1-channel Solid-state Electro-optical Compressor with Program-dependent Attack and Release Times, XLR and TRS I/O and External Power Supply
The LA-2A (tube version) and LA-3A (solid state version) are some truly classic compressors / leveling amplifiers. Having been used for decades on countless recordings, they are a perfect example of vintage designs that never goes out of favor. At the core of both products is the T4 electro-optical attenuator with its unique sound and compression characteristics and a very smooth, natural and program dependent operation. Add to that the easy of use with only two main controls, GAIN and PEAK REDUCTION and the wonderful sound of the fully discrete signal path and the transformers.
Caractéristiques
Vintage-style circuitry with no integrated circuits
Transformer-balanced I/O
Capable of driving most balanced or unbalanced loads
Internal jumper for selectable output-transformer loading - Lets you vary high-frequency response
Employs classic T4-style electro-optical attenuator for gain control
Program-dependent attack and release times
Easy 2-control operation: Gain, Peak Reduction
HF control increases sidechain circuit sensitivity to mid- and high-frequency content
Large meter selectable between gain reduction and output level at 2 reference levels
Hardwired bypass switch for 1-touch in/out comparison
XLR and TRS I/O for flexible connectivity
Link switch and jack for stereo operation with another Comp-3A
External power supply (no interaction with audio circuitry)
Classic sound, ideal for most sources and music styles
Rugged build quality will provide many years of service
Écrire une évaluation à propos du Golden Age Project Comp-3A
5.0
Josh Parkman
Strasbourg, Sk
11 avril 2021
Just Incredible.
This is the best hardware comp I've heard for less than $1000, and the only one in that price bracket that I would buy again. Thickens vocals, guitars, and bass in a way that reminds me of the classic Urei's, but with a flavour of it's own that lets the high-end through in a deliciously silky way. Lire plus
I bought it just as an LA3A emulation, but I've ended up using it on pretty much every single vocal track since.
4.5
Le studio Marco Primeau
Salaberry de Valleyfield
10 juin 2020
Classic Compressor at a fair price !
The Comp-3A is a very nice compressor, its action is sweet and natural due to the optical cell.
It is easy to setup and need no technical knowledge to achive great sound since it doesn't have that many controls. It's very forgiving even if you push it a bit too much. Lire plus
The only thing to be carefull is the gain staging (in and out)
It does a great job on Vocals, Voice-over and Bass guitar. It would also work on many other sources.
The setting in the MOD position decrease the noise output and give you a pretty transparent unit with a bit of mojo.. At this price it's a no brainer !
5.0
Warne Livesey
Toronto
3 mai 2019
Excellent clone, particularly for the price
I liked this compressor so much I immediately bought a second once I tried it out in the studio. We even A/B'd it with an original LA3a (with the Clearmountain mod) and we chose to use the GA Comp-3a in preference. The Comp-3a was more open sounding. The LA3a sounded tired by comparison. Lire plus
To be fair, there can be a big difference between different examples of old LA3a's depending on many factors, particularly how well they have been maintained over the years. I think the ones we were using as a comparison were not the best examples and I would imagine that a great sounding LA3a would be better than these clones. But still, at the price, these clones are very, very good. So far I've used them on Bass and Acoustic Guitar with great success and a quick experiment suggested that they are going to be good on Drum Room mics too. Very happy with this purchase.
