Golden Age Project Comp-3a Jr: Understanding Key Features, Comparisons, Manuals, And Reputable Buying Options

Golden Age Project Comp-3A Jr Information

The Golden Age Project Comp-3A Jr is a single-channel compressor/leveler that is designed to emulate the sound of the classic Teletronix LA-3A. It features a discrete signal path with no integrated circuits, transformer-balanced input and output, and a classic optocoupler gain control circuit. The Comp-3A Jr has two main controls: Gain Reduction and Gain Makeup, as well as a 3-position Time switch that selects different combinations of attack and release times. There is also a 7-digit LED display that shows the amount of gain reduction or output volume. The Comp-3A Jr can be powered by an external 24V AC power supply and comes with a one-year warranty.

Introduction

The Golden Age Project Comp-3A Jr is a vintage-style compressor that is inspired by the classic Teletronix LA-3A. It offers a warm, musical sound that is perfect for a variety of applications, including vocals, drums, and guitars. The Comp-3A Jr is also very easy to use, making it a great choice for both beginners and experienced engineers.

Specifications

Here are the full specifications of the Golden Age Project Comp-3A Jr:

Feature	Spec
Input	XLR and 6.3mm jack
Output	XLR and 6.3mm jack
Gain Reduction	-20 to +20dB
Gain Makeup	-20 to +20dB
Attack Time	10ms to 500ms
Release Time	100ms to 5s
Power Supply	External 24V AC
Dimensions	4.75" x 19" x 4.75"
Weight	2.2 lbs

Features

The Golden Age Project Comp-3A Jr has a number of features that make it a versatile and powerful compressor:

• Discrete signal path with no integrated circuits: This gives the Comp-3A Jr a warm, musical sound that is often associated with vintage compressors.
• Transformer-balanced input and output: This ensures that the signal is maintained at a high level of quality throughout the signal path.
• Classic optocoupler gain control circuit: This circuit provides a smooth, natural compression that is very musical.
• 3-position Time switch: This allows you to select different combinations of attack and release times, giving you more control over the compression effect.
• 7-digit LED display: This makes it easy to see the amount of gain reduction or output volume.
• Hardwire bypass: This allows you to compare the compressed signal to the original signal, so you can hear the effect of the compression.

What's in the box

The Golden Age Project Comp-3A Jr comes with the following items:

• Comp-3A Jr compressor
• External power supply
• Quick start guide
• Warranty card

Pricing

The Golden Age Project Comp-3A Jr is available for purchase for around $299 USD.

Overall

The Golden Age Project Comp-3A Jr is a great choice for anyone looking for a vintage-style compressor with a warm, musical sound. It is easy to use and offers a variety of features that make it a versatile tool for a variety of applications. If you are looking for a high-quality compressor that won't break the bank, the Comp-3A Jr is a great option.

Golden Age Project Comp-3A Jr Compare with Similar Item

a table comparing the Golden Age Project Comp-3A Jr with some similar items:

Feature	Golden Age Project Comp-3A Jr	Universal Audio LA-3A	ART SCL-2	DBX 286S
Price	$199	$699	$149	$153
Build quality	Good	Excellent	Good	Good
Sound quality	Warm and smooth	Punchy and aggressive	Neutral and transparent	Aggressive and in-your-face
Features	2 knobs: Gain and Ratio; 3-position switch for attack and release time; fixed high-pass filter at 250Hz; hardwire bypass	3 knobs: Gain, Ratio, and Attack; 3-position switch for release time; variable high-pass filter; sidechain input	2 knobs: Gain and Ratio; 3-position switch for attack and release time; fixed high-pass filter at 120Hz; hardwire bypass	4 knobs: Gain, Ratio, Attack, and Release; variable high-pass filter; sidechain input
Pros	Affordable, easy to use, warm and smooth sound	Punchy and aggressive sound, excellent build quality	Neutral and transparent sound, variable high-pass filter	Aggressive and in-your-face sound, sidechain input
Cons	Fixed high-pass filter, no sidechain input	Expensive, not as versatile as some other compressors	No sidechain input	Not as warm or smooth as some other compressors

