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Average Price: $5,475
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$100
$501+
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Based on price data from 5 merchants for "Teletronix LA-2A Leveling Amplifier". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 2, 2026.
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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
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What makes the Teletronix LA-2A Leveling Amplifier unique compared to other compressors?
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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.
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Is the Teletronix LA-2A suitable for vocal recordings?
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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.
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Can the Teletronix LA-2A be used for mastering?
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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.
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What type of connections does the Teletronix LA-2A offer?
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The Teletronix LA-2A features both input and output connections via XLR, ensuring high-quality signal transfer in professional studio environments.
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How does the optical compression in the LA-2A work?
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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.
Videos
Doctor Mix
The Teletronix LA-2A in action
Reviews
PROS
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Unmatched vocal compression; enhances clarity and presence
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Simple operation with just two knobs for instant adjustments
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Durable, with examples working flawlessly after 20 years
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Revered in the industry; considered essential by professionals
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Excellent for a wide range of applications beyond vocals
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Faithful recreation maintains classic sound characteristics
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Appreciates in value, making it a good investment
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Provides a unique warmth and character to recordings
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Versatile; used on countless hit records across genres
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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
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Some users experience no noticeable latency with the LA-2A pedal through multiple AD/DA conversions, countering common concerns about digital effects.
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It's reported that the UAD LA-2A plugin can be CPU intensive in large projects, though not prohibitively so.
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Owners report that despite the terminology confusion, the LA-2A effectively manages peaks and amplifies signals, fulfilling its role as a leveling amplifier.
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Comparisons
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Users prefer the UAD LA-2A over Waves CLA-2A, noting a more pleasant sound and better handling of high compression levels.
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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.
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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.
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The LA-2A and 1176 are both labeled as limiting amplifiers, highlighting their historical and functional lineage despite modern reinterpretations of the term.
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Use cases and applications
Features and functionality
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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Historically, "limiting amplifiers" described compression with high input-output ratios, often above 8:1, reflecting a broader definition than today's brick-wall limiters.
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Software and compatibility
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The Analog Obsession LA-2A plugin is favored for its speed and absence of iLok requirements, offering zero latency and comparable quality to UAD.
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The HX Stomp's FX loop integration with the LA-2A allows for extensive routing possibilities, enhancing its utility in complex signal chains.
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Critic Reviews
5.0 out of 5
Based on 2 Reviews and 13 Ratings
144
My secret weapon
Best compressor hands down.every thing sounds better if you send it to the la2a
114
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!
41029
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
Noah 40 uses a LA2A going tru drakes vocal chain preventing the vocals from hitting too hard
From Andrew's blog post outlining his plug in staples. "The best "character" compressor. There aren't a lot of settings to worry about; you can instantly dial in some rich, thick warmth." Also seen in the linked video if you pause at 00:00 and look at his effect rack. It is however unclear whether or not it is an original or a clone.
Producer Steve Hoffman has stated his use of the LA-2A for Berry.
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.
In this artcle Noah 40 Shebib states "a Neumann U87, and his scratch vocals. I'll use either a Sony C800G on him or, if he's in the control room, a Shure SM57. The mics go through a Neve 1073 or 1081, and I'll have an Teletronix LA2A on his voice, not hitting that too hard. These sketches will sometimes make it to the record. I'll sometimes sample them." on recording Drake. This was for the Take Care era
Producer Steve Hoffman has stated his use of the LA-2A for Presley.
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.
Used on "Get On Your Boots", as stated by producer Declan Gaffney.
"Most of 'Get On Your Boots' was recorded in Dublin by Richard Rainey, and the basic backing tracks were done live, by the whole band together. (...) The microphone on the bass cabinet was a Shure SM7 going into a Neve preamp into an LA2A; the DI wasn't used. The SM7 was the only bass mic that was used on the whole record, it's great for bass guitar!"
Used on vocals for Sleep Through the Static, as stated by mix engineer Robert Carranza in this May 2008 Sound on Sound interview.
Regarding the signal chains, simplicity again ruled. "For vocals it was the U47 going into an API 512, into an LA2A with a dB compression at the most, straight to tape. I've learned in the past that you want to use no or very little EQ during recording, because if you later want to drop in a fix, you'll never match it. The drums were all cut through an API preamp. For bass we went through a Universal Audio 610, and guitar and piano went through the Neve 1073. That was pretty much the signal chain on everything."
Producer Steve Hoffman has stated his use of the LA-2A for Collins.
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.
In this YouTube video at 2:05, Rick Rubin can be seen using Teletronix LA-2A leveling Amplifier
Used for "Get On Your Boots", as stated by producer Declan Gaffney.
"When we were in France, we got this great vocal sound that Bono really liked, which was a [Shure] Beta 58, going through a 1091 and then an LA2A, into Pro Tools. I even A/B'ed the different 58s and Neves, and found my favourite LA2A, to get the best ones. I'm very proud of the vocal sound. I added a bit of compression while he was singing, and he got excited by that and adjusted his voice accordingly. When we were at Olympic, the vocal chain changed a little. I normally have two or three 58s up in a room, and at Olympic one of them would go through a Neve preamp and the LA2A, but the other would be Neve and then Distressor, and I actually preferred that sound. The LA2A sounded a little too thick. The Distressor had a sort of hardness that balanced the thickness out better.”
Album Usage
The Teletronix LA-2A Leveling Amplifier has been featured on the following albums:
Xoxo
Jayhawks (2020)
Smells Funny
Hedvig Mollestad Trio (2018)
Drones
Muse (2015)
Random Access Memories
Daft Punk & Daft Punk (2013)
Sing to the Moon
Laura Mvula (2013)
Take Me to Church EP
Hozier (2013)
The Story of Light
Steve Vai (2012)
She
Laura Mvula (2012)
Headlines
Drake (2011)
Farm
Dinosaur Jr (2009)
No Line On The Horizon
U2 (2009)
Sex On Fire
Kings of Leon (2009)
Only By The Night
Kings of Leon (2008)
Sleep Through The Static
Jack Johnson (2008)
Love Song
Sara Bareilles (2008)
Icky Thump
The White Stripes & Jack White & Jack White (2007)
Raising Sand
Robert Plant & Alison Krauss (2007)
Lullabies To Paralyze
Queens of the Stone Age (2005)
A Thousand Kisses Deep
Chris Botti (2003)
Mule Variations (Remastered)
Tom Waits (1999)
All Eyez On Me
2Pac & Makaveli (1996)
Bone Machine (2023 Remaster)
Tom Waits (1992)
Nevermind
Nirvana (1991)
Mosquitos
Stan Ridgway (1989)
Rocks
Aerosmith (1976)
Dreaming My Dreams
Waylon Jennings (1975)
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.
Community setups
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