Golden Age Comp 3a Discreet Optical Compressor Limiter
5
9 Reviews
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A one channel vintage style Compressor / Leveler, the COMP-3A's signal path uses only discrete components like resistors, capacitors and transistors. The input and output is transformer balanced, using two different transformers, each one optimized for its purpose. This is the way audio components were built before integrated circuits became available.
Golden Age Comp 3a Discreet Optical Compressor Limiter Features
Vintage style electronics. No integrated circuits in the signal path.
Transformer balanced input and output. Can drive almost any load - balanced or unbalanced.
Selectable output transformer loading resistors by an internal jumper, will affect the high end frequency response.
Uses a classic T4-style electro-optical attenuator to control gain with program dependent attack and release times.
Very simple to operate with only two main controls, Gain and Peak Reduction.
HF control can make the side-chain circuit more sensitive to mid and high frequency content.
A big meter selectable to show gain reduction or output level at two different reference levels.
Hardwire bypass switch for easy comparisons.
XLR and TRS input and output jacks for flexible connections.
Link jack and switch for connecting to another unit for stereo operation.
All external controls located on the front panel.
External power supply to avoid interaction with the audio circuits and transformers.
Compact 2RU half rack format. Two units can be mounted with our 19-inch rack kit, the UNITE BIG.
A solid build quality that will last many years of normal use.
Integrated circuits are small and cheap and widely used in most modern designs. The drawback is that audio components built with modern technology doesn't always provide the best perceived sound quality or the type of character that the modern user desires. The subjective sound quality delivered by vintage equipment is often preferred over the one delivered by modern units, a situation that is even more obvious now when music is recorded with clean-sounding digital audio equipment. This is the reason why so many vintage audio components are cloned and produced again and also why the vintage originals are often very expensive on the second hand market.
The circuit used in the COMP-3A is based on a classic design that uses an electro-luminescent panel and a photoelectric cell to control gain. This gives the COMP-3A a unique, program dependent compression characteristics. In addition, the vintage style signal path adds a wonderful and musical character to the sound. The ease of use with only two main controls makes it very simple to achieve the desired sound. These attributes has made the original units a favorite of engineers and musicians worldwide.
Golden Age Comp 3a Discreet Optical Compressor Limiter
Item #:
MBP GOACOMP3A
Manufacturer Part Number:
comp3a
UPC:
7123244654884
Customer Reviews
5
Based on 9 reviews
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Mario P. 🇺🇸
Verified Buyer
Great compressor, adds that special
Great compressor, adds that special 'something' to just about anything you put through it. I bought mine specifically for acoustic guitars, it sounds fantastic and works wonders on drums and vocals too. A worthy addition to my home studio.
Published date
08/02/25
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Mixedbyjjb 🇺🇸
Verified Buyer
Great for the price
Great product for the price. Good quality build Definitely a surprise for sure
Published date
11/26/22
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Solo S. 🇺🇸
Verified Buyer
That Character you need
I was surprised at how this compressor really bring out that character and full sound i was looking for. Decided to grab this instead of the comp 2 a and i was fully impressed.
Published date
04/05/22
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Onofrio 🇺🇸
Verified Buyer
Great compressor!
This was a fantastic surprise. The comp3a rivals similar competitors models that are in excess of $2000. Works fantastic as a preamp for DI instruments, which is my main use for it right now!
Published date
01/09/21
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Baggz 🇺🇸
Verified Buyer
Perfect
Perfect for a fair price...Fast Shipping...Gotta love AMS
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