This page about Acme Audio Opticom XLA-3 MKI is a stub. You can help improve it:

Acme Audio Opticom XLA-3 MKI

Newer option

Acme Audio Opticom XLA-3 MKII

$3,500.00

Find out who is using Acme Audio Opticom XLA-3 MKI

0 wishlisted

0 saved

Page last updated May 20, 2026

Pricing and availability

Store

Reviews

Price

^* Product prices and availability are updated by Equipboard every 24hrs and are subject to change. Equipboard may receive compensation for purchases made at participating retailers linked on this site. This compensation does not affect what products or prices are displayed, or the order of prices listed. For more information, please refer to our affiliate disclosure.

Description

Edit description

Experience the legendary warmth and character of analog compression with the Acme Audio Opticom XLA-3 MKI. This all-tube optical compressor is a staple in both professional and home studios, offering a smooth and musical response that can enhance any audio material. Designed to deliver rich harmonic distortion and a natural-sounding compression, the XLA-3 MKI is perfect for vocals, bass, drums, and more. Its simplistic yet powerful design allows for effortless integration into your setup, bringing that classic analog sound to modern productions.

The Opticom XLA-3 MKI features a unique three-stage optical gain reduction system, which provides a wide range of compression characteristics without compromising the integrity of your original signal. With its robust build and high-quality components, this compressor ensures reliable performance and long-lasting durability. Whether you're smoothing out vocals or adding punch to a drum mix, the XLA-3 MKI's intuitive controls make it easy to achieve the desired effect.

Key Features:

All-tube optical compressor for warm, analog sound
Three-stage optical gain reduction system
Simple, user-friendly control layout
Ideal for vocals, bass, drums, and more
High-quality components for reliable performance
Suitable for both professional and home studio environments

Videos

Add video

Mix Better Now

Acme Opticom XLA-3 Compressor (Review) | MixBetterNow.com

Mix Better Now

Reviews

Add review

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Acme Audio Opticom XLA-3 MKI.

Features and functionality

0 0

The ACME Audio Opticom XLA-3 is praised for its gritty compression and dual functionality, acting almost like having a compressor and saturator in one unit.
Source

Use cases and applications

0 0

This compressor is ideal for those seeking a dirty opto compression, adding a unique, character-rich texture to audio tracks.
Source

User experience

0 0

Owners describe the XLA-3 as "grimey" and appreciate its ability to add significant character to the audio, making it a favorite for those seeking more than transparent compression.
Source

Comparisons

0 0

It's noted for offering a unique sound distinct from classic compressors like the LA-2A or 1176, providing a more aggressive, colored tone beneficial for genres needing grit.
Source

Add review

Based on 0 Reviews and 0 Ratings

5 star

4 star

3 star

2 star

1 star

Artist usage

Add artist

Sam Kiszka

Bassist, Keyboardist

Greta Van Fleet

Verified via Soundonsound

Used on the bass for "When the Curtain Falls", as stated by mix engineer Al Sutton in this January 2019 Sound on Sound interview. An image of the settings can be found here.

"I also had the Opticom in the bass for parallel compression. In this case I'll run that really dirty and blend it back in."

Danny Wagner

Drummer

Greta Van Fleet

Verified via Soundonsound

Used on kick and snare of "When the Curtain Falls", as stated by mix engineer Al Sutton in this January 2019 Sound on Sound interview. An image of the settings can be found here.

"As for outboard, I'll do a mono 'back bus' parallel compression on the kick and snare, in this case using my outboard Acme Audio Opticom XLA-3. For the rest I used desk EQ and compression, and the room mics at Blackbird."