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 features immaculate models of three highly sought-after LA-2A units, giving you the most authentic emulations ever of this iconic compressor.Included Versions
UAD Native
Runs on your Mac or PC without UA hardware.Apollo Realtime & UAD‑2
Runs accelerated on Apollo interfaces and UAD‑2 hardware.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 system requirements.
- 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
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 acoustic guitars. ”
– 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 real thing.”
– 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 them hard. ”
– Mark Needham (The Killers, Neon Trees, P!nk)Customer Reviews
E. Rei
October 1, 2024
This is the top student and teachers pet in the whole class of LA2A plug-ins available!
This too rivals the hardware. Very happy with the purchase.
Read Morec. cowie
June 25, 2024
This Was A Major Surprise - The LA2 & Pultec Combo
I needed an affordable soundcard for some laptop work outside my main studio, so I opted for the UA Volt 1, the cheapest option available. That turned out to be a great purchase, well...
Read MoreA. 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
Read MoreD. 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...
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.
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Customer Reviews
Teletronix® LA-2A Leveler Collection
E. Rei
This is the top student and teachers pet in the whole class of LA2A plug-ins available!
This too rivals the hardware. Very happy with the purchase.
R. Choriev
super
super
c. cowie
This Was A Major Surprise - The LA2 & Pultec Combo
I needed an affordable soundcard for some laptop work outside my main studio, so I opted for the UA Volt 1, the cheapest option available. That turned out to be a great purchase, well worth the price. Along with the soundcard, I received a bundle of free plugins, including the LA2. and the LA2A Gray and Silver compressors and the Pultec EQs. Over the years, I've accumulated numerous plugins, but I don't even install most of them anymore. For the past seven years, my go-to EQ has been Fabfilter, which is functional and does the job. For compression, I usually rely on Ableton's stock plugins simply because all my other comps are no better. I spent years searching for plugins with that elusive "mojo," and I had basically given up and made a decision I wasn't even going to bother downloading the bundle.
But one evening after using the soundcard for about two weeks I thought, OK I will check them out, expecting the usual underwhelming results. Plugins downloaded, fired up a session and to my major surprise, I found myself very quickly impressed. I started applying the LA2A compressors and Pultec EQs on various tracks and very quickly replaced all other comps and Eqs in the session with the LA2s and Pultecs. Just initiating the LA2's without adjusting anything seemed to hit the mark every time - and still does.. The EQ;s I was pushing to max and still track elements sounded good. However, I told my self its just my imagination, after all I've been here many times before and its probably just that placebo effect of thinking something sounds great and the next day I will know its just my imagination. But the next day the session still sounded good, and what I was hearing suspiciously sounded like Mojo. I was beginning to realise the plugins had genuinely helped me improve the sound. The mix had a vibe reminiscent of what I used to achieve with analog consoles, and the compressors added a cool, pumpy quality to the tracks. Even when over pumped, still sounded good - It was just more vibe.
But because years of reality hitting and the ultimate come down I was still thinking this newfound enthusiasm will wear off because that's what always happens. But, that's not what happened. I've continued to use the LA2A and Pultec plugins in every session since. I'm actually enjoying EQ'ing and compressing stuff - Imagine that!. Yes, I also hear that 3D thing others talks about in their reviews.. Coming from someone who had grown jaded with plugins over the years, believe me, this is a significant endorsement.
I don't know what magic the UAD coders have worked, but to me these plugins are very musical and have legit Mojo. And you know what's also great about them - no fancy flashy distracting Guis which force you to mix with eyes. Needless to say the coders have done a 10+ star job. I've never owned the original hardware, but have owned some emulations in the past and these plugins outshine others by all others I have tried or owned by a huge margin. The fact that I got them with a £100 soundcard, which also included a decent Plate Reverb, an Echo (not really my style), a channel strip, and a Synth, is incredible. But its the LA2A and Pultec plugins that are the true stars of the bundle though and its well worth picking up the Volt 1 just to get the plugins.. They are now my absolute and only go to EQ and Comps and only if I need to get very surgical will I fire up the Fab.A. Pashka
The best emulation on market
Having used real LA-2As, I can confidently say this is the best LA2A plugin collection by far
B. Hjörleifsson
Perfection!
Vibe and shine
D. MALUL
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 replicating the iconic Teletronix hardware is truly remarkable. From its lush, creamy compression to its subtle harmonic enhancement, this plugin breathes new life into digital audio, adding depth and character that's reminiscent of the golden age of recording.
Whether I'm working on vocals, drums, or guitars, the UAD Teletronix plugin consistently delivers that coveted vintage vibe, instantly elevating the quality of my mixes. Its intuitive interface makes it a breeze to dial in the perfect settings, allowing for effortless customization to suit any project.
Overall, the UAD Teletronix plugin is a must-have addition to any audio arsenal. It's not just a tool; it's a sonic time machine that transports your recordings to a bygone era of warmth and richness. Highly recommended!"D. MALUL
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 replicating the iconic Teletronix hardware is truly remarkable. From its lush, creamy compression to its subtle harmonic enhancement, this plugin breathes new life into digital audio, adding depth and character that's reminiscent of the golden age of recording.
Whether I'm working on vocals, drums, or guitars, the UAD Teletronix plugin consistently delivers that coveted vintage vibe, instantly elevating the quality of my mixes. Its intuitive interface makes it a breeze to dial in the perfect settings, allowing for effortless customization to suit any project.
Overall, the UAD Teletronix plugin is a must-have addition to any audio arsenal. It's not just a tool; it's a sonic time machine that transports your recordings to a bygone era of warmth and richness. Highly recommended!"A. Vaicenavicius
zero stars
terrible customer service, when you buy plugins they don't belong to you at all. If you buy multiple interfaces in particular, you cannot transfer any of the plugins with them unless you completely leave the uad system. the worst. the support is incredibly unfriendly too.
T. Teske
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: Pultec EQs and the LA-2A compressor. I'm saving to buy analog modules of both.
L. Hanson
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 best software compressor - I've tried quite a few. And, while many of them are decent, I almost always end up using a Teletronix LA-2A. They just work.A. G
Super
I recommend to
G. Prama
it's perfect
one of the best so far especially for vocal and guitar
E. Sedrick
Best ITB LA-2A
Unlike other plugins trying to emulate this hardware, the UAD version is very close. Very smooth. The 3 different revisions all have quite different attack times, meaning this collection is a lot more flexible than it seems with just the two knobs.
P. Wyer
Smooth and reliable tones
Excellent compressor, nice to have the set to mix and match for Vox and guitars,
M. Morrise
Great workhorse for vocal leveling
I purchased the LA-2A Leveler Collection in October 2023 through Plugin Boutique. License registration to my UA account was quick and easy. It's been lovely to have access to sweet, sweet optoelectrical compression. The LA-2A is considered a studio staple with good reason, and UA have delivered a fine set of emulations.
B. DAS
good plugis
i love this product
A. Grujic
Good sounding, trustful
Using it for a several years, very good choice for vocals
J. Janev
This compressor is a miracle!
I've tried all sorts of 20-knob compressors and finally the LA-2A sounds better again :-) It's been my favorite compressor for decades! The Gray version is my first choice for vocals and piano (usually after another quick compressor). The Silver one I use more for other instruments. And the LA-2 is very special! It's very slow, but if matched with some smoother instrument (synth or pad), the sound becomes amazing!
S. Davis
Great leveling amp.
Had a couple of mixes that sounded good but was just missing something. Ran mixes with the LA-2A leveling amp and boom problem solved.
R. Butler
Blows waves ver. out the water
Excellent comp a part of my vocal chain. A go to for pro results everytime.
