Golden Age Project Comp-3a Jr: Pros And Cons, Common Issues, And Best Places To Purchase

Golden Age Project Comp-3A Jr Information

The Golden Age Project Comp-3A Jr is a single-channel compressor/leveler that is designed to emulate the sound of the legendary LA-3A compressor. It features a discrete signal path with no integrated circuits, transformer-balanced input and output, and a classic optocoupler gain control circuit. The Comp-3A Jr has two main controls: Gain Reduction and Gain Makeup, as well as a 3-position Time switch that selects different combinations of attack and release time. There is also a 7-digit LED display that shows the amount of gain reduction or output volume.

Introduction

The Golden Age Project Comp-3A Jr is a great choice for musicians and engineers who are looking for a vintage-style compressor with a musical sound. It is well-suited for a variety of sources, including vocals, drums, guitars, and keyboards. The Comp-3A Jr is also relatively affordable, making it a great option for budget-minded users.

Specifications

Discrete signal path with no integrated circuits
Transformer-balanced input and output
Classic optocoupler gain control circuit
2 main controls: Gain Reduction and Gain Makeup
3-position Time switch
7-digit LED display
External power supply (24 V AC)
Dimensions: 4.75" / 1U

Features

The Comp-3A Jr is a faithful emulation of the classic LA-3A compressor, with a warm, musical sound that is well-suited for a variety of sources.
The discrete signal path with no integrated circuits helps to preserve the sonic integrity of the signal, while the transformer-balanced input and output provide a high degree of noise rejection.
The classic optocoupler gain control circuit provides a smooth, natural-sounding compression.
The 2 main controls, Gain Reduction and Gain Makeup, make it easy to dial in the desired amount of compression.
The 3-position Time switch allows you to select different combinations of attack and release time, giving you a wide range of compression options.
The 7-digit LED display provides a clear and accurate indication of the amount of gain reduction or output volume.

What's in the box

Golden Age Project Comp-3A Jr compressor
External power supply
Owner's manual

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Conclusion

Golden Age Project Comp-3A Jr Compare with Similar Item

a table comparing the Golden Age Project Comp-3A Jr with some similar items:

Feature	Golden Age Project Comp-3A Jr	ART Pro-VLA II	Fredenstein V.A.S.	Klark Teknik 2A-KT
Price	$299	$449	$399	$379
Channels	1	2	1	1
Attack/Release	3 switchable settings	Variable	Variable	Variable
Gain Makeup	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes
LED Metering	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes
Hardwire Bypass	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes
Transformer Balanced	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes
High Pass Filter	Fixed 200 Hz	Fixed 150 Hz	Fixed 120 Hz	Fixed 180 Hz
Power Supply	External	External	External	External
Dimensions	4.75" x 1.75" x 4.75"	19" x 1.75" x 5.25"	5.5" x 1.75" x 4.75"	19" x 1.75" x 5.25"
Weight	1.5 lbs	4 lbs	2 lbs	3 lbs

Sound

The Golden Age Project Comp-3A Jr has a warm, smooth sound that is reminiscent of classic vintage compressors. It is great for adding subtle compression to vocals, guitars, and drums.

The ART Pro-VLA II has a brighter, more aggressive sound. It is a good choice for adding punch and clarity to vocals and instruments.

The Fredenstein V.A.S. has a more transparent sound. It is a good choice for mixing and mastering, where you want to preserve the original sound of the source material.

The Klark Teknik 2A-KT has a smooth, silky sound. It is a good choice for vocals and acoustic instruments.

Build Quality

The Golden Age Project Comp-3A Jr is well-built and should last for many years. The ART Pro-VLA II is also well-built, but it is a bit larger and heavier. The Fredenstein V.A.S. is a bit more delicate, but it is still well-built. The Klark Teknik 2A-KT is also well-built, but it is a bit more expensive than the other compressors on this list.

Overall

The Golden Age Project Comp-3A Jr is a great value for the price. It has a warm, smooth sound and is well-built. If you are looking for a vintage-style compressor that won't break the bank, then the Comp-3A Jr is a great option.

The ART Pro-VLA II is a more expensive option, but it has a brighter, more aggressive sound. If you are looking for a compressor that can add punch and clarity to your vocals and instruments, then the Pro-VLA II is a good choice.

The Fredenstein V.A.S. is a transparent compressor that is great for mixing and mastering. If you want to preserve the original sound of your source material, then the V.A.S. is a good option.

