SA-3A+

Solid State Opto Compressor

The Stam Audio SA-3A+ is a 1:1 sounding replica of two of the most popular solid state opto compressors ever made, the UREI LA-3A and the UREI LA-4. Being the LA-3A the all time favorito electric guitar compressor and the LA-4 one of the greatest acoustic guitar comps in the planet it made sense to build both of them into a single unit.

Using custom wound US-made transformers, the absolute best T4B in the market made by Kenetek Pro Audio in Kentucky and a UK made Carnhill output transformer we can confidently say this is not only the most accurate sounding vintage LA-3A and LA-4 replica in the market but also the most versatile at any price point you will ever find.

The T4B

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 Jones 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. The SA-3A Plus also includes a Opto element found in the LA-4 which produces a more transparent compression.

The Iron

Since both circuits shared the same transformers it was a no brainer to go the extra mile and give you two iconic compressors for the price of one by including the revered LA-4 compressor into the same unit. The LA-4 is famously known for its cleaner sound and an all time favorite acoustic guitar compressor. Each unit comes with precise replicas of the original transformers giving you the exact same character and frequency response as and old LA-3A.

Hand made with added features

Each SA-3A+ 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 SA-3A+ now comes with a stereo link switch that allows you to use two of them in stereo, a high and low gain setting, a flat and high frequency compression selector, a bypass switch and a limit/comp selector which also acts as a ratio switch on the LA-4 circuit changing the ratio from 4:1 (comp) to 8:1 (limit).

The ultimate cure for “digititis”

While plugins have come a long way and are incredibly useful, there’s a reason the top engineers still have analog gear in their racks. And some of the biggest gains to be made if you’re mixing “in the box” is to use quality hardware on your tracks.

Legendary on vocals, magic on bass and a must have for electric and acoustic guitars the LA-3A and LA-4 are one of those rare pieces that just make things sound better.

100% satisfaction guarantee – if you don’t love your SA-3A+ we’ll refund you

If you’ve worked on a classic UREI LA-3A before, we’re extremely confident the SA-3A+ will put a big smile on your face every time you use it. However, if you’ve never touched either of the originals 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 all Stam Audio units come 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