Three Exact Emulations of a Legendary Optical Compressor
Dating back to the early 1960s, the LA-2A has reigned as the most sought-after opto-compressor for studio engineers worldwide. Its unique and mellow multi-stage release is a characteristic that no other dynamics processor has. The Universal Audio Teletronix LA-2A Leveler Collection gives you precise emulations of three of the most revered LA-2A models: LA-2A Silver, LA-2A Gray, and even an original LA-2! Each one had its entire circuit paths modeled, including tube amps, transformers, and the all-important T4 optical attenuator photocells. Sweetwater studio engineers concur that this plug-in collection captures the undeniable sound and program-dependent response of a true analog LA-2A. With additional plug-in presets from renowned LA-2A users, the UAD Teletronix LA-2A Leveler Collection puts 60-plus years of the world’s most celebrated opto-compressor sound into one convenient, cost-effective package.
Note: Do you own Apollo hardware? By purchasing this plug-in, you will receive two licenses: one license allows you to run the plug-in via your computer’s CPU and the other allows you to run it via your Apollo hardware. Please contact your Sweetwater Sales Engineer if you have any questions.
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LA-2A Silver
Though it might not be considered “fast” compared to other compressors, the LA-2A Silver has the fastest time constant of any model included in the UAD Teletronix LA-2A Leveler Collection. This fact makes it arguably the most versatile of the three models. Do you have transient-heavy material (bass guitar or drum room mics) that you want to tame the initial attack quickly but still allow the body of the sound to bloom? You’ll benefit from using the LA-2A Silver.
LA-2A Gray
The LA-2A Gray harkens back to Teletronix founder Jim Lawrence’s LA-2A units from the mid-’60s. Indeed, many studio engineers would cite it as the quintessential LA-2A sound: a gentle, medium-speed compression release that works lovingly on vocals. Used with care, it can also work wonders on synths and acoustic/electric guitars.
The original LA-2
The LA-2A resulted from an LA-2 that Jim Lawrence rewired, thus lowering the overall noise floor. The incredibly rare early ’60s LA-2 unit that Universal Audio impeccably modeled for this collection features that authentic higher noise floor and a more mellowed sound due to its more than 50-year-old luminescent panel and the slowest overall response time of the three models. Used on horns, strings, or vocals from program material that has a slower tempo, the LA-2 will ably glue your track together.
Artist presets from famed LA-2A users
For instant LA-2A magic, Universal Audio has included plug-in presets from esteemed studio engineers who regularly turn to the LA-2A in their work, including Carl Glanville, Ross Hogarth, Jeff Juliano, Vance Powell, and Darrell Thorp. Learn how they apply the LA-2A, and quickly make your own adjustments courtesy of the LA-2A’s legendary ease of use.
Universal Audio UAD Teletronix LA-2A Leveler Collection Features:
- Meticulous plug-in emulations of 3 revered Teletronix LA-2A Leveling Amplifiers: LA-2A Silver, LA-2A Gray, and original LA-2
- Unmistakable LA-2A sound and response due to modeling each unit’s entire circuit path: transformers, tube amplifiers, and T4 optical cells
- Each model features the LA-2A’s easy-to-use Gain and Peak Reduction controls, making it effortless to get its legendary opto-compressor sound
- Apollo interface users can record through an LA-2A/LA-2 in real time
- Includes plug-in presets from famous LA-2A users Carl Glanville (U2, Jason Mraz), Ross Hogarth (Taj Mo, Dweezil Zappa), Jeff Juliano (Train, John Mayer), Vance Powell (Chris Stapleton, The Raconteurs), and Darrell Thorp (Radiohead, Foo Fighters)
- Includes a native license that will run with any interface and a UAD-2 license that takes advantage of Universal Audio DSP-accelerated hardware
