Pricing and availability

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Sweetwater
5.0 (10)
$4,999.00
Guitar Center
$4,999.00
Amazon
$4,999.00
Reverb
$8,327.86 13 available Used
Musician's Friend
5.0 (2)
$4,999.00
B&H
5.0 (1)
$4,999.00
Vintage King
5.0 (5)
$4,999.00

Average Price: $5,475

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$100

$501+

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Price History

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Description

Introducing the Teletronix LA-2A Leveling Amplifier, a classic staple in the recording industry for over half a century. This leveling amplifier is a meticulously handcrafted reissue of the original model, designed with the same level of quality and performance.

The LA-2A operates with a groundbreaking electro-optical attenuator circuit that allows for immediate gain reduction without any distortion, granting a distinct warmth and smoothness to whatever signal it processes. This unique feature is pivotal to the creation of that classic LA-2A sound, resulting in transparent and lag-free compression that accentuates the subtle details in vocals, guitars, bass, and drums.

Equipped with intuitive Gain and Peak Reduction knobs, the LA-2A maintains a perfect balance of simplicity and versatility. With just these two controls, you can effortlessly adjust the input level, amount of compression and transient compression. Its straightforward interface lets you dial in your ideal sound without the need for technical complexity.

Key Features:

  • Groundbreaking electro-optical design for pristine gain reduction
  • Up to 40dB of gain limiting without distortion
  • Simple, easy-to-use interface with Gain and Peak Reduction knobs
  • Ability to switch between Compress and Limit modes
  • Faithful reissue of the vintage classic, handcrafted in California
  • All-tube, point-to-point circuitry and vintage-style transformers
  • Provides warmth, smoothness, and character to any audio signal
  • Balanced XLR input and output
  • Frequency response 30Hz-15kHz (+0/-1dB)
  • Output level: 10dBm; Gain: 40dB
  • Low noise: 70dB below +10dBm output level
  • Handcrafted in Universal Audio's Scotts Valley, California labs

Product specs

Type Optical
Number of Channels 1
Controls Gain, Peak Reduction
Frequency Response 30Hz-15kHz (+0/-1 dB)
Inputs 1 x XLR
Outputs 1 x XLR
Rack Spaces 3U
Power Source Standard IEC AC cable
Height 5.25"
Depth 7.25"
Width 19"
Weight 13 lbs.

FAQs

What makes the Teletronix LA-2A Leveling Amplifier unique compared to other compressors?

The Teletronix LA-2A is renowned for its smooth, natural compression thanks to its optical tube design. It features a simple control set with just Gain and Peak Reduction, making it user-friendly while delivering a warm, vintage sound ideal for vocals and bass.

Is the Teletronix LA-2A suitable for vocal recordings?

Yes, the LA-2A is highly sought after for vocal recordings due to its ability to maintain performance dynamics while providing smooth level management, resulting in a warm and transparent sound.

Can the Teletronix LA-2A be used for mastering?

While the LA-2A is primarily used for tracking, its transparent compression and ability to handle a variety of sources make it a versatile tool that can also be used in mastering, particularly for vocals and bass.

What type of connections does the Teletronix LA-2A offer?

The Teletronix LA-2A features both input and output connections via XLR, ensuring high-quality signal transfer in professional studio environments.

How does the optical compression in the LA-2A work?

The LA-2A uses a T4 optical cell, where the light panel's brightness increases with the input signal, causing the photo resistor's impedance to increase and reduce gain, resulting in its characteristic smooth compression.

Doctor Mix

Doctor Mix

The Teletronix LA-2A in action

Video thumbnail for The Teletronix LA-2A in action by Doctor Mix

The Teletronix LA-2A in action

Doctor Mix

Doctor Mix

Video thumbnail for Teletronix® LA-2A Classic Leveler Plug-In Collection Trailer by Universal Audio

Teletronix® LA-2A Classic Leveler Plug-In Collection Trailer

Universal Audio

Universal Audio

Video thumbnail for History of the Universal Audio LA-2A Leveling Amplifier with CEO Bill Putnam Jr. by Musician's Friend

History of the Universal Audio LA-2A Leveling Amplifier with CEO Bill Putnam Jr.

