BAE 500C FET Compressor - 500 Series (Discontinued)

Submitted by Raphael Pulgar on Jun. 5, 2022..

93

GEARANK

93 out of 100. Incorporating 10+ ratings and reviews.

Gearank High Notes

2021.12: Equal Highest Rated Single Channel 500 Series Compressor
Tied With:
FMR Audio RNC500
Rupert Neve Designs 543
Rupert Neve Designs 535
Crane Song Falcon

Gearank Recommendation

The BAE 500C FET was on our recommended list for Single Channel 500 Series Compressors from December 2020 until April 2022 when it was removed due to a lack of availability.

Overview

Designed to be similar (but not quite) to the famed 1176 compressor, the BAE 500C FET features classic FET-style compression with two 2520 op-amps.

An 1176 style FET compressor isn't complete without the unit's famed "all buttons" mode, which in the case of the BAE 500C Fet, comes in the form of the ABI setting on the ratio.

For imbuing your tracks with character and punch, the BAE 500C FET is a good pick at this price range.

Specifications

Controls: Input, Output, Release, Attack
Maximum Input Levels/Output Levels: +28dBu.
Attack: none specified -- assume similar to 1176: 20 to 800 microseconds
Release: none specified -- assume similar to 1176: 50ms to 1.1sec
Ratio: 2:1, 4:1, 8:1, 12:1, 20:1, ABI
Threshold:Fixed. Controlled by input.

Unfortunately this is no longer available new in stores, however you can see excellent alternatives in our guide to The Best 500 Series Compressors.

About the Author

Raphael Pulgar

I've been an audio engineer for 20 years specializing in rock and metal recordings. I also play guitar and produce original music for my band and other content creators.