The Universal Audio LA-2A Classic Leveling Amplifier is the tried and true, coveted and loved tube opto compressor. Vocals, bass, clean electric guitars - anywhere you want a smooth, fat, full, punchy, and warm sound that not only controls the dynamics of your audio, but adds depth, there is no compressor that offers what the LA-2A does.
The Universal Audio LA-2A Classic Leveling Amplifier is no reissue - it is the classic Teletronix LA-2A! True to the original design, UA's famed tube-amplified T4 electro-optical compressor is unmatched in performance and sound. It is the classic Cadillac of sound. Accept no copy! For over 50 years the Teletronix LA-2A has been revered for its smooth, natural, musical compression. WIth its unique tube-driven electro-optical attenuator system that allows instantaneous gain reduction with no increase in harmonic distortion, the LA-2A massages signals like no other compressor ever made.
- Dial-in legendary optical tube compression textures for vocals, bass, drums, and more
- Easily add iconic warmth and tube limiting with simple, easy-to-use controls
- Record your tracks through vintage UA, "handmade in the USA," circuits
- Track and mix with a piece of audio recording history
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.
The Real Deal
Universal Audio’s Teletronix LA-2A Classic Leveling Amplifier reissue provides the performance characteristics of the iconic original. With painstaking care, every new LA-2A unit is point-to-point handwired at Universal Audio's Custom Shop in Santa Cruz, California, with every component carefully evaluated for authenticity. As a result, today’s LA-2A will bring the same legendary compression characteristics of the original to all of your recordings. Demand the original.
Universal Audio LA-2A Classic Leveling Amplifier Features
- True to the original in design, manufacturing and performance
- Lag free, distortion free optical attenuator system
- Distortion less than 0.5% THD
- 0 to 40 dB gain limiting
- Balanced stereo interconnection
- Frequency response 1 dB, 30 to 15,000 cps
- Output level of 10 dBm and 40 dB gain
- Low noise – less than 70 dB below ±10 dBm output
Universal Audio LA-2A Classic Leveling Amplifier Specifications
- Input Impedance: 50, 150, 250, 600 ohms
- Output Load Impedance: 50, 150, 250, 600 ohms
- External Connections: Jones Barrier terminals and XLR connectors
- Frequency Response: +0/-1 dB 30 Hz to 15kHz
- Gain: 40 dB ±1dB
- Input Level: +16 dB maximum
- Output Level: +10 dB nominal, +16 dB maximum
- Distortion: Less than 0.5% THD (0.25% typical) at ±10 dBm
- Noise: 70 dB below +10 dBm output level
- Attack Time: 10 milliseconds
- Release Time: 0.06 seconds for 50% release; 0.5 to 5 seconds for complete release
- Meter: dB gain reduction and dB output
- Power Requirements: 35 watts, 120/240 volts, 50/60 Hz
- Maximum operating temperature: 160°F
- Dimensions: 19" Rackmount chassis, 3U
- Weight: 13 lbs.
Universal Audio LA-2A Classic Leveling Amplifier Includes
- LA-2A Classic Leveling Amplifier
- IEC Power Cable
- Manual & Literature
- Manufacturer Warranty
5 Reviews Hide Reviews Show Reviews
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A Timeless Studio Essential with Unmatched Performance
Nov 18th 2025One of the greatest compressors ever created — and the industry has known it for decades. The Universal Audio LA-2A is a non-negotiable classic in any professional setup, across any genre. Its signature optical compression, smooth response, and unmistakable character put it in a category entirely its own. Nothing else compares. Paired with a 1176, you get the iconic two-stage chain that shaped modern recording. Used on its own, it still delivers exceptional results. I’ve tested it on vocals and acoustic guitar, and the output is consistently warm, musical, and highly controllable. This is a cornerstone piece of gear. I strongly recommend the purchase. With the LA-2A, you simply can’t go wrong.
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Amazing on vocals
Aug 6th 2020Super transparent. Vocals and bass sound SO good through this thing.
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What a legend
Dec 9th 2019Needless to say, one of the best opto compressors of all time. It makes sound silky, sweet and come alive, and I prefer this gear as a limiter rather than a compressor.
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Classic
Jan 21st 2015What is there to say? I'm just another testament to this tried and true compressor/limiter. Throw on vocals and bass and you cannot go wrong. Smooth, silky, perfect.
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A legendary industry-standard compressor!
Jan 2nd 2011This limiter/compressor puts a silky smooth sheen on vocals like no other! If you want to emphasize the breath on vocals like on Kelly Clarkson's "Already Gone", for example, this device will do that. I haven't used it for bass yet, but I hear it works great for that, too.
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