Golden Age Audio COMP-554 MkII

The Multifunction Compressor

The Golden Age Project COMP-554 MkII is the 500-series version of the COMP-54 MkII, equipped with several additional functions. It is also a diode bridge compressor with a noble vintage character and is particularly suitable for the discreet and musical compression of already pre-compressed material. Especially in a 2-pack the COMP-554 MkII unfolds its full effect when used on a stereo bus and is a relatively inexpensive alternative to the extremely expensive hardware of other manufacturers. If you want to upgrade the sound of your COMP-554 MkII, you can also upgrade it with Carnhill transformers, which promise a fatter sound with a clearer top end.

Extensive additional equipment

In addition to the characteristic compressor functions (attack, release, ratio, threshold), the COMP-554 MkII offers an extensive side-chain function, an air EQ and an adjustable terminating resistor (TERM). Not only can an external control signal be applied to the detector path, it also features a 3-stage filter with 50, 100 and even 7000Hz cutoff frequency as well as a side chain insert that allows the detector signal to be processed quite freely with an external EQ. The Air-EQ is something special for a compressor and with its characteristic frequency of approx. 30kHz it raises the highest top end of the material very gently, which creates a subtly present sound impression. Finally, the TERM function can be used to change the overall tonal character of the compressor.