SA-609 MK2 – Analog Diode bridge compressor/ Limiter

Stereo or Dual Mono Compression & Limiting

Next Batch:APRIL 2024

(5 customer reviews)

$1,690.00

The Stam Audio SA-609 is a faithful replica of the legendary Neve 33609 two-channel compressor / limiter.


SKU: sa-609-2019-b1 Category: Tags: , ,

A legendary stereo compressor & limiter

The Stam Audio SA-609 MK2 combines two Diode- Bridge 33609 compressors into one.

It retains the same circuit, transformers and discrete BA-440 cards making it an identical replica on the vintage metal knob British 33609 and it also incorporates the modern and brighter sounding 33609 JD version at the twist of a knob as well as a Dry-Wet blend control

The 33609 was an evolution of several previous british creations, and found its way into the mixing and mastering chain of studios worldwide. Noted mainly for its ability to glue elements of a mix together, it was also prized for its ability to add colour compression, or transparent limiting, depending on the user’s desire.

Affectionately known by many as the “Metal Knob” compressor, the 33609 utilised a diode-bridge based topology, and spawned several revisions since its inception in 1969. Our SA-609 MK2 strictly follows the original “Metal Knob” schematic with the use of BA440 cards and Carnhill transformers that reproduce the characteristics of the original Marinairs used on the initial version and also adds the modern version at the twist of a knob.

High quality stepped controls allow for easy recall of settings and, and when used for mastering duties provided a higher degree of precision.

With the same hand wired transformers and feedback circuit as the classic Neve 2254, the SA-609 is the ideal compressor for the stereo bus on audio mixing and mastering duties, as well as broadcasting applications.

The SA-609 MK2 offers a transparent compression with its lowest 1.5:1 ratio setting, or can be slammed up to 6:1 to get as much attitude as you desire. Its uses are not limited to the master bus. The original was commonly used on drums, vocals, pianos, and other acoustic instruments due to its ability to tame even the most complex source, and the SA-609 MK2 replicates this perfectly.

Overall compression is displayed by the front panel with vu meters. Each compression channel has threshold, release, makeup-gain, and ratio controls.
The makeup-gain circuit is great for adding a little more grit and warmth to any source, and can be used even if no compression is required. Each channel is also equipped with a brick-wall limiter that has threshold and recovery controls, which is placed after the compression circuit. If you wish, the limiter can be bypassed completely for applications where limiting is not necessary.

For complete flexibility, the SA-609 MK2 can be used in linked stereo mode, or the channels can be separated for use as a dual mono compressor. Dual mono mode is ideal for a mix that has a lot of dynamics between the right and left channels.

100% satisfaction guarantee – if you don’t love your SA-609 MK2, we’ll refund you

If you’ve used an original metal knob Neve 33609 before, we’re extremely confident the SA-609 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 ourselves 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-609 comes with a 30-day money back guarantee. This allows you to get it into your studio and see how it impacts upon 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.

Technical Specs

  • Two 33609 revisions in one
  • Original 33609 “Metal Knob” and JD schematic
  • Input, Inter-stage and Output Carnhill Transformers
  • Vishay Capacitors
  • Precision Metal Film resistors
  • Ratios: 1.5:1, 2:1, 3:1, 4:1, 6
  • Attack Time: 3 ms (compressor), slow 4 ms, fast 2 ms
  • Release times : 100 ms – 400 ms, 800 ms, 1.5 s, Auto 1 (100 ms to 2 seconds) and Auto 2 (50 ms to 5 seconds)
  • Premium Vishay/Phillips capacitors as original
  • Sifam Knobs
  • Less than 0.5% THD
  • Dry-Wet blend control
  • XLR Inputs
  • XLR Outputs
  • Voltage switch selector (115V or 230V)
  • Internal toroidal transformer
  • Final assembly by hand in Chile
  • 2-year warranty
  • 30-day money back guarantee

5 reviews for SA-609 MK2 – Analog Diode bridge compressor/ Limiter

  1. Shkumbin Azizi

    I just received my SA-609 and all what I can say is that it’s absolutely amazing compressor in everything! Stam Audio won me over with their prices and most important of all, sound quality! It was a long process but definitely worth the wait!this compressor is a killer on everything from instruments(drums,bass,piano,vocal,mix buss etc)! Destroys any plugin by miles. Highly recommended! I’ll definitely be buying more products from stam!I also have sa-4000 mk2,sa-47,sa-87,sa-1073 mpa,sa-800 and I am love in stam gears! Highly recommended!

  2. Joey Hinkebein

    Phenomenally true to the original “metal knob” 33609, this is a fantastic clone.
    Absolute $$$ on drum bus, mix bus, and keys.
    The SA609 brings out the best nuances of the mix and has the the ability add anything from a subtle touch to anger and weight.

    5/5! Definitely recommend if you are in the market for a 33609 clone, because this is the best on the market.
    Trust me, you will not want to take it off of your mix bus… It will live there….

  3. Conrad

    Stam is a genius. This unit is simply amazing. One thing I’ve learned from buying from Stam is in life patience truly is a virtue. We are used to instant gratification. The wait is truly worth it. This unit on the mix bus is golden. You get loudness, depth, all the subtleties in you mix comes alive. The build quality is phenomenal. I want another one.Great work once again. I have at least 6 more things on order. Can’t wait.

  4. Imre Faragó

    woow absolutely amazing compressor! First i used it on a drum buss. i got the 70s rock sounds. air and weight were balanced very transparent sounds. it sounded better even when it was in bypass mode, good quality , well built, lovely tranformers. After then I mixed down a movie overdubbing dialogues. I was surprised. very cool sonic. made my happy even with fix attack time. my language has important details at the end of the words…and everything was so great and understandable even when the music , FX were loud. if ya want a neve 33609 clone do not hesitate! trust me! Josh! thank you! Thanx for all Stam Audio staff.

  5. Ephraim A.

    What an amazing unit Stam Audio replicated. This thing is thick and creamy yet punchy and tight. I’m so glad to be part of the first few that signed up with Stam Audio. It was a good wait but worthwhile.

    Even with the fairer prices now, this thing is a great bargain. Kudos to the Stam Audio Team for making yet another great unit. This unit is an awesome addition to the SA-4000 in the studio if seeking another type of color in the mix or bus mixes.

    What makes this unit pretty awesome too is the dual mono mode where you can manipulate two different channels/tracks (ie Top SNR/Btm SNR or double mic’d kick, etc…). This then not only makes the SA-609 a great Mixing Compressor but also a great tracking compressor to track with character on the way in.

    Just a great unit all around! Thank you Stam Audio Team!

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