Pricing and availability
We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 5 stores. Prices updated .
Store
Reviews
Price
Price History
Based on price data from 3 merchants for "Universal Audio Teletronix LA-2A Classic Leveling Amplifier Plug-In". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 2, 2026.
* Product prices and availability are updated by Equipboard every 24hrs and are subject to change. Equipboard may receive compensation for purchases made at participating retailers linked on this site. This compensation does not affect what products or prices are displayed, or the order of prices listed. For more information, please refer to our affiliate disclosure.
Description
Step into the realm of vintage sound with the Universal Audio Teletronix LA-2A Classic Leveling Amplifier Plug-In. This meticulously crafted plugin captures the authentic warmth and smoothness of the original 1960s Teletronix LA-2A, renowned for its musical compression and timeless tone. Whether you're a seasoned audio engineer or an aspiring producer, this plugin seamlessly blends historical charm with modern flexibility.
Explore the nuanced characteristics of three distinct historical versions: the LA-2 with its slow, uniquely muffled response; the LA-2A Gray, designed for versatility with common response times; and the LA-2A Silver, boasting a swift reaction thanks to its T4B module. Each version provides its own unique flavor, allowing you to tailor your sound with precision.
Beyond its legendary heritage, the plugin offers contemporary enhancements like mix controls for parallel compression and sidechain filters, giving you the power to mold your mix to perfection. The vintage-style VU meter provides a visual touch of nostalgia, letting you monitor output levels or gain reduction at a glance. With numerous artist presets, you can jumpstart your creative process, drawing inspiration from the greats who have trusted this iconic sound.
Key Features:
- Emulates three historical LA-2A versions: Silver, Gray, and the original LA-2
- Faithful replica of the optical compressor circuit and tube amplifier
- VU meter with selectable output level or gain reduction display
- Modern additions include mix controls for parallel compression and sidechain filters
- Comes with a wide range of artist presets for creative inspiration
Product specs
| Available since | March 2023 |
| Los artikel / bundelartikel | Los artikel |
| Delay | No |
| Dynamics | Yes |
| Effect Filter | No |
| Encoder/Decoder | No |
| Equalizer | No |
| Guitar amps/-effects | No |
| Channel Strip | No |
| Metering / Analysis / Correction | No |
| Modulation Effects | No |
| Multieffect / Plugin-Host | No |
| Overdrive/Distortion | No |
| Preamp / Saturation | No |
| Psychoacoustic tool / Enhancer / Exciter | No |
| Restauration | No |
| Reverb | No |
| Special FX | No |
| Summer / Mixing Consoles | No |
| Tape Simulation | No |
| Pitch Shifter / Harmonizer / Timestretching | No |
| Transient Processing | No |
| Vocoder / Vocal effect | No |
| Mastering Tools | No |
| Hardware Controller | No |
| Download | 1 |
FAQs
-
What makes the Universal Audio Teletronix LA-2A Classic Leveling Amplifier Plug-In unique compared to other compressors?
-
The LA-2A plug-in is renowned for its optical compression and all-tube circuitry, which deliver a warm, rich sound. Its simple controls and versatile application make it ideal for vocals and bass instruments.
-
Is the LA-2A Classic Leveling Amplifier Plug-In suitable for mastering?
-
While primarily used for vocals and bass, the LA-2A's transparency and power make it suitable for mastering tasks, offering compression and limiting options with minimal controls for a streamlined experience.
-
How does the LA-2A Classic Leveling Amplifier Plug-In handle dynamics?
-
The LA-2A effectively manages dynamics with its optical compression, providing smooth, natural-sounding gain reduction that is particularly favored for vocal tracks.
-
Can the LA-2A Classic Leveling Amplifier Plug-In be used with any DAW?
-
Yes, the LA-2A plug-in is compatible with most popular DAWs, making it a versatile choice for producers using different digital audio workstations.
-
What are the main controls available on the LA-2A Classic Leveling Amplifier Plug-In?
-
The plug-in offers straightforward controls, including input gain, peak reduction, and a switch between compressing and limiting modes, allowing users to easily shape their sound.
Videos
Universal Audio
Teletronix LA-2A Classic Leveler Collection | UAD Quick Tips
Reviews
PROS
-
Offers three distinct sound variations for versatile use
-
Superior sound quality compared to other plugin versions
-
Smooths bass effectively with pleasing results
-
Minimal CPU impact, even on multiple tracks
-
Highly recommended for professional music production
CONS
-
Complicated iLok registration process causing frustration
-
Lacks the tactile experience of hardware alternatives
-
May be too simple for users seeking advanced features
-
Overly smooth effect on non-bass elements
Owner Insights
We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Universal Audio Teletronix LA-2A Classic Leveling Amplifier Plug-In.
