Universal Audio UAFX LA-2A Studio Comp B-Stock

B-Stock with Full Warranty
Return that may have slight traces of use.

Effect Pedal for Electric Guitar

Compressor
Authentic emulation of the Teletronix LA-2A optical tube compressor / limiter
Mix control for simple parallel compression effects
True / Buffered-Bypass
Power supply via optional mains adapter 9 V DC, centre negative, min. 250 mA (not included - suitable mains adapter: Art. 543322)
Input: 6.3 mm jack
Output: 6.3 mm jack
USB Type-C connection for updates via computer
Dimensions (W x H x D): 6.55 x 5.81 x 12.07 mm
Weight: 0.299 kg

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3-Year Thomann Warranty

Available since November 2023
Item number 583222
Sales Unit 1 piece(s)
Effect Types Compressor

Also available as brand new product £158

£146

All prices incl. VAT

Sales Rank

in Miscellaneous Guitar Effects

Opto compressor in pedal format

The LA-2A monophonic electro-optical tube compressor/limiter from Teletronix, a studio legend from the early sixties, has been accurately recreated by Universal Audio as a compact pedal designed for both guitarists and bassists. It allows users to adjust the compression intensity, output level, and blend with the original signal, while toggle switches offer a choice between moderate compression and limiter operation. Additionally, the back panel provides extra switches for shortening the release time compared to the original and switching between buffered and true bypass modes.

Smooth tube compression for guitarists and bassists

The carefully reproduced classic compressor circuitry of the Universal Audio UAFX LA-2A Studio Compressor, which uses optocouplers as the control element, provides authentic sound quality in the digital emulation and operates with virtually no latency thanks to a fast signal processor. Designed for stage use, the pedal's input levels and impedances are optimised for electric guitars and basses, while its straightforward layout of three controls and two switches makes adjustments easy. The input control sets the operating point, the output level is fine-tuned, and parallel compression can be added by blending in the original signal, while a multi-coloured status LED provides a clear visual indication of the compression intensity - all enabling quick adjustments to be made to the sound.

Universal Audio UAFX LA-2A rear panel with connectors

Straight to the point

The LA-2A Studio Compressor is a true specialist, delivering a balanced, clean sound that has earned it a loyal following for its smooth tonal balance. The musical response, shaped by optical control elements, offers a distinct alternative to ultra-fast dynamic processors or devices that heavily colour the signal. With its eye firmly on guitarists and bassists seeking a high-quality compressor for their pedalboards, Universal Audio combines this classic character with flexibility, offering a switchable compression ratio (4:1 in compressor mode and 12:1 in limiter mode) and adjustable release time to effectively tailor the sound to both the instrument and individual playing style.

About Universal Audio

Few manufacturers can draw upon a wealth of audio engineering experience comparable to that of Universal Audio. The company's founding father Bill Putnam, along with his friend Les Paul, have an admirable reputation as trend-setting music producers and developers of legendary analogue studio technology. Putnam recorded Chuck Berry, Muddy Waters, and Sarah Vaughan, and was Duke Ellington's favourite sound engineer. He developed the famous 1176 Peak Limiter and distributed the Teletronix LA-2A level amplifier. This earned him a posthumous "Technical Grammy Award" in 2000. In 1999, Putnam's sons, Bill Putnam Jr. and James Putnam, re-founded Universal Audio, transferring their father's analogue vision and craftsmanship to the digital music world. Their product range includes audio interfaces, dedicated DSP farms, and a variety of plug-ins, as well as analogue hardware devices.

Warm, musical sound signature

For decades, the LA-2A has been a reliable solution in the studio, known for its warm, mellow compression, and like the original, the Universal Audio pedal model responds slowly, allowing transients to pass through unregulated without creating pumping effects. Bassists in particular will benefit from the LA-2A's low-end compression, which provides balanced warmth and pressure without losing definition. The LA-2A Studio Compressor also enriches the sound of electric guitars, with the added flexibility of blending the uncompressed signal in parallel to further shape the tone.

Detailed explanation

Modeling – made by Universal Audio

Universal Audio is a leading player when it comes to modelling studio technology, effect devices, and tube amplifiers. The circuitry of often rare originals is meticulously measured, right down to individual components, capturing specific values and characteristics. The result is a virtual digital model that faithfully recreates the sonic traits of the original, including the effect that its various controls and switches have on the sound. Depending on the device being modelled, other defining elements and accessories are also incorporated.

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