Golden Age Project COMP-54 MKII Compressor - AS-IS / For Parts or Repair - Passes Audio, Does Not Compress

Golden Age Project COMP-54 MKII, the single-channel Neve 2254 style diode bridge
compressor with transformer-balanced input and output and an interstage transformer.
Serial 54MKII:130461. Sold as-is for parts or repair.

What works: it powers up, passes audio, and the VU meter moves. Every control and
button is present and attached, all I/O is intact (XLR and TRS in and out, LINK,
INSERT, 600 ohm termination). Nothing in the audio path is dead.

What does not work: it does not compress. With the compressor switched in, it
captures a gain-reduction state that decays slowly over about a minute or two, the
controls have no effect while that happens, and it does it with no input signal
connected at all. The fault is in the sidechain, not the audio path.

Power supply included, aftermarket but correct spec: Triad WAU24-1000, 24 VAC at
1000 mA, UL listed. Golden Age's own replacement for this unit is 24 VAC 1 A, and
their four-way supply gives only 500 mA per output, so this one has headroom.

Cosmetics are rough and honest. The red top cover is scratched throughout with
chipped paint at the edges and marks where stickers used to be. The faceplate is
scuffed with paint loss around the model name and near the meter. Nothing is bent or
cracked. Photos show it as it is.

Sold as-is, no returns. Worth it for the transformers alone if the sidechain defeats
you too.

Ships from Victoria BC. Local pickup welcome.