JLM Audio LA500A 500-series optical compressor, professionally assembled by Resistance Audio, in excellent working condition.

This is the updated version featuring the pull-knob Slow Attack function, providing an additional attack characteristic beyond the standard operation.

The LA500A is JLM Audio’s flexible take on classic opto compression, combining smooth, musical gain reduction with considerably more control than a traditional opto design. It works especially well on vocals, bass, guitars, and other sources where natural leveling and analog character are desired.

Features include:

• Professionally assembled by Resistance Audio
• Updated version with pull-knob Slow Attack feature
• Optical compression circuit
• Variable threshold and make-up gain
• Adjustable attack and release
• Ratio control for gentle leveling through firmer compression
• Sidechain high-pass filter
• Wet/dry mix control for parallel compression
• Gain-reduction metering
• Transformer-balanced output
• Standard 500-series format

The expanded controls make the LA500A considerably more versatile than a traditional opto compressor while retaining the smooth, musical gain reduction that makes optical compression particularly useful for tracking.

Fully functional and used in a smoke-free home studio.

Selling only because I’m consolidating my tracking compression into a different setup.