True to the original design, UA’s famed tube-amplified T4 electro-optical compressor.

The cherished late '60s “Silver†LA-2A Leveling Amplifier remains the first-choice vocal compressor in professional studios around the world. The LA-2A Tube Compressor plug-in is the definitive emulation of this iconic optical limiter, giving you the same smooth, radio-ready dynamics control on vocals, guitars, bass, synths, and more.

For over 50 years the Teletronix LA-2A has been revered for its smooth, natural, musical compression. WIth its unique tube-driven electro-optical attenuator system that allows instantaneous gain reduction with no increase in harmonic distortion, the LA-2A massages signals like no other compressor ever made.

• Dial-in legendary optical tube compression textures for vocals, bass, drums, and more
• Record your tracks through vintage UA, "handmade in the USA," circuits
• Easily add iconic warmth and tube limiting with simple, easy-to-use controls
• Track and mix with a piece of audio recording history

The Teletronix Story

Teletronix founder Jim Lawrence first used photocells for controlling audio gain in the early 1960s. His ingenious optical compression design was a technological breakthrough, far surpassing the stability and transparency of earlier circuits. Universal Audio founder M.T. â€Bill†Putnam later purchased this patented technology, continuing to manufacture the LA-2A for years to come.

The Real Deal

Universal Audio’s Teletronix LA-2A Classic Leveling Amplifier reissue provides the performance characteristics of the iconic original. With painstaking care, every new LA-2A unit is point-to-point handwired at Universal Audio's Custom Shop in Santa Cruz, California, with every component carefully evaluated for authenticity. As a result, today’s LA-2A will bring the same legendary compression characteristics of the original to all of your recordings. Demand the original. Accept no copy.

Key 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

Technical 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 microseconds

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, 50/60 Hz

Environmental Maximum operating temperature 160°F

Dimensions 19" Rackmount chassis, 3U

Weight 13 lbs.

*Special order item, no cancellations / returns. Full manufacturer's warranty.