Ashly SC-50 peak limiter/compressor

Bear's Gone Fission wrote:

Ashly SC-50 compressor - The general view on this model is that the blue pannel versions are the best as they use a discrete component VCA instead of the later dbx VCA, but my black pannel has the discrete VCA. Remove the foam inside the cases, as if it hasn't started yet, it will start falling to bits and sticking all over the circuit boards. Socketed opamp construction is the norm, generally older types, so there might be some value in trying upgrades, but I think it rocks stock. Not the quietest thing, but it sounds excellently distressed on guitars.

Fletcher said:

It happens to be one of the finest
compressors known to man for lead guitar/loud guitar solo shit.

I say this at my own peril, as I haven't got one yet, but:
The more modern CL-52E, a later revision stereo version, is quite revered by some, including Fletcher. Maybe more so than the SC-50? Also, there is a stereo version, the SC-55 if memory serves (it rarely does anymore . . .)

Bear

Yes, Bear, I believe you are correct. I managed to find an SC-55 that looks like it went through close-quarters combat in Vietnam, but hey, who cares about looks when it sounds this good 40 bucks was all it set me back, and after some polishing and scraping of old electrical tape residue, its about as good looking as its going to get (which would be a run down 73 toyota hatchback )

Cheers,

Mike the Redfrodevil

www.randommovement.com

Yeah, you know a lot of these have handling abuse in their history. It seems like they used to be a live sound standard.

yea, somehow those work well for glueing leads.

i've moved away from using mine as much as i used to.. it doesnt have much bite... but i guess thats the point.