Golden Age Opto Compression
The Golden Age Comp-2A is a single-channel optical compressor/leveler designed after the most coveted tube compressor of all time. The Comp-2A features vacuum tubes in its signal and side-chain path, and its input and output are transformer-balanced with separate transformers, each optimized for its intended purpose. This is how audio components were built before the advent of transistors and integrated circuits, and it pays dividends in the form of warm, deliciously musical vintage-inspired sound. Sweetwater knows you want one, and we have good news: the Comp-2A is so delightfully affordable, you'll likely want two for stereo linking.
Related Videos: Comp-2A Vintage Style Compressor/Leveler
Built like the classics
There's a reason the best vintage gear is still coveted half-a-century on. It's the discrete circuitry. With transformer-balanced I/O and no ICs in the circuit path, these components served up the sound that powered a million hit records: warm, characterful, punchy. Golden Age doesn't use ICs. If you have a DAW-based workflow, you'll be amazed at what a great analog front end can do for your productions. The Golden Age Comp-2A is an opportunity to add this classic sound to your studio arsenal.
Smooth, musical dynamics control
Based on a vintage design from the early 1960s, the circuit used in the Comp-2A employs an electro-luminescent panel and a photoelectric cell to control gain, which gives it the unique program-dependent compression characteristics it shares with the iconic compressor that inspired it. The Comp-2A is very forgiving, and nearly impossible to make sound bad. It's a highly musical approach to dynamics control that is further rounded out by the 2A's all-tube signal path and transformers. With just two main controls, the Comp-2A is also dead simple to use. These attributes have made the original unit a favorite of musicians, engineers, and producers worldwide. This classic sound is now yours for a song, with the Golden Age Comp-2A.
Golden Age Comp-2A Features:
- Classic optical compression circuit
- T4B-type electro-optical gain control with program-dependent attack and release times
- Uses electro-luminescent panel and two hand-matched Silonex NSL5910 photoresistors
- Vintage-style all-tube signal path
- Tubes are fitted with grounded shields
- Transformer-balanced input and output
- Able to drive most any load, balanced or unbalanced
- Very easy to operate; just two main controls: Gain and Peak Reduction
- HF control makes side-chain circuit more sensitive to mid- and high-frequency content
- Linear low-noise, regulated-filament high-voltage internal power supply
- Large meter switchable to display gain reduction or output level at either +4 or +10 reference levels
- Hard-wire bypass switch for easy wet/dry comparisons and gain-matching
- XLR and TRS input and output jacks for flexible connectivity
- Link jack and switch for connecting to another Comp-2A for stereo operation
- Compact 2RU half-rackspace chassis
- Two units may be mounted in the Golden Age Unite Big 19" rack kit
- Solid build quality for many years of service
