BAE 500C 500 Series FET Compressor

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