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Post by deehope on Jun 25, 2014 17:34:40 GMT -6
It's the one compressor that I have no idea what it sounds like. I know it's supposed to be a cleaner la2a. Does it do the make everything bigger sounding like the la2a does? Is it at all hi-fi sounding?
Having a hard time deciding what comp to use on the front end to add size even when it's not compressing. It's down to the sta level,(diy) Cranesong Falcon or the la3a (chimera or jlm la500
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Post by ragan on Jun 25, 2014 17:50:55 GMT -6
I'm interested in this too. I really like both the UAD and Waves plugin versions but the place I rent gear (HW) from doesn't have one.
A sonic hero of mine, Tchad Blake, is high on them for vocals.
Mohog just came out with one. Looks hot.
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Post by wiz on Jun 25, 2014 18:44:47 GMT -6
well I own a LA500 (JLM) and a Drip STA Level and a Drip LA2A
all three sound completely different, and no doubt so does a LA3A.
if you want me to run something through them for you , just yell out.
cheers
Wiz
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Post by tonycamphd on Jun 25, 2014 19:33:35 GMT -6
the jlm probably sounds great, that guy really knows his shit, but i'm pretty sure it is not an la3a clone, i could be wrong, but i believe it's not optical... anyone know? IMV, the la3a is a hifi version of the 2a, it's almost transparent except it rounds off sharp edges and the tranny's add just the right amount of euphoria in the most desirable, smooth and silky way, I have a second SA3A on the way, i see these living on bass, vox, and acoustic guitar. The clips in this purple devil thread are what inspired me to pull the trigger on the second pair, i really was unaware how good it was on acoustic guitar?? I still have oh so much to learn mon. www.gearslutz.com/board/geekslutz-forum/811714-my-stereo-la3a-itch-just-got-scratched.html |
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Post by tonycamphd on Jun 25, 2014 19:59:43 GMT -6
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Post by lolo on Jun 25, 2014 21:22:52 GMT -6
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Post by deehope on Jun 25, 2014 21:29:28 GMT -6
Thanks for the responses guys. .. any comment on which ones thickest? I have a vocal I just did that I'd love to run through these. How do I send them to you guys? We can put them on here after so others can compare the compressors. My voice is thin and higher so I'd love to see which one retains the top the best and adds some girth.
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Post by Ward on Jun 25, 2014 21:33:03 GMT -6
If you read through some of my earliest posts here, I've outlined the differences between the different LA compressors.
oh what the heck... here is a re-post.
An LA3a is NOT cleaner than an LA3a. It is FETs instead of vacuum tubes but has just as much crunch in it, if you push it that way. An LA3a is a little faster than an LA2a and is MARVELLOUS on elextric guitar amps and Hammond Organ Leslie cabinets, just for starters... and it's also pretty damned fine on hard rock vocals too. Plus Bass... not as good as an LA4 on bass, but still got that cool grinding/crushing vibe thing.
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Post by tonycamphd on Jun 25, 2014 21:33:26 GMT -6
that looks cool! really easy build, for the price its worth a go for sure! I don't see an optical cell in the pic though?(doesn't mean its not there, i just don't see it) |
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Post by lolo on Jun 25, 2014 21:35:24 GMT -6
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Post by mdmitch2 on Jun 25, 2014 21:35:42 GMT -6
The LA500 is optical, but it doesn't use the t4b cells.
From JLM's site:
"LA500 Opto compressor ... is a full ground up redesign of the LA3A/LA2A type compressor with several extra features. We have kept all the audio oddities of the side chain to keep the compression signature and extreme compression depth but added extra ratio of 5:1 to 10:1 and side chain HPF switching FLAT, 100Hz & 200Hz so the low end can be fully compressed or removed from the side chain to let the low end breath and make it easy to balance the compressed sound."
And perhaps more interesting, here's the description of the JLM MAC compressor which is identical to the LA500, except stereo and 1U rackmount:
"Looking for a 2 channel compressor like a pair of LA3A but with the warmth of a LA2A..."
I use my LA500's frequently use on lead vocals and electric guitar... very transparent, but it adds a subtle thickness and warmth. I can't compare to other hardware versions though.
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Post by tonycamphd on Jun 25, 2014 21:35:56 GMT -6
If you read through some of my earliest posts here, I've outlined the differences between the different LA compressors. lol, i was looking for that ward! that was a great post man, i just cant find it, can you link it? |
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Post by mdmitch2 on Jun 25, 2014 21:41:27 GMT -6
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Post by tonycamphd on Jun 25, 2014 21:53:14 GMT -6
no wonder i didn't see it, those are tiny lol, i'm used to seeing these. The sample on the JLM site sounds really good!  |
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Post by Ward on Jun 25, 2014 22:28:46 GMT -6
See above, I edited my post to include it.
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Post by deehope on Jun 26, 2014 0:06:15 GMT -6
If Tony's description is spot on, Im sold. What about the size of the signal thats sent through it? Does it add to it? Ward, from your description it sounds like its really colored?? Im still confused lmao
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Post by tonycamphd on Jun 26, 2014 1:18:45 GMT -6
yeah, i don't get the word "grind" at all from the sound of an La3a, the word that comes to mind is "smooooth", they also strike me as having less peach fuzz than the 2a, hence my calling it hifi, not that the pillowy peach fuzz of an la2a isn't killer, it totally is... also the la2a's i've used are certainly noisier than the 3a's i've used, so is about every tube circuit i've ever heard in comparison to it's solid state counterpart. I think this is just a case of word interpretation gone awry here?
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Post by tonycamphd on Jun 26, 2014 1:21:30 GMT -6
If Tony's description is spot on, Im sold. What about the size of the signal thats sent through it? Does it add to it? Ward, from your description it sounds like its really colored?? Im still confused lmao other than compression making things louder(with makeup gain), i don't think the 3a adds any specific eq boosts, I'll run that vocal through it for u, and u be the judge 8) |
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