The Teletronix LA-2A is one of around half a dozen pieces of vintage studio gear that can have grown producers weeping into their mixes, such is its ‘magic dust’ reputation. This leveling amplifier has been with us for around 60 years, and many engineers swear by it for recording many different sounds or adding ‘just that little something’ to a mix. However, there are slightly different viewpoints on just why it is so good, with some citing its transparent and natural sound, while others say it adds lovely warmth and colour. The truth is that it can do all of this and more, but one thing most people agree on is that the LA-2A just sounds wonderful.
The LA-2A is a tube compressor that uses optical compression – unlike the more common FET or VCA compressors – which gives the compressor a unique character. It has few controls with attack and release times set, so neither is adjustable. These are both relatively slow, giving a very smooth character and natural-sounding compression
