BAE 10DCF Compressor/Limiter with Carnhill Transformers - Discrete Class-A Dynamics
This is the stereo pair listing.
The BAE 10DCF is a single-channel, transformer-coupled compressor/limiter hand-wired in California, featuring Carnhill input and Jensen output transformers with discrete Class-A circuitry. It includes separate compressor and limiter sections, an inductor-based bypass filter at 50/80/160/300 Hz, and Elma stepped switches for precise control. Stereo linkable with true bypass, the 10DCF delivers warm, punchy dynamics ideal for drums, bass, vocals, and mix bus applications, with illuminated VU metering and Marconi-style knobs for intuitive operation.
Dual Independent Processing
The 10DCF offers fully independent compressor (1.5:1 to 10:1) and limiter (+4 to +15 dBu threshold) stages with stepped attack and release, including dual Auto recovery modes. The bypass filter allows compression of mid/high frequencies while leaving lows untouched, preventing mud and preserving punch. Gain make-up ranges from 0 to +20 dB in 1 dB steps, ensuring seamless level matching.
Key Features of the BAE 10DCF
- Discrete Class-A circuit with Carnhill input and Jensen output transformers
- Separate compressor and limiter with stepped Elma controls
- Inductor-based bypass filter: 50/80/160/300 Hz
- Compressor ratios: 1.5:1 to 10:1, attack 2–80 ms, release 100 ms–5 s
- Limiter threshold: +4 to +15 dBu, attack 2/4 ms
- Auto release modes and stereo link capability
- True hardwire bypass (even when powered off)
- Illuminated VU meter and Marconi-style knobs
- Internal switch-mode PSU (115/230V auto)
- Hand-assembled in California
Technical Specifications
- Type: Transformer-coupled compressor/limiter
- Frequency Response: 5 Hz–45 kHz (-1 dB @ +8 dBu)
- Noise: -80 dBu (200 Ω source)
- Max Output Level: +33 dBu @ 10 kΩ, +27 dBu @ 600 Ω
- Distortion: 0.03% to >1% (varies with settings)
- Compressor Threshold: -20 to +16 dBu (2 dB steps)
- Ratio: 1.5:1 to 10:1 (6 steps)
- Attack: 2–80 ms (6 steps)
- Release: 100/200/400/800 ms, Auto 1/2
- Limiter Threshold: +4 to +15 dBu (0.5 dB steps)
- Bypass Filter: 50/80/160/300 Hz
- Gain Make-up: 0 to +20 dB (1 dB steps)
- Output Impedance: 100 Ω balanced
- Power: Internal switch-mode, 200 mA @ 24 VDC
- Dimensions: 19 x 1.75 x 9 in (483 x 44 x 229 mm)
- Weight: 7 lbs (3.2 kg)
