Golden Age Project Comp 3A Compressor
This is a 2U Compressor
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Want to Click and Collect or try items at our Guildford Store?
The store is open 10am - 6pm Monday to Saturday and 11am - 5pm Sunday and bank holidays.
The stock information shows the quantity of units that are available to purchase at the Guildford store and the quantity of units that are available at our off-site Guildford warehouse. These stock levels are updated in real time.
Our Click and Collect service is available at our Guildford store from 10am - 6pm Monday to Saturday, and 11am - 5pm on Sunday. You can either choose click and collect as your delivery option online or, during store opening hours, call our sales team at 01483 456777 to place a 10% deposit.
If you have placed your order online, you will receive a confirmation email of your order and a separate follow-up text or email to confirm when your item is ready for collection.
Please do not come to the store before you have received the follow-up message, as your order may not yet be ready at the store.
If the only available stock is in our off-site warehouse it can be brought to the store location for you to try - you just need to contact the store within opening hours. Please note any requests received after 3.30pm will not arrive at the store until the following morning.
Please be aware that, unless you have paid a deposit to reserve the item, it will continue to be free, both online and in-store, for another customer to buy. Therefore we would advise you to place a 10% deposit by either using the on-line click and collect service or calling us 01483 456777.
SKU: COMP3A
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Product Description
The COMP-3A is a one-channel vintage-style compressor and leveller, crafted for those who appreciate the classic warmth and character of traditional audio design. Unlike modern units built with integrated circuits, the COMP-3A employs only discrete components such as resistors, capacitors and transistors. Its transformer-balanced input and output ensure excellent signal integrity, while each transformer is carefully optimised for its specific role. The result is a sound that is musical, organic and highly sought after, especially when paired with today’s digital recording systems that can often sound overly clean.
At the heart of the COMP-3A lies a classic T4-style electro-optical attenuator, delivering smooth, programme-dependent attack and release times. This design, combined with a minimalist control layout of Gain and Peak Reduction, makes achieving the perfect tone both intuitive and rewarding. An HF control enhances side-chain sensitivity for detailed response, while the selectable output transformer loading provides additional tonal shaping options. Built with durability and practicality in mind, the COMP-3A offers front-panel accessibility, flexible input and output connections, stereo linking capability, and a compact half-rack format. With its timeless design and accessible price point, the COMP-3A brings vintage compression character within reach for engineers and musicians alike.
Key Features:
- Vintage style discrete circuitry:
Built with resistors, capacitors and transistors only, ensuring a truly classic analogue sound without the compromise of integrated circuits. - Transformer balanced input and output:
Equipped with optimised transformers on both ends, allowing for strong signal drive and compatibility with balanced or unbalanced connections. - Classic T4-style optical attenuation:
Delivers smooth programme-dependent compression with effortless control, producing a warm and musical sound highly regarded by professionals.
Effortless Operation:
The COMP-3A is designed with simplicity at its core, offering just two main controls, Gain and Peak Reduction. This straightforward approach enables both novice users and experienced engineers to achieve professional results without unnecessary complexity. The meter provides clear feedback with selectable modes for gain reduction or output level monitoring, making adjustments quick and accurate. With a hardwire bypass switch, direct comparisons are immediate, allowing you to refine your sound with confidence and ease.
Authentic Analogue Sound:
Using a traditional electro-luminescent panel paired with a photoelectric cell, the COMP-3A produces a naturally smooth and programme-dependent response. The vintage-style circuitry and transformer-balanced design further contribute to its rich and characterful sound, bringing warmth and depth to digital recordings. This classic compression character makes the COMP-3A an excellent choice for vocals, instruments, or full mixes where musicality and authenticity are required.
Flexible and Durable Design:
The COMP-3A is built for both versatility and longevity. With XLR and TRS connectivity, it integrates seamlessly into a wide range of studio setups. A stereo link option allows two units to work together for consistent performance across channels. Its half rack 2RU format ensures space efficiency, while the robust construction guarantees years of reliable use. An external power supply further minimises interference, keeping the audio path clean and true to its analogue origins.
Specifications:
- One channel vintage-style compressor and leveller
- Discrete component signal path without integrated circuits
- Transformer balanced input and output
- Selectable output transformer loading resistors via internal jumper
- T4-style electro-optical attenuator for programme-dependent attack and release
- Controls: Gain and Peak Reduction
- HF control for enhanced side-chain sensitivity
- Meter selectable for gain reduction or output level at two reference points
- Hardwire bypass switch
- XLR and TRS input and output jacks
- Link jack and switch for stereo operation
- All controls are located on the front panel
- External power supply to reduce interference
- Compact 2RU half rack format
- Optional 19-inch rack mounting kit (UNITE BIG) for dual unit installation
- Durable build for long-term use