Golden Age Project / COMP-3A

The COMP-3A is a compressor/leveling amplifier that recreates the legendary vintage piece of equipment, the LA-3A. Its key features include smooth compression operation thanks to the T4 electro-optical attenuator and a punchy, analog-inspired sound.

■Compressor

■Mono

~From the distributor's website~

■A high-end compressor that recreates the legendary vintage LA-3A.

By incorporating transformers and analog components that prioritize sound quality, it reproduces a gorgeous analog sound. Furthermore, all the switches and controls that were located on the rear of the original have been moved to the front, making it even easier to use.

The Golden Age Project (GAP) COMP-3A is a compressor/leveling amplifier that recreates the legendary vintage 'LA-3A'. It achieves an authentic sound composed solely of analog components, including discrete components and independently balanced transformer inputs and outputs.


Since their debut in 1969, the LA-2A (tube version) and LA-3A (solid-state version) have been used in countless recordings, etching their place in history as some of the most famous compressors. At the heart of the distinctive sound and compression character of both models is the 'T4 electro-optical attenuator'. Golden Age Project's COMP-3A meticulously reproduces this T4 ELOP, achieving extremely smooth and natural compression that follows the input signal perfectly.

The LA-3A, with its faster attack and release than the LA-2A, is frequently used for drums, room microphones, piano, and vocals, but is most popular for recording electric guitar and bass. Its punchy compression sound, which firmly captures the midrange, has been favored by professionals worldwide.

Original vintage equipment is not only expensive, but the maintenance costs to achieve the correct sound are also substantial. The Golden Age Project COMP-3A is the only tool that lets you experience the 'delicious' compression sound of the LA-3A at an affordable price.

■Features

FEATURES

? Vintage circuit design composed of discrete components

? Transformer-balanced input/output

? Output transformer load can be changed via internal jumper, allowing selection of high-frequency sound character

? Exquisite reproduction of the legendary T4-style electro-optical attenuator

? Simple and effective control with Gain and Peak controls

? Auto-release and attack according to input signal

? Reproduction of the original ""HF COUNTOUR"" control. Adjustable high-frequency signal compression sensitivity

? Large reduction meter (GR amount and +4/+10dB output level switch)

? Bypass switch (hardwire bypass using relay)

? XLR/TRS phone input/output

? Stereo link switch and link terminal

? Controls previously located on the rear of the original LA-3A are now consolidated on the front panel

? 24V AC adapter included as standard (PSE certified 100V Japan specification), or high-end external power supply (PSAC) can also be used

? Compact half-rack size (equivalent to 2U height)

? Solid and robust chassis design