Pricing and availability

We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 5 stores. Prices updated .

Sweetwater
5.0 (12)
$599.00
Amazon
4.0 (7)
$593.99 New
$539.10 Used (Like New)
Reverb
5.0 (3)
$575.07 New
$400.00 Used
Thomann
4.5 (23)
$574.00 $569.00 $5.00 · All time low

Average Price: $556

High-end/Boutique

$100

$501+

Price Tier

Budget

Standard

High-end

Price History

Based on price data from 3 merchants for "Golden Age Audio Project Comp-2A". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 2, 2026.

* 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 Golden Age Audio Project Comp-2A brings the warmth and character of classic tube compression to your studio without the vintage price tag. This vintage-style single channel tube compressor/limiter is designed to add a touch of analog magic to your mixes, making it ideal for both professional and home studios. With its transformer balanced input and output, the Comp-2A ensures a smooth, warm sound that engineers crave, effortlessly handling everything from vocals to bass lines.

The intuitive layout features gain and peak reduction controls, allowing you to carve out the perfect dynamics for your tracks. The built-in VU meter offers real-time display of gain reduction and output volume, providing crucial visual feedback during sessions. For those looking to expand their sonic landscape, the Comp-2A includes a link input for stereo operation with a second unit.

Connectivity is seamless with XLR and 6.3 mm jack options for both line input and output, ensuring compatibility with a wide range of studio setups. A handy bypass switch allows you to easily compare your processed and unprocessed signals, while the external power supply keeps the unit running smoothly. Its compact 9.5" / 2U design makes it easy to integrate into any rack setup, offering flexibility and efficiency.

Key Features:

  • Vintage-style single channel tube compressor/limiter
  • Transformer balanced input and output
  • Gain and peak reduction controls
  • VU meter for displaying gain reduction and output volume
  • Bypass switch for easy comparison
  • XLR and 6.3 mm jack line input and output
  • Link input for stereo operation with a second Comp-2A
  • External power supply
  • Compact 9.5" / 2U design

Owner's manual

Golden Age Audio Project Comp-2A User Manual

Product specs

Type Electro-Optical with Tube signal path
Number of Channels 1
Controls Gain, Peak Reduction
Inputs 1 x 1/4" TRS, 1 x XLR
Outputs 1 x 1/4" TRS, 1 x XLR
Other I/O 1 x 1/4" (stereo linking)
Tubes 2 x 12AX7, 1 x 6N6, 1 x 6P1
Rack Spaces 2U Half-rack
Power Source Standard IEC AC cable

FAQs

What type of compression does the Golden Age Audio Project Comp-2A use?

The Golden Age Audio Project Comp-2A uses electro-optical compression, which is known for its smooth and natural sound, making it ideal for vocals and other dynamic sources.

How many channels does the Golden Age Project Comp-2A have?

The Golden Age Project Comp-2A is a single-channel compressor, designed to process one audio signal at a time.

What are the main controls on the Golden Age Project Comp-2A?

The main controls on the Golden Age Project Comp-2A are Gain and Peak Reduction, allowing you to adjust the input level and the amount of compression applied.

Does the Golden Age Project Comp-2A have tube components?

Yes, the Golden Age Project Comp-2A features a tube signal path with 2 x 12AX7, 1 x 6N6, and 1 x 6P1 tubes, contributing to its warm and vintage sound character.

What kind of inputs and outputs does the Golden Age Project Comp-2A have?

The Golden Age Project Comp-2A includes 1 x 1/4" TRS and 1 x XLR input, along with 1 x 1/4" TRS and 1 x XLR output, providing versatile connectivity options for studio setups.

Can the Golden Age Project Comp-2A be used in a stereo setup?

Yes, the Golden Age Project Comp-2A features a 1/4" stereo linking input, allowing it to be linked with another unit for stereo operation.

Golden Age Audio

Golden Age Audio

Golden Age Project COMP-2A

Video thumbnail for Golden Age Project COMP-2A by Golden Age Audio

Golden Age Project COMP-2A

Golden Age Audio

Golden Age Audio

Video thumbnail for Golden Age COMP-2A Demo Review LA2A Style All-Tube Compressor Limiter: Best Budget Vocal Compressor? by MixbusTv

Golden Age COMP-2A Demo Review LA2A Style All-Tube Compressor Limiter: Best Budget Vocal Compressor?

MixbusTv

MixbusTv

Video thumbnail for Golden Age Project|Comp3a & Comp2a| Vocals, Bas, Acoustic Guitar | by Christian Svedin

Golden Age Project|Comp3a & Comp2a| Vocals, Bas, Acoustic Guitar |

Christian Svedin

Christian Svedin

Video thumbnail for Modded Comp-2A: The Cheapest Teletronix LA-2A In the World? by MixbusTv

Modded Comp-2A: The Cheapest Teletronix LA-2A In the World?

MixbusTv

MixbusTv

Reviews

PROS

  • Exceptional sound on vocals, guitars, and synths for a warm, creamy tone.

  • Tube distortion adds pleasant, artistic color when gain is pushed.

  • Offers a genuine analog feel and sound that's hard to replicate with plugins.

  • Versatile tube swapping options provide customizable sound profiles.

  • Excellent high-frequency roll-off and harmonic enhancement.

