Universal Audio LA-2A Classic Leveling Amplifier

• Optical Compressor: Uses an electro-optical attenuator for smooth, natural, and program-dependent compression.
• Tube-Based Circuitry: Features a fully tube-driven signal path that imparts rich harmonic warmth and depth.
• Simple Controls: Classic two-knob operation with Peak Reduction and Gain, allowing for easy and intuitive use.
• Slow Attack Time: Ideal for leveling vocals and bass, providing transparent dynamic control without squashing the sound.
• Signature Sound: Renowned for its ability to add warmth, presence, and a natural-sounding compression to almost any audio source.
• Hand-Wired Components: Built to the original 1960s specifications, ensuring authentic sound and performance.
• Bypass Switch: Allows you to easily compare processed and unprocessed signals.
• Input and Output Transformers: High-quality transformers that contribute to the unit's distinctive sound.
• Universal Audio Build Quality: Handcrafted in the USA, maintaining the legacy and quality that the LA-2A is known for.

The Universal Audio LA-2A Classic Leveling Amplifier is one of the most iconic compressors ever made, celebrated for its effortless and musical dynamic control. Introduced in the early 1960s, the LA-2A quickly became a studio favorite and has since been used on countless hit records, making it a go-to choice for engineers and producers seeking that classic, warm, and smooth compression.

At the heart of the LA-2A is its unique electro-optical attenuator, which responds to the incoming signal in a program-dependent manner. This means that the compressor’s response changes based on the characteristics of the audio signal, providing a natural and musical compression that enhances the sound rather than overpowering it. The result is a compressor that can gently smooth out the dynamic range of vocals, bass, guitars, and other instruments while maintaining their natural tone and character.

The LA-2A’s tube-based circuitry is another key to its legendary sound. The use of tubes in the signal path adds harmonic richness, warmth, and depth, characteristics that have made tube gear sought after by audio professionals for decades. This tube-driven design, combined with high-quality input and output transformers, contributes to the LA-2A's ability to add presence and body to any audio source.

One of the reasons the LA-2A remains so popular is its simplicity. With just two main controls—Peak Reduction and Gain—engineers can quickly dial in the perfect amount of compression and output level. This simplicity allows the user to focus on the music rather than the mechanics, making it easier to achieve great results with minimal effort.

The LA-2A is particularly renowned for its performance on vocals and bass. Its slow attack time ensures that transients are preserved while gently controlling peaks, making it perfect for leveling out dynamic performances without making them sound over-compressed. The resulting sound is warm, smooth, and natural, with a subtle yet powerful dynamic control that has made the LA-2A a favorite for decades.

Built to the exacting specifications of the original 1960s units, the modern LA-2A retains all the qualities that made the original famous. Universal Audio has painstakingly recreated the hand-wired components, tube circuitry, and optical attenuator, ensuring that today’s LA-2A users get the same sound and performance as the classic models. The craftsmanship involved in each LA-2A unit ensures not only superior sound quality but also the durability and reliability needed for professional studio environments.

In addition to its sonic qualities, the LA-2A includes practical features like a bypass switch, which allows engineers to easily compare the processed signal with the original, uncompressed audio. This feature is essential for making informed decisions about how much compression to apply.

Whether used for tracking, mixing, or mastering, the Universal Audio LA-2A Classic Leveling Amplifier is a timeless tool that enhances the sound of any source with its signature warmth, smoothness, and musicality. Its enduring popularity across decades speaks to its unparalleled ability to deliver professional-grade compression that enhances, rather than alters, the natural beauty of the music. For any studio looking to add a piece of audio history with unparalleled sonic quality, the LA-2A remains an indispensable choice.

Type:

• Electro-Optical Tube Compressor / Limiter

Number of Channels:

• 1 channel (Mono)

Compression Type:

• Electro-optical compression (Opto)

Gain Reduction:

• Up to 40dB of gain reduction

Controls:

• Peak Reduction: Continuously variable
• Gain: Continuously variable output gain
• Limiter/Compress Switch: Switchable between compression and limiting modes

Compression Ratios:

• Compress mode: 3:1 fixed ratio
• Limit mode: ∞:1 ratio

Attack Time:

• Program-dependent (typically 10ms for 50% compression)

Release Time:

• Program-dependent (typically 60ms for 50% release, full release around 0.5 to 5 seconds)

Frequency Response:

• 30Hz to 15kHz, +/- 1dB

Harmonic Distortion:

• Less than 0.5% THD at +10dBm

Noise:

• Less than -70dB of noise (input shorted, 100Hz to 10kHz bandwidth)

Maximum Output Level:

• +10dBm (transformer-balanced)

Metering:

• Illuminated VU meter for monitoring gain reduction and output level
• Meter switch to toggle between Gain Reduction and Output

Input and Output:

• Input: XLR (transformer-balanced)
• Output: XLR (transformer-balanced)

Input Impedance:

• 600Ω (balanced)

Output Impedance:

• 600Ω (balanced)

Tubes:

• 2x 12AX7 (preamp stage)
• 1x 12BH7 (buffer stage)
• 1x EL84/6BQ5 (output stage)
• 1x T4 electro-optical cell (for gain reduction)

Power Supply:

• 117V or 230V AC (50/60Hz)

Power Consumption:

• Approximately 40 watts

Dimensions:

• Height: 3.5 inches (88.9mm) – standard 2U rack height
• Width: 19 inches (482.6mm) – standard rackmount width
• Depth: 10 inches (254mm)

Weight:

• 12 lbs (5.44kg)

Chassis:

• Rugged steel construction with a brushed aluminum faceplate

Features:

• Classic electro-optical tube design, faithfully reproducing the original 1960s LA-2A
• Hand-built in the USA with high-quality components
• Smooth, program-dependent compression for vocals, bass, and other instruments
• Switchable between compression and limiting modes for dynamic control
• Transformer-balanced input and output for professional-grade sound quality
• Simple two-knob control layout for intuitive operation
• Illuminated VU meter for visual monitoring of gain reduction and output level

Included Accessories:

• AC power cable
• Rackmount screws

Applications:

• Studio recording, mixing, and mastering
• Ideal for vocal, bass, and guitar tracking, as well as mix bus processing for smooth dynamic control