Golden Age Project COMP 554 MKII 500 Series Rack Module
Building on the high sound and build quality of its predecessor, the COMP-554 MKII comes with upgraded knobs and switches along with a more robust design.
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The store is open 10am - 6pm Monday to Saturday and 11am - 5pm Sunday and bank holidays.
The stock information shows the quantity of units that are available to purchase at the Guildford store and the quantity of units that are available at our off-site Guildford warehouse. These stock levels are updated in real time.
Our Click and Collect service is available at our Guildford store from 10am - 6pm Monday to Saturday, and 11am - 5pm on Sunday. You can either choose click and collect as your delivery option online or, during store opening hours, call our sales team at 01483 456777 to place a 10% deposit.
If you have placed your order online, you will receive a confirmation email of your order and a separate follow-up text or email to confirm when your item is ready for collection.
Please do not come to the store before you have received the follow-up message, as your order may not yet be ready at the store.
If the only available stock is in our off-site warehouse it can be brought to the store location for you to try - you just need to contact the store within opening hours. Please note any requests received after 3.30pm will not arrive at the store until the following morning.
Please be aware that, unless you have paid a deposit to reserve the item, it will continue to be free, both online and in-store, for another customer to buy. Therefore we would advise you to place a 10% deposit by either using the on-line click and collect service or calling us 01483 456777.
SKU: COMP-554MKII
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Product Description
The COMP-554 MKII is a single-channel, vintage-style compressor designed for the 500-format. It features a fully discrete signal path, utilising resistors, capacitors and transistors rather than integrated circuits, offering a warm, smooth and musical character reminiscent of classic vintage gear. Both input and output are transformer balanced, with an additional interstage transformer providing enhanced tonal richness. The class-A circuit is inspired by the legendary 2254 compressor, delivering a sound that has been sought after for decades across countless recordings. Flexible control over threshold, ratio, attack and recovery ensures it adapts seamlessly to a wide range of sound sources and genres. With selectable sidechain filters and flexible sidechain routing, plus the ability to link two units for stereo operation, the COMP-554 MKII brings professional studio performance in a compact 500-series module. Soft start circuitry protects components on power-up, and optional transformer upgrades provide further tonal refinement, making this unit a versatile and affordable way to achieve a classic compressor sound loved by engineers and musicians alike.
Key Features:
- Vintage Style Electronics:
The compressor uses only discrete components, offering a warm, musical sound that closely resembles classic 1960s audio designs. - Flexible Sidechain Options:
Three selectable filter frequencies and multiple routing options allow precise control over compression response and tonal shaping. - Transformer Balanced Input and Output:
High-quality transformers on input, output and interstage deliver superior clarity, depth and richness in the audio signal.
Classic 2254 Inspired Circuit:
The COMP-554 MKII is built around a class-A diode bridge design, inspired by the 1969 2254 compressor. This circuit produces the warm, smooth, sweet character that has made the original a studio legend. It works effectively on vocals, drums, guitars and full mixes, providing musical compression that enhances rather than colours the source.
Versatile Control and Operation:
With stepped controls for threshold, ratio, attack and recovery, plus gain make-up, the unit allows precise adjustment for any application. Hardwire bypass, compression out switches, and Air EQ options offer additional tonal flexibility. Stereo linking and insert points for EQ-573 expand creative possibilities.
Professional Reliability and Build Quality:
The unit features soft start circuitry to protect against power-on surges, electronically balanced external sidechain I/O and durable construction. Prepared for optional Carnhill transformer upgrades, it ensures long-term reliability and professional-grade performance in any studio environment.
Specifications:
- Single-channel 500-series compressor
- Fully discrete class-A signal path
- Transformer balanced input and output with an interstage transformer
- Flexible control: threshold, ratio, attack, recovery, gain make-up
- Three selectable sidechain filter frequencies
- Internal, insert, and external sidechain routing
- External sidechain I/O electronically balanced @ 4dBu
- Hardwire bypass and compression out switches
- Insert connectors for EQ-573
- Meter selectable for output level or gain reduction
- Stereo linking capability
- Air EQ switch: Flat, +3dB, +6dB @ 30 kHz
- Output termination switch for tonal variation
- Soft start power-up circuit (~10 sec)