UREI LA-2A and UREI LA-3A in one unit!
We were highly praised for our replicas of both units, the SA-2A and SA-3A compressors. Customers around the world were finally able to access the renowned tone of the vintage UREI LA-2A, commonly used on bass and vocals, or the smooth mid-range of the classis UREI LA-3A on guitars, or its unique transient response on drums. All at a price point that greatly opened up accessibility to these types of units.
At Stam Audio, part of what we believe in is moving our designs forward and producing the best possible product. However, if we measure success in being sonically identical to vintage units first produced in the 1960’s and 1970’s, how can we improve upon their designs? Our answer was to retain the sound and function of the classic units, and to innovate the accessibility to both. We decided to make one unit that contained both compressors, selectable by a two-way switch. Each would retain its own independent circuit and the very same transformers used on the SA-2A and SA-3A. One unit, one price, two industry standard compressors, the SA-23A.
Making this design into a reality was no easy task. We had two main challenges to overcome. Firstly, each compressor had to sound 100% identical to the original one by respecting the original signal path and schematic. While technology has come a long way since the 1960s, it is the unique characteristics of the components in the original units that produced the sound that we all now associate with professional music production.
The T4B
The T4B optical cell is the single most important part of the circuit and heart of any LA-A. Its light dependent function and peculiar time constants are what make an LA compress and sound the way it does. We have tested every T4B out in the market and always end up going back to Bill Jone’s Kenetek T4B made in the USA. Bill Jones has been building T4B’s for over a decade and thanks to his painstaking methodology, dedication and craft he is the only person in the world that can faithfully reproduce the attack and release times of an old UREI T4B. Without this part it is impossible to obtain the original sound.
Each T4B is handmade in the US, checked to be in specs and shipped to our lab in Chile with a virtual zero rejection rate and has lasted years without ever failing.
Premium Components, hand made.
Sourcing these components or identical alternatives is a big part of what makes Stam products different to other replicas. The 2A uses a custom wound US-made A-10 input transformer and A-24 output transformer which sound identical to the original UTC’s found on the old LA-2A’s as well as NOS Tubes and carbon resistors on the audio path with a Vishay Sprague output capacitor.
The 3A uses a custom US made B11178 input transformer, a US made autoformer and a UK made Carnhill VTB11148 output transformer which again precisely match the originals. Carbon resistors on the audio path, Vishay capacitors and both circuits share a US made Kenetek T4B which is by far the best T4B made today and the heart and soul of an LA-2A and LA-3A.
Each SA-23A is hand made in our lab in Chile and comes with a beautiful black brushed aluminum faceplate with a custom Stam Audio VU meter make this unit not only sound fantastic but also look incredible.
100% satisfaction guarantee – if you don’t love your SA-23A, we’ll refund you
If you’ve used an original Teletronix LA-2A or LA-3A before, we’re extremely confident the SA-23A will put a big smile on your face every time you use it.
However, if you’ve never touched the originals before, as gear-lovers ourselves, we understand that the only way to really know if this compressor is right for you is to put it through its paces. That’s why the SA-23A comes with a 30-day money back guarantee. This allows you to get it into your studio 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.
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