Golden Age COMP-3A Demo Review: LA3A Style Opto Compressor Limiter: Modern Studio Classic Leveler

[@UniqueThaPoet]

I recently bought the comp 3A and it sounds excellent. I run it with a blueberry microphone and blue robbie preamp and it sounds amazing. Great thick vocals.

[@mrmorpheus9707]

Woow! It sounds great on vocals. Transparent even when crushed

[@GETTRY_MAN]

I wouldnt call it transparent (natural?), but sounds really good

[@TzoHill]

You sold me, just ordered that COMP 3A lets go! thanks man.

[@Trinityshogun]

Hey David, finally got around to buy this unit and tested it with my GAP Pre-73 Mk. III and GAP EQ-73 using a Rode NT1 mic and it sounds amazing. Now I understand why you love this unit and the Comp 2a. Thanks for the well-done review of the unit. Got me to pull the trigger after watching your video half a dozen times.

[@cantor7723]

Pure gold on vocals. Love it!

[@dmitrystuchevsky9995]

I own two of those...sounds great and give the analog depth it has

[@RealHomeRecording]

Nice demo! Love LA-3A plugins so I may have to buy this one day.

[@CAROLINABACKYARD]

I really like 3 better on vocals. More clean and extremely less distortion

[@AndyKingCo]

Just ordered one exclusively for vocals

[@RealHomeRecording]

1176 revision G sounds similar to an LA-3A. I love em all!!

[@TheJoshery]

Hey David, thanks for the high-quality content you put out. If you ever get a chance to compare this to the Jr version, please let us know your thoughts!

[@soundshigh]

I have the Comp 3A and it is the bomb on vocals and spoken word. It just thickens and maximizes the signal so well. Wondering if I should get a second one for stereo duties, or get the 2A for the tube flavor. What would be your take on this?

[@KS0stli]

You can use the 2a on the right channel and the 3a on the left (but, of course, never vice versa!!)

[@soundshigh]

@@KS0stli sure, no 2A on the right, everybody knows that:) Joking aside, I’ve thought about mixing them up in a M/S configuration. The 3A on the mid, being the faster comp. I still don’t have the 2A, though.

[@AndyKingCo]

Love the Comp 3A on vocals

[@synesthetica]

I suppose a stereo pair would even work on 2 bus for acoustic music. It sounds great. Thanx for the review.

[@therealnormz8770]

Hi David. I've just got one of these for tracking vocals. I like the overall tone. There seems to be a big midrange presents. I couldn't identify where it was along the frequency spectrum.. Do you have any idea where or approximately that strong midrange presence is?

[@mixbustv]

3A is more straight up midrange (saturation) so let's say 700hz to 1.2K and some low mids too, 2A is slightly higher mids (and less pronounced) but with the very nice top sparkle of the tubes

[@therealnormz8770]

@@mixbustv Thanks David. The 2A will be my next purchase for sure!

[@ddsrecording]

Hey man great vid as always, thanks! Hey!...I am trying to find this one video on your channel but can't for the life of me...I am looking for that instructional video you did on how to figure out your hardware insert delay in Pro Tools so you can avoid phasing issues in pro tools, for example if you are using parallel hardware compression on a drum kit. Do you know what that video was called or a link?

[@felixdorn21]

Hey, thx for the video! Would you recommend it for metal guitars?

[@mixbustv]

definitely

[@felixdorn21]

@@mixbustv thx for the reply - i once heard that because of the already huge amount of distortion, adding compression doesn't make sense. What are your thoughts on this and what role does a unit like this play there? Which Compressors you would not recommend for metal guitars? best regards

[@imbaelk]

Great video, David! What is the difference between 2a and 3a and when u use each of them? Thanks Also, after watching the previous video about 2a I had a feeling (kinda) that no digital plugins can compete with analog gear. What do u think of that?

[@peterbrandt7911]

The 2A is a tube compressor, the 3a solid state. The main differences are probably, that you can drive a 2A into more saturation up to distortion, while the 3A has a much faster attack, because tubes are always kinda slow. I do have an opinion on the plugins, but leave that to David, since I'm certainly no pro.

[@imbaelk]

@@mixbustv Thanks for the answers, guys! Really! I've just started into the whole thing and every bit of useful (!!!) information is priceless! Have a great day!

