Solid State Opto Compressor
Unlike any other LA-3A replica in the market, the SA-3A+ actually replicates the low-end and time constants with maximum precision thanks to its larger transformers and the best T4B’s in the market: Kennetek Pro Audio.
The Stam Audio SA-3A+ is also the only 1:1 sounding replica in the world of the beloved UREI LA-3A and 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.
Kennetek’s Super Stereo Matched 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’s US hand-made T4B’s. It is simply identical to an original T4B from the 70’s and every SA-3A+ comes with a matched pair of them that exceed any matching out there. They are so meticously matched that you could even mix a stereo track though them. Without this component there is no accurate LA-3A replica. 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 all-time favorite acoustic guitar compressor. Each unit comes with a precise US-made input transformer and auto former replicas and a large Carnhill VTB11148 output transformers giving you the exact same character and frequency response as an 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
Jeremiah Bligen –
I have taken many swings at adding the 3A sound to my setup over the years, trying plugins and multiple hardware units (most of the usual subjects, minus the UREI) – Stam’s my favorite by a mile. I was lucky enough to have an SA-23A+ for a while, and fell in love with the 3A on my lead vocal and moved to the single channel, 500 series SA-3A5 as I was using the 3A pretty much exclusively as the opto in my chain. Once I moved away from the 500 series format to all rack, I jumped on the SA-3A+ after seeing that they were made available again. It arrived in Stam fashion, throughly packed, and immaculately built. Sounds incredible and now I have additional functionality to use for bus work in addition to tracking, with the bonus of the LA4, 5 stars!
Glen Kotten –
These are easy to use and dial in quickly to get the correct dynamic shape. The 4A is very nice for subtle compression or also as a second compressor at the end of the chain. Pairs nice with the CAPI platinum preamps on acoustic instruments.
The functionality of this unit from Stam Audio is better than the original and is a great investment.
alberto –
Just added to my rack, really impressive!!!! A real beast of sound! the diffrence between LA3 and LA4 is clear and to me this unit will become a MUST HAVE on bass and guitar tracks.
AvReal good job has been made by the wonderful team @ STAM AUDIO. Thank you Joshua for the beautiful work you make everyday!
Derek –
Wow, I LOVE this comp! I’ve never used the original, but as you would surely expect, this blows any plugin right out of any body of water you can think of. Bought it for guitar, but so far it’s great on everything I’ve run through it (electric guitar, acoustic guitar, mandolin, bass, vocals, even sitar). I have a pair of Chandler TG Channels, and going from them into either the LA-3A or LA-4 is amazing! I honestly don’t think I need anything else. This is THE sound I’ve been after– I have Josh’s SA-47 Mk III for vocals, and that -> my pre/EQs -> SA-3A+ = as close to perfection as I’ve ever come. I am eyeing the Firechild 2-channel pre, so that’s probably a future purchase, but for right now I’m 100% stoked with my chain as is! Thank you Stam Audio!