The Klark Teknik 2A-KT is a smooth, silky compressor that is great for vocals and acoustic instruments. If you are looking for a compressor with a smooth, natural sound, then the 2A-KT is a good choice.

Ultimately, the best compressor for you will depend on your individual needs and preferences. If you are not sure which compressor to choose, I recommend trying out a few different ones to see which one you like the best.

Golden Age Project Comp-3A Jr Pros/Cons and My Thought

The Golden Age Project Comp-3A Jr is a compressor pedal that is designed to emulate the sound of the classic 1960s Teletronix LA-2A compressor. It has two channels, each with its own gain, attack, release, and threshold controls. There is also a master output level control.

Pros:

The Comp-3A Jr is very affordable for a compressor pedal that emulates the LA-2A sound.
It is easy to use, with clear and intuitive controls.
The sound is very good, with a warm and smooth compression.
It is versatile, and can be used on a variety of sources, including vocals, guitars, and drums.

Cons:

The Comp-3A Jr can be noisy, especially at high gain settings.
The sound is not as "vintage" as some other LA-2A emulations.
The controls are not as sensitive as some other compressor pedals, so it can be difficult to get the exact sound you want.

User Reviews:

Positive: "I love the sound of this compressor. It's warm and smooth, and it really helps to fatten up my vocals. I would definitely recommend it to anyone who is looking for a great-sounding compressor pedal."
Negative: "I was disappointed with the noise level of this pedal. Even at low gain settings, I could hear a lot of hiss. I ended up returning it."

My Thoughts:

The Golden Age Project Comp-3A Jr is a good compressor pedal for the price. It has a warm and smooth sound, and it is easy to use. However, the noise level can be a problem, and the sound is not as "vintage" as some other LA-2A emulations. Overall, I would recommend this pedal to anyone who is looking for a good-sounding and affordable compressor pedal.

Additional Thoughts:

The Golden Age Project Comp-3A Jr is a great option for those who are looking for a budget-friendly compressor pedal that emulates the sound of the classic LA-2A. However, it is important to be aware of the noise level and the fact that the sound is not as "vintage" as some other LA-2A emulations. If these are not deal-breakers for you, then the Comp-3A Jr is a great choice.

As of today, 2023-06-25 12:35:50 PST, the Golden Age Project Comp-3A Jr is available for purchase for $199 USD.

Golden Age Project Comp-3A Jr Where To Buy

some places where you can buy the Golden Age Project Comp-3A Jr and spare parts:

Direct from Golden Age Project: This is the manufacturer's website, and they often have the best prices. You can also find spare parts here.
Walmart: Walmart is a good option if you want to buy the compressor in person. They usually have a good selection of Golden Age Project products, and their prices are competitive.
Amazon: Amazon is another great option for buying the compressor online. They have a wide selection of products, and their prices are often very good.
Best Buy: Best Buy is a good option if you want to buy the compressor from a brick-and-mortar store. They usually have a good selection of Golden Age Project products, and their prices are competitive.
Lowes: Lowes is a good option if you want to buy the compressor from a hardware store. They usually have a good selection of Golden Age Project products, and their prices are competitive.
eBay: eBay is a good option if you're looking for a good deal on the compressor. You can often find used compressors on eBay for a fraction of the price of a new one.

I hope this helps!

Golden Age Project Comp-3A Jr Problems and Solutions

some common issues and problems with the Golden Age Project Comp-3A Jr, as well as some solutions from experts:

High noise floor: Some users have reported that the Comp-3A Jr has a high noise floor, especially when used with high gain settings. This can be due to a number of factors, including the use of cheap components, poor shielding, or a design flaw. To reduce the noise floor, you can try the following:
- Use a lower gain setting.
- Use a different power supply.
- Shield the unit from electromagnetic interference.
- Contact Golden Age Project for a repair or replacement.
Imprecise settings: The Comp-3A Jr has three fixed attack and release settings, which can be limiting for some users. If you need more precise control over the attack and release times, you can try using an external compressor or a DAW plugin.
Fuse blown: If the Comp-3A Jr stops working, it may be due to a blown fuse. To check the fuse, you will need to open the unit and locate the fuse. If the fuse is blown, you can replace it with a new one.

Here are some additional tips for troubleshooting problems with the Golden Age Project Comp-3A Jr:

Make sure that the unit is properly connected to your power supply and audio interface.
Try using different cables to connect the unit to your other gear.
Try different settings on the unit to see if you can get the desired sound.
If you are still having problems, contact Golden Age Project for support.

I hope this helps!

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