AEA 1029

The AEA 1029 Stereo VCA Compressor is a high-quality, precision-engineered audio compressor designed to complement AEA's TRP and RPQ series preamps. Built with a proprietary discrete op-amp design by Fred Forssell, this unit delivers smooth and transparent compression, making it ideal for recording and mixing stereo microphone sources. The half-rack form factor makes it easy to integrate into any studio setup, while its true bypass relay switching ensures an uncolored signal path when needed.

The AEA 1029 features two channels of XLR in and out, a variable threshold (-20dBu to +20dBu), and a variable ratio (1:1 to Limit), giving users precise control over compression settings. It offers three selectable peak sensing times (Fast, RMS, Slow), up to 20dB of makeup gain, and a dry/wet mix knob for parallel compression. The six-segment LED meters provide clear visual feedback for gain reduction, summed input, and summed output levels. With an exceptionally low noise floor and a wide frequency response (10Hz - 200kHz dry, 10Hz - 110kHz wet), this compressor ensures pristine audio quality. Whether you need subtle dynamic control or aggressive limiting, the AEA 1029 is a versatile tool for professional engineers.

• 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

AUDIO PERFORMANCE:

• 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 path)

• 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: 20 kΩ balanced

• Output Impedance: 52 Ω balanced

• CMRR: > 80 dB (22 Hz to 22 kHz)

• Crossstalk: -100 dB @ 10 Hz, -80 dB @ 20 kHz

• IMD (SMPTE 4:1): 0.002% @ 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 impedance)

POWER:

• Power Consumption: +15.6 VDC @ 180 mA, -15.6 VDC @ 110 mA

PHYSICAL DIMENSIONS:

• Dimensions: Half-rack wide (8.5 in), 1 rack unit high (1.8 in), 8 in deep (measured with knobs)

• Metric Dimensions: 21.59 cm x 20.32 cm x 4.6 cm

• Weight: 2 lb (~893 g)

POWER SUPPLY:

• Power Supply Weight: 1 lb 1 oz (0.483 kg)

• Power Supply Length: 7 ft 8.5 in (2.3 m); length may be supplemented with a longer IEC cable