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COMP II
Stereo Compressor
What it is: The Daking COMP II is a handmade compressor/limiter designed to be easy to use
and sound like much more expensive comp/limiters. Built right here in the USA, it offers better
sounding compression on all kinds of sources in the studio. Whether in the hands of a highly
experienced engineer who needs fast workflow, or a novice who is not sure how to best set up a
compressor, the COMP II gives professional results without a big learning curve.
With big old-style analog meters and a simple setup, the COMP II is easy to understand and
easy to use. Designed carefully by Geoff Daking and Dave Thibodeau to behave well on a
variety of real in-studio applications, it may challenge your notions of how good a two-knob
compressor can be.
The two channel, electronically balanced COMP II, can operate in dual mono or stereo linked
mode for a beautiful stereo image. In dual mono it acts like two independent mono
compressors for use on two different - perhaps unrelated - sources. There is no master channel
in stereo mode. Each channel retains its independent control.
The variable parameters of the COMP II are:
Threshold: Determines the level at which the compressor begins to work.
Ratio: The slope of the gain reduction. Compress is a low ratio good for general gain reduction,
while Limit presents more of a “brick wall” to the signal.
Attack: The speed with which the compressor begins to react. Slow allows transients, like the
attack of drums, to pass while compressing the back end. Fast will remove transients.
Release: Determines how quickly the compressor “lets go”. Fast is self-explanatory. Auto reacts
to both the level of the signal and it’s duration. Small peaks will release quickly, while long and
loud signals will release much more slowly.
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Combinations of Attack, Release and Ratio will create different effects. The most
natural will be Compress•Slow•Auto. The most aggressive will be Limit•Fast•Fast.
Make-up Gain: Compensates for any gain lost in compression. For serious rock stars, note the
output goes to 11!
Why it’s Different: The Daking Comp II is a complex design that employs a unique method of
gain reduction using a VCA like a FET. This maintains the unique Daking sound of our legacy
compressors. Unlike most VCA designs, ours uses feedback gain reduction, a peak detector and
an all-discrete Class A follower.
The outboard power supply makes sure this unit is quiet and usable around the world on any
voltage. Switches are illuminated, making it easy to see what’s “on” in a dark room. The rear
panel offers XLR electronically balanced inputs and electronically balanced XLR/¼” TRS outputs.
Purely analog, it’s so easy to get a sound you love. This compressor may easily become your
favorite.
Specifications:
• Input: XLR (x2)
• Output XLR (x2), TRS (x2)
• Differential input and output amps
• Class “A” amplifier for make-up gain
• All metal construction with stainless steel chassis for noise immunity
• Custom aluminum knobs
• Power supply included
• Frequency response: 20Hz-65kHz
• THD at +4dBu input and no compression at 1kHz: Typical 0.02%, Max 0.035% (22-22kHz,
Un-Wtd)
• THD at +4dBu input and 2dB of compression at 1kHz: Typical 0.02%, Max 0.035% (22-
22kHz, Un-Wtd)
• Noise: less than -80dBu, 22-22kHz
• 1U 19” rack-mount
• Unit weight: 5.35 lbs (2.45 kg)
• Unit dimensions: L front: 19in (48.26cm) L rear: 17in (43.18cm) W: 8.375in (21.27cm)
H: 1.625in (4.13cm)
• Box weight: 8.70 lbs (3.95 kg)
• Box dimensions: L: 29in (73.66cm) W: 14 in (35.56cm) H: 6 in (15.24cm)
Specifications are subject to change without notice.
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