Pricing and availability

We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 1 store. Prices updated .

Average Price: $195

Standard/Professional

$100

$501+

Price Tier

Budget

Standard

High-end

* Product prices and availability are updated by Equipboard every 24hrs and are subject to change. Equipboard may receive compensation for purchases made at participating retailers linked on this site. This compensation does not affect what products or prices are displayed, or the order of prices listed. For more information, please refer to our affiliate disclosure.

Description

The Ashly SC-50 Compressors are renowned for their reliability and precision in studio recording environments. As a part of the signal processing family, this VCA-based compressor is designed to enhance your sound with its smooth and transparent dynamics control. Whether you're a seasoned professional or a burgeoning musician, the SC-50 provides intuitive control over your audio, ensuring that every nuance of your performance is captured and polished with clarity.

With its simple yet effective interface, the SC-50 offers essential controls like threshold, ratio, attack, and release, allowing you to tailor your compression settings to your exact needs. Its versatility makes it a fantastic choice for a variety of instruments and vocals, providing consistent, high-quality sound regardless of the application. The Ashly SC-50 is known for its bypass switch, which allows you to seamlessly integrate it into your setup without altering your original signal path when not in use.

Whether you're working on a delicate vocal track or a punchy drum kit, the Ashly SC-50 Compressors offer the precision and flexibility needed to bring your recordings to life.

Key Features:

  • VCA-based design for smooth and transparent compression
  • Threshold, ratio, attack, and release controls for precise dynamics management
  • Bypass switch for easy integration without signal alteration
  • Suitable for a variety of instruments and vocal applications
  • Trusted choice for both professional and home studios

Product specs

Brand Ashly
Model SC-50 Peak Limiter Compressor
Finish Blue
Year 1970s
Categories Compressors and Limiters

FAQs

What type of audio processing does the Ashly SC-50 Compressor provide?

The Ashly SC-50 is a peak limiter compressor, designed to control the dynamic range of audio signals by limiting peaks and providing smooth compression, ideal for studio recording environments.

Is the Ashly SC-50 Compressor suitable for live sound applications?

While primarily designed for studio use, the Ashly SC-50 can be used in live sound settings to manage dynamic range and ensure consistent audio levels, though its vintage design may require careful integration with modern gear.

What is the sound character of the Ashly SC-50 Compressor?

The Ashly SC-50 is known for its transparent compression and smooth limiting, making it a popular choice for maintaining audio clarity while controlling peaks in various recording and mixing scenarios.

Does the Ashly SC-50 Compressor require any special maintenance?

As a vintage piece of gear from the 1970s, the Ashly SC-50 may require occasional servicing to ensure optimal performance, such as checking for component wear and recalibrating settings.

Can the Ashly SC-50 Compressor be used with both vocals and instruments?

Yes, the Ashly SC-50 is versatile enough to be used with both vocals and instruments, providing effective peak limiting and compression to enhance audio quality across different sound sources.

Reviews

4.0 out of 5

Based on 2 Reviews and 2 Ratings

5 star
4 star
3 star
2 star
1 star
jimmarchi1

Super fat and dirty VCA in blue face.

This review is for the blue face circuit. Score a blue face or very early black face you're getting a real beast. The VCA is discrete versus later ones that use a dbx VCAs. This is an unusually colored VCA design either way but the big bottom and midrange saturation of the discrete model will bring a smile to your face. Brings the dirt like certain distressor settings. The 50 is getting pricey these days.... stereo bus version is the 55.

mikefiction

Super Underrated

I have the matched transistor blueface versions. For me this is great on kick, snare and guitar. Haven't tried it on bass yet. You could do much better with something else on vocals. It's getting some recognition online, but it's still affordable and is pretty great.

I have to add, crushing a drum room with a pair of these is interesting. I am really digging the sound right now.

edit: This thing also rocks on bass. It's actually my current favorite compressor for bass.

Artist usage

Add artist
See how cEvin Key uses Ashly SC -50 Compressors

cEvin Key

Drummer, Keyboardist

Skinny Puppy

...
Verified via Photo

In a 1997 photo from cEvin Key's former Vancouver studio, two Ashly SC-50 Compressors can be seen mounted in the equipment racks.

See how Clay Parton uses Ashly SC -50 Compressors

Clay Parton

Singer, Guitarist

Duster

...
Verified via Instagram

Clay Parton is confirmed to use Ashly SC-50 Compressors, as evidenced by the equipment shown in the Instagram post by Duster with the caption "the old phone."

See how Timo Maas uses Ashly SC -50 Compressors

Timo Maas

Music Producer

...
Verified via Attack Magazine

"The Ashly compressors are great for drum compression. These have been customised for us, which enables them to be used in mono or stereo."

J

John Rees

Bassist

Men at Work

...
Verified via Photo

In this screenshot from a video of Men at Work performing in Hamburg in 1982, an Ashly sc-50 compressor can be seen behind Rees.

Genre Usage

Based on how artists on Equipboard use this gear, it is most commonly found in the following genres.

Used With

Based on how musicians on Equipboard use Ashly SC -50 Compressors, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

1 alternative for Ashly SC -50 Compressors, curated by the Equipboard community.

Empirical Labs EL8 Distressor

$1,549.00

Vintage or Discontinued cheaper alternative

Similar to dirty settings on the distressor but less versatile.

More Ashly Effects Processors

Accessories & Related Items

Community setups

  • Added to Equipboard on by

    lukeepic
    lukeepic

    Gear IQ 1468