LA-2A edition

Name: LA-2A edition | LA-2A edition
Uploaded: 2021-10-15T10:39:15.000000Z
Duration: 2090
Description: The Teletronix LA-2A Optical compressor is one of the most venerable pieces of outboard gear in recording history. It has a compression behavior, tone and character that have made it an essential staple for engineers since its release in 1962.

Tutorials

LA-2A edition

w/ Fab Dupont

LA-2A edition

35 min • 2021

Deutsch, English, Spanish, French, Italian, Portuguese

The Teletronix LA-2A Optical compressor is one of the most venerable pieces of outboard gear in recording history. It has a compression behavior, tone and character that have made it an essential staple for engineers since its release in 1962.

In this puremix exclusive video, world renowned mixing engineer and producer, Fab Dupont, explains what makes the LA-2As compression behavior special, how to listen to the idiosyncrasies of the box, and demonstrates some lesser known features.

Learn how to listen to the Teletronix LA-2A compressor with A/B examples between different plugins and a hardware unit, and discover how to get the most out of this classic in your sessions.

See how Fab Dupont:

Explains how optical compressors work
Breaks down the controls of the LA-2A
Discusses the unique release time characteristics of the LA-2A
Explains the difference between the compress and limit modes
Compares different Universal Audio Plugin emulations to his hardware LA-2A
Explains the emphasis knob and how to use it
Compares the LA-2A with an Oxford compressor to show the differences of an LA-2A
Demonstrates the tone of simply running through the LA-2A without compression
Shows how to use an LA-2A as a 2-bus compressor

28 reviews

thepushandpull • Saturday, July 8, 2023

Owl • Tuesday, April 11, 2023

Super fascinating, and really opened my ears to these units. Thank you. Also good know that the uad plugin versions are not too far off the hardware.

Mr Rambolini • Saturday, October 8, 2022

I never knew I needed to know this. Another fascinating and educational video. Thank you so much!

tal • Thursday, June 30, 2022

I found this very interesting and useful, but I think there's an error in the video - when Fab compares the LA-2A with the Oxford the LA-2A is set to Limit, which as Fab pointed out earlier is a 10:1 ratio, but when trying to match the settings on the Oxford he sets it to 4:1. To get as much GR on the highest peak he has to set the threshold lower, so no wonder the Oxford compresses lower parts of the signal. So, if I understand correctly, the comparison is void as far as compression is strictly considered. The other differences apply. Thanks for a great lesson!

Grabuster • Sunday, April 10, 2022

Amazing trip on LA-2A comp/limiter !!! I enjoy it a lot…Inlove to see the hardware in action! Merci ;)

rielly.m • Wednesday, February 9, 2022

Wow I feel like I hear more low end and warmth in the hardware. Seems like the Legacy is the most "unbiased" or clean. Then the silver is prob my fav plugin.

billabong859 • Wednesday, December 22, 2021

Can you please discuss stereo vs. dual mono compression on the mix buss? I am working on a percussion track with lots of independent instruments in the stereo field. dual mono makes is really different feel. Would be great to get your take on it.