AEA 1029 VCA Compressor
The AEA 1029 is a precision stereo VCA compressor that delivers smooth, transparent compression with exceptional clarity. Designed around Fred Forssell’s discrete op-amp and dual THAT 4305 VCA chips, the 1029 brings a flexible and musical compression experience to any recording or mixing setup. Ideal for vocals, stereo microphones, or drum overheads, it’s an excellent companion to AEA’s TRP and RPQ preamps, offering both subtle control and dynamic punch in a compact half-rack design.
Key Features
- Dual-channel stereo VCA compressor in a compact half-rack form factor
- Fred Forssell discrete op-amp design with two THAT 4305 VCAs
- Selectable sensing modes: Peak Fast, Peak Slow, and RMS
- Continuously variable threshold from -20dBu to +20dBu
- Variable compression ratio from 1:1 to limiting
- Up to 20dB of makeup gain for precise level control
- Dry/Wet blend knob for parallel compression
- True bypass via relay switching
- 6-segment LED meters for gain reduction, summed input, and output levels
- Designed to pair perfectly with AEA TRP and RPQ preamps