Ashly CL-50 Black Face Peak Detection Compressor Limiter VCA Made in USA

Ashly CL-50 Peak Detection Compressor/Limiter. Single-channel, 1U rack. Black face version. Made in USA.

This is the original CL-50 — not the later CL-50E revision. The true CL-50 surfaces rarely on the secondary market; there is essentially no sold history to reference. The black face variant is the more sought-after of the CL-50 family among vintage Ashly collectors.

Function Powers on and operates normally. Recently tested. All controls functional: Gain (threshold), Output Level, Ratio (2:1 to infinity), Attack, and Release. LED gain reduction meter operational. No scratchy pots. All jacks clean: balanced input, unbalanced output, Detector Send/Return (sidechain), and stereo link — all 1/4". Original captive power cable present. Rack ears in good condition.

What's included Original captive power cable. Rack ears. No rack screws. No documentation.

Notes Fuse holder has been replaced with a new unit.

Cosmetic condition Black faceplate has one scuff approximately 1/2" on the upper left, breaking through to bare metal. Ashly logo shows some wear. Top panel has tape residue that has resisted removal and surface scuffs. No bent panels, no cracked knobs.

About the CL-50 VCA-based peak detection compressor built on a 2150A VCA. Single PCB, through-hole construction throughout — fully serviceable. Balanced input, unbalanced output, sidechain insert, and stereo link. The Gain control sets threshold; Output Level is active even in bypass. Colored, audible compression with a well-documented cult following — particularly favored on bass, drums, and vocals.

Sold as-is. Offers welcome. Buyer pays actual shipping.