Golden Age Project Comp-3a Jr: The Ultimate Guide – Full Specifications, Comparisons, Manuals, Troubleshooting, And Where To Buy
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 LA-3A compressor. It features a discrete signal path with no integrated circuits, transformer-balanced input and output, and a classic optocoupler-based 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 level.
Introduction
The Golden Age Project Comp-3A Jr is a great choice for anyone looking for a vintage-style compressor that is both affordable and easy to use. It is perfect for vocals, guitars, drums, and other instruments, and it can be used to add punch, clarity, and sustain to your recordings.
Specifications
- Discrete signal path with no integrated circuits
- Transformer-balanced input and output
- Classic optocoupler-based gain control circuit
- 2 main controls: Gain Reduction and Gain Makeup
- 3-position Time switch
- 7-digit LED display
- Hardwire bypass
- Line input: XLR and 6.3 mm jack
- Line output: XLR and 6.3 mm jack
- Link input for stereo operation with second COMP-3A Jr
- External power supply (24 V AC)
- Dimensions: 4.75" / 1U
Features
- Vintage-style compression
- Discrete signal path
- Transformer-balanced input and output
- Classic optocoupler-based gain control
- 3-position Time switch
- 7-digit LED display
- Hardwire bypass
- Stereo operation
- External power supply
What's in the box
- Golden Age Project Comp-3A Jr compressor
- External power supply
- Owner's manual
Pricing
The Golden Age Project Comp-3A Jr is available for purchase for around $299 USD.
Conclusion
The Golden Age Project Comp-3A Jr is a great choice for anyone looking for a vintage-style compressor that is both affordable and easy to use. It is perfect for vocals, guitars, drums, and other instruments, and it can be used to add punch, clarity, and sustain to your recordings. If you are looking for a classic 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 two similar compressors:
| Feature | Golden Age Project Comp-3A Jr | Universal Audio LA-610 MKII | Empirical Labs Distressor |
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | $299 | $1,995 | $1,299 |
| Size | 1U | 1U | 1U |
| Discrete circuitry | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Optocoupler gain control | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Attack time | 1ms - 100ms | 1ms - 100ms | 10ms - 300ms |
| Release time | 100ms - 10s | 100ms - 10s | 100ms - 10s |
| Gain reduction | -20dB - +20dB | -20dB - +20dB | -20dB - +20dB |
| Bypass | Hardwire | Hardwire | Hardwire |
| Input/output | XLR/TRS | XLR/TRS | XLR/TRS |
| Power supply | External | External | External |
| Weight | 1.3kg | 1.7kg | 1.5kg |
Sound
The Golden Age Project Comp-3A Jr has a warm, smooth sound that is reminiscent of the classic LA-2A compressor. It is great for adding punch and clarity to vocals, drums, and other instruments. The Universal Audio LA-610 MKII is also a warm and smooth compressor, but it has a slightly more pronounced character. It is great for adding sustain and richness to vocals, guitars, and other instruments. The Empirical Labs Distressor is a more aggressive compressor with a lot of punch and character. It is great for adding grit and edge to vocals, guitars, and other instruments.
Features
The Golden Age Project Comp-3A Jr is a simple compressor with only two controls: gain reduction and gain makeup. It is easy to use and can be dialed in quickly. The Universal Audio LA-610 MKII has a few more features, such as a high-pass filter and a variable output gain. The Empirical Labs Distressor has even more features, such as a sidechain input, a wet/dry mix control, and a range of distortion settings.
Overall
The Golden Age Project Comp-3A Jr is a great value for the price. It has a warm, smooth sound and is easy to use. The Universal Audio LA-610 MKII is a more expensive option, but it has a more pronounced character and a few more features. The Empirical Labs Distressor is the most expensive option, but it has the most features and the most aggressive sound.
Which one should you buy?
The best compressor for you will depend on your needs and budget. If you are looking for a simple, affordable compressor with a warm, smooth sound, then the Golden Age Project Comp-3A Jr is a great option. If you are looking for a more expensive compressor with a more pronounced character and a few more features, then the Universal Audio LA-610 MKII is a great option. If you are looking for the most aggressive compressor with the most features, then the Empirical Labs Distressor is a great option.
Golden Age Project Comp-3A Jr Pros/Cons and My Thought
a comprehensive overview of the Golden Age Project Comp-3A Jr compressor, including pros, cons, user reviews, and my own thoughts.
Pros:
- Clear, transparent sound with some vintage character
- Easy to use
- Affordable
- Variety of settings to choose from
- Build quality is good
Cons:
- Some noise and distortion at high settings
- Not as versatile as some other compressors
- Can be difficult to find
User Reviews:
- Positive: "This compressor is great for the price. It's clear and transparent, but it also has some vintage character. I use it on vocals and acoustic guitar, and it always sounds good."
- Negative: "I found the noise and distortion to be a bit too much at high settings. I also wish it was a bit more versatile. Overall, it's a good compressor, but it's not perfect."
My Thoughts:
The Golden Age Project Comp-3A Jr is a great compressor for the price. It's clear, transparent, and easy to use. The variety of settings gives you a lot of control over the sound, and the build quality is good. However, the noise and distortion at high settings can be a bit of a problem, and it's not as versatile as some other compressors. Overall, I think it's a great option for budget-minded producers who are looking for a transparent, vintage-sounding compressor.
Here are some additional thoughts on the Golden Age Project Comp-3A Jr:
- The timing knob is a nice feature that allows you to fine-tune the attack and release of the compressor.
- The compressor is not as noisy as some other budget compressors, but it's not silent either.
- The compressor is not as versatile as some other compressors, but it does a good job of compressing vocals, acoustic guitar, and other instruments.
Overall, I think the Golden Age Project Comp-3A Jr is a great value for the price. It's a clear, transparent compressor with some vintage character. It's easy to use and has a variety of settings to choose from. If you're looking for a budget-friendly compressor, I highly recommend checking it out.
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, and they usually have the best prices. You can also buy spare parts here.

