Daking COMP II Stereo VCA Compressor

The Daking COMP II is a handmade compressor/limiter designed to be easy to use and sound like much more expensive comp/limiters. Built right here in the USA, it offers better sounding compression on all kinds of sources in the studio. Whether in the hands of a highly experienced engineer who needs fast workflow, or a novice who is not sure how to best set up a compressor, the COMP II gives professional results without a big learning curve.

With big old-style analog meters and a simple setup, the COMP II is easy to understand and easy to use. Designed carefully by Geoff Daking and Dave Thibodeau to behave well on a variety of real in-studio applications, it may challenge your notions of how good a two-knob compressor can be.

The two channel, electronically balanced COMP II, can operate in dual mono or stereo linked mode for a beautiful stereo image. In dual mono it acts like two independent mono compressors for use on two different - perhaps unrelated - sources. There is no master channel in stereo mode. Each channel retains its independent control.

The Daking Comp II is a complex design that employs a unique method of gain reduction using a VCA like a FET. This maintains the unique Daking sound of legacy compressors. Unlike most VCA designs, ours uses feedback gain reduction, a peak detector and an all-discrete Class A follower.

The outboard power supply makes sure this unit is quiet and usable around the world on any voltage. Switches are illuminated, making it easy to see what’s “on” in a dark room. The rear panel offers XLR electronically balanced inputs and electronically balanced XLR/¼” TRS outputs.

Purely analog, it’s so easy to get a sound you love. This compressor may easily become your favorite.

Variable Parameters:

• Threshold: Determines the level at which the compressor begins to work
• Ratio: The slope of the gain reduction, compress is a low ratio good for general gain reduction, while Limit presents more of a “brick wall” to the signal
• Attack: The speed with which the compressor begins to react, slow allows transients, like the attack of drums, to pass while compressing the back end, fast will remove transients
• Release: Determines how quickly the compressor "lets go," fast is self-explanatory; Auto reacts to both the level of the signal and it’s duration; Small peaks will release quickly, while long and loud signals will release much more slowly
• Make-up Gain: Compensates for any gain lost in compression - for serious rock stars, note the output goes to 11!

Features:

• Differential input and output amps
• Class A amplifier for make-up gain
• All metal construction with stainless steel chassis for noise immunity
• Custom aluminum knobs
• Power supply included
• Frequency response: 20 Hz - 65 kHz
• THD at +4 dBu input and no compression at 1 kHz: Typical 0.02%, Max 0.035% (22 - 22 kHz, unweighted)
• THD at +4dBu input and 2 dB of compression at 1 kHz: Typical 0.02%, Max 0.035% (22- 22 kHz, unweighted)
• Noise: less than -80 dBu, 22 - 22 kHz