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$ 4,699 .00
or $131/month for 36 months 0% interest for 36 months. 36 equal monthly payments required. Learn more
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Item is in stock and will ship the next business day. To inquire if this item is available to ship sooner or is in one of our stores, please call 888.653.1184.

SKU

748

Please note: this item is available for purchase in the United States only.

Universal Audio LA-2A Electro-Optical Classic Compressor

True to the original design, the famed tube-amplified T4 electro-optical classic compressor
MFR# LA2A

Product Description

TELETRONIX LA-2A CLASSIC COMPRESSOR/LIMITER

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
  • Weight: 13 lbs.

Click here to learn more about the history of the Teletronix LA-2A Optical Compressor / Limiter.

Product Specifications

Condition New
Tube or Solid State Tube
Channels Single-Channel
Chassis 19-inch Rack-mount
Rack Spaces 3U
Digital I/O No
Input Connectors Analog XLR
Output Connectors Analog XLR
Compression Type Optical

Product Reviews

5 out of 5 stars.
Review Count (4)

write a review

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.

By Pigeon P on October 19, 2020

The best !!

By Guilherme T on December 22, 2019

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I would like to thank VK for the wonderful sales assistance, service and prices. This was my first purchase with you and it won't be my last. I only wish I'd discovered you years ago!
Matthew R.
I had two Grammy wins this year - Ray LaMontagne & Carolina Chocolate Drops. Both made with help from Vintage King!
Ryan F.
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.
Martin C.
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.
Phil T.
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.
James P.
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From the minute I placed my order I was kept well-informed through each step in your process. Even though I was buying a comparatively modest piece of gear, your attention to detail made me feel like I was purchasing a six-figure mixing desk.
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