Full Description

The versatility of the La-2a Silver & Gray

With its brushed aluminium panel and original T4B gain reduction module, the LA-2A Silver version is a highly sought-after plugin. Manufactured by Bill Putnam in the late 1960s, this model offers incredible flexibility. Its fast time constant allows it to handle a wide variety of program material, making it perfect for transient-rich sources like drums and percussion. On the other hand, the LA-2A Gray, designed by Jim Lawrence in the mid-1960s, features a more average time constant, offering a range of "medium-speed" compression. Whether you need precise control over transients or a smoother and more natural compression, the LA-2A Silver and Gray have got you covered.

The uniqueness of the original LA-2

Originating in the early 1960s, the LA-2 is an exceptionally rare unit that predates the LA-2A by several years. What sets this model apart is its slower response and the unique "mellowed" sound it produces. After over 50 years of luminescent panel ageing inside the T4 module, the LA-2 provides a transparency and sublime mood, unlike any other compressor. Ideal for legato tempos and vocal sources, this vintage unit adds a touch of nostalgia and character to your music.

Applications of the LA-2A Leveler Collection

In the 60s and 70s, the LA-2A and 1176 were the must-have dynamic tools for musicians and engineers. If the 1176 is akin to a Stratocaster in terms of immediacy and flexibility, then the LA-2A can be likened to a Gibson Les Paul in terms of warmth and its one-of-a-kind, magical sonic distinction. The T4 photocell response, a key characteristic of these compressors, is both program and frequency-dependent. This means that they excel at transparent gain reduction for vocals, bass, strings, or horns—making them perfect for individual inserts. Moreover, the LA-2A can also be used creatively to isolate and enhance the "colour" of the output amplifier, even pushing it to extreme distortion settings. At extreme Peak Reduction settings, especially affecting low frequencies, a fascinating sidechain distortion can be achieved.

Parameter control

The Teletronix Levelers are renowned for their ease of use and instant gratification. With the Peak Reduction control, you can set the compression threshold of the incoming signal up to -40 dB, while the Gain control allows you to amplify the signal for post-Peak Reduction level matching. The LA-2A Gray and Silver provide additional control with their rear Limit/Compress switch and the R37 FM Broadcast Emphasis filter on the front panel. Though not present on the original unit, the LA-2 was "hot-rodded" to include Emphasis, which is conveniently exposed on the front panel. Lastly, the Power feature bypasses all processor use, serving as a handy level-matching tool that was not found on the original hardware.

Artist presets

To help you achieve your desired sound, the Teletronix LA-2A Leveler Collection comes loaded with artist presets from notable users of the LA-2A. These presets can be accessed via the preset manager, allowing you to get started right away with tried-and-true settings that have been used on countless recordings.

Features

• Record through a Teletronix LA-2A/LA-2 in real time with Apollo interfaces
• Ships with presets from experienced producers including Ross Hogarth, Darrell Thorp and Vance Powell
• Includes the three most famous variations of the most iconic levelling amplifiers ever made
• LA-2A Silver offers a flexible compression with fast time constants
• LA-2A Gray delivers a consistent time average for a more medium-speed compression
• Mellow original LA-2A sound delivers slower attack and release, perfect for vocal sources
• Perfect for adding colour to tracks along with delivering compression with transparent tone
• Pairs with everything from vocals, bass, strings and horns
• Sidechain peak reduction can be crafted for low-frequency compression and distortion effects

Specifications

• Operating system:
  • Mac: 10.15 Catalina, 11 Big Sur, 12 Monterey, or 13 Ventura
  • Windows: Windows 10 or Windows 11 (64-bit editions)
• Processor: Intel, AMD or Apple silicon processor
• Disk space: 10 GB available SSD storage
• Activation:
  • Internet connection to download software and authorize native UAD plug-ins
  • Free iLok account with iLok Cloud or iLok USB (2nd generation or higher)
  • Free UA Connect application for managing native UAD plug-ins