BAE Audio has released the 500 series 500c – the US company’s first FET compressor and also a step towards an ‘all-BAE’ 500 series channel strip.
Inspired by FET compressors from the 1960s and 1970s, the 500C features controls for input and output gain, plus selectable compression rations of 4:1, 8:1, 12:1, 20:1, and the ‘All Buttons In’ setting popularised on its progenitors. A switchable high-pass filter can be engaged to protect the low-end integrity of bass-heavy input sources or buses while still achieving peak reduction. The 500C is versatile but is particularly appropriate for use on drums, vocals and bass guitar. The dynamics section is readily bypassed via a front-facing button, allowing A/B comparison of the signal both with and without compression. The unit’s three 2520 style op-amps are combined with a transformer-coupled output.
‘We have a ton of requests for our first lunchbox dynamics processor, which is now a reality,’ says BAE Audio President, Mark Loughman. ‘Despite the inherently compact specifications of the format, the 500C delivers the “big” compressor sound that has made FET circuits essential for both recording and mixing. When used in combination with our 1073MP and EQs such as the B15 or G10, users can now unlock that vintage sound in a 500 series rack.’
The 500C is priced at US$950 and is available through BAE Audio’s retailer network.
More: www.baeaudio.com
