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Universal Audio LA-3A - Classic Single Channel Audio Leveler/Compressor
- Price: $1,699.00
- Free Shipping (USA)
-
Usually ships in 6-10 weeks
Availability Details
CloseThis is a special order item and is non-cancelable and non-returnable. Est. arrival at B&H is 6-10 weeks (subject to availability). Your order will be charged at time of shipment.
International orders*
For international orders, credit cards will be charged at time you place your order.
The LA-3A Leveling Amplifier from Universal Audio is a faithful reproduction of the original classic solid-state compressor. The single channel unit is housed in a 2U half-rack chassis and is loved for its unique compression characteristics and sonic signature.
The original LA-3A made its debut at the 1969 NY AES show and marked a departure from the tube design of the LA-2A. The LA-3A incorporated components and design concepts from the Putnam-designed 1176LN Limiting Amplifier and was immediately embraced as a studio workhorse and is still widely used today.
The reissue meticulously retains all the qualities of the original. This includes the same simple control set and the T4 electro-optical attenuator, which is the source of the unit's program dependent compression. The commonly performed "LA-3A gain mod" is added as an additional switch for maximum studio versatility.
The LA-3A does not have user controls for attack and release times. These are automatically controlled by the nature of the T4 cell. The lack of controls in no way compromises the functioning of the unit. Due to the automatic and extremely musical way the LA-3 rides level, it's quick and easy to get good results, especially on vocals and acoustic instruments.
- Faithful recreation of the classic solid-state opto-compressor
- Custom Universal Audio transformers and T4 cell
- Discrete amplifier with up to 50dB of gain
- Rear panel "Gain Mod" switch for additional gain control
| Function | Leveler/compressor |
| Number of Channels | Single |
| Inputs |
1 x XLR (2-pin hot) Terminal Strip (shared with output) |
| Outputs |
1 x XLR (2-pin hot) Terminal Strip (shared with input) |
| Maximum Input Level | -0dBm @ 50dBm gain setting |
| Compression Threshold | Set by Peak Reduction and Gain control and by the input level of the input device |
| Compression Ratio | Program and control settings dependent |
| Attack Time | 1.5ms or less, program dependent |
| Release Time |
Stage 1: 60ms (50% release) Stage 2: 0.5 to 5 seconds, program dependent |
| Gate Threshold | Not applicable |
| Gate Rate | Not applicable |
| Maximum Output Level | +20dBm nominal, 27dBm maximum peaks |
| Make-up Gain | 50dB +/-1dB |
| Frequency Response | 20Hz to 20kHz, +/-0.5dB |
| Dynamic Range | Not specified by manufacturer |
| Noise | -80dB @ limiting threshold |
| Dimensions (WxDxH) | 9 1/2" x 9 1/4" x 3 1/2" |
| Weight | 6.5 lbs |
| Specialties | Includes rack mounting kit for 19" racks |
Cables
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- Original: $14.99
- Save: $1.50
- Price: $13.49
Additional Hardware
- Price: $999.00
Acoustical Treatment
- Price: $399.00
This item is usually Drop Shipped from the MFR/Distributor within 7-10 days (subject to availability). Your order will be charged at the time of placing the order with the vendor. Item is non-cancelable and non-returnable.
Rack Accessories
- Price: $59.95
This is a special order item and is non-cancelable and non-returnable. Est. arrival at B&H is 7-14 days (subject to availability). Your order will be charged at time of shipment.
Cable Management
- Price: $4.95
Engineer's Essentials
- Price: $14.49
Books & Tutorials
- Price: $129.00
What's in the Box
- AC Power Cable
- Rackmount Kit
- One (1) Year Warranty
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