The LA-2A is the most famous compressor in the world, and for good reason. This is Universal Audio's faithful reissue of the early-60s Teletronix classic, point-to-point hand-wired in California, using a tube-driven T4 electro-optical cell to level audio with a smoothness no FET or VCA design can touch. Two knobs (Peak Reduction and Gain), one Limit/Compress switch, and that is it, because the magic is in the program-dependent optical attenuation that flatters vocals, bass, guitars and strings every single time. It has been on more hit records than anyone can count. If you want the sound, you buy the box. New units run around R99,000; this is your chance at the real thing for less.

FEATURES & PROS:

• The Vocal Compressor: Optical tube leveling found on a staggering share of hit vocal tracks.
• T4 Electro-Optical Cell: Light-driven, program-dependent compression that is impossibly smooth.
• Two-Knob Simplicity: Peak Reduction and Gain, the easiest great-sounding compressor ever made.
• Tube Warmth: A genuine tube output stage adding glow and weight.
• Hand-Wired Reissue: Point-to-point built by Universal Audio, true to the original design.
• Far Below New: New units sit near R99,000; this is the real hardware for much less.

GENRE / USE

The classic vocal compressor, on a staggering share of hit records across every genre. Engineers reach for it first on lead vocals for smooth, effortless level control, and it flatters bass guitar, acoustic guitar, strings and full mixes just as easily. Where the 1176 adds snap and attitude, the LA-2A adds warmth and glue, which is why so many studios keep one of each.

THE WORD: MusicRadar calls the LA-2A a "magic dust" classic, prized for the smooth optical tube leveling heard on more than half the vocals ever recorded. Read more at MusicRadar.

SPECIFICATIONS

• Model: Teletronix LA-2A (Universal Audio reissue)
• Type: tube electro-optical leveling amplifier (compressor/limiter)
• Attenuator: T4 optical cell, program-dependent
• Controls: Peak Reduction, Gain, Limit/Compress switch
• Output: tube gain stage
• Build: point-to-point hand-wired, UA Custom Shop
• Connectivity: balanced XLR in/out
• Heritage: based on Jim Lawrence's early-1960s Teletronix design