SKU: 28106911935

Union Tube & Transistor Lab Compressor

Sale price$135.00 Regular price$150.00
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Description

Union Tube & Transistor Lab CompressorMaker: Union Tube & Transistor Model: Lab Compressor Condition: New Description: The LAB is an optical compressor. It uses custom optocouplers to achieve up to 30dB of musical sounding compression. We loved how in the recording studio even with tons of compression the old optical compressors such as the LA 2A, the LA 3, the LA 4 sounded smooth and natural. The essence of the LAB's sound comes from the fast attack and slow release times of the custom

Maker: Union Tube & Transistor

Model: Lab Compressor

Condition: New 

 

Description:  

The LAB is an optical compressor. It uses custom optocouplers to achieve up to 30dB of musical-sounding compression.

We loved how in the recording studio even with tons of compression the old optical compressors such as the LA-2A, the LA-3, the LA-4 sounded smooth and natural.

The essence of the LAB's sound comes from the fast attack and slow release times of the custom optocoupler. The optocoupler's behaviour is quite complex, and program-dependent. It can't be modelled with simple resistor-capacitor networks. We wanted the pure response of the optocoupler to define the LAB's dynamics, and not supplement that with RC filtering.

To that end, we tried out just about every off-the-shelf optocoupler on the market, but ended up designing and manufacturing our own custom units. There's an interplay between dynamics, noise floor, distortion, and available compression on the one hand, and the opto's electrical parameters on the other. Since nothing commercially available fit the bill, we built our own.

With just two controls – compression and gain make-up – the LAB is fast and simple to use. It sounds great on bass and electric guitar, and the noise floor is impressive – quiet enough for studio use. It really shines on acoustic guitar, vocals and drums.

LAB Optical Compressor Specifications

Power Requirements +9VDC @40mA

Input Impedance 1MΩ

Output Impedance 100Ω

Frequency Response 20Hz–20KHz ±0.1dB

Maximum Input Level +7.5dBu

Maximum Output Level +10.0dBu

Compression/Gain-makeup 30dB

Noise Figure (Rs=10K) 3dB

For studio use you will need to attenuate going in and boost coming out of the LAB.

 

"the best compressor pedal I've ever heard." - Bob Rock

 

Shipping Notes
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Exchange/Return Notes
  • We offer a 30-day return/exchange service after receiving.
  • Final sale items are not eligible for returns or exchanges.
  • To process your return/exchange, please contact us at [email protected]
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SKU: 28106911935

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4.6 ★★★★★
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Alexander R. H. Latouf
Bozeman, US
★★★★★ 3
Great wrist rest, advertised dimensions slightly inaccurate.
Color: Black Walnut
Perhaps this is nitpicky but I purchased this wrist rest because it was perfectly sized to my keyboard at 29cm wide. It got here, and it's a fine wrist rest in terms of quality, material and feel, but it's not 29cm wide, it's 30.5cm wide. The other dimensions are accurate enough - both only .1mm off, but the mismatched width against my keyboard is enough for me to notice it and obsess over it. If that doesn't bother you, I say go for it. At $15 it's a good deal.
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Reviewed in the United States on May 30, 2026
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Amazon Customer
Louisville, US
★★★★★ 5
Long lasting
Color: Black Walnut
I’ve had this for two years and it still looks brand new after every day use. Love it.
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Reviewed in the United States on January 21, 2026
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Matthew
Chelsea, US
★★★★★ 2
Fairly priced but the finish leaves something to be desired
Color: Black Walnut
This wrist rest looks very nice, but I'd give the finish of the wood a C. There are a few rather rough patches, one that feels like it will develop into splinters eventually if it's not refinished. I'm using it for now, but I'm definitely going to refinish it at some point and it's inspired me to make my own wrist rests from scratch out of hardwood. I gave this two stars because it's very pretty and it's fairly comfortable to use. The wood used is pretty expensive, so I'd say that the price of this item is rather fair. I just wish they put a better finish on materials that are so nice.
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Reviewed in the United States on September 15, 2021
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Orlando Cardinuto
Pawtucket, US
★★★★★ 5
Great black leather tray for top of dresser
Color: Black
Excellent item, better than described. Very nice leather inside base. Nice leather trim. Exactly what I was looking for. I give 5 stars 👍
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Reviewed in the United States on January 25, 2026
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Timothy Lang
Whiting, US
★★★★★ 5
Built to Last
Color: Black
When purchasing little practical and intentional pieces... it's easy to pick something of lesser value. Looking at all other styles and options, you see buttons and Velcro and magnets and they look enticing. But at the end of the day, you want the satisfaction of knowing you made the right choice. Pay a little extra and get what you want. This little tray will be in your possession for years to come. It's clean and sturdy and classy. Maybe a 2-tone color palette would be a nice option for future builds.
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Reviewed in the United States on February 8, 2026

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