{"product_id":"la-2a-classic-leveling-amplifier","title":"LA-2A Classic Leveling Amplifier","description":"\u003cp class=\"aeo-answer\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eQuick answer:\u003c\/strong\u003e 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eUA's famed optical tube compressor, true to the original design — and a piece of audio recording history.\u003c\/strong\u003e 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eAt a Glance\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003ctable style=\"border-collapse:collapse;width:100%;max-width:640px;\"\u003e\n  \u003ctbody\u003e\n    \u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth scope=\"row\" style=\"text-align:left;padding:6px 14px 6px 0;vertical-align:top;white-space:nowrap;\"\u003eBrand\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding:6px 0;\"\u003eUniversal Audio\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n    \u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth scope=\"row\" style=\"text-align:left;padding:6px 14px 6px 0;vertical-align:top;white-space:nowrap;\"\u003eModel\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding:6px 0;\"\u003eLA-2A Classic Leveling Amplifier\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n    \u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth scope=\"row\" style=\"text-align:left;padding:6px 14px 6px 0;vertical-align:top;white-space:nowrap;\"\u003eCategory\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding:6px 0;\"\u003eAmplifier\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n    \u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth scope=\"row\" style=\"text-align:left;padding:6px 14px 6px 0;vertical-align:top;white-space:nowrap;\"\u003eForm factor\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding:6px 0;\"\u003eStompbox \/ pedal-format\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n    \u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth scope=\"row\" style=\"text-align:left;padding:6px 14px 6px 0;vertical-align:top;white-space:nowrap;\"\u003ePrice\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding:6px 0;\"\u003e$4999.00\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n    \u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth scope=\"row\" style=\"text-align:left;padding:6px 14px 6px 0;vertical-align:top;white-space:nowrap;\"\u003eSKU \/ MPN\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding:6px 0;\"\u003eLA2A\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n    \u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth scope=\"row\" style=\"text-align:left;padding:6px 14px 6px 0;vertical-align:top;white-space:nowrap;\"\u003eCondition\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding:6px 0;\"\u003eNew (factory sealed)\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n    \u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth scope=\"row\" style=\"text-align:left;padding:6px 14px 6px 0;vertical-align:top;white-space:nowrap;\"\u003eWarranty\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding:6px 0;\"\u003eFull Universal Audio manufacturer warranty\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n    \u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth scope=\"row\" style=\"text-align:left;padding:6px 14px 6px 0;vertical-align:top;white-space:nowrap;\"\u003eSold by\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding:6px 0;\"\u003eVictory Musical Instruments — veteran-owned authorized UA dealer, Miami FL\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n  \u003c\/tbody\u003e\n\u003c\/table\u003e\n\n\n\u003ch2\u003eOverview\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFor 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eKey Features\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eAuthentic T4 Electro-Optical Cell\u003c\/strong\u003e — The heart of the LA-2A's signature program-dependent compression character.\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eTube-Driven Gain Stage\u003c\/strong\u003e — Vintage tube circuitry adds the warmth and harmonic richness the LA-2A is famous for.\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eTwo-Knob Operation\u003c\/strong\u003e — Peak Reduction and Gain controls dial in compression and output level with effortless simplicity.\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eLimit\/Compress Switch\u003c\/strong\u003e — Choose between hard limiting and gentler compression behaviors.\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eAdjustable VU Metering\u003c\/strong\u003e — Three-position switch displays gain reduction, +4 output, or +10 output levels.\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eHand-Wired Point-to-Point\u003c\/strong\u003e — Built at UA's Custom Shop in Santa Cruz, California, with every component evaluated for authenticity.\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eLess Than 0.5% Total Harmonic Distortion\u003c\/strong\u003e — Clean, transparent leveling even at heavy gain reduction.\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eOriginal 1960s Topology\u003c\/strong\u003e — No modern shortcuts; the same circuit that built the sound of countless hit records.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eThe Vocal Compressor Standard\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eBuilt at UA's Custom Shop\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eEvery 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eTechnical Specifications\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eCompression Type\u003c\/strong\u003e — Tube-driven electro-optical (T4 cell)\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eInput Impedance\u003c\/strong\u003e — 50, 150, 250, 600 ohms (selectable)\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eOutput Load Impedance\u003c\/strong\u003e — 50, 150, 250, 600 ohms (selectable)\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eExternal Connections\u003c\/strong\u003e — Jones Barrier terminals and XLR connectors\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eFrequency Response\u003c\/strong\u003e — +0\/-1 dB, 30 Hz to 15 kHz\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eGain\u003c\/strong\u003e — 40 dB ±1 dB\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eInput Level\u003c\/strong\u003e — +16 dB maximum\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eOutput Level\u003c\/strong\u003e — +10 dB nominal, +16 dB maximum\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eDistortion\u003c\/strong\u003e — Less than 0.5% THD\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eConstruction\u003c\/strong\u003e — Hand-wired point-to-point\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eCountry of Origin\u003c\/strong\u003e — Made in USA (Santa Cruz, California)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eFrequently Asked Questions\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eIs this analog hardware or a plug-in?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis is real Universal Audio analog studio hardware (rackmount), hand-built in the USA. It is not a software plug-in.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eWhat is it best used for?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eUA 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eIs the LA-2A Classic Leveling Amplifier a genuine Universal Audio product?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eYes. 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eCan I get help choosing or setting it up?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAbsolutely. 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eWhy Buy from Victory Musical Instruments\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eVictory 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.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Universal Audio","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":44131384983603,"sku":"LA2A","price":4999.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1768\/9095\/files\/teletronix_la-2a_classic_leveling_amplifier_gallery_1_5fa986bf-c28a-4d52-882a-a2a795d257a4.png?v=1774032912","url":"https:\/\/www.victorymusical.com\/products\/la-2a-classic-leveling-amplifier","provider":"Victory Musical Instruments","version":"1.0","type":"link"}