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 for UAD-2 hardware and Apollo interfaces features immaculate models of three highly sought-after LA-2A units, giving you the most authentic emulations ever of this iconic compressor.Now You Can:
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]()
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]()
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]()
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 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)![Carl Glanville]()
“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)![Darrell Thorp]()
“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)![Jeff Juliano]()
“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)![Ivan Barias]()
“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)![Ryan Hewitt]()
“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)![Ross Hogarth]()
“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)![Hector Delgado]()
“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)![Ariel Borujow]()
“The UAD LA-2A plug-in has become my go-to compressor for lead vocals and acoustic guitars. ”
– Ariel Borujow (Chromeo, Mac Miller, Madonna)![Peter Katis]()
“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)![Mark Needham]()
“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
W. Karadjian
July 5, 2016
Parfait pour les voix
J'ai acheté la LA-2A collection peu après avoir testé la version "legacy", qui m'a apporté un bel aperçu de ce que pourrait donner la version "collection". Je n'ai...
Read MoreD. Young
March 25, 2015
I Am A Believer!
I've used quite a few LA-2A's in my day and I was super skeptical when purchasing this plugin.... It didn't take long before i saw its core power! This compressor became my permanent...
Read MoreR. Trias
December 17, 2014
Smooth without the Hassle of Tubes
UAD has done it again - I assume that MK. III of this plug-in collection will simply be them shipping the hardware straight to your door.
Read MoreL. Schaller
December 3, 2014
LA-2A WOW
This units are absolutely amazing. Each one has its own character and takes your tracks to a new level. Very rich and detailed sound! Thanks UAD-Team!
Read MoreC. Garges
November 20, 2014
Teletronix La-2A Classic Collection
I'm particular about optical compressors. I love the original LA2A and the LA3A, but I have yet to be excited about any of the "clones" or other types of optical compressors that...
Read MoreP. Martin
November 17, 2014
Teletronix LA-2A Classic Leveler Collection
I was finished with a session at the end of the day, before I purchased. After installation, I went back to the project I had been working on and tried these out on several different things...
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.
Requires a UAD-2 DSP Accelerator or Apollo Interface available from authorized dealers worldwide
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Customer Reviews
Teletronix® LA-2A Leveler Collection
View All ReviewsW. Karadjian
Parfait pour les voix
J'ai acheté la LA-2A collection peu après avoir testé la version "legacy", qui m'a apporté un bel aperçu de ce que pourrait donner la version "collection". Je n'ai pas été déçu!
J'utilise principalement le LA-2A sur des prises de voix, mais il fonctionne également très bien pour des guitares ou des basses.
Le gros avantage est de pouvoir choisir entre les 3 modèles proposés, qui ont chacun leurs spécificités (vitesse d'attaque, possibilité de passer en mode limiter, emphasis...).
C'est d'une simplicité enfantine, et parfois, seul la couleur qu'apporte le plug, sans activer la compression, suffit à donner un résultat satisfaisant.
Ce plug est un must have.D. Young
I Am A Believer!
I've used quite a few LA-2A's in my day and I was super skeptical when purchasing this plugin.... It didn't take long before i saw its core power! This compressor became my permanent compressor for my vocal chain when tracking/mixing in the box. Male, Female, low voice, a high nasally voice, it doesn't matter! UA made the compressors like virtual tanks!( And not a DSP hog like other units are.) *thumbs up* , Cheers!
R. Trias
Smooth without the Hassle of Tubes
UAD has done it again - I assume that MK. III of this plug-in collection will simply be them shipping the hardware straight to your door.
L. Schaller
LA-2A WOW
This units are absolutely amazing. Each one has its own character and takes your tracks to a new level. Very rich and detailed sound! Thanks UAD-Team!
C. Garges
Teletronix La-2A Classic Collection
I'm particular about optical compressors. I love the original LA2A and the LA3A, but I have yet to be excited about any of the "clones" or other types of optical compressors that I've used. I've found the Legacy version of the LA2A to be surprisingly useful. When I finally got around to demoing the Classic Collection, I was REALLY blown away. All three of the units have unique characteristics that make each one useful, but the sound of the silverface LA2A makes the package worth the purchase price. This version of the LA2A is so much closer to the sound of the original units that I've used than any of the hardware clones I've heard. This was an easy purchase for me and I've used the Classic LA2As on every mix I've done since I bought it.
