10 Modern LA-2A Compressor Reproductions For Your Studio

Since Teletronix introduced the LA-2A in the early 1960s, the studio world has gone wild for the legendary opto compressor. And why wouldn't we? The LA-2A features a streamlined design with only three knobs (Gain, Peak Reduction, and Gain Reduction), but everything that passes through it gets a gigantic dose of warmth and fatness.

Universal Audio founder Bill Putnam purchased Teletronix in 1967 and began making the LA-2A under the Studio Electronics name (later UREI). When the Putnam family rebooted UA in 1999, they reissued the LA-2A, which gave way to several more incarnations, including plug-ins and guitar pedals.

With so much love for the LA-2A, many other brands have created modern reproductions of this iconic piece of gear. So much so that we compiled a list of some of our favorites from the good folks at UA, Waves Audio, Acme Audio, Black Lion Audio, and more. Let's take a look, as we start with digital, go to physical, and move from lowest to highest prices.

Waves Audio CLA-2A Compressor Plug-in
IK Multimedia T-Racks White 2A Leveling Amplifier Plug-in
Universal Audio UAD Teletronix LA-2A Leveler Collection Plug-in
Universal Audio UAFX Teletronix LA-2A Compressor Pedal
Lindell Audio LiN2A Leveling Amplifier
Warm Audio WA-2A Opto Compressor
IGS Audio One Leveling Amplifier Optical Compressor
Acme Audio Opticom XLA-3 MKIII Optical Limiter
Black Lion Audio B172A Dual Channel Compressor
Universal Audio LA-2A Electro-Optical Classic Compressor
Frequently Asked Questions

LA-2A Compressor Reproductions

Waves Audio CLA-2A Compressor Plug-in

Price: $35.99

Waves Audio is no stranger to recreating the classics in plug-in form. For the CLA-2A, the brand teamed up with Chris Lord-Alge to model his personal LA-2A's response and sound, while also grabbing several presets from the mix engineer. This plug-in features modern amenities like mix control, trim control, sidechain frequency filter, and an optional subtle analog hiss and hum.

IK Multimedia T-Racks White 2A Leveling Amplifier Plug-in

Price: $79.99

Available solo or in the big 'ole T-Racks bundle, IK Multimedia's White 2A is another accurate plug-in emulation of the LA-2A. Perhaps one of the most unique features of the plug-in is that it puts the different mono and stereo modes of operation right on the front faceplate of the GUI. Here, a user can easily link two channels for stereo operation, choose different settings for each side, and enable Mid/Side processing.

Universal Audio UAD Teletronix LA-2A Leveler Collection Plug-in

Price: $299

Leave it to Universal Audio to create a unique collection of LA-2A plug-ins for those who want to select between different variants. Here, we have three unique emulations, including the Original LA-2 (early 1960s/slowest response), LA-2A Gray (mid-1960s/medium speed compression), and LA-2A Silver (late 1960s/fast time constants).

Universal Audio UAFX Teletronix LA-2A Compressor Pedal

Price: $169

Universal Audio first brought its LA-2A emulation to the pedal world with the MAX, which actually lets you stack two of the compressors in tandem. The MAX is an amazing piece of kit for sure, but for the purposes of our list, we thought we'd shine a light on the LA-2A pedal proper.

The sole focus here with the LA-2A pedal is on the iconic opto compressor. Not only does this recreation cost $169 and feature the signature Teletronix look, but it also has a three-knob control scheme (Peak, Gain, Mix), in addition to True/Buffered Bypass and Stock/Fast Attack switches. It's simple, it's streamlined, and it's small enough to fit on any pedalboard.

Lindell Audio LiN2A Leveling Amplifier

Price: $699

Alright, our first modern reproduction of the LA-2A in full, physical analog form is the Lindell Audio LiN2A, and it's a fitting place to start. Aside from the current Universal Audio LA-2A, the LiN2A's faceplate is the only model on this list to follow the knob and switch configuration of the original Grayface unit pretty much exactly. There are the standard Gain, Peak Reduction, and Gain Reduction knobs and power switch, and the only addition is a flip switch to choose between compressor or limiter. The LiN2A features Black Lion Audio's T4BLA optocell and offers LA-2A smoothness at a pretty great price.

Warm Audio WA-2A Opto Compressor

Price: $999

Next up on the list is Austin, Texas-based Warm Audio with the WA-2A. Packed with four tubes (two 12AX7s, one 12BH7, and one 6aq5) and Cinemag transformers, this 19-inch rackmount piece delivers analog tone and Class A opto-style compression for under $1000. This unit does feature the classic controls, but has some unique features added to the faceplate. There is a Meter Adjust knob and a Pre-Emphasis knob, which acts as a tone control of sorts for sidechain audio. At "Standard," the sidechain is flat, but as you move the knob counterclockwise, the compressor/limiters are less responsive to high-frequency transients.

