The AEA 1029 Stereo VCA Compressor is a compact, half-rack unit that combines discrete op-amp design by Fred Forssell with two THAT 4305 VCA chips driven by a single RMS detector summing the input signals.
This topology provides a clear, balanced sound suitable for both subtle dynamic control and more aggressive applications such as drum overhead compression. Designed to complement AEA’s TRP and RPQ series preamps, the 1029 excels in both recording and mixing environments where stereo microphone control is required.
Despite its small footprint, the 1029 is a full-featured compressor. It offers a variable ratio from 1:1 to limiting, along with a three-position sensing time switch (Peak Fast, Slow, and RMS) that allows engineers to fine-tune compression response to match different sources.
Equally at home in a desktop setup or professional rack, the AEA 1029 provides flexible compression in a portable and efficient package.
Features
- Half-rack form factor
- 2 channels of XLR in and out
- 3 position Peak Fast, RMS, and Peak Slow sensing times
- Variable threshold from -20dBu to 20dBu
- Variable ratio from 1:1 – Limit
- Up to 20dB of makeup gain
- Dry/Wet percentage control knob
- True bypass relay switching
- Circuit, including discrete op-amp, designed by Fred Forssell
- Made in the U.S.A.