Vintage Class A Compressor

The Stam Audio SA-254+ is a 1:1 sounding replica of the original vintage Neve 2254 mono compressor. The 2254, just like the 33609, used a diode-bridge based topology that made it’s way into the recording chains of virtually every major studio in the world. Unlike the later, 33609 stereo compressor, the 2254 used a class A circuitry, imparting a thicker low end and a much more aggressive and coloured sound.

Circuitry and Transformers

The Neve 2245 featured the class A amplifier with two BA-283 cards and Marinair transformers, like the original 1073 and 1290 modules. It was a vibey and aggressive sounding compressor with dark top frequencies and a huge low end. In an attempt to recreate the original, we use UK-made Carnhil input and interstage transformers, which are direct descendants from the original Marinairs and a UK-made Sowter 1777 output transformer which is the closest replica in the world to an original Marinair LO1166 custom made for Stam Audio. No other transformers come sonically close to these,  and no other transformers should be used in this circuit.

We also carefully reverse engineered, the original BA-283 amplifiers for the output section, where all the magic happens! This meticulous combination of parts ensures that the SA-254+ sounds exactly the same as the original 2254. Each SA-254+ features the same tantalum, polystyrene and vishay capacitors, with a linear power supply, three preamps and a power amp, like the original. Each SA-254+ will be completely hand-made at our lab in Chile.

Enhanced Functionality

The Neve 2254 was commonly used on drums, vocals, pianos, and other acoustic instruments, due to its ability to tame even the most complex sources: the SA-254+ replicates this perfectly.  However, the Neve 2254’s fixed attack time of 5ms was not always useful. To overcome this design limitation, the SA-254+ comes with a fast (2ms), stock (5ms) and slow (20ms) attack times. This, coupled with a stereo link switch, on the unit’s back makes the SA-254+ usable on mix-bus duties, where a slower attack time is preferable.  Another much needed feature, was a side-chain high pass filter. Just like the SA-609, the SA-254+ comes with a three position high-pass filter (off, 60hz and 120hz) and a much requested Dry/Wet blend control.

Each SA-254+ also includes threshold, release, makeup-gain, and ratio controls, as well as the classic brick-wall limiter, that has threshold and recovery controls, which are placed after the compression circuit.

100% satisfaction guarantee – if you don’t love your SA-254+, we’ll refund you

If you’ve used an original 2254 before, we’re extremely confident the SA-254+ will put a big smile on your face every time you use it. However, if you’ve never touched the original before, as gear-lovers we understand that, the only way to really know if this compressor is right for you is to put it through its paces. That’s why the SA-254+ comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee. This allows you to get it into your studio and see how it impacts your recordings. If you love it (and we think you will!), great…keep the unit and create amazing music with it. If not, no problems. Just send it back to us and we’ll fully refund your purchase.