Universal Audio

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With their gentle, program dependent optical compression, and meticulously designed tube amplifiers, the Universal Audio Teletronix LA-2A classic leveler collection plug-ins are the go-to compressor plug-ins 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.

Three Historical Units

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. 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 and 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.

Universal Audio Teletronix LA-2A Leveler Collection - UADx and UAD-2 Plug-Ins (Mac/Windows)
Universal Audio Teletronix LA-2A Leveler Collection - UADx and UAD-2 Plug-Ins (Mac/Windows)
Universal Audio Teletronix LA-2A Leveler Collection - UADx and UAD-2 Plug-Ins (Mac/Windows)

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  • Track and mix with three historic versions of the revered Teletronix LA-2A leveling amplifiers—LA-2A silver, LA-2A gray and the original LA-2—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

collapse expand iconSpecs

UAD Spark and Native UAD System Requirements
  • Mac: macOS 10.15 Catalina, 11 Big Sur, 12 Monterey or 13 Ventura
  • Windows: 10 or 11 (64-bit editions)
  • Processor: Intel, AMD or Apple silicon
  • Internet connection to download software and authorize native UAD plug-ins
  • Free iLok account with iLok Cloud or iLok USB (2nd generation or higher)
  • Free UA Connect application for managing native UAD plug-ins
UAD Hardware System Requirements (for Non-Native Plug-ins)
  • Compatible Apollo or UAD-2 hardware
  • Windows: 10 or 11 (64-bit editions)
  • macOS: 10.15 Catalina, 11 Big Sur, 12 Monterey or 13 Ventura
  • Internet connection to download software and authorize UAD plug-ins
  • Compatible plug-in DAW host software
  • 10GB available storage

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