Golden Age Audio Comp-2A Vintage Style Compressor/Leveler

What is the Golden Age Project Comp-2A Vintage Style Compressor/Leveler?
The Golden Age Project Comp-2A is a classic 1-channel electro-optical tube compressor designed to bring vintage-inspired warmth and musicality to your recordings. Based on the coveted tube compressor from the 1960s, this unit features an electro-luminescent panel and a photoelectric cell to control gain, resulting in program-dependent attack and release times that give the audio a smooth, dynamic character. The Comp-2A incorporates an all-tube signal path with transformer-balanced I/O and a unique electro-optical gain control circuit that delivers the punch, warmth, and character reminiscent of the iconic compressors used in legendary studios. This is a perfect addition for anyone seeking an authentic vintage sound.

Classic Tube Compression for Modern Workflows
The Golden Age Comp-2A pays homage to the classic optical compression circuit used in the original tube compressors. Featuring T4B-type electro-optical gain control, this unit provides that unmistakable vintage sound that engineers and producers still crave today. The unique program-dependent attack and release times ensure that it responds musically to a wide range of audio sources, from vocals to drums, while preserving the natural dynamics of the signal. By using electro-luminescent panels and hand-matched Silonex NSL5910 photoresistors, the Comp-2A gives your audio the characteristic warmth, punch, and smoothness found in the best analog recordings.

No ICs, Just Pure Analog Sound
One of the standout features of the Golden Age Comp-2A is its all-tube signal path, which is devoid of integrated circuits (ICs) commonly found in modern compressors. This is what gives the Comp-2A its unmistakable vintage sound: transformer-balanced inputs and outputs, along with an entirely discrete circuit. These design choices allow the Comp-2A to maintain the warmth, character, and punch that are essential to achieving that sought-after analog sound. Whether you're processing vocals, guitars, or drums, the Comp-2A delivers consistent, musically engaging results that only tube-based analog gear can provide.

Simple, Effective, and Easy to Use
Despite its complex internal design, the Golden Age Comp-2A is incredibly user-friendly, offering only two main controls: Gain and Peak Reduction. This simplicity allows you to dial in the perfect amount of compression quickly without being overwhelmed by options. The addition of an HF control makes the side-chain more sensitive to mid- and high-frequency content, allowing for finer control over how the unit responds to different types of audio. The straightforward layout means that you can focus on getting the right sound without spending too much time adjusting parameters, making it a go-to tool for both beginners and seasoned professionals.

Flexible Connectivity and Long-lasting Durability
The Golden Age Comp-2A is equipped with XLR and TRS input and output jacks, giving you flexible connectivity options for various studio setups. Whether you're working with balanced or unbalanced signals, the Comp-2A can drive most loads without issue. The link jack and switch also allow you to connect two units together for stereo operation, making it a versatile solution for stereo processing tasks. Built with a 2RU half-rackspace chassis, the Comp-2A is compact but solid, designed to withstand years of use in a professional studio environment. It’s easy to incorporate into any existing setup, and the option to mount two units in the Golden Age Unite Big 19” rack kit offers even more flexibility.