GOLDEN AGE COMP54 Compressor

The Golden Age COMP-54 is a one-channel vintage-style compressor. The signal path uses only discrete components like resistors, capacitors and transistors. The line input and output are transformer balanced and the unit also has a third interstage transformer.

The class-A circuit used in the COMP-54 is similar to the one in the classic 2254 compressor that was designed in 1969. It quickly became a legend due to it´s totally unique sound character that is warm, smooth, sweet and musical. These characteristics have been heard on countless recordings through the years and it is a versatile sound that works very well on most sound sources and in most genres. The essence of this sound is now available at a surprisingly low cost, making it available to nearly everyone.

The COMP-54 uses a diode bridge as the gain control element, a method that is revered for its smooth way of operation. Some of the most 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 covering broad ranges of Ratio, Attack and Release times, including two Auto positions. All controls except the Gain make-up one are stepped for easy resetting and stereo matching.
There are 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.
Features

• Vintage-style electronics
• Based on classic diode-bridge designs
• Transformer-balanced I/O
• Transformer upgrade (Carnhill) available
• Flexible control of Ratio, Attack and Release
• Stepped controls (except Gain make-up) for repeatability
• Three selectable Sidechain filter frequencies
• Separate Bypass and Compression In/Out switches
• Meter selectable for Output and Gain Reduction
• Link two units for stereo operation
• Separate input/output XLR and TRS jacks for flexible connection
• Back-panel switch for 600 ohm termination.
• External power power supply to avoid interaction with the audio circuitry and transformers.
• Great sound that suits most sound sources and genres

Product Features:

Ultra-high resolution 24-bit/96 kHz mastering processor featuring 32/40-bit floating-point DSP technology
Audiophile 24-bit/96 kHz A/D- and D/A converters offering 113 dB dynamic range
4 concurrently selectable EQ modules (31-band graphic EQ, 10-band parametric EQ, Feedback Destroyer plus 3 Dynamic EQs per stereo channel)
Ultra-high resolution 61-band real-time FFT analyzer with additional auto EQ function for room and loudspeaker equalization
Unique VPQ (Virtual Paragraphic EQ) option allows parametric control of graphic EQs
State-of-the-art compressor/expander with peak limiter per stereo channel, additional stereo imager and stereo delay for delay line applications
Multi-functional level meters (peak/RMS, VU and SPL meter with dBA/dBC weighting via RTA/Mic input)
64 user memories for complete setups and/or individual module configurations
Separate mic/line input with phantom power for RTA and Auto-EQ applications
Balanced inputs and servo-balanced outputs with gold-plated XLR connectors, stereo aux output, AES/EBU and S/PDIF inputs and outputs (XLR and optical)
Professional Wordclock input and MIDI connections for full remote control, preset dumps and system updates
Open architecture allowing future software updates via MIDI
"Planet Earth" switching power supply for maximum flexibility (100 - 240 V~), noise-free audio, superior transient response plus low power consumption for energy saving
High-quality components and exceptionally rugged construction ensure long life
Conceived and designed by BEHRINGER Germany

Description

The alphaton Feedback-Controller FC-100 is a revolutionary product for every microphone
application including wireless types. It can provide effective feedback control to any sound
reinforcement situation. It can also eliminated string feedback in guitars and bass instruments
which are equipped with piezo or condenser pickups.
The FC-100 provides 6 to 10 dB of feedback protection by analysing the incoming signal,
detecting the presence of feedback and then notching out the feedback frequency.
The FC-100 relieves the sound engineer automatically. It works dynamically and eliminates a
feedback signal before it can grow into a peak. Internally a discriminator circuit detects the
presence of regenerative feedback and triggers the automatic equaliser to insert a notch where
the feedback peak is coming up. This normally prevents other peaks from developing but if they
do, the process is repeated at high speed, thus keeping feedback under control.

Technical Data
In- and Outputs transformer balanced
max. Inputlevel + 3 dB
Gain (RS=200 Ohm, RL=2kOhm) 0 dB
Frequency Response 20 Hz ... 20 kHz, +/- 1,5 dB
Feeback Cancellation  6 ... 10 dB
Power Requirement  30 ... 48 V Phantom
Current drain ca. 8 mA
External Power Supply 9 ... 20 V DC, 3,5 mm jack, tip +
Housing Aluminium Diecast
Weight  285 grams
Dimensions  112 x 60 x 32 mm

The AD2055 combines 100% discrete, pure class A signal amplifiers with state-of-
the-art passive and active filter topologies. The AD2055's unique circuitry delivers
very high resolution transient detail at the operational extremes of real world equalization
demands. The AD2055 auto-bias DC servo loop control eliminates the need for all
interstage capacitor coupling. The AD2055 breathes life into all musical performances!
 
