DA-3A Dual-Channel Optical Leveling Amplifier: Resurrecting the Secret Weapon Engineers Have Relied On For Decades

Introducing the DA-3A Dual-Channel Optical Leveling Amplifier.

The DA-3A is AudioScape’s more-real-than-recreated take on one of the great optical compressors of yesteryear. Introduced in 1969, the 3A was intended as the next gen of the venerable 2A Leveling Amplifier. Like its predecessor, it used the T4b opto-attenuator, only this time surrounded by solid-state circuitry instead of tubes, rendering it much more transparent, and much less colorful. Its attack characteristic was somewhat more variable than the 2A, owing to its solid-state versus tube topology, subtle at lower levels but reacting a lot faster to big transient peaks, making it fantastic on vocals and guitars.

Considered One of the Great “Secret Weapons” of the Recording Studio

Considered one of the great “secret weapons” of studio recording in its day, it never achieved the acclaim of the 2A or the 76. Nevertheless, producers and engineers came to rely on it and it became ubiquitous in studios around the world.

AudioScape’s Faithful Recreation of a Classic Optical Compressor

AudioScape has faithfully recreated this great compressor in the dual channel DA-3A. Unlike the mono original, the DA-3A’s dual-channel design eliminates the need to hardwire two units together for stereo operation, just a flip of the LINK switch does the job. It also uses AudioScape’s own authentic T4b opto-attenuator, made in-house, as well as our own proprietary input/ output transformers and auto-former, precise replicas made to the late 60’s-early 70’s spec. NOS metal-can transistors and period-correct carbon film resistors are used throughout, just like the original.

Modern Updates, AudioScape’s Own T4B Opto-Attenuator & Proprietary Hand-Wound Transformers

A few modern updates have been made on the DA-3A, like bringing previously rear-mounted switches up to the front of the unit; these include the aforementioned LINK control plus LIMIT/ COMPRESS mode switching, STEREO ADJUST pot, used to balance two 3A’s gain reduction when linked, and the HF contour pot, starting flat, this acts as a band-pass filter in the side-chain making the DA-3A more responsive to high and high-mid frequencies

An upgrade to this classic circuit design, we’ve included as standard a simple mod that raises the internal gain structure. Originally attributed to master mixer Bob Clearmountain, this now-standard mod reduces the DA-3A’s already low noise floor even further.

Handcrafted in the USA by Our Skilled Craftspeople

Hand-built in Daytona Beach, Florida, the DA-3A has all the the marks of AudioScape’s deep dedication to true vintage recreations; NOS components when available, custom-built precise replicas when they’re not, and the highest quality modern components, like Alpha pots, when it makes sense for reliability. No expense is spared in bringing the finest version to the user. The DA-3A is no exception!

WHY SHOULD YOU BUY A DA-3A?

- Proudly built in small-batches from end to end on site, in the USA by a small team of skilled assemblers.
- Know where your hard-earned money is going and feel good about any purchase made from us! Every dollar spent helps feed a family, fund college tuition and supports new product development and R & D.
- Our margins are very tight, but this sacrifice allows us complete control over every aspect of the manufacturing and assembly process.
- We are able to capitalize on the USA surplus market and use NOS parts where it matters and most importantly, we are able to offer a product that is exceptional.

AUDIOSCAPE offers a HASSLE-FREE, 2-YEAR WARRANTY included with EVERY unit we sell!
**FREE PATCHRAT PRO SUBSCRIPTION INCLUDED WITH EVERY PURCHASE!**

FEATURES:

• Handcrafted in the USA in Small Batches

• Dual Mono or Stereo Operation

• Stereo-Link Switch- Stereo Linking at the Flip of a Switch

• Stereo Adjust Control - Balances Gain Reduction When Linked. Fully Variable with Center Detent

• Fully Integrated Bob Clearmountain-Inspired Gain Mod

• HF Emphasis Control (Fully Variable) - Allows you to FOCUS the Compression to a Specific Area of the Frequency Spectrum

• AudioScape’s In-House Built Tb4 Opto-Attenuator

• AudioScape’s Proprietary Input/ Output Transformers and Auto-former, Built to Original Spec

• Cornell Dubilier Polypropylene Axial Capacitors

• NOS Metal-Can Transistors

• Allen-Bradley Carbon Film Resistors in Key Areas of the Signal Path

• Alpha Potentiometers

• Bypass Switch

• Custom AudioScape Illuminated VU Meter - Switchable Between Output Level or Gain-Reduction

  **specifications, parts & pricing subject to change because sh*t happens ;-)

DOCUMENTATION:

• DA-3A QUICK-START

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