[@cryptonios]

nice hd for sure....also nice female vocal line, is it a published song David?

[@giugnete]

Revive Audio completely went over my two 3a's as well as my 2a. It doubled the price but they do have more mojo over the stock GAP. Well worth the price investment talk to Jason.

[@Polentaccio]

Love it on the drums. Question though, I'm assuming that is a mono feed, everything panned center from a stereo pair, is that right? I'd love to work this in with my old console and trying to figure how I would do that. Probably just create a mono track in DAW, shoot it out to a channel on the console and then use the insert.

[@mixbustv]

You need 2 for stereo

[@Espresso101]

Hey David, I have a FMR RNLA and noticed it hits in the right spot with dist rythm guitars in a similar way to an LA3A with that low mid bump. Would love to know what you think since you own both. If they really are that similar, I would love to see a video comparison if thats the case. Lmk what you think.

[@Bring_MeSunshine]

A little like the chap below; I'm looking at both the Comp-2A and Comp-3A. After watching your other video on the RNC & RNLA, I couldn't make up my mind, so given the price, I bought one of each. But now, I want more choices of comp, I started to look at these GAP offerings. These both sound good, but they are both notably more than the FMR gear, yet they sound so good, and I can only really justify buying one at the moment. Looking at prices, the 2A comes in at about £100 ($130) more than the 3A - So, ignoring the price difference, if you had to buy one, would you opt for the 2A?

[@mixbustv]

Depends what you're gonna use it for more, 2A is perfect for female vocals, great tracking comp too for any vocal. 3A is a bit more aggressive, rock vocals, guitars, rap vocals too.

[@Bring_MeSunshine]

@@mixbustv Nice, thanks. I think I'll opt for the 2A, and get the 3A later. I think I like the colour. But I'll probably end up getting the 3A - next year, lol

[@mixbustv]

@@Bring_MeSunshine the cool thing about the 3A is the gain mods, you can really drive different colors with that

[@Bring_MeSunshine]

@@mixbustv Really? I didn't pick up on that, I'll give this vid another closer listen, but I'll take your word for it, too. I could do with spending a little less at the moment. Your input is much appreciated, as always. As I say, I've made purchases based upon your reviews and opinions. Incidentally, I was also looking at the Rupert Neve Designs Portico 511 preamp (my introduction to 500 series kit) any thoughts?

[@marekvoosen]

There is also a 3a jr by golden age. A comparison to his bigger brother would be great. Thanks

[@Espresso101]

Still waiting for this to happen. Really like the Comp 3A. Would love to pick up a jr or two if it sounds like the comp 3a and do even half of what the comp 3a can do given it's more limited settings but the video Golden Age put out comparing the two left me undecided. Didn't even sound like the comp 3a in this video. Sounded like a totally different compressor than the Comp 3A. Examples weren't in depth enough, and more than anything else, I just wasn't impressed to be honest.

[@ottomanmuzic5744]

@@Espresso101 I read sos review and I thought they were indistinguishable?

[@Espresso101]

@@ottomanmuzic5744 I will definitely check it out. Thanks for the tip.....still would love to see this channel do a comparison of them.

[@minusx31]

I still cant make up my mind!...I need a good comp for rap vocals...was looking at the Art VLA ii but some reviews said it slacks in clarity...Comp 3A im not sure if the attack/release will be fast enough...I just need my vocals clear to reduce some peaks going into my daw before I mix...HELP DAVID!!!...what comp you recommend for rap vocals under $500?...

[@lg_414]

If your still looking 76 style compressors are great at attacking peaks... Warm Audio has one for $600 or Klark Teknik makes one that runs $300... Otherwise you can buy the presonus chanel strip...It comes with a mic pre amp...VCA compressor which is clean no color and can def tame peaks plus a 3 band eq if needed.

[@minusx31]

@@lg_414 I ended up buying the Comp 3a Jr from Golden Age…I like it.:.

[@SnoopLazersnake]

How does this one sound when pushed into saturation? Watched the Comp 2a video and loved the sound when it was really pushed to the limits. This video doesn’t get quite as extreme however.