Musician's Friend

Musician's Friend

Video thumbnail for Universal Audio LA-2A Classic Leveling Amplifier - Universal Audio Teletronix LA-2A by American Musical Supply

Universal Audio LA-2A Classic Leveling Amplifier - Universal Audio Teletronix LA-2A

American Musical Supply

American Musical Supply

Reviews

PROS

  • Unmatched vocal compression; enhances clarity and presence

  • Simple operation with just two knobs for instant adjustments

  • Durable, with examples working flawlessly after 20 years

  • Revered in the industry; considered essential by professionals

  • Excellent for a wide range of applications beyond vocals

  • Faithful recreation maintains classic sound characteristics

  • Appreciates in value, making it a good investment

  • Provides a unique warmth and character to recordings

  • Versatile; used on countless hit records across genres

  • Easy to service and modify for personal preferences

CONS

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Teletronix LA-2A Leveling Amplifier.

User experience

  • Some users experience no noticeable latency with the LA-2A pedal through multiple AD/DA conversions, countering common concerns about digital effects.

    Source
  • It's reported that the UAD LA-2A plugin can be CPU intensive in large projects, though not prohibitively so.

    Source
  • Owners report that despite the terminology confusion, the LA-2A effectively manages peaks and amplifies signals, fulfilling its role as a leveling amplifier.

    Source

Comparisons

  • Users prefer the UAD LA-2A over Waves CLA-2A, noting a more pleasant sound and better handling of high compression levels.

    Source
  • Owners note that UA's legacy LA-2A plugin closely matches the hardware, whereas differences emerge in newer models, particularly in attack and tonal shifts for vocals.

    Source
  • The LA-2A pedal is slightly preferred over Line 6's LA-2A emulation for its sound quality, despite only a marginal difference between them.

    Source
  • The LA-2A and 1176 are both labeled as limiting amplifiers, highlighting their historical and functional lineage despite modern reinterpretations of the term.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • UAD LA-2A is praised for adding pleasing color to snares, providing a "wet smack" that enhances mix presence.

    Source
  • Owners pair the LA-2A with compressors like the Cali76 to handle different compression tasks, using the Cali76 for fast attack and the LA-2A for sustained compression.

    Source

Features and functionality

  • Owners highlight that the UAD LA-2A maintains more detail up front on vocals, with a slightly quicker/different release compared to the legacy model.

    Source
  • The LA-2A's Limit/Compress switch alters the compressor IO curve, offering a gentle compression in Compress mode and a higher ratio in Limit mode.

    Source
  • The LA-2A's simplicity and accessibility in controls make it a favored choice for always-on compression in pedalboards, especially when compared to more complex digital options.

    Source
  • It's noted that even in compression mode, the LA-2A starts to limit when input signals exceed 10 dB above the threshold, demonstrating its dual compressor/limiter functionality.

    Source
  • Historically, "limiting amplifiers" described compression with high input-output ratios, often above 8:1, reflecting a broader definition than today's brick-wall limiters.

    Source

Software and compatibility

  • The Analog Obsession LA-2A plugin is favored for its speed and absence of iLok requirements, offering zero latency and comparable quality to UAD.

    Source
  • The HX Stomp's FX loop integration with the LA-2A allows for extensive routing possibilities, enhancing its utility in complex signal chains.

    Source

Mods and upgrades

  • Users explore adding the Empress compressor alongside the LA-2A to expand compression capabilities, particularly as a substitute for the 1176's roles.

    Source

Critic Reviews

Universal Audio: LA-2A Leveling Amplifier | Tape Op Magazine | Longform candid interviews with music producers and audio engineers covering mixing, mastering, recording and music production.

tapeop.com

The Teletronix LA-2A Leveling Amplifier is a classic reimagined, boasting a nearly identical build to the original with some modern enhancements like XLR inputs. Revered for its simplicity and sound quality, it excels at smoothing out vocals, bass, and guitars with its two-knob interface. However, its slower response might not suit drum compression enthusiasts, and its price remains steep, though cheaper than a vintage unit. Ultimately, its enduring legacy is a testament to its effectiveness and quality, making it a worthy investment for serious studios.

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Based on 2 Reviews and 13 Ratings

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A

My secret weapon

Best compressor hands down.every thing sounds better if you send it to the la2a

boissinova

The best opto-compressor that exists ...

