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Universal Audio UAFX LA-2A Studio Compressor

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Universal Audio UAFX LA-2A Studio Compressor

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$145.00 to $169.00 Price Tier: Standard

5.0 (2)

1 Review

Find out who is using Universal Audio UAFX LA-2A

2 community setups

2 wishlisted

12 saved

Page last updated Jul 04, 2026

Pricing and availability

We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 10 stores. Prices updated July 4, 2026.

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Reviews

Price

5.0 (15)

$169.00

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5.0 (1)

$169.00

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4.7 (43)

$169.00 New

$119.00 Used (Like New)

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5.0 (2)

$145.00 39 available New

$109.00 8 available Used

$169.00

$169.00

$169.00

4.9 (39)

$156.00

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£152.50

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$169.00

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Average Price: $166

Standard/Professional

$50

$201+

Price Tier

In the Compressor Effects Pedals category, Universal Audio UAFX LA-2A Studio Compressor is priced in the Standard/Professional range. This is quality gear at a fair price point, suitable for beginners, hobbyists, and pros alike.

Budget

Standard

High-end

Price History

Based on price data from 7 merchants for "Universal Audio UAFX LA-2A Studio Compressor". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 2, 2026.

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Description

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Introducing the Universal Audio UAFX LA-2A Studio Compressor, an effects pedal designed to transform your guitar's output into a rich, tube-like tone that's reminiscent of legendary studio compressors. This pedal is a faithful emulation of the Teletronix LA-2A optical tube compressor/limiter, meticulously crafted to mimic the original's hand-wired hardware, offering all its inspiring tones and classic feels. With a simple twist of a knob, you can achieve everything from gentle dynamic control to natural sustain, elevating your tone with bold tube thickening, and even pushing your tube amp into a juicy overdrive filled with harmonics and color.

Built to last, this compact stompbox brings the fat, three-dimensional tube tone of vintage transformers, tube amplifiers, and T4 optical cell right onto your pedalboard. It's equipped with a mix control for easy parallel compression effects, and a true/buffered bypass for maximum versatility. A USB Type-C connection is also provided for easy updates via computer.

Key Features:

Authentic emulation of the Teletronix LA-2A optical tube compressor/limiter
Mix control for simple parallel compression effects
True/Buffered-Bypass for flexibility
Power supply via optional 9VDC power supply unit, center negative, min. 250 mA
Inputs and Outputs: 6.3 mm jack for easy connectivity
USB Type-C connection for updates via computer

Product specs

Available since	November 2023
Effect Types	Compressor

FAQs

What type of compressor is the Universal Audio UAFX LA-2A Studio Compressor?: The Universal Audio UAFX LA-2A Studio Compressor is a pedal version of the classic LA-2A optical tube compressor, known for its smooth, musical compression and vintage warmth.
Is the Universal Audio UAFX LA-2A Studio Compressor suitable for guitar?: Yes, the Universal Audio UAFX LA-2A Studio Compressor is designed specifically for guitarists, offering the iconic LA-2A compression to enhance sustain and dynamics without losing tone.
How does the Universal Audio UAFX LA-2A Studio Compressor differ from other compressor pedals?: This pedal emulates the classic LA-2A's optical compression, providing a unique warmth and smoothness that many other compressor pedals lack, making it ideal for adding vintage character to your sound.
Can the Universal Audio UAFX LA-2A Studio Compressor be used with bass guitar?: Yes, the pedal is versatile enough to be used with bass guitar, adding warmth and sustain while maintaining the instrument's natural tone.
What power supply does the Universal Audio UAFX LA-2A Studio Compressor require?: The Universal Audio UAFX LA-2A Studio Compressor requires a standard 9V DC power supply, which is typical for most guitar pedals.

Videos

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Sweetwater

Universal Audio UAFX LA-2A Pedal: Legendary Teletronix Compression

Sweetwater

Universal Audio UAFX LA-2A Studio Compressor Pedal | Demo and Overview with Justus West

Guitar Center

Reviews

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PROS

High-quality optical compressor emulation
Signal sounds clearer and more leveled
Offers both compression and limiting modes
Features mix knob for blending compressed signal
Three switches for buffer/true bypass, release speed, and mode selection
Noticeable sound improvement without obvious compression presence
Adds warmth and fullness to sound
Firmware updates available for future improvements
Mid-range price for high-quality construction
No noise produced during operation

CONS

Lacks a tone control knob
Requires isolated power supply of 9v 250ma minimum
Takes about 10 seconds to boot up
Not suitable for "chicken picking" style with pronounced squish
Made in China, which might deter some users despite high quality

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Universal Audio UAFX LA-2A Studio Compressor.

Features and functionality

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The pedal includes a switch for attack/release settings; the stock (slow) mode provides a bloom effect, while the fast mode offers a rock tone.
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The pedal is noted for its simplicity and effectiveness, particularly when placed at the front of the signal chain, freeing up digital processing blocks in devices like the HX Stomp XL.
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Use cases and applications

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The pedal excels with settings where the peak is between noon and 3, and the gain is between 9 and noon to avoid clipping.
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The most famous studio application of the LA-2A is for stacked guitar tracks, such as in "The Song Remains the Same."
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Users successfully pair the LA-2A with a Cali76 compressor, using the Cali76 for fast attack and the LA-2A for longer sustain, achieving a sub-octave, dubstep-like bass tone.
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User experience

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Owners appreciate the pedal's low noise floor, noting it's quieter than other compressors like the SA Atlas, Empress Bass Comp, Walrus Mira, and Lusithand Alma.
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Enthusiasts appreciate the pedal's ability to maintain a consistent tone without noticeable latency, even when used in a digital-heavy signal chain, dispelling concerns about digital effects.
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Comparisons

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It's noted that while the UA LA-2A pedal is cheaper than tube-based alternatives, it can clip with higher output pickups and basses.
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The Universal Audio LA-2A pedal is often compared to the Empress Bass Compressor, with some owners preferring the LA-2A for its tube-like sound reminiscent of the Markbass Compressore.
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Software and compatibility

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Owners using multiple Source Audio pedals and the HX Stomp find the LA-2A integrates well within complex setups, utilizing the Stomp's powerful FX loop and parallel routing capabilities.
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Mods and upgrades

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Some users consider adding the Empress Bass Compressor back into their setup for additional control, using it in tandem with the LA-2A to mimic an 1176 compressor’s functionality.
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Value and pricing

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The pedal is seen as a cost-effective alternative to more expensive tube compressors, with some users noting it sounds slightly better than the Line 6 LA-2A emulation.
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5.0 out of 5

Based on 1 Review and 2 Ratings

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yusufgurfidan

186

over 1 year ago

Are you a gear-geek, are you a bassist? Get this!

I've been in love with LA-2A since I tried my first opto-comp pedal. Then I searched for affordable reproductions of LA-2A's rack compressor format. When this beauty came out, that was the end of my seeking. It's small, portable, and has that authentic sound of LA-2A's opto-compressing. Get one if you are a bassist!

Roles:

Singer Bassist Composer

Genres:

Rock Blues Metal