[@mixbustv]

Sounds nice and with this you have all the mods for gain staging, so you can get very different sounds

[@SnoopLazersnake]

@@mixbustv Thanks for the reply! Think I may see a Comp 3a in my future so :)

[@ottomanmuzic5744]

Is the, comp3Jr the same? Does it need any tranformers upgrade?

[@mixbustv]

no it's not the same, but i've never tried it

[@ottomanmuzic5744]

@@mixbustv so the jr is different from the comp3a? let me know so i won't order. thought it had same circuitry? what's different about it?

[@miguelpessanha]

@@ottomanmuzic5744 check the website, it's smaller but it doesn't use a T4 opto cell

[@Icunstudio]

how can you compress stereo(drum sound) sound with a mono device?..

[@mixbustv]

You can't

[@cristian-marius-albu]

Hello there! Do you still have it? Some voices over the internet claim it has durability problems. After a year of moderate use failed... Thanks.

[@mixbustv]

3 years and going, never a problem

[@cristian-marius-albu]

@@mixbustv Between GA Comp2A and Comp3A which one do you recommend for tracking vocals? Many thanks.

[@drillgirl718]

i got a question, im looking to get crispy modern rap vocals, i got a sony c100 going into a neve 1073, i want an opto like cl1b, that sounds good to the ear and words the lows in that same way, what hardware unit would you recommend to get thats not $4000, thanks for all ur content

[@drillgirl718]

i like how the cl1b handles the consonants, the p's and s's and other plosives sound pleasing to the ear, my current dbx 266xs is far from that, but now i got more money to experiment

[@msb1704]

honestly if you're not getting crisp vocals from the c100 & neve already i dont think a compressor is the issue

[@orryfishburne5326]

Idk what one i want to buy first the 3a or the 2a. They both sound phenomenal!

[@orryfishburne5326]

Went with the 2A first, but the 3A will be soonish. Cant wait to receive my 2A and have my first hardware compressor

[@v3zMedia]

If you mainly process vocals run with the 3a

[@MustacheVerra]

Thank you David.

[@IntheDAW]

I bought the 3ajr and LOVE it i actually ordered a 2nd one. its less versatile but i dig the attack and release controls where you can make it act like this unit or more like the original. .

[@ottomanmuzic5744]

Does junior sound identical to bigger brother? I don't care for the extra features

[@jacobseal]

How do you like the jr?? Does it sound basically the same as the full sized one?? The price isnt much of an issue, but the small size is attractive.

[@i.g.806tx]

Hey man I bought this unit but the VU meter starts at 20 instead of 0 any help please?!

[@mixbustv]

There is a screw right underneath the peak reduction knob that says "zero". Wait a second. The VU does start at -20 if you have it set to +4 or +10, you sure you know how to use this?

[@i.g.806tx]

@@mixbustv thanks a lot man I truly appreciate the response and really glad I subbed to your channel. Just now learning how to use my first piece of analog gear. A little different from the plug in lol

[@harrynak22]

I notice you have one 3a and one 2a. Does this mean you don’t use these compressors for stereo processing? Sorry, noob here. Great channel btw!

[@mixbustv]

No, they're mono, I have 9 stereo analog compressors.. I don't really need 11

[@harrynak22]

MixbusTv Ha clear thanks

[@harrynak22]

MixbusTv for someone starting out with hardware... would you recommend as first compressor the 2a Or 3a? Used mainly on acoustic and resonator guitars, bass di and vocals. Blues-driven stuff mainly guitar (through UAD OX and amp). Based on the examples I lean towards the 3A’s but I’m curious about your view. Also I guess getting two of the same kind for stereo is a must? Thanks!

[@mixbustv]

@@harrynak22 for those you're better off with 3A

[@harrynak22]

MixbusTv thanks!!

[@lushkordz6643]

Duuudeeee what you're doing here is sooooo damn goooood !!!!!!!!! Keep doing this shit m@n ...you're musical creations R so awesome bRo Im still wondering which one of the 2A or 3A will work best 4 Jazz Fusion guitar .....It appears 2 me that the 3A has more punch/energy than the 2A.....

[@daniellouviereii5532]

Where can I find the song that the female vocalist was singing?

