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Universal Audio Teletronix LA-2A Classic Leveling Amplifier

BH #UNLA2AL • MFR #LA2A
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Universal Audio Teletronix LA-2A Classic Leveling Amplifier
Key Features
  • True to Original
  • Point-to-Point Handwired
  • T4 Electro-Optical Attenuator
  • Instantaneous Gain Reduction with no HD
By today's standards, the Teletronix LA-2A Leveling Amplifier from Universal Audio appears to be a rather primitive compression device. It has only two rotary controls, one for Gain and one for Peak Reduction. However, behind this plain facade lies a unique electro-optical attenuator system that allows for instantaneous gain reduction with no increase in harmonic distortion.
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Universal Audio LA-2A Overview

By today's standards, the Teletronix LA-2A Leveling Amplifier from Universal Audio appears to be a rather primitive compression device. It has only two rotary controls, one for Gain and one for Peak Reduction. However, behind this plain facade lies a unique electro-optical attenuator system that allows for instantaneous gain reduction with no increase in harmonic distortion.

A tube-based compressor, the original LA-2A featured handwired components and an electro-luminescent optical gain reduction device that provided the fast attack necessary for broadcast applications. Additionally, the cadmium-sulfide photo-cells provided a very natural two-stage release which resulted in a compression characteristic more transparent than the other compressors of its day. To this day, the LA-2A delivers a trademark sound treasured by engineers worldwide.

Painstaking care has been taken to ensure that every new Teletronix LA-2A Leveling Amplifier provides the performance and characteristics of the original. Each unit is handbuilt and each component carefully evaluated for authenticity.

0
True to the original in design, manufacturing, and performance
Lag-free and distortion-free optical attenuator system
0 to 40 dB gain limiting
Balanced stereo interconnection
UPC: 819937000034

Universal Audio LA-2A Specs

Function
Compressor
Number of Channels
Single
Inputs
XLR
Jones Barrier Terminal
Outputs
XLR
Jones Barrier Terminal
Maximum Input Level
+16 dB
Compression Threshold
Dependent on Gain Reduction control
Compression Ratio
Dependent on Gain Reduction control
Attack Time
10 ms
Release Time
Approximately 0.06 seconds for 50% release, 0.5 to 5 seconds for complete release depending upon the amount of previous reduction
Gate Threshold
Not Applicable
Gate Rate
Not Applicable
Maximum Output Level
+16 dBm peaks
Make-up Gain
Not Specified by Manufacturer
Frequency Response
30 Hz to 15 kHz, +0/-1 dB
Dynamic Range
Not Specified by Manufacturer
Noise
75 dB below +10 dBm Output Level
Dimensions
19 x 7.25 x 5.25" (3 RU)
Packaging Info
Package Weight
13.7 lb
Box Dimensions (LxWxH)
24 x 12.205 x 10.236"

Universal Audio LA-2A Reviews

All it's cracked up to be

By Anonymous
Rated 5 out of 5
Date: 2012-10-14

I did a ton of research before throwing down the sizeable chunk of cash needed to get it. Everything they said was true. I use it primarily for bass and vocals, but I've thrown it on everything from drums to harmonica and it does the trick. The simple controls and ease of use are nice, making it easy to dial in the perfect setting. Kinda fun to crank it all the way up from time to time to see what it's capable of. 100% glad I got it and this is one of the cheapest places on the internet to get one. Additionally, customer service was fantastic. Thanks, B&H.

See any errors on this page?

question

I have a huge hiss problem connecting my beeznees mic to the bae compressor in to this la2a what could it be?
Asked by: Henry C.
Hissing in any piece of audio gear is indicative of electronic noise, due to either poor quality in components or improper gain staging. Keep in mind every time an audio device is added to the chain, the noise floor increases.
Answered by: Andrea O.
Date published: 2018-08-27
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