Comparisons
-
UA's legacy LA-2A emulation is nearly indistinguishable from hardware, while Analog Obsession's version is praised for loading speed and zero latency.
Source -
The silver version in the collection is noted to be more gritty and aggressive compared to the standalone silver version, which is more subtle.
Source
Features and functionality
-
The UAD LA-2A offers distinct tonal shifts and attack/release variations across its different versions, closely resembling hardware variations like the T4A and T4B gain cells.
Source -
The silver LA-2A is known for its fastest attack speed among the collection, while the gray model is less severe with saturation effects.
Source
Software and compatibility
-
Users have noted the UAD plugins can be CPU intensive in large projects, but the trade-off is high-quality sound fidelity.
Source
User experience
Use cases and applications
-
The UA LA-2A is particularly favored for vocals due to its detailed sound retention and quicker release characteristics.
Source -
The silver LA-2A is favored for its blend of vintage and modern sound, adding a sheen to tracks, especially suited for acoustic instruments and vocals.
Source -
The silver LA-2A is a go-to for acoustic instruments like fiddle and mandolin, reportedly imparting a desirable tonal character.
Source
Value and pricing
-
UA sales can be unpredictable, sometimes offering bundles at lower prices than single units, leading to potential savings.
Source
Critic Reviews
5.0 out of 5
Based on 4 Reviews and 27 Ratings
5455
Again...
My opinion on the 1176 & the LA2A are the refreshing exception & extremely similar.
So I'm gonna give it the same review:
Wow, not bad. Not like having the hardware but not bad.
I've used these a lot & I don't have the usual list of complaints. I track with outboard hardware whenever possible but I've had lots of situations where I ran outta hardware channels & inserted this and/or the 1176 & was pleasantly surprised.
Sound better than any other plugin "version" I've heard yet. Can't believe I'm saying it but they don't just control, they sound good. I've tried subbing them out for other options & these just sound more pleasing to my ears.
Not like the hardware but I'd feel good recommending these.
181
gr8 for bass. Butt for everything else
Smooths bass out nice. Everything else...... too damn smooth.
Don't do alot of vocal so unknown how it sounds on that.
41029
umm, a real LA2A is just as simple... it does what it does... need ore options? try a 3 or a 4, Urei continued to update the circuit and it had some of the same character but more control... or better still, try a gates sta-level
personally I find the LA2A to be the most overrated piece of vintage gear... its got vibe, but its no 1176
118
But the sound of the LA2A stays fucking awsome! This thingy is a Legend!
Artist usage
Add artist
"I usually record John through a Telefunken U47 from the late 40s. That’s usually my go-to mic on John — I found that I really like him through the classic U47. It’s just such a fantastic mic, it has a lot of great clarity and body for him. John’s a pretty strong singer, and that mic seems to take it pretty well.
It’s worth noting that I’ve recorded all his vocals on the album to tape. That adds some nice upper harmonics, and it has a very nice saturation and character to it. This vocal has a dark slap-back delay.
Mostly, the signal path would be a U47 going to a Universal Audio 1176, or sometimes an LA2A compressor. Preamp-wise mostly we went through Neve 1073’s or 1081’s. I’m going for character, that’s the main thing. I don’t want neutral, I want character. The 1176 or the Neve impart character on it."
— Dave Tozer, executive producer of Love in the Future
In a studio tour video by MusicRadar Tech, Florian Meindl is shown using the Universal Audio Teletronix LA-2A Classic Leveling Amplifier Plug-In, demonstrating its role in his production process.
The bass track without a side–chain has the VMR, the UAD LA2 compressor, and the UAD Pultec EQP1A, which is fantastic.
Album Usage
The Universal Audio Teletronix LA-2A Classic Leveling Amplifier Plug-In has been featured on the following albums:
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 Universal Audio Teletronix LA-2A Classic Leveling Amplifier Plug-In, it is most commonly used with the following gear.
More Universal Audio Compressor Plugins
Accessories & Related Items
Community setups
Similar
Gear Guides
Most Popular Compressor Plugins
Most Popular Brands
-
Added to Equipboard on by
equipboardGear IQ 4934
-