AEA 1029 Stereo VCA Compressor

Ultra-Clean Stereo VCA Compressor

• Half-rack form factor
• 2 channels of XLR in and out
• 3 position Peak Fast, RMS, and Peak Slow sensing times
• Variable threshold from -20dBu to 20dBu
• Variable ratio from 1:1 - Limit
• Up to 20dB of makeup gain
• Dry/Wet percentage control knob
• True bypass relay switching
• Gain reduction, summed Input, and summed output 6 segment LED meters

The AEA 1029 utilizes a proprietary discrete op-amp design by Fred Forssell and two THAT 4305 VCA chips run off of a single RMS detector being fed by the summed input signals. This design results in a versatile compressor with a clear and balanced sound perfect for taming vocals or smashing drum overheads. Designed to pair well with our TRP and RPQ series preamps, the 1029 Stereo VCA compressor is perfect for recording and/or mixing stereo microphones.

Packed into a sleek, half-rack design – the AEA 1029 is perfect for desktop use or for those looking to save space in their rack. But don’t let its size fool you, the 1029 is a full-featured compressor that packs a punch. With 3 position Sensing Time (Peak Fast, Slow, and RMS) and a variable ratio from 1:1 – Limit, the 1029 can go from subtle to extreme as you see fit. Equally at home in a bedroom or professional studio, the AEA 1029 is the perfect addition to any engineer’s toolkit.

SPECS

Noise Floor (22 Hz - 22 kHz, unweighted):

• -90 dBu Dry signal path
• -86 dBu Wet signal path

Frequency Response:

• +/- 0.1 dB 10 Hz to 200 kHz Dry signal path
• +/- 1 dB 10 Hz to 110 kHz Wet signal pat

THD+N(%): Dry Signal Path:

• 1 kHz- 0.001% @ 0 dBu 600 Ω load
• 1 kHz- 0.0008% @ +26 dBu 600 Ω load

THD+N(%): Wet Signal Path:

• 1 kHz- 0.01% @ 0 dBu 600 Ω load
• 1 kHz- 0.07% @ +20 dBu 600 Ω load

Input Impedance:

• 52 Ω balanced

Output Impedance:

• 20 kΩ balanced

CMRR:

• > 80 dB (22 to 22kHz)

Crossstalk:

• -100 dB 10 Hz, - 80 dB 20 kHz

IMD (SMPTE 4:1):

• 002% @ 0 dBu 600 Ω load
• 0.001% @ +24 dBu 600 Ω load 

Maximum Input level:

• +26 dBu

Maximum Output Level:

• +26 dBu (600 Ω minimum load Z)

Power Consumption:

• +15.6 VDC = 180 ma
• -15.6 VDC = 110 ma

Dimensions:

• Half-rack wide (8.5 in), 1 rack unit high (1.8 in)
• 8 in deep (measured with knobs)
• (21.59 cm x 20.32 cm x 4.6 cm)

Weight:

• 2lb (~893 g)

Power Supply Weight:

• 1 lbs 1 oz (0.483 kg)

Power Supply Length:

• 7 feet 8.5 inches (2.3 m)
• Power supply length may be supplemented with longer IEC cable.