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
A. sprl
March 21, 2023
Excellent
Sans doute l'un de mes meilleurs compresseurs pour les BUS et surtout la voix.
Read MoreD. Ho
March 14, 2023
Perfect!
I love how this compressor makes vocals and instruments sound full and smooth in the most natural way. Perfect for vocals, woodwinds, bass, acoustic guitars, 'ukulele and everything else!
Read MoreE. Yeung
March 12, 2023
Great subtle, slow-acting tube-flavoured compressor
This is another must-have compressor. It does what it's supposed to do and sounds great. Slightly dark, if I might say so, but still, it sounds great....
Read MoreA. Lee
March 8, 2023
Classic for a reason
3 compressors! just an incredible deal and sound
Read MoreW. Music
March 4, 2023
Game Changer
Been working on my vocal bus for a while and this finally cracked the code, combined with the UA 1176 I have unlocked a new level with my vocal bus and chain and have started producing the...
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. sprl
Excellent
Sans doute l'un de mes meilleurs compresseurs pour les BUS et surtout la voix.
D. Ho
Perfect!
I love how this compressor makes vocals and instruments sound full and smooth in the most natural way. Perfect for vocals, woodwinds, bass, acoustic guitars, 'ukulele and everything else!
E. Yeung
Great subtle, slow-acting tube-flavoured compressor
This is another must-have compressor. It does what it's supposed to do and sounds great. Slightly dark, if I might say so, but still, it sounds great.
C. Marulanda
Amazing
Love the color that give to my guitars , amazing tone
A. Lee
Classic for a reason
3 compressors! just an incredible deal and sound
W. Music
Game Changer
Been working on my vocal bus for a while and this finally cracked the code, combined with the UA 1176 I have unlocked a new level with my vocal bus and chain and have started producing the vocals I’ve always wanted.
J. Gaspar
Josef Gašpar
naprostá spokojenost . Nic lepšího mezi pluginama co se týče kompresoru neexistuje.
C. Sears
I was wrong…
I have used other interfaces over the years so I didn’t want to get caught in the UAD ecosphere of expensive, CPU intensive plugins where I would then be forced to get a DSP chassis. I took the plunge on the native versions and I’m kicking myself for my poor judgment. They all sound incredible. A true step up from the other emulations of vintage gear I can now easily see why everyone gravitates towards UAD. Call me Davy Jones cuz I’m a believer.
J. Carnes
Works
I've tried a variety of plugins from different manufacturers. Never been impressed. But this one really does work and does what it is suppose too. I am so impressed, that I plan to get more UAD plugins, once they go on a good sale.
U. Behboudi
Teletronix
I think that teletronix bundle is the right bundle for make perfect mixes. Clear plugs And dynamics
M. Sienkiewicz
Magnificent even after all those years
I got the LA-2A quite recently in the native version. After many years of listening to very positive opinions, I could finally see if the LA2A is really that good and if it can beat the current competition. r.
I immediately liked LA2A when I tried it on synthesizers, but the real magic was when I put it on a piano (sample library). Suddenly the piano sounded "like a record" and not like a sample library anymore. Compressor filled the space like butter. Something I have not experienced with any other emulation of this equipment. I've never worked with the original hardware unit but there's something special about this plugin that I've always missed when working ITB.
The description of the characteristics of the three plug-ins in the Manual is very useful and makes it easier to choose the right model for the instrument.
LA2A exceeded my expectations. There's something special that other LA2A emulations are missing. I would recommend it to anyone who wants not only an emulation of LA2A but a great-sounding compressor.U. Behboudi
Volt 2
Great hardware. Dynamic and clear sound. Love it.
U. Behboudi
Volt 2
Great hardware. Dynamic and clear sound. Love it.
M. Alexandru-George
Best of the best compressors / leveler / limiters
Stuning performance <3
E. bartlett
TIME TO LEVEL UP
TIME TO UP YOUR GAME. GET THE BEST GEAR SO YOU CAN SOON THE BEST.
NOW I SOUND JUST LIKE THE PRO'S..A. Bandura
Massive!
I love La. This plugin and Los Angeles aswell. Great for vocals, Bass. Warm Sound. Great with Rode NT-1. Different options. Great sound. Highly Recommend.
A. Marangoni
Simply wow!
I've always heard good things about these compressors but until you put them on a channel in your daw you can't understand the power, the versatility and the ease of use of the Teletronix collection.
C. Arzola
UA BEST PLUGIN
Please go for it. Best compressor out there, to me, best plugin from Universal Audio.
W. Chery
Teletronix
This is so so good! that's all I can say!
p. mitchem
Spot on
Having worked with these units for over 20 years, these plugs do not disappoint. Spot on emulation, great good UA
