Universal Audio LA-3A DUAL Classic Audio Leveler

The LA-3A Classic Audio Leveler combines custom UA transformers and design cues from the 1176LN with the T4 electro-optical attenuator of the LA-2A to create its own unique compression characteristics and sonic signature. The original LA-3A marked the departure from the tube design of the Teletronix LA-2A. Immediately embraced as a studio workhorse — serving in the rack of the remote van used to record Prince & The Revolution’s Purple Rain and employed for double-duty during the recording and mixing of Justin Townes Earle’s Midnight At The Movies as examples — the LA-3A remains a favorite of engineers and producers worldwide to this day.

 

True to the original in design, solid-state, T4 electro-optical classic compressor

Custom UA transformers & T4 cell

1.5ms attack time or less

Hand-built in USA; backed by 1-Year limited warranty

 

Our UA Classics reissue of the LA-3A meticulously retains all the internal and external qualities of the original: The same simple control set, and the T4 electro-optical attenuator, which is the source of the LA-3A's program dependent compression. It also retains the 2RU half-rack design, and comes complete with a single-unit rack assembly — no additional kit is necessary. All the original rear panel connections and controls are also maintained, while the commonly performed “LA-3A gain mod” is added as an additional switch for maximum studio versatility.

 

Features:

True to the original in design, solid-state, T4 electro-optical classic compressor

Custom UA transformers & T4 cell

Discrete amplifier – up to 50dB gain

1.5ms attack time or less

0.06 seconds for 50% release

Rear panel "Gain Mod" switch for gain control

Designed by ex-UREI® engineer, Dennis Fink

Hand-made at UA; backed by 1-Year limited warranty

 

Technical Specifications:

 

External Connections

Jones Barrier terminals and XLR connectors

 

Input Impedance

50, 150, 250, 600 ohms

 

Distortion

Less than 0.33% at +24dBm

 

Frequency Response

20Hz - 20kHz +/- 0.5 dB

 

Noise Floor

-80 dB below program at threshold of limiting

 

Gain

30 ± 1dB, 50 ± 1dB

 

Output Level

+20 dBm nominal

 

Input Level

0dBm @ 50dB gain; +20dBm @ 30dB gain

 

Attack

1.5ms or less

 

Release

0.06 seconds for 50% release