[@mixbustv]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/eX6tgZKqoNF1Z5o Mixed and mastered (and co-produced)

[@MikeyPressure]

Dave, I really appreciate you & have a question. I have 1176,warm2a & Distressor. I do rap & reggae & looking to do most compression with hardware so next up is Comp 3a or art Vla 2? The comp 2a is definitely on my list.

[@Tim_ArtistName_Tallent]

The distressor is a beast man, from reviews and tests I’ve heard..are u not liking your signal? Sounds like u have everything u need with the distressor, warm2a and the 1176

[@MikeyPressure]

Tim Aka TAllent , yes I’m satisfied but I can’t stop buying gear.

[@Tim_ArtistName_Tallent]

MikeyPressure WORD bro. It’s the worst man I’m the same way.

[@MikeyPressure]

Comp3a vs 1176 tracking rap vocals?

[@Warmwinterz]

Im interested in this answer also

[@AndyKingCo]

Im about to use both togheter

[@Warmwinterz]

Got my eye on one of these but honestly ive been fine without a tracking vocal comp for years. Plugins sound good to me these days and i hate to committ to a sound if i dont have to. Sooo $600 for this or some plugins that i need like harmony engine and fab filter 3 is my dilemma

[@Warmwinterz]

@@mixbustv understood indeed. Would you use this for a tracking comp in any circumstance? Or mainly in the mix?

[@peterbrandt7911]

Thanks David. Comparing your last 2 videos, I'd say that, while both sound really nice, that the 3A has much less character. To be hones, the 3A sound is almost achievable with a modern VCA compressor or even a nice plugin. The 2A was very surprising, especially, when it was driven hardly. I would also like to see your opinion on the KT76 by Klark Teknik, it's ridiulous cheap, but almost anyone praises it.

[@peterbrandt7911]

@@mixbustv thanks for your reply. Maybe I should have said, that I was trying to get in the perspective of someone (like me :) ), who cannot or doesn't want to buy both units.

[@peterbrandt7911]

@@mixbustv true, but other than many people I read or hear, I have no problem with that soundwise. Some of thei products are really good and they didn't ruin the sound od the companies they bought, Midas for example. I'm no big fan of the working conditions, but then again this applies to the vast majority of companies. Maybe you can get your hands on one someday?

[@christopherdunn317]

6:10

[@dafxtone]

Honnestly i really prefer the Diamond comp as an opto.

[@robertkent4929]

Comparing the 2A and 3A. The 2A has a lot more warmth, but can be a little unnatural on AGT. The 3A sounds great AGT and is super mellow on bass. Sounds perfect for dynamic EGT. Not bad on the beat either. The 2A wooped the 3A on vocals. The

[@KS0stli]

“Aggressive Gutter Ten-sing”?

[@XPFTP]

yep it works. sounds like chit ...

[@aisharpproductions1351]

Sounds like a UAD plugin. Doesn't remind me of analog hardware, really.

[@aisharpproductions1351]

@@mixbustv LOL, my post was definitely too simple and I should've explained more. I actually own a pair of original Urei LA3As and even got an Acustica Audio Nebula library modeled after them. The GA ones doesn't give me that hardware FEEL. They sound cheap. Better off using a plugin, IMHO

[@christopherdunn317]

@@aisharpproductions1351 not cheap cost me $792.62 CDN

[@aisharpproductions1351]

@@christopherdunn317 -- I don't know what to tell you. LOL I'm sure it sounds subjectively better than any plug-in, but I didn't like how it sounded in this video, in particular. Maybe I'm used to the vintage ones. Anyways, Peace! Happy mixing!

[@christopherdunn317]

@@aisharpproductions1351 Well so far it sounds pretty good, in fact its my first real transformer compressor, i have the la-2a and the 1176 plugins on my Roland vs-2480 and there awesome they sound just like i heard online, but they in no way do what this thing does, huge warm sound ,and it doesn't have that annoying artifact sound like compressors have due to discreet components i take it ? but i do have golden age pre 73 and its reminds me a bit of that since it might use the same transformer as well .

[@aisharpproductions1351]

@@christopherdunn317 , in my honest opinion, you should continue to collect more hardware units. I'm a plug-in junkie, but I still can't get the same sound with plug-ins. Both are very necessary, for a great mix, however. Happy mixing!

[@stupendousmusic4190]

Brilliant This one is now on the list.