AEA Ribbon Mics 1029 Half-Rack Stereo VCA Compressor

The AEA 1029 is a stereo VCA compressor designed for mix engineers, producers, and mastering professionals who require precise, musical dynamics control without compromising sonic fidelity. Featuring a proprietary op-amp emulates transformer-coupled outputs, which can be used with either a balanced or unbalanced signal, depending on how your cable/system is set up. The 1029 preserves the depth and nuance of high-quality audio sources�especially ribbon microphones and other low-distortion transducers.

The 1029 is designed to compress stereo signals with identical processing applied to both channels via a single set of shared controls. It can also be used with a mono source, typically by connecting it to one channel only. The unit does not support dual mono operation, and the two channels cannot be adjusted independently. This configuration ensures precise stereo imaging and makes the 1029 ideal for mix buses, stems, and other linked stereo applications.

At the core of the 1029 is a custom-designed VCA�engineered in-house by AEA. This design delivers transparent, low-noise performance with musical compression characteristics.

Compression timing is governed by a front-panel Peak/RMS switch. In Peak mode, the 1029 reacts quickly to transients and short-duration peaks. RMS mode engages slower, program-dependent timing behavior, for more relaxed, natural compression. Attack and release times are internally fixed within each mode and are not continuously adjustable.

The 1029 features front-panel controls for Threshold, Ratio (variable from 1:1 to limiting), and Gain, along with the Peak/RMS switch and a Hard Bypass toggle. An 7-step LED meter displays gain reduction in real time, allowing engineers to monitor compression behavior at a glance.

Built into a robust 2 RU rackmount chassis, the 1029 emulates a transformer-coupled output and can be used as either a balanced or unbalanced signal (depending on how your cable/system is configured), and includes a universal internal power supply (100 to 240 VAC) for international compatibility. Like all AEA products, it is hand-assembled in Pasadena, California.

• Stereo VCA compressor with shared controls
• Supports stereo or mono input (not dual mono)
• THAT VCAs and proprietary op-amp for transparent compression
• Peak/RMS switch selects fixed timing behavior
• Threshold, Ratio, Gain, and Bypass controls
• LED gain reduction meter with 7-step display
• +26 dBu max output level; >128 dB dynamic range
• Rugged 2RU rackmount chassis with XLR I/O
• Hand-built in Pasadena, California, USA

AEA Ribbon Mics 1029 Specs

Audio I/O	2x XLR 3-Pin Input 2x XLR 3-Pin Output
Audio	Input Impedance: 10 kilohms Actively Balanced Max Input Level: +26 dBu Input CMRR: > 70dB (22 Hz to 22 kHz) Output Stage: 50 ohms Active Balanced Floating Max Output Level: +26 dBu Balanced Load, +22 dBu Unbalanced Load Minimum Load Impedance: 600 ohms Signal-to-Noise Ratio: Dry: -97dBu, Wet: -91dBu Frequency Response Dry: 10 Hz to 200 kHz (+0 dB, -0.05 dB) Wet: 10 Hz to 200 kHz (+0 dB, -0.1 dB) Input and Output XLR Polarity: Pin 2 +, Pin 3 - Absolute Phase: Non-Inverting Attack and Release Times Peak Fast: 4 ms Attack, 17 ms Release RMS: 12 ms Attack, 50 ms Release Peak Slow: 4 ms Attack, 200 ms Release
Metering	LED Signal Level Indicators, 7 Segment LED Meters: -20, -12, -4, 0, 6, 10, 20 (6 dB before Clipping) Gain Reduction Indicator, 6 Segment LED Meter: -1, -2, -3, -6, -9, -12 dB Gain Reduction

Mobile App Compatible

No

Power Source	AC Adapter with Power Brick (Included)
AC Input Power	100 to 240 VAC, 50 / 60 Hz
Power Consumption	6 W

Color	Gray
Cable Length	7.5' / 2.3 m (Power Supply with Cable)
Dimensions	8.5 x 8 x 1.8" / 21.59 x 20.32 x 4.6 cm (Main Unit)
Weight	2 lb / 893 g (Main Unit) 1.1 lb / 483 g (Power Supply)

Package Weight	3.895 lb
Box Dimensions (LxWxH)	12.2 x 9.1 x 4.4"