AEA 1029 Stereo VCA Compressor

Designed to seamlessly integrate with AEA’s TRP and RPQ series preamps, the AEA 1029 Stereo VCA Compressor is an essential tool for any professional recording or mixing studio. Engineered with precision, this compressor utilizes a proprietary discrete op-amp design by Fred Forssell, incorporating two THAT 4305 VCA chips powered by a single RMS detector. Built for high-fidelity stereo microphone processing, the AEA 1029 delivers transparency, musicality, and flexibility in dynamic range control.

Key Features

• Half-rack form factor – Compact and versatile for any studio setup.
• 2-channel XLR inputs and outputs – Ensures professional-grade connectivity.
• Three-position sensing times – Choose between Peak Fast, RMS, and Peak Slow for precise dynamic control.
• Variable threshold control (-20 dBu to 20 dBu) – Tailor compression settings to your specific needs.
• Adjustable ratio (1:1 to Limit) – From subtle leveling to aggressive limiting.
• Makeup gain (up to 20 dB) – Maintain optimal output levels.
• Dry/Wet blend control – Fine-tune parallel compression for added flexibility.
• True bypass relay switching – Ensures signal integrity when not in use.
• LED metering – Provides real-time monitoring for gain reduction, summed input, and summed output levels.

Technical Specifications

• Noise Floor (22 Hz – 22 kHz, unweighted): -90 dBu (dry signal path), -86 dBu (wet signal path)
• Frequency Response: +/- 0.1 dB (10 Hz to 200 kHz, dry), +/- 1 dB (10 Hz to 110 kHz, wet)
• THD+N (%):
  • Dry Path: 0.001% @ 0 dBu, 600 Ω load | 0.0008% @ +26 dBu, 600 Ω load
  • Wet Path: 0.01% @ 0 dBu, 600 Ω load | 0.07% @ +20 dBu, 600 Ω load
• Input Impedance: 20 kΩ balanced
• Output Impedance: 52 Ω balanced
• CMRR: > 80 dB (22 Hz – 22 kHz)
• Crosstalk: -100 dB @ 10 Hz, -80 dB @ 20 kHz
• IMD (SMPTE 4:1): 0.002% @ 0 dBu, 600 Ω load | 0.001% @ +24 dBu, 600 Ω load
• Maximum Input Level: +26 dBu
• Maximum Output Level: +26 dBu (600 Ω minimum load Z)
• Power Consumption: +15.6 VDC = 180 mA | -15.6 VDC = 110 mA
• Dimensions: 8.5 in (W) x 1.8 in (H) x 8 in (D) (21.59 cm x 4.6 cm x 20.32 cm)
• Weight: 2 lb (~893 g)
• Power Supply Weight: 1 lb 1 oz (0.483 kg)
• Power Supply Length: 7 ft 8.5 in (2.3 m) (extendable with IEC cable)