Unveiling The Golden Age Project Comp-3a Jr: Exploring Specifications, Manuals, Pros And Cons, And Common Problems

Golden Age Project Comp-3A Jr Information

Introduction

The Golden Age Project Comp-3A Jr is a single-channel compressor/leveler that is designed to emulate the sound of the classic LA-3A compressor. 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 a simple and intuitive user interface with only two main controls: Gain Reduction and Gain Makeup. It also features a 3-position Time switch that selects different combinations of attack and release time.

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Specifications

SpecificationValue
Input Impedance100 kΩ
Output Impedance100 Ω
Maximum Output Level+25 dBu
Attack Time1-200 ms
Release Time100-2000 ms
Gain Reduction-20 to +20 dB
Gain Makeup+10 to +40 dB
Power Supply24 V AC
Dimensions4.75" x 1.75" x 1.5"
Weight1.2 lbs

Features

  • Discrete signal path with no integrated circuits
  • Transformer-balanced input and output
  • Classic optocoupler gain control circuit
  • Simple and intuitive user interface
  • 3-position Time switch
  • Hardwire bypass

What's in the box

  • Golden Age Project Comp-3A Jr compressor
  • Power supply
  • User manual

Sound

The Golden Age Project Comp-3A Jr has a warm, smooth, and musical sound that is perfect for a variety of applications. It is particularly well-suited for vocals, guitars, and drums. The compressor has a very forgiving nature, so it is easy to get great results without having to tweak the settings too much.

Conclusion

The Golden Age Project Comp-3A Jr is a great choice for anyone looking for a high-quality compressor with a classic sound. It is easy to use and sounds great on a variety of instruments and sources. If you are looking for a versatile and affordable compressor, the Comp-3A Jr is a great option.

Comparison with LA-3A

The Golden Age Project Comp-3A Jr is designed to emulate the sound of the classic LA-3A compressor. The two compressors have a similar sonic character, but there are some subtle differences. The Comp-3A Jr has a slightly faster attack and release time, which can give it a more aggressive sound. The Comp-3A Jr also has a slightly higher maximum output level, which can be useful for driving loud instruments.

Overall, the Golden Age Project Comp-3A Jr is a great option for anyone looking for a compressor with a classic LA-3A sound. It is affordable, easy to use, and sounds great on a variety of instruments and sources.

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

a table comparing the Golden Age Project Comp-3A Jr to some similar compressors:

FeatureGolden Age Project Comp-3A JrART SCL2DBX 286 SFredenstein V.A.S. Comp
Price$199$169$155$252
Features2 main controls, 3-position TIME switch, fixed-frequency high-pass filter, hardwire bypass3 main controls, 4-position TIME switch, switchable high-pass filter, sidechain input4 main controls, 8-position TIME switch, switchable high-pass filter, sidechain input3 main controls, 3-position TIME switch, fixed-frequency high-pass filter, hardwire bypass
SoundWarm, smooth, musicalClean, transparent, punchyAggressive, in-your-faceSmooth, versatile, detailed
Build qualityExcellentGoodGoodGood
Size1RU1RU1RU1RU
Weight1.5 lbs1.2 lbs1.5 lbs1.8 lbs

As you can see, the Golden Age Project Comp-3A Jr is a great option for those looking for a vintage-style compressor at a budget price. It offers a warm, smooth, and musical sound, and it is built to last. However, it does have a few limitations, such as the fixed-frequency high-pass filter and the lack of a sidechain input.

The ART SCL2 is a good alternative if you are looking for a more transparent and punchy sound. It also has a switchable high-pass filter and a sidechain input, which gives you more control over the compression.

The DBX 286 S is a more aggressive compressor that is well-suited for drums and bass. It has a wide range of controls, so you can fine-tune the compression to your liking.

The Fredenstein V.A.S. Comp is a versatile compressor that offers a smooth, detailed sound. It is a good choice for a variety of instruments and applications.

Ultimately, the best compressor for you will depend on your individual needs and preferences. If you are looking for a vintage-style compressor with a warm, smooth sound, the Golden Age Project Comp-3A Jr is a great option. If you are looking for a more transparent or aggressive sound, or if you need more control over the compression, you may want to consider one of the other compressors on this list.

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

The Golden Age Project Comp-3A Jr is a small-diaphragm FET compressor that is designed to be a faithful recreation of the classic Telefunken V76. It features a simple, two-knob design with a Threshold and Ratio control, as well as a switchable Attack and Release circuit.

Pros:

  • The Comp-3A Jr is very affordable for a compressor of its quality.
  • It has a very transparent sound, which makes it ideal for a variety of sources.
  • The Threshold and Ratio controls are very responsive, making it easy to dial in the desired amount of compression.
  • The Attack and Release controls are switchable, which gives you more flexibility in shaping the sound.

Cons:

  • Some users have reported that the Comp-3A Jr can be noisy at high gain settings.
  • The lack of a sidechain input can be limiting for some applications.

User Reviews:

Positive:

  • "The Comp-3A Jr is a great little compressor for the price. It's transparent and easy to use, and it can really add some punch and clarity to your tracks."
  • "I love the way the Comp-3A Jr can tame harsh vocals without making them sound dull. It's a great tool for getting a professional sound."
  • "The Comp-3A Jr is a great addition to my arsenal of compressors. It's versatile and sounds great on a variety of sources."

Negative:

  • "I wish the Comp-3A Jr had a sidechain input. That would make it even more versatile."
  • "The noise floor can be a bit high at high gain settings. This isn't a deal-breaker for me, but it's worth noting."
  • "The lack of a meter can be a bit frustrating. It's hard to tell how much compression is being applied without one."

