Universal Audio LA-3A Classic Audio Leveler

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Universal Audio LA-3A

List Price: $1,999.00
Our Price: $1,699.00
You Save $300.00!

Availability: Usually Ships in 24 Hours
Product Code: 9999-03759

Description

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Universal Audio LA-3A Details
The original LA-3A Audio Leveler made its debut at the 1969 NY AES show and marked the departure from the tube design of the Teletronix LA-2A Leveling Amplifier. The LA-3A incorporated components and design concepts from the Putnam-designed 1176LN Limiting Amplifier. Immediately embraced as a studio workhorse and still widely used today, the LA-3A remains a favorite of engineers and producers worldwide for its unique compression characteristics and sonic signature.

Our UA Classics reissue of the LA-3A meticulously retains all the internal and external qualities of the original: The same simple control set, and the T4 electro-optical attenuator, which is the source of the LA-3A�s program dependent compression. It also retains the 2RU half-rack design, and comes complete with a single-unit rack assembly--no additional kit is necessary. All the original rear panel connections and controls are also maintained, while the commonly performed �LA-3A gain mod� is added as an additional switch for maximum studio versatility.

Universal Audio LA-3A Featured

Classic Solid-State Opto-Compressor
Custom UA transformers and T4 cell
Discrete, Class A amplifier: up to 50dB gain
Rear-panel "Gain Mod" switch for gain control
Designed by ex-UREI engineer Dennis Fink
External connections: Jones Barrier terminals and XLR connectors
Gain Reduction: up to 40dB
Distortion: Less than 0.33% at +24dBm
Frequency Response: 20Hz - 20kHz +/- 0.5dB
Noise Floor: +-80dB below program at threshold of limiting
Gain: 30 +/- 1dB, 50 +/- 1dB
Output Level: +20dBm nominal
Input Level: 0dBm @ 50dB gain; +20dBm @ 30dB gain
Attack: 1.5ms or less
Release: 0.06s for 50% release

What We Think:

"The Universal Audio LA-3A is in many respects the child of marrying an LA-2A's opto circuit characteristics of compression and limiting with the agressive and pleasantly 'furry' amplification and output circuitry of the 1176LN. Thick and smooth all at once, it is not quite either of it's parents and exhibits a unique character all it's own. While it may not be quite as well documented in the lore and legend of recording as it's immediate counterparts, the LA-3A is no less powerful a voice and rounds out compression's 'Power Trio'. Pair up a couple of LA-3A units and you will have an opto stereo compressor that creates a very nice glue to your mix."

ALAN MOON - Front End Audio

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