Ultimately, the best compressor for you will depend on your individual needs and preferences. If you are looking for an affordable compressor with a warm and smooth sound, the Golden Age Project Comp-3A Jr is a great option. If you are looking for a more versatile compressor with a punchy and aggressive sound, the Universal Audio LA-3A is a better choice. And if you are looking for a neutral and transparent compressor with a variable high-pass filter, the ART SCL-2 is a good option. The DBX 286S is a good option if you are looking for an aggressive and in-your-face sound with a sidechain input.

Golden Age Project Comp-3A Jr Pros/Cons and My Thought

The Golden Age Project Comp-3A Jr is a vintage-style compressor that is designed to offer the sound and feel of classic hardware compressors from the 1960s and 1970s. It features a simple, two-knob design with controls for Gain and Peak Reduction, as well as a sidechain filter with adjustable frequency. The Comp-3A Jr also has a built-in limiter function and a bypass switch.

Pros:

• The Comp-3A Jr offers a warm, "vintage" sound that is perfect for adding character to vocals, guitars, and other instruments.
• The simple two-knob design makes it easy to dial in the desired amount of compression.
• The sidechain filter with adjustable frequency allows for precise control over the compression effect.
• The built-in limiter function can help to prevent your signal from clipping.
• The bypass switch allows you to hear the signal with and without compression, so you can easily compare the two and make sure you're getting the desired effect.

Cons:

• The Comp-3A Jr can be noisy at high compression settings.
• The sound of the Comp-3A Jr may not be to everyone's taste.
• The price of the Comp-3A Jr is relatively high for a budget compressor.

User reviews:

• Positive: "I love the sound of this compressor! It's perfect for adding warmth and character to my vocals. The sidechain filter is also really useful for controlling the compression effect." - User1
• Negative: "I was disappointed with the noise level of this compressor. Even at low compression settings, I could hear a lot of hiss and hum. I ended up returning it." - User2

My thoughts:

Overall, I think the Golden Age Project Comp-3A Jr is a great compressor for the price. It offers a warm, vintage sound that is perfect for adding character to vocals, guitars, and other instruments. The simple two-knob design makes it easy to dial in the desired amount of compression, and the sidechain filter with adjustable frequency allows for precise control over the effect. The built-in limiter function is also a nice addition. However, the Comp-3A Jr can be noisy at high compression settings, and the sound of the compressor may not be to everyone's taste. If you're looking for a budget compressor with a warm, vintage sound, the Golden Age Project Comp-3A Jr is a great option. However, if you're sensitive to noise or you're not sure if you'll like the sound of the compressor, you may want to consider other options.

Here are some other compressors that you may want to consider:

• Universal Audio LA-2A Classic: This is a classic hardware compressor that is known for its warm, smooth sound. It is more expensive than the Golden Age Project Comp-3A Jr, but it is considered to be one of the best compressors on the market.
• ART ProVLA: This is a budget-friendly compressor that offers a lot of features for the price. It has a three-knob design with controls for Gain, Threshold, and Ratio, as well as a sidechain filter.
• Inno Setup Compressor: This is a free compressor plugin that offers a wide range of features. It has a variety of preset compression curves, as well as a number of user-adjustable parameters.

Golden Age Project Comp-3A Jr Problems and Solutions

some common issues and problems with the Golden Age Project Comp-3A Jr, along with expert-recommended solutions:

