Teletronix® LA-2A Classic Leveler Collection
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The ultimate collection of the most
revered optical compressor ever.With its gentle, program dependent optical compression, and meticulously designed tube amplifier, the LA-2A is the go-to compressor for professional mixers around the world. In 2001, Universal Audio set the standard in analog emulation with the original UAD LA‑2A plug‑in.
Today, UA’s engineers have redesigned the LA-2A plug-in with more obsessive detail. The LA-2A Classic Leveler Plug-In Collection features immaculate models of three highly sought-after LA-2A units, giving you the most authentic emulations ever of this iconic compressor.Included Versions
UAD Native
Runs on your Mac or PC without UA hardware.Apollo Realtime & UAD‑2
Runs accelerated on Apollo interfaces and UAD‑2 hardware.UAD Native plug-ins run on both macOS 10.15 Catalina or newer and Windows 10 and 11. Go to our UA Support page for system requirements.
- Track and mix with three historic versions of revered Teletronix LA-2A Leveling Amplifiers, each with its own distinctive sonic attributes
- Record through a Teletronix LA-2A/LA-2 in real time with Apollo interfaces
- Dial-in ideal optical compression textures for vocals, bass, drums, and more
- Harness presets from LA-2A users Ross Hogarth, Darrell Thorp, and Vance Powell
TAKE A LISTEN
The Teletronix Story
Teletronix founder Jim Lawrence first used photocells for controlling audio gain in the early 1960s. His ingenious optical compression design was a technological breakthrough, far surpassing the stability and transparency of earlier circuits. Universal Audio founder M.T. ”Bill” Putnam later purchased this patented technology, continuing to manufacture the LA-2A for years to come.
Three Historical Units
The Teletronix LA-2A Leveler Collection puts three of the most coveted incarnations of the iconic Teletronix processor at your fingertips. Like the hardware, the LA-2A Silver, LA-2A Gray, and LA-2 models offer distinct variations in time constants, compression knee, headroom, distortion, program and frequency dependence, and more.
LA-2A Silver & Gray
With a brushed aluminum panel and original T4B gain reduction module, this cherished late-1960s “Silver” version of the LA-2A, manufactured by Bill Putnam, is perhaps the most flexible of the three plug-ins in the collection. Its fast time constant makes it suitable for the widest variety of program material, including transient-rich sources like drums and percussion. Jim Lawrence’s original mid-1960s “Gray” version the LA-2A maintains a more average time constant, providing a range of “medium-speed” compression.
The Original LA-2
The exceptionally rare, early 1960s LA-2 unit preceded the LA-2A by several years. It provides the slowest response and a unique “mellowed” sound due to 50 years of luminescent panel aging inside the T4 module. Use the LA-2 with legato tempos and vocal sources for a transparency and sublime mood unlike any other compressor.
“This sounds exactly like I hoped it would — real, warm, and 100% fantastic.”
– Vance Powell (Jack White, The Dead Weather, The Raconteurs)
“Turn up the input gain on the new UAD LA-2 plug-in and listen to the life it brings to your track. One word. Wow.”
– Darrell Thorp (Beck, Radiohead, Charlotte Gainsbourg)
“The LA-2A Classic Leveler Collection opens up a wonderful sonic palette that's rich and a pleasure to use.”
– Carl Glanville (U2, Billy Joel, Counting Crows)
“The UAD LA-2A Collection has the best models of the real hardware I've ever heard. It's like owning the real deal, that will never require a tech guy.”
– Jeff Juliano (John Mayer, Shinedown, Train)
“The UAD LA-2A is the first thing in my vocal chain. It brings unmatched attitude to lead vocals and sets the tone for songs.”
– Ivan Barias (Musiq Soulchild, Jill Scott, Estelle)
“I'm flipping out with the new UAD LA-2A Collection! Having the tonal and response variations between the different versions gives me more brushes to paint with, especially on bass guitar and vocals.”
– Ryan Hewitt (Red Hot Chili Peppers, The Avett Brothers)
“The LA-2A plug-in is the closest thing to my analog version that I have found.”
– Ross Hogarth (Van Halen, Ziggy Marley, Motley Crue)
“My vocal chain is an LA-2A, SSL E Series Channel Strip, an 1176LN, and a Precision De-Esser. They're amazing plug-ins.”
– Hector Delgado (A$AP Rocky, Selena Gomez, Jay-Z)
“The UAD LA-2A plug-in has become my go-to compressor for lead vocals and acoustic guitars. ”
– Ariel Borujow (Chromeo, Mac Miller, Madonna)
“To put it simply, the UAD LA-2A emulations sound more like a physical box with tubes and transformers. It’s the real thing.”
– Peter Katis (The National, Interpol, Jónsi)
“The UAD LA-2A and API Series plug-ins not only feel and sound like my hardware, they react the same when I push them hard. ”
– Mark Needham (The Killers, Neon Trees, P!nk)Customer Reviews
C. Mcintosh
July 26, 2023
Simply the best!
Ive tried many La2a plugins (CLA2A, Softube, Black Rooster, IK Multimedia, Slate etc) & nothing compares this collection. My search for a La2a vst is finally over!...
Read MoreW. Rice
July 22, 2023
My go to
This with the neve is the safest way to create a great sound. I use the silver for almost every song.
