Summit Audio TLA-100A Compressor/Limiter

Single-Channel Vacuum Tube Compressor / Limiter
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Item ID: TLA100A
Summit Audio TLA-100A Compressor/Limiter
Price:$3,449 and 99 cents
$575.00 suggested monthly payment§ with 6 month special financing‡

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Summit Audio TLA-100A Compressor/Limiter
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Price:$3,449 and 99 cents
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Tube Leveling Amplifier with Solid-State Stability!

The Summit Audio TLA-100A compressor/limiter has been a staple of studios and live rigs since the '80s. Why? The TLA-100A was the original set-and-forget compressor, and an easy to use unit. The hybrid solid state and tube technology produces smooth sounding and warm compression without the disadvantages of older designs. After more than a quarter of a century later the TLA-100A is still regarded as an industry standard.

Summit Audio TLA-100A Compressor/Limiter at a Glance:
  • Set-and-forget compressor
  • Hybrid technology
  • Made in the USA
Set-and-forget compressor

Introduced in the 1980s, the Summit Audio TLA-100A became regarded as one of the easiest compressors to use. The smooth program-dependent nature of the TLA-100A works with your signal to give optimal performance without having to constantly babysit the compressor, making it the set-and-forget compressor. This allows the focus to be on the performance instead of watching and tweaking gear.

Hybrid technology

The mix of solid state and tube technology makes the Summit Audio TLA-100A stand out from the crowd. The TLA-100A is renowned for its warm, smooth sound, while maintaining lightning-fast attack times which made it a staple for vocals, bass, drums, and guitar in the music industry.

Made in the USA

Every Summit Audio TLA-100A compressor/limiter product is made in the USA. Each unit is hand assembled using premium components and great attention to detail. The Summit Audio TLA-100A is built to last.

Summit Audio TLA-100A Compressor/Limiter Features:
  • Hybrid tube and solid state technology
  • Side chain
  • Easy to use
  • "Soft Knee" characteristic
  • Transformerless signal path
  • Balanced I/O
  • Hand crafted in the USA
Add an easy to use compressor and studio legend to your rig with the Summit Audio TLA-100A.

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Tech Specs

  • Type: Tube Compressor/Limiter
  • Number of Channels: 1
  • Controls: Attack (Fast/Slow), Release (Fast/Slow), Gain
  • Frequency Response: 20Hz-20kHz
  • Inputs: 1 x XLR
  • Outputs: 1 x XLR
  • Sidechain I/O: 1 x 1/4
  • Rack Spaces: 2U
  • Height: 3.5"
  • Depth: 10"
  • Width: 19"
  • Weight: 10 lbs.
  • Manufacturer Part Number: TLA-100A

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Reviews

My favorite opto comp!
I bought mine used. Swapped out the tube for a NOS Amperex. It sounds absolutely amazing! Where the Manley ELOP is super transparent (so much so, you almost don't know it's there) the TLA100 is on the opposite end of the opto spectrum. It has boatloads of audible vibe. It works especially well on vocals and bass, but it can add heft and dimension to any source. It's distinctly not an LA2A clone. Still, it can follow an 1176 to even out the peaks. Awesome comp! The Definitely part of my forever rack!
Music background: 20 + years of playing in and recording bands in Boston and NYC.
THE most musical compressor I've heard
I should've gotten one of these a long time ago. I was told to by several talented producers. But no, I had LA2A's, 1176's, 160's, all different types of VCA and Opticals. I would've saved a lot of time and money if I had just gotten this out of the gate. And heck is less expensive than a few of those other ones. What I love about this compressor is that there is so much room for error, its hard to make it sound over compressed. Even when you push this to the limit it does it far more pleasantly that an 1176. Its a very forgiving compressor that always adds a bit of width and warmth to whatever you run through it. I wouldn't say its overly warm, just the right amount. Its in no way transparent, this isn't a surgical compressor, its definitely a color. But what a pretty color.
Music background: Producer
Best compressor I have ever used!
I can not say enough. It seams to add clarity and warmth to the signal. The compression is transparent. It is ver easy to operate. I have owned a 6176, la-610, and various dbx comps. Although they all have there uses, I believe this compressor is way above any of the previously mentioned. This is the last compressor I will buy.
Music background: Vocalist / Live Sound Engineer