  • Works well in taming harsh or peaky vocals without losing detail.

  • Sound closely resembles vintage LA-2A compressors at a fraction of the cost.

  • Durable construction with solid pots and switches.

  • Built-in power supply despite compact half-rack size.

  • High value for money, bringing pro studio quality within reach.

CONS

  • Reports of malfunctioning units, requiring returns or repairs.

  • Tubes and power supply can get extremely hot, requiring careful ventilation.

  • Some units delivered with broken tubes, incurring additional replacement costs.

  • Tube sockets may be fragile, complicating tube rolling efforts.

  • Flimsy board makes tube removal challenging.

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Golden Age Audio Project Comp-2A.

Comparisons

  • The Golden Age Project compressors are noted for better sound quality and upgrade flexibility compared to Klark Teknik units, with GAP allowing for transformer modifications.

    Source
  • The ART PRO VLA II offers a different sound profile than the Golden Age Project Comp-2A but is praised for its value as a dual-channel compressor.

    Source
  • The FMR Audio RNC is noted for having a unique sound that some users find magical, despite being different from the Golden Age Project Comp-2A.

    Source
  • The LA-3A provides a more laid-back release and natural compression compared to the 1176, which offers fast, punchy, and saturated sound ideal for aggressive styles.

    Source
  • The CL1B, another opto unit, is noted for its brighter tone and heavier saturation compared to both vintage and modern LA-2A units.

    Source

Mods and upgrades

  • The Golden Age Project compressors offer mod-friendly designs, with space for transformer upgrades, enhancing customization options.

    Source

Features and functionality

  • The unique tonal character of the LA-2A's tubes is often highlighted, providing pleasing distortion and harmonic saturation that is challenging to replicate in software.

    Source
  • Users appreciate the Golden Age Project Comp-2A as a budget-friendly alternative to the LA-2A, with notable sound quality for the price.

    Source
  • The LA-3A's optocell contributes to its smooth, less pumping compression, beneficial for achieving a musical vocal performance.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • For softer vocals, the AudioScape opto compressor is praised, while the 1176 is preferred for handling heavier transients effectively.

    Source
  • The Avalon 737sp is highlighted for its unmatched ability to enhance vocals naturally, a comparison point when considering the Golden Age Project Comp-2A.

    Source
  • The LA-3A is praised for its clean, musical sound on vocal chains, especially in rock/indie genres, offering a relaxed, natural feel.

    Source

Software and compatibility

  • Users frequently prefer using hardware for the LA-2A due to the difficulty of accurately emulating its optocell and tube characteristics in software.

    Source

Value and pricing

  • Golden Age Project units are positioned in a similar price range as Klark Teknik but are often preferred for sound quality and mod potential.

    Source
  • The Golden Age Project Comp-2A is recommended as a cost-effective choice for those seeking the LA-2A sound without the high expenditure.

    Source

User experience

  • Owners highlight the LA-3A's solid-state nature for its characteristic sound, making it forgiving and musical in various applications.

    Source

Critic Reviews

Golden Age Project Comp-2A Audio Levelar

soundonsound.com

Golden Age Audio's Project Comp-2A captures the essence of the legendary LA-2A at a fraction of the price, delivering smooth, natural compression that's perfect for vocals. Its compact design and user-friendly controls make it a joy to operate, while the option to upgrade tubes caters to enthusiasts. However, a few enhancements, like a wet/dry mix control, could elevate its functionality. Despite minor gripes, the Comp-2A impresses with its impressive sound quality and build, making it a worthy investment for any serious studio. Highly recommended!

positive

Golden Age Project COMP-2A Review - Compact and Authentic

musictech.com

Golden Age Audio's Comp-2A delivers a warm, authentic sound reminiscent of the classic LA-2A, making it ideal for vocals and bass tracks. Its simple interface allows for easy operation, focusing on performance over complex adjustments. However, its fixed response time limits its versatility, particularly for dynamic mixes like drums, which may frustrate those seeking more control. While some might find the absence of attack and release settings restrictive, the Comp-2A shines for straightforward signal leveling without noticeable artifacts. Ultimately, it’s a solid choice for musicians wanting a reliable, vintage-flavored compressor, though not without its quirks.

positive

Based on 0 Reviews and 0 Ratings

5 star
4 star
3 star
2 star
1 star

Artist usage

Add artist
See how Josh Turner uses Golden Age Audio Project Comp-2A

Josh Turner

Guitarist, Singer

...
Verified via YouTube

Josh Turner uses the Golden Age Audio Project Comp-2A, as confirmed in the video description of his "Road" (Nick Drake cover) on his YouTube channel, Josh Turner Guitar.

Used With

Based on how musicians on Equipboard use Golden Age Audio Project Comp-2A, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

Warm Audio WA73-EQ
Warm Audio WA73-EQ Preamps & Channel Strips
1
Ear Trumpet Labs Myrtle
Ear Trumpet Labs Myrtle Condenser Microphones
1
Avid Pro Tools Carbon
Avid Pro Tools Carbon Audio Interfaces
1
RME Fireface UFX
RME Fireface UFX Audio Interfaces
1

More Golden Age Effects Processors

Accessories & Related Items

Community setups

Similar