is a true bypass, where a relay switches the complete circuitry in or out. The IN/OUT switch makes it possible to switch the compression on and off while retaining the coloring from the transformers and the electronic circuitry. The meter can show output level or gain reduction. It is also possible to link two units for stereo operation.

Golden Age Project COMP-54 MKII 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
• Possible to link two units for stereo operation
• Separate in- and output XLR and TRS jacks forflexible connections
• Back panel switch for 600 Ohm termination
• External power power supply to avoid interaction withthe audio circuitry and the transformers
• Great sound that suits most sound sources and genres