Chat with us, powered by LiveChat

Golden Age Project Comp-54 MKIII Class A Compressor

OR

h m s

free-shipping-icon
In Stock!
Remove one item Add one item

Compare

Compare! Here are all the serial numbers of this model we have in stock. Compare them all and select your favorite!

    2 Day Shipping Icon

    Fast & Free Shipping

    Did you know AMS is the only music distributor with four distribution centers? And that means we can offer super-fast shipping on all your music products. Whether you don’t want the spark of inspiration to fade or you really need that replacement speaker before the next show, we have you covered anywhere in the U.S. And even better, it’s FREE!

    Free Extended Warranty

    Free 12 Month Extended Warranty

    You shouldn’t have to pay extra for a little peace of mind. When you purchase from AMS, you’ll get a free 12-month extended warranty to cover your purchase — and that’s in addition to any manufacturer’s warranties! Thousands of items in our catalog feature the “Gold Lock Extended Warranty,” so you can feel confident in your purchase.

    45 Day return

    Sometimes the gear on the computer screen seems like a better fit than when you actually get your hands on it. We understand, and that’s why AMS offers an industry-leading 45-day money-back guarantee. If you’re not happy with an item, you have a full month and a half to send it back! We don’t want to just sell you gear. We want to sell you the RIGHT gear — even if it takes a few tries.

    Canadian Shipping Information

    Welcome Canadian musicians! Buying your gear from AMS is as easy as going to a local music store, with more selection and more than competitive prices!

    Items with this logo are eligible to ship to Canada. Please note that you will be responsible for payment of brokerage fees, duties and other import taxes applicable to your order.

    NOTE: Free shipping offers do not apply to Canadian orders. Please be aware of custom fees - such as taxes and duties - when your order arrives. Since these fees vary from location to location, CUSTOMS FEES ARE NOT INCLUDED IN SHIPPING CHARGES. Please check with your local customs office for more information on the fees in your areas. Refusal to pay these fees will result in an undeliverable order. If returned, we do not refund shipping charges and may assess restocking fees to cover return shipping expenses.

    Rock Now Pay Later

    0% Interest Payment Plan

    Don’t sell your soul to a creditor to get the gear you need. At AMS, we want to lower the barriers to create. That’s why we offer in-house 0% financing, and you don’t even have to open a new line of credit! Spread out payments on your credit card to simplify financing and avoid hefty late fees or service charges. Cost shouldn’t interfere with your creativity.

    AMS Agent

    Have questions? 
    Talk to a sales specialist!

    800-319-9043

    The COMP-54 MKIII from Golden Age Project is a one-channel vintage style compressor. The signal path uses only discrete components like resistors, capacitors and transistors. The line input and output are transformer balanced and the unit also has a third interstage transformer.

    This is the way audio components were built before integrated circuits became available. IC’s are small and cheap and they are widely used in most modern designs. It is clear though that audio components built with modern technology doesn´t always provide the best perceived sound quality or character that the modern user desires. On the contrary, the subjective sound quality delivered by vintage equipment is often preferred over the one delivered by modern units. This is the reason why so many vintage audio components are cloned and produced again and also why the vintage originals are often very expensive on the second hand market.

    Golden Age Project Comp-54 MKIII Class A Compressor Features
    • Vintage style electronics
    • Based on classic diode bridge designs
    • Transformer balanced I/O’s
    • Prepared for transformer upgrade
    • Flexible control range for Ratio, Attack and Release
    • All controls except the Gain make-up one are stepped
    • Three selectable Sidechain filter frequencies
    • Separate Bypass and Compression IN/OUT switches
    • Meter selectable for Output and Gain Reduction
    • Possibility to Link two units for stereo operation
    • Separate in- and output XLR and TRS jacks for flexible connections
    • Back panel switch for 600 Ohm termination
    • External power power supply to avoid interaction with the audio circuitry and the transformers
    • Great sound that suits most sound sources and genres
    • A solid build quality that will last many years of normal use
    The class-A circuit used in the COMP-54 is similar to the one in the classic 2254 compressor that was designed in 1969. It quickly became a legend due to its totally unique sound character that is warm, smooth, sweet and musical. These characteristics have been heard on countless recordings through the years and it is a versatile sound that works very well on most sound sources and in most genres. The essence of this sound is now available at a surprisingly low cost, making it available to nearly everyone.

    The COMP-54 uses a diode bridge as the gain control element, a method that is revered for its smooth way of operation. Some of the most sought after vintage compressor designs, like the 2254, 2264, 33609, Siemens and EMI used the same basic design. The controls in the COMP-54 are very flexible covering broad ranges of Ratio, Attack and Release times, including two Auto positions. All controls except the Gain make-up one are stepped for easy resetting and stereo matching.

    There are three selectable sidechain high pass filter frequencies available to handle special situations. The Bypass switch is a true bypass where a relay switches the complete circuitry in or out. The IN/OUT switch makes it possible to switch the compression on and off while retaining the coloring from the transformers and the electronic circuitry.

    The meter can show output level or gain reduction. It is also possible to link two units for stereo operation.

    CALIFORNIA PROPOSITION 65 WARNING

    WARNING: Cancer and Reproductive Harm - www.P65Warnings.ca.gov.

    Shop Similar Models
    Copyright © 1996-2025 American Musical Supply, Inc. All rights reserved