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LA500A Opto Compressor

LA500A Opto Compressor
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4.8 average, based on 4 reviews

$988.90AUD inc GST for Australian Customers
(Approx $603.33USD outside Australia)


Product Information
Stock Level3

LA500A Opto Compressor   New A Version has extra Slow attack mod and link with LEDs on the front panel and 3 PCB no wiring layout. Order 2 x LA500A at once for a matched pair 

We can supply this Comp as a 51X version. If you want 51X version please mention this in the comments section when checking out.

  • LA500A Opto compressor is our MAC comp in an API500 series format. It 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.The audio path has been fully redesigned for better signal to noise and headroom while still having clarity and warmth so that it is at home tracking anything or paired on stereo buss duty. The LA500 is made so even at extreme settings is it hard to make the comp sound anything but fantastic.
  • For an idea of what the LA500 / MAC comp can do read this Audio Technology magazine review here
  • Recall Sheet can be found here

Features for each Channel

  • NEW Pull threshold pot for slow attack with orange led on front panel
  • NEW Pull Makeup pot for stereo linking of compressors with blue led on front panel
  • 3 x PCB's have all parts values directly on overlay for fast building.
  • Large 34mm white LED backlight GR/VU meter.
  • Hard relay bypass when comp power off or switched to LA OFF.
  • Meter switchable Gain Reduction / LA OFF (meter led off) /  VU by toggle switch
  • Electronic balanced input to handle extreme input levels without distortion.
  • Large 32mm chicken head input level control for easy setting of compression level.
  • Large 32mm Makeup level pot with 0 to 20dB of gain.
  • Ratio switchable 3:1, 5:1 & 10:1 by toggle switch
  • Sidechain High Pass Filter switchable FLAT, 100Hz, 200Hz.
  • Huge output transformer (same size as Neve LO1166).
  • Internal jumper for output ground lift.
  • Double-sided Gold plated rear edge connector.
  • 3mm black anodized laser cut, vertical linished with white lasered on text for long-lasting zero wear finish.
  • Mix buss output on pin 11 for Radial Workhorse rack

Technical Specifications

  • Max Input level +28dBu @ 1kHz
  • Max Output +28dBu into 10k load @ 1kHz
  • Max Output +24dBu into 600ohm load @ 1kHz
  • Input Impedance 20kohm
  • Output Impedance 150ohm
  • 500 series +/-16vdc @ 55mA idle, 65mA at +28dBu into 600ohm load, 75mA clipping into 600ohm load
  • 51X series +/-24vdc @ 75mA idle, 85mA at +28dBu into 600ohm load, 95mA clipping into 600ohm load

 

Recall Sheet here

Compressor samples by JLM Audio

Orders shipping to an Australian Address will have 10% GST added to the price below at checkout

 


Customers also bought

Customer Reviews

Average Rating: 4.8

Thick!!

12345
I first bought one of these for vocals and voice-over, before finding how well it worked on synths, so I bought a second one, and Joe was super generous with his time in lining it up with my first one. This really is a fun little comp that adds awesome character and richness and is a go-to for a lot of source material. (Thu Jul 20 2023, 15:02 pm )

Absolutely Fantastic and professional

12345
I purchased one LA500A opto pre-assembled. It came packaged better than any piece of gear I have purchased in the last 20 years. The unit was soldered beautifully. I’ve only had it for one 2 days and so far it is FAR BETTER than expected. Joe does something special over there and I am definitely going to try one of his FET comps. It reminds me of a hybrid LA-2A and 3A and 4A mixed together. Grabs nicely and the sidechain rolloff is perfect to grab those vocal transients and leave the low end full. You can squash the hell out of the signal and it still sounds “natural”. A colleague of mine is shopping for one now lol. JLM you are the best! (Sat Jan 21 2023, 06:38 am )

Love every single aspect of it!

12345
It was my first JLM build (shipping to Europe involves custom taxes that's why I hesitated) and I have to applaud Joe for this compressor. Sound is pristine, can be inaudible but also very upfront. Tried it on vocals, bass and bass drum - even this was great. Buttons and controls are high quality. I've done only a few other DIY kits from Sound Skulptor (mp573, TS500, CP4500). Mostly good gear, too. But the JLM build felt a bit more sophisticated, I can't even explain. Parts of the build are pre-assembled which sped up the whole process. It is notable that the LA500A has gone through stages of revisions and the product has arrived at a well thought out state. The documentation is "less intense", a bit less detailed than with the Sound Skulptor kits, but somehow I felt more comfortable with the that. The JLM picture documentation and only few text are just right. But I guess that's individual. I would order just another kit right today if shipping and tax wasn't such an obstacle. Much love for this company!!! (Fri Sep 23 2022, 03:52 am )

Impressive!

12345
This beauty is quite a lovely beast in an amazingly small package... the JLM LA500A performs admirably amoungst our other tube compressors, and we own tube gear from Pendulum, Manley, Fearn, A-Designs, Avalon etc, so this is not a small claim. Great on vocals, superb on bass, and I even like it on acoustic guitar, and I don't like to compress acoustics, generally. Joe Barresi is correct; this is a great little compressor! Don't let its size or price fool you. Kudos to JLM! Cheers (Thu Dec 14 2017, 02:07 am )

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