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 UADLA‑2Aplug‑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 iconiccompressor.
Included Versions
UAD Native
Runs on your Mac or PC without UAhardware.
Apollo Realtime & UAD‑2
Runs accelerated on Apollo interfaces and UAD‑2hardware.
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 systemrequirements.
- 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
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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 acousticguitars. ”
–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 realthing.”
–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 themhard. ”
–Mark Needham (The Killers, Neon Trees, P!nk)
Customer Reviews
A. Pashka
June 15, 2024
The best emulation on market
Having used real LA-2As, I can confidently say this is the best LA2A plugin collection by far
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B. Hjörleifsson
June 13, 2024
Perfection!
Vibe and shine
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D. MALUL
May 29, 2024
It's not just a tool; it's a sonic time machine
This plugin is an absolute game-changer for any audio engineer or music producer seeking that classic, warm analog sound. The attention to detail in...
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D. MALUL
May 29, 2024
It's not just a tool; it's a sonic time machine !
This plugin is an absolute game-changer for any audio engineer or music producer seeking that classic, warm analog sound. The...
Read More
T. Teske
May 21, 2024
Exceptions can be made
I am a loyal SSL user. 99% of my workflow is SSL complete plugins and a UF8 console. However, there are two plugin bundles that will have a place in every mix for the rest of my days:...
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L. Hanson
May 17, 2024
I wish I had this collection years ago.
The Teletronix LA-2A Collection has become my go-to for compression. They are super simple to use and they sound great.It can be easy to go down the rabbit hole of trying to find the...
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