Golden Age Audio - COMP 54 MK3

The Golden Age Audio COMP-54 MK3 clearly follows in the great tradition of the British diode bridge compressors that have marked the history of recording since the late 60s. Its design is based exclusively on discrete components - resistors, capacitors and transistors - with no integrated circuits in the audio path, in order to preserve the dense, thick and organic sonic signature associated with the historic 2254 and 33609 designs.

The circuit operates in Class A and uses a diode bridge as the gain control element, a topology renowned for producing firm yet fluid compression, capable of controlling transients while retaining a sense of relief and cohesion. This approach gives the COMP-54 MK3 a particularly musical response, as effective for smoothing a drum bus as for adding body to guitars, vocals or tracks rich in dynamics.

The inputs and outputs are fully transformer-balanced, with a third transformer between stages, making a major contribution to the signal's colouration and harmonic depth. As a result, the compressor retains a real sonic personality even when compression is deactivated, allowing it to be used as a character-building tool within an analogue chain.

Settings cover a wide range of ratios, attack and release times, including two automatic modes, particularly useful for complex sources or mix busses. All critical settings are notched, with the exception of output gain, making it easy to accurately recall settings and pair two units for consistent stereo operation.

The COMP-54 MK3 also incorporates three high-pass filter frequencies in the sidechain to control the compressor's response to low frequencies, preventing excessive pumping. A true relay bypass allows the circuit to be taken completely out of the signal path, while a Compression IN/OUT switch allows direct comparison between compressed and coloured signals using only the electronics and transformers.