Smooth, elegant, genuine, clean, and down-right seductive compression comes only from the La-2a. I love staring at it in my rack unit. Gotta pick on up if you can afford the real hardwar!

jimmarchi1

It does what it does really well and the only thing that will come close is an old Gates unit. But its not the be-all-end-all. I remember being so excited the 1st time I tried an LA2a only to find myself using a lot more 1176, LA4 and even the SSL G channel compressors on that project. The LA2A is not subtle even when you're just tickling the meter. It should be used when coloration is a priority over actual dynamics control. Have you ever tried a Sta-Level? If you like the LA2A you will love the Gates stuff!

Artist usage

Add artist
See how Jeff Beck uses Teletronix LA-2A Leveling Amplifier

Jeff Beck

Guitarist

Mark Knopfler’s Guitar Heroes

...
Verified via Steve Hoffman Music Forums

Producer Steve Hoffman has stated his use of the LA-2A for Beck.

My Teletronix LA-2A, ganged for stereo or mono reproduction via the handy toggle switch in the center of the two units. (...) I've used it on countless projects, Nat "King" Cole, Frank Sinatra, Beach Boys, Doors, Eagles, Ringo, McCartney, Fleetwood Mac, Bob Dylan, Ray Charles, Peggy Lee, Jethro Tull, Chuck Berry, Creedence Clearwater Revival, Van Morrison, White Stripes, Tom Petty, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Ella Fitzgerald, Yes, Sonny Rollins, John Coltrane, Steely Dan, Steppenwolf, Bad Company, Jim Croce, Elvis Presley, Billie Holiday, Judy Garland, Dave Mason, Paul Simon, America, The Band, Crosby, Stills & Nash, The Cars, ZZ Top, James Taylor, Art Pepper, Steve Miller Band, Queen, Rod Stewart, Duke Ellington, John Lee Hooker, Al Jolson, Roy Orbison, Bing Crosby, Sammy Davis, Jr., The Who, Lightnin' Hopkins, Bill Haley & his Comets, Miles Davis, Mamas and Papas, Blue Öyster Cult, The Byrds, Eric Clapton, Bill Evans Trio, Blood, Sweat & Tears, Phil Collins, Alice Cooper, Deep Purple, Jeff Beck, Doobie Bros., Faces, Grand Funk, Heart, Billy Joel, Linda Ronstadt, Ten Years After, Grant Green, Wes Montgomery, Pat Benetar [sic], Elton John, Leon Russell, Metallica. etc.

See how Chris Wolstenholme uses Teletronix LA-2A Leveling Amplifier

Chris Wolstenholme

Singer, Guitarist

Muse

...
Verified via Soundonsound

Mix engineer Tommaso Colliva on recording Drones : “We had the bass cabs in the basement, which meant quite a long cable run, and for this reason we also had the mic pres in the basement, which usually were Neve 1081s, going into an [Teletronix] LA2A or [Empirical Labs] Distressor for compression, and then into insert returns on the desk, where we could apply some final level and EQ while bypassing the line amp on the desk.”

See how J Mascis uses Teletronix LA-2A Leveling Amplifier

J Mascis

Singer, Guitarist

Dinosaur Jr

...
Verified via YouTube

"J just got this, which is an old like, 50's, 60's compressor. It's called a Teletronix LA-2A (turns to Dinosaur Jr.) and you guys have been usin' that a bunch, right? Vocals and stuff? Yeah, so that's really an awesome piece of gear."

-John Agnello, producer for Dinosaur Jr., on the gear used for Farm

See how Justin Vernon uses Teletronix LA-2A Leveling Amplifier

Justin Vernon

Singer, Guitarist

Bon Iver

...
Verified via Soundonsound

In this article it says Justin Vernon (Bon Iver) has a few LA-2A compressors in his April Base studio in Wisconsin

See how Charlie Puth uses Teletronix LA-2A Leveling Amplifier

Charlie Puth

Singer, Keyboardist

...
Verified via YouTube

In the video titled "INSIDE: Charlie Puth Home Studio" by Caleb Simpson on YouTube, a Teletronix LA-2A Leveling Amplifier is clearly visible at the 6:48 mark, placed in a rack on the right side of Charlie Puth's work desk.

See how Pharrell Williams uses Teletronix LA-2A Leveling Amplifier

Pharrell Williams

Singer, Rapper

The Neptunes

...
Verified via Photo

"Pharrell's favourite outboard equipment — Tube-tech CL1, Dbx 160, LA2A, Neve 9098 EQs, Summit EQ/compressors — are all normalled." - via Sound On Sound interview with Pharrell's engineer Andrew Coleman

See how Bob Dylan uses Teletronix LA-2A Leveling Amplifier

Bob Dylan

Singer, Guitarist

Traveling Wilburys

...
Verified via Steve Hoffman Music Forums

Producer Steve Hoffman has stated his use of the LA-2A for Dylan.

