The Daking Comp II is a hand-built compressor/limiter designed to deliver high-end results with straightforward operation. Manufactured in the USA, it provides rich, musical compression across a wide range of studio sources. Whether you’re an experienced engineer needing quick, reliable performance or a newcomer still learning how to dial in compression, the Daking Comp II offers professional-quality results with minimal effort.
Featuring large vintage-style analogue meters and a clean, user-friendly layout, the Daking Comp II was carefully engineered by Geoff Daking and Dave Thibodeau to excel in real-world studio use. Its performance may surprise those who underestimate the capabilities of a two-knob design.
This two-channel, electronically balanced unit can be used in either dual mono or stereo linked mode. In stereo mode, it delivers a cohesive stereo image with fully independent controls – there’s no master channel. In dual mono, each side operates as a separate compressor, perfect for treating two different sources independently.
Control Functions
- Threshold: Determines the level at which the compressor begins to work.
- Ratio: The slope of the gain reduction. Compress is a low ratio good for general gain reduction, while Limit presents more of a “brick wall” to the signal.
- Attack: The speed with which the compressor begins to react. Slow allows transients, like the attack of drums, to pass while compressing the back end. Fast will remove transients.
- Release: Determines how quickly the compressor “lets go”. Fast is self-explanatory. Auto reacts to both the level of the signal and it’s duration. Small peaks will release quickly, while long and loud signals will release much more slowly.
- Make-up Gain: Compensates for any gain lost in compression. For serious rock stars, note the output goes to 11!
The Daking Comp II features a refined analogue design that uses a VCA configured to behave like a FET, preserving the signature sound of Daking’s earlier compressors. Unlike typical VCA designs, it incorporates feedback-style gain reduction, a peak detector, and a fully discrete Class A follower for smooth, musical performance.
An external power supply ensures low noise and global voltage compatibility. Illuminated switches provide clear status visibility in low-light environments, and the rear panel includes electronically balanced XLR inputs and electronically balanced XLR/¼” TRS outputs. Fully analogue and effortless to use, the Daking Comp II delivers consistently great results and is likely to become a studio favourite.
