The BAE 500C is a 500-Series FET compressor designed to deliver dynamics control based upon classic studio FET compressors of the ‘60s and ‘70s for recording and mixing engineers, musicians, and producers in home setups, project studios, and commercial facilities. Fully enclosed and hand-wired in California, this single-width unit is compatible with 500-Series racks and features feedback-style limiting.
Its three API 2520-style op amps and transformer-coupled output contribute to its analog warmth. A 6 dB/octave high-pass filter at 125 Hz is selectable for the sidechain. There is a 12-segment meter for gain reduction, which can be switched off when you want the 500C’s tone without compression. Ratios are selectable via a rotary knob and include 2:1, 4:1, 8:1, 12:1, 20:1, and ABI (All Buttons In). Like the compressors that inspired it, the 500C offers adjustable input, output, attack, and release.
- Single-width unit compatible with 500-Series racks
- Based on classic FET compressors from the '60s and '70s
- Three API 2520–style op amps
- Transformer-coupled output
- Feedback-style peak limiter
- 6 dB/octave high-pass filter @ 125 Hz for sidechain
- Selectable ratio and ABI (All Buttons In) mode
- Adjustable input, output, attack, and release
- Gain reduction on/off switch
- 12-segment meter for gain reduction
- Hand-wired in California