Read MoreK. Theron
July 15, 2023
EXCELLENT
Great options to have. The legacy unit is the one I reach for the most but EACH has its own flavor that can be helpful at times!!! Great emulations, thank you UA!!!
Read MoreJ. Cartée
July 15, 2023
Versatile plugin
It comes with Spark which is perhaps better value. A great product where I got fast results without too much faffing about.
Read MoreT. Koskela
July 13, 2023
The best leveler for bass guitar
At the moment, for me the best bass guitar leveler there is in plug-in format, compared with many other similar LA-2A plug-ins. I don't...
Read More -
Key Features
Superior plug-in emulations of revered Teletronix LA-2A Leveling Amplifiers.
Includes three historic versions — LA-2A Silver, LA-2A Gray, and original LA-2 — each with their own distinctive sonic attributes.
Models entire electronic path — including transformers, tube amplifiers, and T4 optical cell distortions — for unmistakable analog color and character.
Incredibly easy-to-use Peak Reduction and Gain controls.
Offers the ideal optical compression sound for vocals, bass, drums and more.
Includes plug-in presets from famous LA-2A users Ross Hogarth, Jeff Juliano, Carl Glanville, Darrell Thorp, and Vance Powell.
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Customer Reviews
Teletronix® LA-2A Leveler Collection
a. azilazian
Love it!
Great!
C. Mcintosh
Simply the best!
Ive tried many La2a plugins (CLA2A, Softube, Black Rooster, IK Multimedia, Slate etc) & nothing compares this collection. My search for a La2a vst is finally over!
W. Rice
My go to
This with the neve is the safest way to create a great sound. I use the silver for almost every song.
K. Theron
EXCELLENT
Great options to have. The legacy unit is the one I reach for the most but EACH has its own flavor that can be helpful at times!!! Great emulations, thank you UA!!!
J. Cartée
Versatile plugin
It comes with Spark which is perhaps better value. A great product where I got fast results without too much faffing about.
T. Koskela
The best leveler for bass guitar
At the moment, for me the best bass guitar leveler there is in plug-in format, compared with many other similar LA-2A plug-ins. I don't know what UA LA-2A does differently than others, but it sounds so good! UI is very simple and intuitive, as it should be. This is not the chepeast one out there, but this is my choice.
P. Shumilov
This is the Legend
This sound is absolutely amazing!
Z. Gaubas
Teletronix® LA-2A Leveler Collection
Very Good
I. KOSTARAKIS
LA2A opto king.
This is the original emulation straight from the manufacturer.
E. bartlett
JUST GET IT!
ITS THE BEST LA - 2A PLUGIN . YOU WANA BE THE BEST ? THEN GET THE BEST.
A. Cengic
Nothing can compare with LA2A
high-end compressor for everything
A. Dahlback
Oldie but goodie!
I first tried the LA-2A years ago. Outstanding sound, but...
The GUI is outdated. 15 years ago it was OK with the screen resolution, but not today. I wouldn't complain if the plug was $ 20, but it is expensive. So - it's not hard to program a newer GUI...J. Mateo
classic for a reason
This collection is very versatile and powerful. I really like it on bass and vocals to get some smooth almost invisible dynamic control. and that tube bite that I have come to love. (I wont say warmth because I find tubes to be bright and spanky in the real world. not so much dull and smooth)
P. Alain
Assez incroyable
J'avais la version legacy pourquoi je n'ai pas pris le temps avant d'écouter ces versions.
Plus de précision plus de chaleur les 3 versions sont bien spécifiques et dès que tu charges un plug tu sens la qualité de la modélisationP. TSOUROUTAS
First among equals!
Surely the market has some really good and faithful recreations of both LA 2A and 1176 but somehow you walked that extra mile!
Well done once more!J. Lackey
My favorite vocal compressors
I primarily record and produce hip hop artists, so am reviewing from that perspective. From tracking to mixing, the LA-2A collection is by far one of the best you can find. Tame the peaks, level the takes, add the sauce, these comps won’t let you down and you’ll find yourself reaching for them time and time again.
H. hussein
Wonderful in every sense of the word.
I'm so glad I got a copy of this great product.. I really got what I was missing.. but sometimes I struggle when using the plugin with Logic Pro. Because sometimes a message appears saying: DAW RESTART REQUIRED in the plugin.
S. McKeever
As good as ever.
It’s the best LA2A plug-in I’ve ever heard.
It works. Buy it:)L. Chanda
LA2A a Spring Dust sprinkle to my Work
I live the dream now after demoing the LA2A.I had to have it after hearing what it did to my Signals.Thanks for the Native versions.
M. Tucniak
This LA-2A replica does exactly what it's supposed to.
Finally, an LA-2A plugin that doesn't sound dull. After just a few minutes of using the LA-2A Silver, I knew that this optical tube compressor plugin does exactly what it's supposed to with vocals. It can perfectly pump the vocals to the desired level while maintaining a natural sound without any articulation devastation or highlighting unpleasant frequencies. Even with relatively short, extreme signal reduction, it doesn't create any intrusive or unnatural artifacts. Similar to the 1176 plugin, this compressor has the right amount of organic character that makes you forget you're listening to a digital replica.
