BAE ships out first FET compressor

BAE Audio is shipping its 500 series format compressor, the 500c, its first FET compressor, designed to faithfully capture the mix-defining circuits of the 60s and 70s. 

As the first 500 series compressor offered by BAE Audio, the 500c provides the ‘glue’ needed to take any recording chain to the next level, or to help instruments sit properly in the mix. It is also one more step towards achieving the ‘all-BAE’ 500 series channel strip.

“Our users have been very excited about the possibility of bringing BAE quality to the 500 series format, and we have a ton of requests for our first lunchbox dynamics processor, which is now a reality,” said BAE Audio president, Mark Loughman. “Despite the inherently compact specifications of the format, the 500C deivers 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 timeless vintage sound in a 500 series rack.”

FET compressors of the ’60s and ’70s, which have been heard on countless hit records, inspired the design of 500C’s circuit — which features controls for input and output gain, plus the four selectable compression rations of 4:1, 8:1, 12:1, 20:1, and the beloved “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 busses while still achieving peak reduction. It can be used for drums, vocals, and bass guitar. The dynamics section is easily bypassed via a front-facing button, allowing users to A/B the signal both with and without compression.

The unit’s three 2520 style opamps combine with a transformer-coupled output to add clarity and richness to any signal. 

The 500C is priced at $950 and is available through BAE Audio’s network of authorized retaillers. For more information visit https://500c.baeaudio.com/