AD2055 FEATURES
Pure Class A, 100% discrete design
Smooth musical detail and sonic excellence
Minimum audio signal path
Dual mono operation
Transparent active and passive filter design
High headroom +30dB Very low noise -94dB
Fully balanced inputs and outputs
DC coupled, no transformers in audio path
Switched frequencies in high and low bands
Mid bands use X10 frequency for extended range
Wide bandwidth -3dB 1Hz to 450kHz
Low distortion less than 0.5% THD and IMD
All signal routing with sealed silver relays Conductive
plastic potentiometers for low noise
External 150W toroidal power supply 100% discrete
power supplies for audio path
Long lasting, stainless steel hardware
 
SONIC EXCELLENCE
The Avalon AD2055 Pure Class A music equalizer is the most powerful, low noise
parametric equalizer available today. Designed to optimize absolute signal integrity
and musical performance, the AD2055 combines the best of active and passive filter
topologies with sonic excellence unequaled by lesser designs. The AD2055 is the
perfect solution for two buss music-program equalization, special instrument EQ and
FX applications and ultra high performance mastering studio's.

Features include state-of-the-art, balanced 100% discrete, Pure Class A signal amplifiers,
practical user features and rugged hardware designed to deliver true high performance
audio for many years. 

PASSIVE-ACTIVE FILTER DESIGN
Avalon equalizers feature the unique combination of both active and passive filter EQ designs.
This special combination enables the AD2055 to deliver high speed transient detail at the
operational extremes of real-world equalization demands. The passive high and low bands offer
alternate musical tone range to the full function active parametric mid bands. Passive equalizers
have long been a favorite with music lovers around the world.  Full bodied, powerful (up to +/-32dB,
64dB range !) and sweet frequency selections are the benefits of the passive high-low EQ bands.
The full bandwidth twin mid bands provide variable frequency selection (X10 frequency multipliers
for very wide range), variable Q (width) and amplitude control.

MINIMUM SIGNAL PATH DESIGN
Avalon's advanced true symmetry design offers high-voltage, large headroom, extended bandwidth
and very low noise. The use of 100% discrete, Pure Class A signal amplifiers give the serious music
professional unlimited sonic character and a natural harmonic detail that enhances the program
material and becomes one with the music itself. The Avalon AD2055 breathes life!

AD2055 SPECIFICATIONS
Circuit Topology  High-voltage 100% discrete, balanced and symmetrical
Class A 
Output Gain Range  Unity Gain 
Maximum Input Level  +30dB balanced XLR pin 2 hot 
Maximum Output Level  +32dB balanced 600 ohms, DC coupled, high-current
discrete Class A 
Input / Output Type  XLR type, pin 2 hot balanced 
Noise 20kHz Unweighted  -94dB (EQ in) 
Distortion THD, IMD  0.5% (typical 0.05% at +6dB 1kHz) 
Frequency Response -3dB  1Hz to 450kHz (input band limited) 
Equalizer Type  Passive high and low bands plus two fully parametric mid
bands 
Bypass  Hard-wire relay bypass for equalizer in-out 
Low Band F1  Passive, amplitude to -32dB to +32dB shelf or peak-dip curve 
F1 Frequency Range  Switched 10 position 18Hz, 25, 30, 50, 72, 100, 150, 215,
300, 450Hz 
Mid Band F2  Active, amplitude to -16dB to +16dB peak-dip curve 
F2 Frequency Range  Variable 35Hz to 450Hz (x10) 350Hz to 4k5Hz, Q (width)
0.3 to 3.0 
Mid Band F3  Active, amplitude to -16dB to +16dB peak-dip curve 
F3 Frequency Range  Variable 160Hz to 2k0Hz (x10) 1k6Hz to 20kHz, Q (width)
0.3 to 3.0 
High Band F4  Passive, amplitude to -26dB to +26dB shelf or peak-dip curve 
F4 Frequency Range  Switched 10 position 1k5Hz, 2k5, 3k5, 5k, 7k2, 10k, 12k5,
15k, 20k, 25kHz 
AC-DC Power  External AC supply, 150w toroidal transformer, 4 pin cable 90v
isolated, 
(B2T Power Supply Included)  100-240v selectable 50/60Hz, 150w max 
Dimensions  19 x 3.5 x 12 in (482 x 88 x 305mm) 
Shipping weight  30lbs (13.6 kg)