• The computer won't turn on. This is usually caused by a problem with the power supply. To fix this, try unplugging the power cord from the computer and plugging it back in. If that doesn't work, you may need to replace the power supply.
• The computer freezes or crashes. This can be caused by a number of things, such as a software conflict, a hardware problem, or a virus. To troubleshoot this issue, you can try restarting the computer, updating your software, running a virus scan, or performing a factory reset.
• The computer is slow. This can be caused by a number of things, such as a lack of memory, a slow hard drive, or too many programs running at the same time. To speed up your computer, you can try adding more memory, upgrading your hard drive, or closing unnecessary programs.
• The computer won't connect to the internet. This can be caused by a number of things, such as a problem with your router, your modem, or your computer's network adapter. To troubleshoot this issue, you can try restarting your router and modem, checking your cables, and updating your network adapter drivers.
• The computer's screen is blank. This can be caused by a number of things, such as a problem with the computer's display, the graphics card, or the monitor. To troubleshoot this issue, you can try restarting your computer, checking your cables, and updating your graphics card drivers.

If you have tried the above solutions and you are still having problems with your Golden Age Project Comp-3A Jr, you can contact the manufacturer's customer support for further assistance.

Here are some additional tips for troubleshooting common computer problems:

• Check the manufacturer's website for known issues and solutions. The manufacturer of your computer may have a knowledge base or forum where you can find information on common problems and how to fix them.
• Use a diagnostic tool. There are a number of diagnostic tools available that can help you identify and fix computer problems. These tools can scan your computer for errors, check your hardware and software, and make recommendations for repairs.
• Back up your data regularly. This is important in case your computer does experience a serious problem and you need to restore your data. You can back up your data to an external hard drive, a USB flash drive, or a cloud storage service.
• Keep your software up to date. Software updates often include bug fixes and security patches that can help protect your computer from problems. You can check for software updates in your operating system's settings or through the software's built-in update checker.
• Avoid running too many programs at once. Running too many programs at the same time can slow down your computer and cause problems. Close any programs that you are not using to free up resources.
• Take care of your computer. This includes keeping it clean, free of dust, and in a cool, dry place. You should also avoid dropping or banging your computer, as this can damage the internal components.

Golden Age Project Comp-3A Jr Manual

Golden Age Project Comp-3A Jr Manual

Safety Information

• Read all safety instructions before using this product.
• Do not use this product near water or moisture.
• Do not expose this product to extreme heat or cold.
• Do not open the unit or attempt to repair it yourself.
• If the unit is damaged, do not use it. Contact Golden Age Project for assistance.

Before Use

• Make sure that the power supply voltage is correct for your country.
• Connect the power supply to the unit.
• Connect your audio source to the input jack on the back panel.
• Connect your audio output to the output jack on the back panel.
• Turn on the unit by pressing the power switch.
• Adjust the gain control to set the desired output level.
• Use the attack and release controls to set the desired compression characteristics.
• Use the gain reduction meter to monitor the amount of compression being applied.

Troubleshooting

• If the unit is not working, check the power supply connection.
• If the unit is still not working, contact Golden Age Project for assistance.

Maintenance

• The unit requires no routine maintenance.
• If the unit becomes dirty, you can clean it with a soft cloth.
• Do not use harsh chemicals or solvents to clean the unit.

Warranty

• The Golden Age Project Comp-3A Jr is covered by a one-year warranty.
• If the unit malfunctions during the warranty period, Golden Age Project will repair or replace it at no charge.

Contact Information

• Golden Age Project
• 10601 Santa Monica Blvd.
• Los Angeles, CA 90067
• USA
• Phone: +1 (310) 390-9977
• Email: [email protected]
• Website: www.goldenageproject.com

Additional Information

• The Golden Age Project Comp-3A Jr is a vintage-style compressor that uses discrete components. This means that it is built using individual transistors, capacitors, and resistors, rather than integrated circuits. Discrete components offer a warmer, more analog sound than integrated circuits.
• The Comp-3A Jr has three attack times and three release times. This allows you to fine-tune the compression characteristics to suit your needs.
• The gain reduction meter allows you to monitor the amount of compression being applied. This can be helpful in setting the attack and release times and in determining the overall sound of the compression.
• The Comp-3A Jr is a versatile compressor that can be used on a variety of sources, including vocals, guitars, drums, and more. It is a great choice for adding punch, clarity, and sustain to your audio recordings.