Gearank

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.

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.

Pros

Many longtime users of the 1176 love the unit for its portability. The 500C FET was noted as having a sound of its own, which is apparent when using the ABI (All Buttons In) mode. Processing drums in parallel was also a great experience with the 500C FET providing a nice crunch when using the ABI setting with "New York-style" parallel compression.

Cons

Some wished for a VU meter like the 1176 as the LED indicator isn't as accurate.

Overall

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

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