My Teletronix LA-2A, ganged for stereo or mono reproduction via the handy toggle switch in the center of the two units. (...) I've used it on countless projects, Nat "King" Cole, Frank Sinatra, Beach Boys, Doors, Eagles, Ringo, McCartney, Fleetwood Mac, Bob Dylan, Ray Charles, Peggy Lee, Jethro Tull, Chuck Berry, Creedence Clearwater Revival, Van Morrison, White Stripes, Tom Petty, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Ella Fitzgerald, Yes, Sonny Rollins, John Coltrane, Steely Dan, Steppenwolf, Bad Company, Jim Croce, Elvis Presley, Billie Holiday, Judy Garland, Dave Mason, Paul Simon, America, The Band, Crosby, Stills & Nash, The Cars, ZZ Top, James Taylor, Art Pepper, Steve Miller Band, Queen, Rod Stewart, Duke Ellington, John Lee Hooker, Al Jolson, Roy Orbison, Bing Crosby, Sammy Davis, Jr., The Who, Lightnin' Hopkins, Bill Haley & his Comets, Miles Davis, Mamas and Papas, Blue Öyster Cult, The Byrds, Eric Clapton, Bill Evans Trio, Blood, Sweat & Tears, Phil Collins, Alice Cooper, Deep Purple, Jeff Beck, Doobie Bros., Faces, Grand Funk, Heart, Billy Joel, Linda Ronstadt, Ten Years After, Grant Green, Wes Montgomery, Pat Benetar, Elton John, Leon Russell, Metallica. etc.

See how Tom Petty uses Teletronix LA-2A Leveling Amplifier

Tom Petty

Guitarist, Singer

Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers

...
Verified via Steve Hoffman Music Forums

Producer Steve Hoffman has stated his use of the LA-2A for Petty.

My Teletronix LA-2A, ganged for stereo or mono reproduction via the handy toggle switch in the center of the two units. (...) I've used it on countless projects, Nat "King" Cole, Frank Sinatra, Beach Boys, Doors, Eagles, Ringo, McCartney, Fleetwood Mac, Bob Dylan, Ray Charles, Peggy Lee, Jethro Tull, Chuck Berry, Creedence Clearwater Revival, Van Morrison, White Stripes, Tom Petty, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Ella Fitzgerald, Yes, Sonny Rollins, John Coltrane, Steely Dan, Steppenwolf, Bad Company, Jim Croce, Elvis Presley, Billie Holiday, Judy Garland, Dave Mason, Paul Simon, America, The Band, Crosby, Stills & Nash, The Cars, ZZ Top, James Taylor, Art Pepper, Steve Miller Band, Queen, Rod Stewart, Duke Ellington, John Lee Hooker, Al Jolson, Roy Orbison, Bing Crosby, Sammy Davis, Jr., The Who, Lightnin' Hopkins, Bill Haley & his Comets, Miles Davis, Mamas and Papas, Blue Öyster Cult, The Byrds, Eric Clapton, Bill Evans Trio, Blood, Sweat & Tears, Phil Collins, Alice Cooper, Deep Purple, Jeff Beck, Doobie Bros., Faces, Grand Funk, Heart, Billy Joel, Linda Ronstadt, Ten Years After, Grant Green, Wes Montgomery, Pat Benetar, Elton John, Leon Russell, Metallica. etc.

See how Ringo Starr uses Teletronix LA-2A Leveling Amplifier

Ringo Starr

Singer, Drummer

The Beatles

...
Verified via Steve Hoffman Music Forums

Producer Steve Hoffman has stated his use of the LA-2A for Starr.

