Overloud GEM Comp LA – Optical Compressor (Download)

From the acclaimed GEM Series, the Overloud Comp LA is the revolutionary simulation of two legendary optical compressors in single plug-in. The 2A version is tube-based and delivers a warmer, harmonically rich tone. The 3A version is solid-state based and has a faster attack with a more transparent tone.

Beyond the Original Hardware

Comp LA extends the features of the original hardware, combining the flexibility of the digital world to the sound character of the analog processing.

Two Models in One Plug-in

Select the 2A (Tube) mode with a harmonically richer tone, and the 3A (Solid State) mode with a faster attack time and a more transparent tone.

Harmonic Control

You can control the amount of generated harmonics of the Comp LA. Increase or reduce their content compared to the original behavior and monitor its amount through the meter.

Mid-Side and Parallel

You can separately compress the Mono (Mid) and Stereo (side) elements of the track as well as enable the Parallel Compression without using external bus or MS matrix.

Overloud Comp LA’s 2A model has the electro-luminescent light powered by a tube, while the 3A uses transistors. Tubes can provide less current than transistors, so their response to attack transients is softer and has more harmonics due to the slight distortion introduced.

Opto Attenuator and Dual-Stage Release

At the heart of the original unit, there is a photo-cell coupled with an opto-attenuator, which are faithfully reproduced into the Comp LA plug-in. The photo-cell provides a very natural dual-stage release which results in a very characteristic compression response, more transparent than that of other compressors:

• 70 ms for first half of the release
• 500 ms to 5000 ms for second half of the release (depends on first stage reduction)