IGS Audio One Leveling Amplifier Optical Compressor

Price: $1895

IGS Audio went all out when creating its modern take on the LA-2A, dubbed the One Leveling Amplifier. Nearly every major component in the circuit, from the transformers down to the photocell, was created in-house at IGS Audio. That's right; the brand designed its own version of the original Teletronix T4B photocell, which helps ensure consistent sound quality every time you use the One. On the faceplate of the unit, IGS Audio has simplified things even more with just Gain and Peak Reduction knobs. If you're fiending for LA-2A-style compression or limiting in the lunchbox format, IGS also makes a 500 Series module ($995) of the One.

Acme Audio Opticom XLA-3 MKIII Optical Limiter

Price: $2599

So far in this blog, we have not seen much variation in compression response. Most of these pieces of gear have set curves created by the manufacturer, and whatever they deem best is what you have to work with. And hey, that's how it worked with the original LA-2A, so that's OK. But for the more discerning engineers who want a little variety, Acme Audio is here to provide. The Opticom XLA-3 MKIII (and its 500 Series counterpart ($905)) has three opto circuits with different compression curves. Take your pick of Fast, Normal, and Slow via the unit's handy three-way switch on the faceplate.

Black Lion Audio B172A Dual Channel Compressor

Price: $1399

If you're familiar with the history of Bill Putnam Sr., then you know he is also responsible for designing the beloved 1176 compressor/limiter. For those of you who have gone back and forth on whether you want an opto or FET compressor, Black Lion Audio is making life easier with the B172A. This 2U 19-inch rackmount unit is a dual compressor with 1176 AND LA-2A-style circuits. You can run them separately, or you can run them together, and if you opt for the latter, you can choose which compressor you want your signal to hit first, all from the front panel.

Universal Audio LA-2A Electro-Optical Classic Compressor

Price: $4999

Rounding out our list of modern reproductions of the LA-2A is none other than the one, the only, the Universal Audio LA-2A. Since reviving the brand in 1999, Bill Putnam Jr. has kept the LA-2A's construction in-house at the Universal Audio Custom Shop and maintained the classic circuitry and components of the electro-optical compressor/limiter. With this LA-2A model, engineers can expect nothing less than the timeless warmth, smoothness, and musicality that has graced vocals, bass, acoustic instruments, electric pianos, and more for six decades.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is an LA-2A?

The Teletronix LA-2A is a classic optical tube compressor first introduced in the early 1960s. Known for its smooth, musical compression and warm tonal character, it uses an electro-optical circuit to control gain rather than traditional transistors or VCAs.

What type of compressor is the LA-2A?

The LA-2A is an optical tube compressor. It uses a light source and photoresistor to determine gain reduction, combined with tube amplification for warmth and harmonic richness. This opto-tube design reacts more slowly than FET compressors, creating a smooth, transparent sound that enhances dynamics without sounding aggressive.

How do you use an LA-2A?

The LA-2A is famous for its simplicity. It features only two main controls: Peak Reduction and Gain. Start by turning up Peak Reduction until you reach the desired amount of gain reduction, then use the Gain knob to make up the output level. Because of its automatic attack and release behavior, the LA-2A is a “set-and-forget” compressor — ideal for vocals, bass, or any source that benefits from gentle leveling.

Why doesn’t the LA-2A have attack and release controls?

Unlike modern compressors, the LA-2A’s attack and release times are fixed and program-dependent, meaning they change slightly based on the input signal. This is part of what makes it sound so natural. The attack time is around 10 milliseconds, and the release time has a dual-stage response — a fast initial release followed by a slower decay — which contributes to its smooth, musical compression.

When should you use an LA-2A?

The LA-2A excels when you want smooth, transparent leveling without harshness. It’s a favorite on vocals, bass, strings, and pads — anywhere you want gentle dynamic control with a touch of vintage tube warmth. Many engineers pair it with an 1176 for a classic “serial compression” chain: the 1176 handles fast transients, while the LA-2A adds body and glue.

What’s the difference between the LA-2A and the 1176?

The LA-2A is a slow, tube-based optical compressor known for its smooth and natural response. The 1176 is a fast, solid-state FET compressor designed for punch and precision. Used together, they cover a wide range of dynamics — the 1176 tames peaks, and the LA-2A evens out the overall performance with warmth and sustain.

What is a vintage LA-2A worth?

The value of a vintage Teletronix LA-2A depends on its condition, serial number, and component originality. Authentic units from the 1960s often sell for $10,000 or more. Be sure to check out our Vintage & Used section often for vintage LA-2As, as they often don't stick around for long!

If you have questions about any of these LA-2A reproductions or would like to purchase one, we're here to help. Contact a Vintage King Audio Consultant via email or by phone at 866.644.0160.