0% up to 48 Months on over 110 Brands!

New & Current Vintage King Card Holders

Shop Our Summer Sale

0% financing up to 48 Months on over 110 Brands!

When you shop now with your Vintage King Credit Card.

$ 1,200 .00
or $50/month for 24 months 0% interest for 24 months. 24 equal monthly payments required. Learn more
In Stock
Item is in stock and will ship the next business day. To inquire if this item is available to ship sooner or is in one of our stores, please call 888.653.1184.

SKU

75916

BAE 500C 500 Series FET Compressor

500 series compressor based on the design of studio staple FET compressors of the 60s and 70s featuring compression ratios of 4:1, 8:1, 12:1, and 20:1
MFR# 500C

Product Description

The BAE 500C is a 500-series FET compressor inspired by the legendary Universal Audio 1176. Built using a classic transformer coupled design and premium components like BAE’s patented 2520-style op-amps, the BAE 500C captures the classic FET sound heard on countless hit records from the 60s and 70s.

TIMELESS DESIGN

The 500C uses BAE’s proprietary discreet 2520-style op-amps and output transformer to deliver a transparent and warm sound. Just like the original 1176, the BAE 500C features variable controls for attack and release, a “fixed” threshold, and an array of useful compression ratios, making it a go-to choice for a wide range of musical applications—everything from drums to bass to vocals. The 500C is housed in a sturdy, all metal enclosure, so it’s durable enough to last through extensive use.

CLASSIC CONTROLS

The BAE 500C features an intuitive design with easy-to-use controls. At the top, input and output controls adjust the amount of signal fed to the gain reduction circuit and output stages, enabling you to dial in the optimal gain stage. The 12-segment LED meter on the left provides visual feedback over your gain reduction up to -20 dB. Easy-to-use attack and release controls offer simple options for “slow” and “fast,” encouraging engineers to fine-tune the unit by ear for extremely musical results.

At the bottom, the ratio knob allows you to select from six different ratios. Unlike the original 1176 which only offers ratios of 4, 8, 12 and 20, the BAE 500C introduces a 2:1 ratio for subtle compression—perfect for the mix bus! Since the BAE500C does not use push-button ratio controls like the 1176, a sixth “ABI” ratio was added to capture the unmistakable sound of “all buttons-in mode”

VERSATILE FEATURES

Three push buttons on the bottom expand the capabilities of the BAE500C well beyond the original 1176, making it one of the most versatile FET compressors available. The bypass button bypasses the unit for quickly A/B-ing EQ compressor effects. The HPF engages a high-pass filter, enabling thick, rich lows with tight, punchy mids and highs. Finally, the GR OFF button disables the gain reduction feature of the BAE500C, giving your signals thick, rich analog tone without any of the compression.

FEATURES:

  • FET gain reduction
  • Three 2520 style opamps
  • Transformer coupled output
  • Feedback style peak limiter
  • SC HPF
  • Hard bypass
  • Gain Reduction on/off
  • Comp ratios: 2:1, 4:1, 8:1, 12:1, 20:1, ABI
  • ABI All Buttons In
  • Fully enclosed
  • High quality components throughout

SPECIFICATIONS:

  • Max input before clip: +27 dBu
  • Noise: -82 dB (+4 dBu input, 1 kHz, A-weighted, GR off)
  • THD+N: 0.15% (+4 dBu input, 1 kHz, A-weighted, GR off)
  • Frequency response: +0.3 dB / -0 dB (10 - 22 kHz)
  • SC HPF: 6 dB/octave @ 125 Hz
  • Current draw: approx 120 mA/Rail

Product Specifications

Condition New

Product Reviews

5 out of 5 stars.
Review Count (2)

write a review

Great!
Make my track stand out!

By Man K on March 3, 2021

The BAE 500c 500 Series FET Compressor is a EXCELLENT piece of gear!
The sound is smooth and rich and just everything passed through it sound fantastic!
My only grip is no link options but other then that if you thinking about it , just get it you will love it!. This is just hands down a great piece of gear. I definitely will be buying another one even though they don’t have a link option as of yet 😉just to have two 😂

By John J on January 21, 2020

* Required Fields

Share Your Opinion

The best gear advice always comes from those who use it the most. That's where you come in! Let the pro audio world hear your voice with a review of the BAE 500C 500 Series FET Compressor . Once you submit your review, please check your email and verify your address to have it posted.

How do you rate this product?
I would like to thank VK for the wonderful sales assistance, service and prices. This was my first purchase with you and it won't be my last. I only wish I'd discovered you years ago!
Matthew R.
I had two Grammy wins this year - Ray LaMontagne & Carolina Chocolate Drops. Both made with help from Vintage King!
Ryan F.
In almost 20 years in Pro audio buying, never did I receive a unit so well packed and exactly as described. Works flawlessly. The whole process has been so smooth. I will never hesitate to do business with you guys in the future and will recommend you to everyone I know.
Martin C.
This was my first experience buying something from Vintage King (although I surf the "used" categories on the website frequently!), and, despite being on the other side of the world, I had absolutely no trouble and everything went very smoothly.
Phil T.
The speed of delivery exceeded my expectations! I was VERY pleased that my shipment arrived in time for a scheduled vocal tracking session. The packing insured that my order arrived safely. And the sales staff responded quickly to questions regarding the product.
James P.
Thank you so much! Vintage King has been so fair and easy to work with. I can't thank you enough. It feels good to trust such a hefty purchase to folks who are so helpful and knowledgeable. Vintage King is a sound designers dream store.
Noa L.
You guys have excellent customer service and I am excited about the next upgrade I complete on my fifth recording facility. I've been in the studio business for forty plus years. The salesman I worked with at Vintage King was the best of the best. You all rock!
Robby T.
I would recommend Vintage King to any one looking for top-class gear, unbeatable customer service and the best prices on the map!
Jake D.
My experience with Vintage King was excellent. The order was here fast considering it was out of stock. The sales person had SKB send it to me directly and I couldn't have been more pleased.
Michael D.
From the minute I placed my order I was kept well-informed through each step in your process. Even though I was buying a comparatively modest piece of gear, your attention to detail made me feel like I was purchasing a six-figure mixing desk.
Thomas W.
I am a new customer of yours. You guys provided me the absolute best deals in ordering all the equipment to power my brand new recording studio. Your customer service is amazing and i will always deal with you from here on out.
Rob M.
Thanks for your great service and getting this out today. You guys really are the Kings!
Alan B.
Better than expected! Truly impeccable service. Your team was professional, knowledgeable, provided speedy delivery above and beyond standard. Vintage King Audio is definitely my go to for all of my audio and information needs.
James O.