Solit State Opto Compressor
The Stam Audio 3A-5 is a 1:1 replica of the two most popular solid state opto compressors in the world, the UREI LA-3A and the UREI LA-4. Using custom wound US made transformers, the absolute best T4B in the market by Kenetek Pro Audio in Kentucky and a British Carnhill output transformer, we can confidently say this is the only accurate sounding vintage LA-3A and LA-4 reproduction in the market at any price point.
Since both circuits shared the same transformers and we had a little space left inside we decided to go the extra mile and give you two compressors for the price of one including the revered LA-4 compressor in the same unit. This means you get the best electric guitar compressor and acoustic guitar compressor in history at the push of a switch.
Each 3A-5 is hand built at our lab in Chile one by one with the highest quality components available. No shortcuts have been taken to ensure you can use them interchangeably with an old LA-3A or LA-4. The 3A-5 now comes with a stereo link switch that allows you to use two of them in stereo.
Bringing back two classic compressors
The LA-3A quickly became the industry standard and most popular solid state optical compressor which has been used for over half a century in the best recording studios around the world. It’s unique coloration and character and its beautiful compression curve has made it the number one to go compressor for loud vocals and electric guitars. The LA-4, a Vactrol based optical compressor became famous for its transparency for acoustic instruments.
The best T4B in the market
Being the single most important part on a LA-2A and LA-3A and having tested every single T4B under the sun (including our own!!) we always come back to Bill Jone’s US hand-made T4B. It is simply identical to the original T4B from the 70’s U.S. Without this component there is no LA-3A.
Custom made transformers
Every 3A-5 comes with custom wound transformers made in the U.S. which are an exact replica of the originals. These transformers are built in small batches specifically for Stam Audio in the USA and have the same color, ratio and frequency response of the now extinct and unobtainable original B11147 input transformer.
100% satisfaction guarantee – if you don’t love your SA-3A-5, we’ll refund you
We’re extremely confident the SA- 3A-5 is will put a big smile on your face every time you use it. However if you’ve never touched the original before, as gear lovers ourselves we understand that the only way to really know if this compressor is for you, is to put it through its paces. That’s why the SA-3A-5 is comes with a 30 day money back guarantee. This allows you to get it into your rack and see how it impacts your recordings. If you love it (and we think you will!), great…keep the unit and create amazing music with it. If not, no problems. Just send it back to us and we’ll fully refund your purchase. And don’t worry, either way you decide to go we will remain friends.
James –
I have was blown away by the sonic quality of this unit combined with Sa800 the Sa3 sounds amazing
Mike Donaldson –
I am just starting to build up an analog front end to start processing sounds on the way in and the pair of SA 3A-5’s have been integral to my stereo chain. With the LA4 option and the gain MOD, I can do everything from subtle control on stereo acoustic guitars, to more aggressive uses on loud sources like multi mic’d guitar amps. I have this racked up with a pair of 1073-5T and RND551 EQs and couldn’t be happier.
Ivan Krajcer –
The SA-3A-5 is a beautiful sounding device, as are all other Stam Audio devices. I only regret not having 2 of them. Value for money 10/10.
Damian –
I still have the 3A-5 with the Mod switch (Clearmountain ON/OFF) and use it as a compressor for speech
and vocals. It is amazingly three-dimensional and extremely flexible. I’ve never heard the original, but compared to the plugin versions from Waves to Acustica Audio (Tim-P), it is perfectly balanced. It simply makes the signal very homogeneous and round. I also like the look a lot and couldn’t be happier too.
John Seda / Rising Sun Music –
I use it daily on bass guitar. I do a lot of live recordings and the bass is very important in a mix. The SA-3A-5 makes the bass 3D in my mixes. I love the sound ti gives to the lo end.
Jamie Sitar –
This thing gives me my big opto comp sound for bass, guitars, and vocals in a tiny package. It’s pretty great to be able to walk into a session with a small lunchbox and have everything that I need. No need to wheel in the big rack!
Matt Corsi –
I have a pair of these as well as a pair of the UA reissue and I’ve compared them many times. This wonderful 3A 500 series sounds amazing and only slightly different than the UA. I prefer it to the UA, more transparent and a little more smooth on the mids. It’s a bargain at the price! Buy 2, you won’t regret it! It’s ideal for male vocals, electric guitar, acoustic guitar, and snare. Having the LA-4 circuit at the push of a button is also amazing! I have a vintage Urei LA-4 and I can’t tell the difference. Thank you Josh! You’ve made setting up the analog section of a studio so accessible to so many talented people who are on a budget. What’s gift! Keep up the good work!
David Fuller (verified owner) –
Don’t let the small 500-style footprint fool you. The SA-3A5 sounds huge, smooth and dimensional on just about every source I’ve tried. I won’t record bass without this in the live chain now –
and the results have been magical. Big, round, present, etc. Our mixing studio partner asked ‘how did you get that bass tone???’ when auditioning tracks, and the SA-3A is the secret. Amazing!
Lars Mindach (verified owner) –
Great little units! Bought a pair and always feel tempted to buy more or the stereo 19″ unit. Makes everything more upfront and shimmery but always stays smooth and transparent. I really love them on vocals and guitars. Great work from Josh and his team!
Gourbere Damien at Rekon stud –
I love mine on bass, add some low end and hello to control can be push hard. It s a beauty comp.
Can t mix without it
Chad Olech –
I carry the SA-3A-5 in a touring rack that’s seen stages across the globe, and it’s never let me down. It nails that classic LA-3A sound… smooth, warm, and effortless, but with modern reliability and build quality. For the price, performance, and tone, it’s easily one of the smartest pieces of gear I’ve added to my setup. As they most often do… Stam nailed this one
Staffan Karlsson –
Unbelievable product. I use these all the time. They make me sound like pro.
Jimmy Starr –
An amazing replica of the real thing if you want vocals in your face and then the added bonus is The L4 for acoustic guitars amazing
Matias Aaveren –
Amazing 3A replicas. You don’t get much closer to the original units than these.
Dan C –
Very pleased with my pair of 3A’s. I regularly use them on acoustic guitars and occasionally on vocals.
Abdullah Myaar studio –
The 3A-5 Opto compressor has an appreciated place in my chain. As I produce Arabic songs.. It gives the drum that need weight and analog feel in a very controllable way and one recorded you see the printed wave and fasly you are happy with the result… Honestly what ever you put in it.. It will come nice and big.. The bass different story with this unit. Bigness and pure that the best way how I could describe it.. I tried it with vocal.. I loved it… It is a small treasure if I could name it…