My Teletronix LA-2A, ganged for stereo or mono reproduction via the handy toggle switch in the center of the two units. (...) I've used it on countless projects, Nat "King" Cole, Frank Sinatra, Beach Boys, Doors, Eagles, Ringo, McCartney, Fleetwood Mac, Bob Dylan, Ray Charles, Peggy Lee, Jethro Tull, Chuck Berry, Creedence Clearwater Revival, Van Morrison, White Stripes, Tom Petty, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Ella Fitzgerald, Yes, Sonny Rollins, John Coltrane, Steely Dan, Steppenwolf, Bad Company, Jim Croce, Elvis Presley, Billie Holiday, Judy Garland, Dave Mason, Paul Simon, America, The Band, Crosby, Stills & Nash, The Cars, ZZ Top, James Taylor, Art Pepper, Steve Miller Band, Queen, Rod Stewart, Duke Ellington, John Lee Hooker, Al Jolson, Roy Orbison, Bing Crosby, Sammy Davis, Jr., The Who, Lightnin' Hopkins, Bill Haley & his Comets, Miles Davis, Mamas and Papas, Blue Öyster Cult, The Byrds, Eric Clapton, Bill Evans Trio, Blood, Sweat & Tears, Phil Collins, Alice Cooper, Deep Purple, Jeff Beck, Doobie Bros., Faces, Grand Funk, Heart, Billy Joel, Linda Ronstadt, Ten Years After, Grant Green, Wes Montgomery, Pat Benetar, Elton John, Leon Russell, Metallica. etc.

See how Dirty South uses Teletronix LA-2A Leveling Amplifier

Dirty South

Music Producer

...
Verified via Apogeedigital

"For recording vocals, I use a Neumann U87 microphone going into the Avalon 737 and then into a LA-2A compressor. The signal then ends up going through Symphony I/O finishing off in Logic where it gets captured and edited."

See how The Chemical Brothers uses Teletronix LA-2A Leveling Amplifier

The Chemical Brothers

Music Producer

The Chemical Brothers

...
Verified via Synthtopia

the Teletronix LA-2A can be seen on one of the racks in the center of this image

See how Hozier uses Teletronix LA-2A Leveling Amplifier

Hozier

Singer, Guitarist

...
Verified via Soundonsound

Used on vocals and guitar for the Take Me to Church EP, as stated by mix engineer Rob Kirwan in this March 2015 Sound on Sound interview.

The gear at Kirwan’s studio that inspired Hozier included analogue goodies like the Inward Connections Vac Rac EQ, Teletronix LA2A, Anthony Demaria Labs 1000 compressor, Neve 33609/J reissue compressor, Manley Massive Passive, Neve and API mic pres, and a ’70s Klein+Hummel mastering EQ. (...) > “Guitars I generally record using an SM57 and a Sontronics Delta. The former will go through a ‘lunchbox’ Neve 1073 copy, and the latter through an API 3124+. I’ll compress that with the ADL 100 and an LA2A. The Delta is a ribbon mic, and I use it a lot. I like Sontronics’ ribbon microphones. They give you that ribbon sound, but the problem with a lot of traditional ribbon mics is that the gain is so low that you end up bringing up a lot of noise to get them to speak. I don’t think it is worth it, whereas the Sontronics microphones require phantom power to start off with, which is pretty wild, and they are loud. They really complement the 57. The Delta mic gives the guitar lovely warmth and big bottom end, and the 57 picks up the edgy stuff in the middle. I use those two microphones on pretty much every guitar amplifier that I record."

“I recorded Andrew’s vocals with him in the room, right behind me, so there were no natural acoustics on them. I already spoke about my CMV563/M7 vocal chain. I also always had a Sennheiser M441 on him as a sort of safeguard, and I combined these two while mixing. My mic pre on the 441 was the 1071, and I also had the Vac Rac EQ on his vocals, and the LA2A. So the vocal chain was as warm as it could be. The mic he used in his attic is a Neumann U87. The problem with 87s and 414s for me is that they are so accurate that everything sounds pretty sterile on them, hence my preference for using Gefells and other unusual microphones with lots of character. But it worked on his vocals because his performance was so good.”

Genre Usage

Based on how artists on Equipboard use this gear, it is most commonly found in the following genres.

Used With

Based on how musicians on Equipboard use Teletronix LA-2A Leveling Amplifier, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

AMS Neve 1073
AMS Neve 1073 Preamps & Channel Strips
15
Universal Audio 1176LN
Universal Audio 1176LN Effects Processors
14
Neumann U87
Neumann U87 Condenser Microphones
10
Avid Pro Tools
Avid Pro Tools DAW Software
8
AMS Neve 1081 Mic Preamp & Equalizer
8
Shure SM57
Shure SM57 Dynamic Microphones
8
Neumann U67
Neumann U67 Condenser Microphones
7
Yamaha NS10 Studio Monitor
Yamaha NS10 Studio Monitor Active & Passive Monitors
6

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andyshick

Gear IQ 121

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Gear IQ 1824

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