P. Martin
Teletronix LA-2A Classic Leveler Collection
I was finished with a session at the end of the day, before I purchased. After installation, I went back to the project I had been working on and tried these out on several different things in one of the tunes. On bass guitar, vocals and acoustic guitar they all were "jaw dropping." I have used the hardware versions many times through the years, and was so happy to know that I could get the same sound without having to fork over several thousand dollars, not to mention maintaining such wonderful hardware pieces. I think you would be happy to have these in your arsenal.
D. Powell
love it...
I remember when it came it reading a review that it wasn't as exciting as the Fairchild updated plugs, etc....... but I have to disagree. I have used it for many applications at this point and it just excelled at all of them..... basically has sounded great no matter what I use it for, just as you would expect the real vintage hardware items to sound.... so, I'm very happy and once again heading into "how can I live without it" mode....
N. Palmer
Slow & sexy
Far superior to the legacy version, these three emulations are a superb tool for bass, brass sections, drum buses - I haven't had the opportunity to try them on vocals yet.
I find the emphasis control critical for the correct response. I'm working on a lot of retro music & they seem to really capture the vibe. True I've never owned the originals but I'm loving these compressors. Be careful not to drive them too hard though as they can easily bring in unwanted distortion. If you like John Barry, Morricine etc then you'll love these beauties!D. Iljes
Teletronix
Great update.
Significant sound improvement compared to the legacy version.
Unfair price-ing to existing users.J. Boydstun
It sounds the same...
The same as my thousands in hardware I used to have!! I got all the new collections of the classics and I honestly think they're do everything I always grabbed them for in the real world. Love this UA system. I missed letting my studio go when I retired, but now I have it all back, for a lot less...LOL
B. Maile
The Vocal Compressor
The easiest and one of the most beautiful way of compressing Vocals. Its natural and smooth sound is unbeatable.
G. Leo
LA2A collection flexibility and nice sound
Teletronix LA-2A collection faithfully reproduces the classic analog compressor.
The sound is really nice and works very well in the mix.
Performs well on transients, gives character to the tracks.
His algoritimo seems to me the best so far. The curve of comprehension is very well reproduced.
The three different models provide a lot of flexibility.
Each one has their own tone and different attack and release times.
LA-2A Silver Is the newest and fastest incarnation.
LA-2A Grey has medium attack and release times and is the best compromise on many sources with a more meaty tone.
LA-2 oldest is very special.
Point against him: consumes a lot of CPU compared to the version legasy a
parallel compression and sidechain is missing.B. Callaway
Must Have
Simply put, indispensable. While a go-to for vocals, there are just so many places you can use this LA-2A now thanks to the multiple "flavors" as long as you're open to it. No it won't work on everything, but it works with so much it is again, indispensable.
Despite the fact that it's just a plugin, this is one of my favorite pieces of "gear" even if it's just virtual. A++++++++++++++++J. Heath
Perfectly transparent
These compressors work so well, it's unreal. They really do sound analog. The silver is my favorite for most applications, but the other two can add just the right amount of crunch when that's what I need. Thanks UA.
E. Biagini
LA-2A
Astonishing sound, right price thanks to promotion. This should be the current price for UA plugins.
A. Picciafuochi
Stunning!!!
in short: do not try them, otherwise you will buy them immediately!
A. Liburd
Teletronix LA-2A Classic Leveler Collection
I have been looking for a compressor to make my vocals, bass guitar and kick drum sit really nicely in my mixes and to give the punch that I been looking for. Now with the purchase of the Teletronix Leveler collection I am able to achieve what I have not been able to achieve with other compressors. I use all three compressors in my mixes and the sound quality of ALL 3 is just amazing! Thank you Universal Audio for these three plugins at such an affordable price.
R. Hazell
LA-2A Collection
Haven't heard anything with this much analogue mojo in a compressor before. The UA plugs just keep getting batter.
A. Souza
Amazing!! Sweet!!!
The most amazing plugin ever!!! Make my tracks sweet!! Acustic guitars, voice and more.
S. Grush
Magical
This collection is super legit. From soft to heavy compression and everything in between, you need these in your mixing repertoire. My first instance of "wow" was using the Silver on a lead guitar. I was just fighting to get the lead to sit right and I pulled my entire chain a part and started over. Removed the outboard Distressor (which is super rare to do that) and the lead just sat well in the box. No EQ, just the Silver. I went back and carved the EQ a bit and it was polished like a gem.
Highly recommend.
