The UREI LA-3A was introduced in 1969 as a solid-state successor to the LA-2A, designed by Bill Putnam Sr. It used the same T4 optical cell but with a transistor gain stage instead of tubes, offering faster response and greater reliability. The LA-3A became a favorite for drums and percussion where the LA-2A was too slow. Stam SA-3A brings this distinct solid-state optical character to modern studios.
SA-3A
2017–2022
The Stam Audio SA-3A is a recreation of the UREI LA-3A electro-optical compressor, the successor to the LA-2A that offered a faster, more aggressive optical character in a solid-state design. While the LA-2A is smooth and gentle, the LA-3A provides quicker attack times and a more forward presence, making it ideal for sources needing tighter control with optical character. The SA-3A captures this distinct solid-state optical sound. Unlike its tube predecessor, the LA-3A uses a solid-state gain stage with the same T4-style optical cell, providing faster transient response and cleaner headroom. It excels on drums, percussion, guitars, and sources where the LA-2A might be too slow. The distinctive silver faceplate and LED meter made the LA-3A instantly recognizable in vintage racks. (Discontinued — superseded by SA-3A+)