The Best LA-2A Alternatives for Home Recording
Differnent ways to get that Opto Compression sound in your Studio.
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It’s hard to say the word “recording” without thinking of the LA-2A immediately. We’re looking at some of the best LA-2A alternatives to get that classic leveling amplifier sound in your studio.
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Designed by Teletronix founder James F. Lawrence II in the early 1960s, the LA-2A is renowned for its smooth compression contours and unmistakably pleasing waveshaping characteristics.
The automatic gain reduction is made possible with its optical tube-based design that makes use of an electroluminescent panel and a light-dependent resistor (T4 cell), providing flexible program-dependent compression.
Which are the best LA-2A Alternatives?
LA-2A recreations exist in many forms these days, and luckily, you don’t have to pay high-end prices to get a decent leveling amplifier that will improve your recordings. Here are some of the best examples of plug-ins and hardware in 500-series and 19-inch rackmount formats.
LA-2A Alternatives: Waves CLA-2A
As part of the Waves CLA Classic Compressors bundle, the CLA-2A is the most well-known software recreation of the classic LA-2A available. Designed in collaboration with Chris Lord-Alge, the plugin aims to bring the character of the original to your DAW.
The obvious attraction is the ability to have instances of plugins like these on every channel. While CLA-2A might not capture all the warmth and sonic character of the original, it does mimic the behaviour of the compressor rather well.
- More from Waves
LA-2A Alternatives: Softube OPTO Compressor
Part of Softube’s Icons Collection, the OPTO Compressor mimics the behaviour of the classic LA-2A in your DAW, and of course, the flexibility of software allows you to run multiple instances on every channel if you so desire. However, Softube has enhanced the functionality with a few unique modern features that make the OPTO Compressor plugin more flexible.
Naturally, the basics are covered, and it’s safe to say that the Softube team knows how to model analogue circuitry – it’s their bread and butter! While a basic LA-2A emulation usually gives you gain, reduction amount, and a mix control for parallel processing, the OPTO Compressor has a time parameter for slowing down the attack and release times.
Compression amount and gain have been consolidated into one knob, and there is an output gain control, which adds precision to the process. Also, there are advanced controls for the sidechain path, including a variable Sidechain Emphasis filter and a Sidechain Punch mode, which shapes the detection signal. Get it at Plugin Boutique.*
LA-2A Alternatives: Klark Teknik KT-2A
If you’re looking for the classic LA-2A feel on a budget, the KT-2A is built with 12AX7, 12BH7, and EL84 tubes as well as Midas transformers. So you still get a degree of authenticity for the price.
It’s also stereo-linkable, so you can run a pair over your mix bus. Overall, the KT-2A is the next logical step for those looking to step out of the plug-in world and find out what hardware compressors are all about.
- More from Klark Teknik
LA-2A Alternatives: ART PRO VLA II
The popular ART PRO VLA II is a tube-driven optical leveling amplifier that gives you more control than a typical LA-2A-style compressor. Not only does it provide 2 linkable channels, but you also have controls for the individual compression parameters.
You can easily use it to level your stereo bus or as two individual mono compressors to process separate inputs simultaneously. Overall, the VLA II is still a great option if you’re looking to buy your first compressor.
- More from ART
LA-2A Alternatives: Universal Audio
Besides its renowned hardware reissue of the LA-2A, Universal Audio also offers a range of alternatives, including plugin versions for native and UAD users, as well as a UAFX recreation in stomp box format. In the plugin options, you have the choice of the Teletronix LA-2A Silver version or the collection that includes emulations of the older Gray and LA-2 models.
For frequency-dependent compression, you can adjust the high-frequency emphasis screw on the control panel, and there is a range of artist presets to get you started. Meanwhile, the UAFX pedal version gives you all the basic controls of the original, with a mix control for parallel processing.
In addition, on the rear panel, there are switches to alternate between the standard and fast release times, and switch between buffered and true bypass modes. Overall, having the LA-2A in a pedal format is great for recording guitar and bass, as it allows you to shape the peaks and add some glue to performances on the way in. Get it at Thomann.*
LA-2A Alternatives: Warm Audio WA-2A
US manufacturer Warm Audio has a habit of building quality recreations of classic gear. Furthermore, doing so while keeping the average musician’s budget in mind. Therefore, the WA-2A is a prime example of this.
Not only is it built with decent quality parts like Cinemag transformers, but the WA-2A also has some useful modern additions like a stereo-link feature, which is incredibly useful in studio.
- More from Warm Audio
LA-2A Alternatives: Tegeler Audio
The beloved German designer Tegeler Audio Manufaktur has built a stellar reputation for creating hardware that draws inspiration from classic ideas but presents them in a way that suits modern recording workflows. Among their range of audio tools is an opto compressor, which you can find in the 500-series Vocal Leveler and the VTRC channel strip.
The Vocal Leveler module uses the same basic philosophy as the LA-2A, with a few tweaks. So you get program-dependent compression behaviour that determines the ratio, while being able to set the attack and release times to fast, slow, or auto. In addition, there is a stereo-link mode for running a pair of these Leveler modules, so you can process channel groups.
Meanwhile, the VTRC provides a complete recording channel with preamp, EQ, and compression stages. The opto compressor is one of two circuits (the other is a vari-mu circuit) that can be used independently or combined for different applications. Although the VTRC controls are limited, it’s meant to be a set-and-forget unit to use when the moment of inspiration strikes. Get it at Thomann.*
LA-2A Alternatives: IGS Audio One LA
The One LA from Polish Manufacturer IGS Audio is one of the best LA-2A-style compressors you’ll find. It’s available in both 500-series and 19-inch rackmount formats, which makes things more interesting.
In Compressor mode, you get a 4:1 ratio with a soft knee, while Limiter mode gives you a more angular knee setting with an 8:1 ratio. With the 19-inch rack version, you get the added advantage of larger stepped knobs and stereo-linking.
- More from IGS Audio
LA-2A Alternatives: Manley ELOP+
What if you want a similar peak-shaping character to the LA-2A, but without adding vintage colouration? Meet the Manley ELOP+, an optical compressor/limiter with mono/stereo operation that offers superior high-frequency preservation and a cleaner, more open sound. Also, there is an 80 Hz sidechain high-pass filter, which can also be set to 150 Hz with a simple internal mod.
In compressor mode, the ELOP+ uses a 3:1 ratio, 75 ms attack time, and 200 ms release time that provides the familiar glue for tracking vocals and instruments or using across stereo channel groups and mix bus. The limiter mode uses a fixed 10:1 ratio with a faster 15 ms attack time for catching peaks.
On single mono recording sources, the ELOP+ becomes a powerful enhancer when you chain the limiter on the first channel to the compressor on the second. This allows you to smooth the spiky transients and bring up the nuances and details, which is great for vocals, acoustic guitars, and bass guitars. Get it at Thomann.*
More about LA-2A Alternatives:
- Leveling Amplifiers
- All about Compressors
- Everything Vintage
- The History of the LA-2A
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3 responses to “The Best LA-2A Alternatives for Home Recording”
Overloud Gem Comp-LA.
Analog Obsession LALA.
Both superior to the Waves plugin. And bonus; they aren’t Waves.
Analog Obsession – lol.
Great software, if you don’t mind the same generic “analog” algorithm on every single thing they make. They don’t actually model anything.
You do realise the ART Pro VLA II (2) is now a discontinued product?
ART have released a Pro VLA III (3) model which replaced it some time ago.