(MAIL-IN MODIFICATION SERVICE): ALCTRON CP540 or CP540V2 Compressor

Modification Services for Alctron CP540

Once your purchase is complete you will be contacted with Mailing instructions, Work Order# and Work Order form for our mail in service.

The CP540 is based off the classic Neve compressor 33609 and is an all discrete design with an input and output as well as interstage transformers.

Like most Chinese clones there are a lot of cost cutting measures which in the audio world result in more noise, lower headroom and general lack of audio mojo.

While the box sounds fairly good stock and we find the transformers to actually sound surprisingly good, the audio circuit is pretty dirty and gritty.

About The Modifications 

What we do to these little boxes is essentially gut the insides.

We pull all of the transistors out and replace them with high HFE transistors for better bandwidth and lower noise to more closely resemble the original Neve design.

We then pull all of the electrolytic capacitors out the unit and replace them with long life, audio grade Panasonic capacitors for even lower noise and better musicality.

Power supply capacitors are replaced with Low ESR Nichicon and Panasonic long life high temp types.

Bypassing is performed in the voltage rails at various places in the design to lower noise and to knock down noise.

To Transform or Not?

We feel that the circuit modifications we perform have the most bang for the buck and while the transformer upgrade provides some sonic benefits, the circuit modifications deliver a LOT more performance per dollar.

If you want the best bang for your buck go for the circuit modification but if you want the Authentico Neve sound the total package is where it is at:)

Currently we carry a Carnhill output transformer option

You walk away with a wonderful sounding Discrete compressor with boutique modifications that really deliver a lot of bang for the buck.