Universal Audio Teletronix LA-2A Leveler Collection Plug-In

Gently level the gain on vocals and instruments with the Teletronix LA-2A Leveler Collection Plug-In from Universal Audio, an exacting digital emulation of the legendary analog unit's special combination of optical compression and tube amplification. Three different versions of the unit are provided, each with its own subtly distinctive character. Use the Peak Reduction control to set the threshold level and the Gain to boost the output to compensate for post-compressor volume loss that's it. Between the slow multistage release of the T4-photo-cell compressor and the warm tube amplification, the LA-2A provides the magic sauce for transparent level reduction with a hint of analog color for that professional polish.

Owners of Apollo interfaces can record in the box through the plug-in for a real-time LA-2A tracking experience. This plug-in software download includes a native version that will run on Mac and Windows computers without UA hardware as well as a second version that runs accelerated on Apollo interfaces and UAD-2 hardware.

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, 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 of 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 transparent and sublime mood unlike any other compressor.