The Golden Age Audio COMP-54 MkIII is a one-channel vintage style compressor inspired by the legendary 2254 design of 1969, known for its warm, smooth, and musical sound that has shaped countless recordings across genres.
Built with fully discrete components and transformer balanced input, output, and interstage stages, the Golden Age Audio COMP-54 MkIII captures the authentic sonic qualities of classic analogue compressors while avoiding the compromises of modern integrated circuits.
Its class-A circuit and diode bridge gain control element provide the distinctively smooth compression characteristics that made vintage designs like the 2254, 2264, 33609, Siemens, and EMI units so sought after.
The Golden Age Audio COMP-54 MkIII offers extensive control options, with stepped settings for Ratio, Attack, and Release times, including two Auto modes for program-dependent behaviour. A true bypass relay allows for direct signal comparison, while the IN/OUT switch lets users retain the colouring of the transformers and circuitry without applying compression.
Three selectable sidechain high-pass filter frequencies give further flexibility when handling specific sources. The large front-panel meter can be switched to display either gain reduction or output level, and two units can be linked for stereo operation.
With its durable build, external power supply for noise isolation, and classic sound at a surprisingly accessible price point, the Golden Age Audio COMP-54 MkIII delivers vintage character and reliable performance for today’s studios.
Features
- Vintage style electronics built with discrete components
- Based on classic diode bridge compressor designs
- Transformer balanced input, output, and interstage connections
- Prepared for transformer upgrade
- Flexible ratio, attack, and release controls, including two Auto settings
- Stepped controls for easy recall and stereo matching (except gain make-up)
- Three selectable sidechain high-pass filter frequencies
- True bypass switch with relay for complete circuit disengagement
- Compression IN/OUT switch to retain transformer and circuit coloration without compression
- Meter switchable between output level and gain reduction
- Stereo linking capability with a second unit
- XLR and TRS input and output connections
- Back panel 600 Ohm termination switch
- External power supply for reduced interference
- Durable build quality designed for long-term use