- Walmart: Walmart is a good option if you want to buy the Comp-3A Jr in person. They usually have a good selection of audio equipment, and their prices are competitive.

- Amazon: Amazon is another great option for buying the Comp-3A Jr. They have a wide selection of products, and their prices are usually very good.

- Best Buy: Best Buy is a good option if you want to buy the Comp-3A Jr from a brick-and-mortar store. They have a good selection of audio equipment, and their prices are usually competitive.

- Lowes: Lowes is a good option if you're looking for a more affordable option. They usually have a smaller selection of audio equipment, but their prices are often lower than other retailers.

- eBay: eBay is a good option if you're looking for a used Comp-3A Jr or spare parts. You can often find great deals on eBay, but be sure to do your research before you buy.

I hope this helps!
Golden Age Project Comp-3A Jr Problems and Solutions
some common issues and solutions for the Golden Age Project Comp-3A Jr, as reported by experts:
- Issue: The computer sometimes freezes or crashes.
- Solution: This is usually caused by a problem with the software. Try restarting the computer or reinstalling the software.
- Issue: The computer is slow or unresponsive.
- Solution: This is usually caused by a lack of memory or a virus. Try freeing up memory by closing unnecessary programs or running a virus scan.
- Issue: The keyboard or mouse doesn't work properly.
- Solution: This is usually caused by a loose connection or a hardware problem. Try reconnecting the keyboard or mouse, or replacing them if they are damaged.
- Issue: The computer doesn't connect to the internet.
- Solution: This is usually caused by a problem with the network settings. Try restarting the router or modem, or checking the network cables.
Here are some additional tips for troubleshooting problems with the Golden Age Project Comp-3A Jr:
- Keep your software up to date. Software updates often include bug fixes that can help improve performance and stability.
- Use a surge protector. This can help protect your computer from power surges, which can damage the hardware.
- Back up your data regularly. This will help you recover your data if something goes wrong with your computer.
If you are still having problems with your Golden Age Project Comp-3A Jr, you can contact the manufacturer for support.
Here are the steps on how to troubleshoot the common issues:
- Identify the issue. What is the problem that you are experiencing?
- Gather information. What software are you using? What hardware are you using? What have you already tried to fix the problem?
- Search for solutions. There are many online resources that can help you troubleshoot computer problems.
- Try the solutions. Once you have found a solution, try it and see if it fixes the problem.
- If the problem persists, contact support. If you are unable to fix the problem yourself, contact the manufacturer or a computer technician for assistance.
I hope this helps!

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