Universal Audio LA-3A Dual Classic Audio Leveler
The original LA-3A Audio Leveler made its debut at the 1969 NY AES show and marked the departure from the tube design of the Teletronix LA-2A Leveling Amplifier. The LA-3A incorporated components and design concepts from the Putnam-designed 1176LN Limiting Amplifier. Immediately embraced as a studio workhorse and still widely used today, the LA-3A remains a favorite of engineers and producers worldwide for its unique compression characteristics and sonic signature.
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.
Technical Specs
| 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 |
