Yamaha GC2020 Compressor/Limiter

The Yamaha GC2020 is a vintage 2-channel rackmount compressor/limiter designed for professional recording, live sound reinforcement, and studio dynamics control. Built with Yamaha’s clean and practical 1980s pro-audio engineering, the GC2020 offers independent dual-mono operation or linked stereo processing, making it suitable for individual instruments, vocals, stereo mixes, PA systems, and broadcast applications.

Each channel features a full compressor/limiter section along with an integrated expander-type noise gate, allowing users to control dynamic range, tame peaks, increase sustain, and reduce unwanted background noise. With dedicated detector input/output jacks, the GC2020 also supports external sidechain processing for applications such as ducking and frequency-selective compression.

Key Features

• Vintage professional 2-channel compressor/limiter
• Dual mono or linked stereo operation
• Independent compressor/limiter controls for each channel
• Built-in expander/noise gate per channel
• 5-segment LED gain reduction meter
• External detector input/output for sidechain processing
• Suitable for studio recording, live sound, broadcast, and installed audio systems
• Compact 1U rackmount design
• Wide frequency response with low distortion

Technical Specifications

• Model: Yamaha GC2020
• Type: 2-Channel Compressor/Limiter
• Rack Format: 19-inch, 1U
• Operating Modes: Dual Mono / Stereo Link
• Frequency Response: 20 Hz – 20 kHz (+2 dB / -2 dB)
• Total Harmonic Distortion (THD): Less than 0.03%
• Signal-to-Noise Ratio: Better than -87 dB (IHF-A)
• Compression Ratio: 1:1 to ∞:1
• Maximum Limiting: 32 dB
• Attack Time: 0.2 ms – 20 ms
• Release Time: 50 ms – 2 sec
• Gain Reduction Meter: 5-segment LED
• Input Connectors: 1/4" TS phone jack, RCA
• Input Impedance: 30 kΩ
• Nominal Input Level: -10 dB
• Maximum Input Level: +32 dB
• Output Connectors: 1/4" TS phone jack, RCA
• Output Impedance: 600 Ω
• Nominal Output Level: -10 dB
• Maximum Output Level: +20 dB
• Detector Input: RCA (Unbalanced)
• Detector Output: RCA (Unbalanced)
• Power Consumption: 18 W (U.S./Canada), 13 W (General model)
• Dimensions: 480 × 44 × 235 mm (18.9 × 1.7 × 9.3 in)
• Weight: Approx. 3 kg (6.6 lb)

The Yamaha GC2020 is a versatile vintage dynamics processor that combines compression, limiting, gating, and sidechain capabilities in a reliable 1U rack unit. Its transparent sound, flexible routing options, and straightforward control layout have made it a dependable choice for recording studios, live sound engineers, and broadcast facilities. Even today, the GC2020 remains appreciated for its clean analog dynamics processing and robust Yamaha build quality.

Owner's manual