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Quick answer: The LA-2A Classic Leveling Amplifier is genuine Universal Audio analog studio hardware, hand-built in the USA. Priced at $4999.00, sold brand-new by Victory Musical Instruments, a veteran-owned authorized UA dealer in Miami, FL. Questions? Call 844-687-4208.
UA's famed optical tube compressor, true to the original design — and a piece of audio recording history. The Teletronix LA-2A Classic Leveling Amplifier remains the end-all vocal compressor in professional studios worldwide, point-to-point handwired at Universal Audio's Custom Shop in Santa Cruz, California, to the exact specifications of the original 1960s units.
At a Glance
| Brand | Universal Audio |
|---|---|
| Model | LA-2A Classic Leveling Amplifier |
| Category | Amplifier |
| Form factor | Stompbox / pedal-format |
| Price | $4999.00 |
| SKU / MPN | LA2A |
| Condition | New (factory sealed) |
| Warranty | Full Universal Audio manufacturer warranty |
| Sold by | Victory Musical Instruments — veteran-owned authorized UA dealer, Miami FL |
Overview
For over 50 years, the Teletronix LA-2A has been revered for its smooth, natural, musical compression. Its unique tube-driven electro-optical attenuator system delivers instantaneous gain reduction with no increase in harmonic distortion — massaging signals like no other compressor ever made. Founded on Jim Lawrence's pioneering optical compression design from the early 1960s, the LA-2A was acquired by UA founder M.T. "Bill" Putnam and continues to be manufactured today, exactly as it was decades ago.
Key Features
- Authentic T4 Electro-Optical Cell — The heart of the LA-2A's signature program-dependent compression character.
- Tube-Driven Gain Stage — Vintage tube circuitry adds the warmth and harmonic richness the LA-2A is famous for.
- Two-Knob Operation — Peak Reduction and Gain controls dial in compression and output level with effortless simplicity.
- Limit/Compress Switch — Choose between hard limiting and gentler compression behaviors.
- Adjustable VU Metering — Three-position switch displays gain reduction, +4 output, or +10 output levels.
- Hand-Wired Point-to-Point — Built at UA's Custom Shop in Santa Cruz, California, with every component evaluated for authenticity.
- Less Than 0.5% Total Harmonic Distortion — Clean, transparent leveling even at heavy gain reduction.
- Original 1960s Topology — No modern shortcuts; the same circuit that built the sound of countless hit records.
The Vocal Compressor Standard
The LA-2A is the compressor by which other vocal compressors are measured. Its gentle, program-dependent optical compression handles lead vocals with a smoothness no VCA or FET design can replicate — flattering dynamics without choking the performance. Acoustic guitars, bass DI, drum room mics, mix bus glue — the LA-2A excels at every traditional use case, but it's lead vocals where decades of producers reach for it first. Paired with a 1176 in series, you get the iconic two-stage chain that shaped modern recording.
Built at UA's Custom Shop
Every LA-2A unit is hand-built at Universal Audio's Custom Shop in Santa Cruz, California. Every component — from tubes to transformers to the T4 optical cell — is carefully selected and matched. This isn't a reissue in the marketing sense; it's the same compressor, built the same way, in the same town, by the same company that bought the rights to the design from Teletronix's founder.
Technical Specifications
- Compression Type — Tube-driven electro-optical (T4 cell)
- Input Impedance — 50, 150, 250, 600 ohms (selectable)
- Output Load Impedance — 50, 150, 250, 600 ohms (selectable)
- External Connections — Jones Barrier terminals and XLR connectors
- Frequency Response — +0/-1 dB, 30 Hz to 15 kHz
- Gain — 40 dB ±1 dB
- Input Level — +16 dB maximum
- Output Level — +10 dB nominal, +16 dB maximum
- Distortion — Less than 0.5% THD
- Construction — Hand-wired point-to-point
- Country of Origin — Made in USA (Santa Cruz, California)
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this analog hardware or a plug-in?
This is real Universal Audio analog studio hardware (rackmount), hand-built in the USA. It is not a software plug-in.
What is it best used for?
UA preamps and channel strips are used to track vocals and instruments with rich, musical analog tone, and to add character that digital preamps cannot replicate.
Is the LA-2A Classic Leveling Amplifier a genuine Universal Audio product?
Yes. Victory Musical Instruments is a veteran-owned, authorized Universal Audio dealer based in Miami, FL. Every unit is brand-new, factory-sealed, and covered by the full UA manufacturer warranty.
Can I get help choosing or setting it up?
Absolutely. You'll talk to real people, not a call center. Call us at 844-687-4208 and we'll help you spec the right gear and get it running.
Why Buy from Victory Musical Instruments
Victory Musical Instruments is a veteran-owned authorized UA retailer based in Miami, FL. When you invest in a hand-built classic like the LA-2A, you want a dealer who'll actually pick up the phone. We back every sale with real human support and the kind of follow-through that only comes from a small dedicated team. Active duty, veterans, reservists, and eligible family save with our ID.me military discount program.