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Audio professionals revere the LA-2A compressor. The original has been acknowledged for its smooth and natural compression characteristics. The unique tube-driven electro-optical attenuator system helps allow instantaneous gain reduction without an increase in its harmonic distortion — an accomplishment at the time and is still appreciated today. By easily adding iconic warmth and tube limiting with simple, easy-to-use controls, this faithful Universal Audio reissue marks the rebirth of the Teletronix LA-2A.
ORIGINAL DESIGN, DURABLE QUALITY
For over 50 years, the Universal Audio Teletronix LA-2A has been valued for its smooth and natural musical compression. With the UAD compressors’ leveling amplifier that provides instantaneous gain reduction without an increase in harmonic distortion. The Universal Audio LA-2A massages signals like no other compressor. Painstaking care was taken to ensure that each new LA-2A compressor pedal provides the iconic performance characteristics of the original. Each UAD unit is point-to-point hand-wired and is built in Scotts Valley, California, with every component meticulously evaluated for authenticity. As a result, today’s UAD LA-2A will bring the same legendary compression characteristics as its original to all of your vocal recordings and more.
Each plug-in compressor unit is hand-built and hand-wired in-house at UA with every component being carefully evaluated for quality and authenticity. No expense was spared to guarantee that this Universal Audio LA-2A brings that classic sound to your vocals and recording setup. Demand the original. Accept no copy.
Features
True to the original in design, manufacturing and performance
Lag free, distortion free optical attenuator system
Distortion less than 0.5% THD
0 to 40 dB gain limiting
Balanced stereo interconnection
Frequency response 1 dB, 30 to 15,000 cps
Output level of 10 dBm and 40 dB gain
Low noise – less than 70 dB below ±10 dBm output
Hand-built in USA
Specifications
Input impedance: 50, 150, 250, 600 ohms
Output load impedance: 50, 150, 250, 600 ohms
External connections: Jones Barrier terminals and XLR connectors
Frequency response: +0/-1 dB 30 Hz to 15kHz
Gain: 40 dB ±1dB
Input level: +16 dB maximum
Output level: +10 dB nominal, +16 dB maximum
Distortion: Less than 0.5% THD (0.25% typical) at ±10 dBm
Noise: 70 dB below +10 dBm output level
Attack time: 10 milliseconds
Release time: 0.06 seconds for 50% release; 0.5 to 5 seconds for complete release
Meter: dB gain reduction and dB output
Power requirements: 35 watts, 120/240 volts, 50/60Hz
Beautiful sounding comp. I used to work with the plugin, but it is really another thing, using the hardware.
By Mike G on March 1, 2023
I use this on everything. Brings everything forward. If you have a distressor or 1176 before hitting this then you have debatably the best compression chain for vocals in modern recording. Listen to everything become 3 dimensional.
By Greg C on October 2, 2022
I cycle through a lot of gear in my studio. I bought my first LA-2A from Vintage King ten years ago. It was magical out if the box, but I had it modded to restore key tubes and components used in the original units. It works. All I can say is gear comes and goes in my rack; the LA-2A has gained a sister, and the BAE 1073’s and the LA-2A’s never go anywhere. Period.
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We recently sat down for an interview with Jennifer for our ongoing 20 Questions series. Read on to learn more about her approach to songwriting and producing, her love for the LA-2A, and how her favorite plug-in is based on a garden hose in a box. Continue reading →
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In almost 20 years in Pro audio buying, never did I receive a unit so well packed and exactly as described. Works flawlessly. The whole process has been so smooth. I will never hesitate to do business with you guys in the future and will recommend you to everyone I know.
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This was my first experience buying something from Vintage King (although I surf the "used" categories on the website frequently!), and, despite being on the other side of the world, I had absolutely no trouble and everything went very smoothly.
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The speed of delivery exceeded my expectations! I was VERY pleased that my shipment arrived in time for a scheduled vocal tracking session. The packing insured that my order arrived safely. And the sales staff responded quickly to questions regarding the product.
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