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Golden Age Project Comp-3A Vintage Style Optical Compressor , $499.00 - Add to Cart Skip to Product Information

Golden Age Project Comp-3A Vintage Style Optical Compressor

1-channel Solid-state Electro-optical Compressor with Program-dependent Attack and Release Times, XLR and TRS I/O, and External Power Supply
Item ID: Comp3A
Golden Age Project Comp-3A Vintage Style Optical Compressor
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Golden Age Project Comp-3A Vintage Style Optical Compressor
In Stock!

Classic Compression for a Song

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Our Product Research Team

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The original LA-3A Audio Leveler made its debut in 1969 and was an instant hit. Studio engineers loved the half-rackspace solid-state electro-optical compressor for the punchy dynamic control it delivered on electric bass, guitars, and just about any other source. Sweetwater knows you want one, and we have good news: the Golden Age Comp-3A re-creates the circuitry, sonics, behavior, and form factor of the classic - and it's delightfully affordable. The vintage-style circuit uses no ICs. The I/O is transformer balanced. And the sound? Warm and deliciously musical. Treat yourself to classic compression, with the Golden Age Comp-3A.

Golden Age Comp-3A Compressor Features:
  • 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
  • Compact, 2RU half-rackspace chassis
The Golden Age Comp-3A offers classic compression for your studio!

Warranty Info

Sweetwater's FREE 2-Year Total Confidence Coverage Warranty

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  • Save money with FREE parts and labor
  • Get back to making music with the industry's fastest turnaround time
  • Fix it the first time with our award-winning, factory-certified Service Department
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Offer applies only to single-receipt qualifying purchases. Select manufacturers may require that only the manufacturer’s products qualify towards the minimum purchase amount needed to be eligible for promotional financing. Otherwise, an invoice that meets the minimum purchase amount and contains at least one qualifying manufacturer product is eligible for promotional financing. No interest will be charged on promo purchase balance, and equal monthly payments are required on promo purchase until it is paid in full. The payments equal the amount financed divided by the number of months in the promo period, rounded up to the next whole dollar. These payments may be higher than the payments that would be required if this purchase was a non-promo purchase. During the last month(s) of the promo period the required monthly payment may be reduced due to the prior months’ rounding. Regular account terms apply to non-promo purchases. New Accounts as of 07/31/2025: Purchase APR is 34.99%. Penalty APR is 39.99%. Min Interest Charge is $2. Existing cardholders: See your credit card agreement terms. Subject to credit approval.

Offer applies only to single-receipt qualifying purchases. No interest will be charged on the promo balance if you pay it off, in full, within the promo period. If you do not, interest will be charged on the promo balance from the purchase date. The required minimum monthly payments may or may not pay off the promo balance before the end of the promo period, depending on purchase amount, promo length and payment allocation. Regular account terms apply to non-promo purchases and, after promo period ends, to the promo balance. New Accounts as of 07/31/2025: Purchase APR is 34.99%. Penalty APR is 39.99%. Min Interest Charge is $2. Existing cardholders: See your credit card agreement terms. Subject to credit approval.

The estimated required monthly payment shown which excludes taxes and delivery equals the amount financed divided by the number of months in the promo period, rounded up to the next cent. During the last month(s) of the promo period the required monthly payment may be reduced due to this rounding. These payments apply only with the financing offer shown. If you make these payments by the due date each month, you should pay off this amount financed within the promo period, if it is the only balance you are paying off. If you have other balances on your account, this payment will be added to any other minimum monthly payments.

Applies only to select items from this manufacturer. Ask your Sweetwater Sales Engineer for more details.