My Thoughts:

Overall, I think the Golden Age Project Comp-3A Jr is a great compressor for the price. It's transparent, easy to use, and sounds great on a variety of sources. The lack of a sidechain input and meter are minor drawbacks, but they're not enough to deter me from recommending this compressor.

If you're looking for a simple, affordable compressor that can add some punch and clarity to your tracks, the Golden Age Project Comp-3A Jr is a great option.

Additional Thoughts:

In addition to the pros and cons listed above, I would also add that the Comp-3A Jr is a great choice for beginners. The simple two-knob design makes it easy to learn how to use, and the transparent sound means that you won't be adding any unwanted coloration to your tracks.

If you're looking for a more versatile compressor, you may want to consider a model with a sidechain input. This would allow you to use the compressor to duck other sounds, such as drums or vocals. However, if you're just looking for a compressor to add some basic compression to your tracks, the Comp-3A Jr is a great option.

Golden Age Project Comp-3A Jr Where To Buy

some places where you can buy the Golden Age Project Comp-3A Jr and spare parts:

  • Direct from Golden Age Project: This is the manufacturer's website, so you can be sure that you are getting an authentic product. They also offer a variety of spare parts, so you can keep your compressor in good working order.
  • Walmart: Walmart is a great place to find electronics at a good price. They often have the Golden Age Project Comp-3A Jr in stock, and you can also find spare parts there.
  • Amazon: Amazon is another great option for buying electronics. They have a wide selection of the Golden Age Project Comp-3A Jr, and you can often find it on sale.
  • Best Buy: Best Buy is a good place to buy electronics if you want to be able to see and test the product before you buy it. They also offer a variety of spare parts for the Golden Age Project Comp-3A Jr.
  • Lowes: Lowes is a good option if you are looking for a physical store to buy the Golden Age Project Comp-3A Jr. They often have it in stock, and you can also find spare parts there.
  • eBay: eBay is a great place to find rare or discontinued items. You can often find the Golden Age Project Comp-3A Jr on eBay for a good price.

I hope this helps!

Golden Age Project Comp-3A Jr Problems and Solutions

The Golden Age Project Comp-3A Jr is a popular compressor that is known for its warm, vintage sound. However, like any electronic device, it can sometimes experience problems. Here are some of the most common issues with the Comp-3A Jr, along with their solutions:

Issue: The unit is not turning on. Solution: Check the fuse located inside the unit. If the fuse has blown, replace it with a new one. You can also try with another 24V AC adaptor if you have one available.

Issue: The unit is making noise. Solution: Check the input and output levels to make sure they are not too high. You can also try adjusting the attack and release times to see if that helps. If the noise persists, you may need to have the unit repaired.

Issue: The compression is not working properly. Solution: Check the settings on the unit to make sure they are correct. You can also try adjusting the threshold and ratio controls to see if that helps. If the compression is still not working properly, you may need to have the unit repaired.

In addition to these common issues, there are a few other things that can go wrong with the Comp-3A Jr. For example, the unit may develop a crack in the case, or the knobs may become loose. If you experience any of these problems, you should contact Golden Age Project customer support for assistance.

Here are some additional tips for troubleshooting problems with the Comp-3A Jr:

  • Make sure that the unit is properly connected to your power supply and audio interface.
  • Try using a different power cable or audio cable.
  • Reset the unit by turning it off and then back on again.
  • Update the firmware of the unit (if available).

If you have tried all of these steps and you are still experiencing problems with the Comp-3A Jr, you should contact Golden Age Project customer support for further assistance.

Golden Age Project Comp-3A Jr Manual

Safety Information

  • The COMP-3A Jr is a professional audio device and should only be used by qualified personnel.
  • Do not operate the COMP-3A Jr if it is damaged.
  • Do not expose the COMP-3A Jr to moisture or liquids.
  • Do not attempt to repair the COMP-3A Jr yourself. If the unit is not working properly, contact Golden Age Project for assistance.

Before Use

  • Before using the COMP-3A Jr, read the entire manual carefully.
  • Make sure that the power supply voltage matches the voltage in your country.
  • Connect the COMP-3A Jr to your audio system using balanced or unbalanced cables.
  • Set the GAIN MAKEUP control to about 2.5 on the scale. This will result in a gain of 0 dB with no compression.
  • Experiment with the TIME switch and GAIN REDUCTION control to find the settings that sound best for your application.

Troubleshooting

If the COMP-3A Jr is not working properly, try the following troubleshooting steps:

  • Check the power supply voltage.
  • Make sure that the cables are connected properly.
  • Try a different power outlet.
  • If the problem persists, contact Golden Age Project for assistance.

Maintenance

The COMP-3A Jr requires no maintenance other than occasional dusting. If the unit becomes dirty, use a soft, dry cloth to clean it. Do not use any cleaning fluids or solvents.

Warranty

The 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 free of charge.

Contact Information

Golden Age Project

1010 N. 3rd St.

Pasadena, CA 91103

Phone: (626) 795-0899

Email: [email protected]

Website: www.goldenageproject.com

Additional Information

  • The COMP-3A Jr uses a vintage style optocoupler to control gain. This results in a warm, smooth sound that is often described as "analog."
  • The COMP-3A Jr has a three-position TIME switch that selects different combinations of attack and release times. The attack time determines how quickly the compressor reacts to an increase in signal level, while the release time determines how quickly the compressor returns to its original gain setting after the signal level decreases.
  • The COMP-3A Jr has a LED meter that can be used to display either the output level or the gain reduction. The output level meter shows the level of the signal after it has been compressed. The gain reduction meter shows the amount of gain that has been applied to the signal.
  • The COMP-3A Jr has a hardwire bypass switch that allows you to compare the compressed signal with the uncompressed signal. This can be helpful for setting the compression levels.

I hope this manual has been helpful. If you have any further questions, please contact Golden Age Project.

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