Universal Audio LA-2A Tube Compressor

Universal Audio LA-2A Tube Compressor

The cherished late ’60s “Silver” LA-2A remains the first-choice vocal compressor in professional studios around the world. The Universal Audio 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.

Electronic Delivery

PLEASE NOTE: This product is delivered via secure, electronic delivery. You will receive the full product license (with instructions) direct to your email. Enjoy a safe and fast way to get the latest version and full support direct from the manufacturer.

Applications

In the 60s and 70s, the LA-2A and 1176 became inextricably linked as the must-have dynamic tools of the day. If the 1176 is to the Stratocaster in terms of immediacy and flexibility, then the LA-2A is to the Gibson Les Paul in terms of warmth and one-of-a-kind, magical sonic distinction. An important characteristic of the T4 photocell response is that it is both program and frequency dependent. The T4 cell has a multi-stage release, and can take a few minutes to fully recover from the incoming signal.

The primary use is as individual inserts for sources that require nominal transparent gain reduction, such as vocals, bass, strings or horns. These tools can also be used to isolate the “color” of the output amplifier by turning off the Peak Reduction control, even to extreme distortion settings. An interesting sidechain distortion can be achieved at the most extreme Peak Reduction settings, which primarily affects low frequencies.

Parameters

No compressor is as easy to operate or instantly satisfying to use as the Teletronix LA-2A. Peak Reduction applies the compression threshold to the incoming signal up to -40 dB, while Gain amplifies the signal for level matching post Peak Reduction. Set the metering view on the compressor with either +4 or +10 dB Output Gain, or Gain Reduction. The compressor also includes the hardware’s rear Limit/Compress switch. Power bypasses all processor use, providing a handy level matching tool not found on the original hardware.

Add Perfect Compression with Simple Controls and Presets

Even if you are not a professional mixer, the LA-2A Tube Compressor’s intuitive controls give you the right sound, quickly, so you can sit your tracks perfectly in the mix every time. And with professionally crafted presets for vocals, guitars, bass, and more, your productions will benefit from the same gentle tube compression heard on over 50 years of popular music.

UAD for All, No Hardware Required

Universal Audio set the standard in analog emulation and are now striving to give creators of all types access to award-winning UAD plug-ins. LA-2A Tube Compressor runs natively on Mac or PC and works with any compatible DAW – no UA hardware required.

Features

• Add analog richness with the most famous tube compressor ever made
• Get warm optical compression textures for vocals, bass, drums, and synths
• Enjoy radio-ready results quickly, with professionally-crafted presets

System Requirements

• macOS 10.15 Catalina, 11 Big Sur, 12 Monterey, 13 Ventura
• Windows 10 or Windows 11 (64-bit only Editions)
• Intel, AMD, or Apple silicon processor
• Internet connection to download software and authorize UADx plug-ins
• Free iLok account with iLok Cloud or iLok USB (2nd generation or higher)
• A physical iLok dongle is NOT required to activate this product

Important note: UAD plugins do not work in Apple’s Garageband DAW

* Any references to any brands on this site/page, including reference to brands and instruments, are provided for description purposes only. For example references to instrument brands are provided to describe the sound of the instrument and/or the instrument used in the sample. Plugin Max do not have (nor do they claim) any association with or endorsement by these brands. Any goodwill attached to those brands rest with the brand owner. Plugin Max or its Suppliers do not accept any liability in relation to the content of the product or the accuracy of the description.