Stam Audio SA-3A Mono Opto Compressor (Used) #1

Stam Audio SA-3A Mono Opto Compressor (Used)

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.

Technical Specs

• LA-3A and LA-4 in one unit (original schematic)
• Kenetek US made T4B optical cell
• Custom US made input transformer
• Custom US made autoformer
• Carnhill UK made output transformer
• LA-4 Vactrol Compressor
• High and Low gain
• Stereo Link for both compressors
• Limit and Comp switch (switches ratio 4:1 to 8:1 on LA-4)
• HF and Flat switch for both compressors
• Period correct knobs
• Bypass switch
• Vishay capacitors
• Hand made in Chile