LA-2A Compressor - Tips, Tricks, and Technical Walkthrough 

Just a quick note, “Mixing With Compression” is currently on sale at 20% off, until June 3rd, 2024.

Very nice explanation - thanks!

This is a fantastic example of "learn your tools." I didn't realize some of these, so thanks!

That uad is probably the best emulation of all compressor emulations out there.

Thanks for posting this video and distinguishing the differences between the different LA 2, LA-2A models and how they affect different audio signals.

Great video ! Love my LA2A. So musical

Awesome video, the LA-2A is my favorite compressor of all time!

Really enjoyed this video! In terms of the sidechain, to my knowledge it is a feedback style compressor although to your point, ive also found the language used throughout the manual to be confusing at times. Id imagine this is due to a majority of it remaining unedited since its release many decades ago. Found myself having to re-read it quite a few times, My reason for believing this is the terminal points used to link units seem to be sending voltage from the output stage and are also adjacent to the output contacts on the rear strip iirc. Disclaimer though, I could be totally wrong Im not a formally trained tech. I work out of a studio that has a pair and ive been tasked with doing various mods related to the sidechain and stereo linking over the years.

I adore this content THANK YOU. Also, “series of tubes” - classic

Love you Matt Weiss, ur unbelievably giving

Amazing Video!!!! The music was dope 👌

Keep these coming great vid

Never thought of using a compressor as a desser by high passing, will try and remember that, maybe use two compressors in a row..... Leaving comments for the algorithm. Thanks for the info

Dear Mr.Weiss. I've been following you for some time now and you are the one who taught me that a compressor is a shaping device so thank you for that. If you could mention the two stage decay of LA-2A and it's advantages or disadvantages that would be a great addition.

you are the man bro , appreciate u sharing your knowledge

I love to be learning from you Coach !

Love your videos!

I have the UAD Apollo and several UAD plugins. I really need to sit and learn how to use allllll of them. Thanks for this

Thanks Matt!

Wow! "We are electricians, current is our instrument" LOL catch you next time. Joking aside this was very interesting. Thank you.

I am enjoying the video

This advice is nice, Weiss.

This is such an informative, amazing video! Can't say how much I would love to see this for other notable compressors! Maybe distressor, or the API 2500?

The legacy one uses a lot less DSP if that is a concern you work with. My UAD Solo only has 1 chip so I can run out using just 2 or 3 effects if I use the full versions. That one doesn't have the circuit modeling, I think, and as a result it is lighter but a less accurate emulation. Also, it doesn't have the mix knob. I notice you didn't use it in these examples, but I do use this compressor a lot for just a little compression and the mix knob helps me dial it in by "feel", as you say. I agree the verbiage UAD is using is misleading but maybe they are just poorly describing the fact that the sidechain signal is what is hitting the cell and controlling the action of the compression. I never used the sidechain 'screw' to de-ess vocals so thanks for the suggestion and your low-end theory. (You on point Weiss?) I use that mostly to make sure I don't take all the life out of drums and bass.

What do you think about something like the Chandler RS124? Would you choose the LA2A over it?

oh come on matthew thats not fair, those. examples already sounded pretty good and by the way the waves looks. they are already processed they look like they already have some eq and compression everything look so even... but thank u !! definetly one of the greatest emulations of the LA2A

Or you could try splitting the bass and using the lighter vintagey compression on the top end of the bass and a bit heavier compression on the the deeper part. Maybe not for this track.... But in general. 😎

This video was great, have you done this with any other classic hardware units? If not I would love if you turned this into a series! Great stuff

I record in my bedroom. No matter how i turn down the gain knob on my interface the noise is amplified when i add compression on the vocal and this is very frustrating. Dont know what to do

For me personally, not having another stage of compression before an LA2A on vocals is almost always impossible. I think it sounds best at 1-3dB GR. And me being a basic b**** like to pair it with an 1176 in front or sth similar. I think that really lets it shine

Hey Weiss do I get a PHD after watching the whole video?

I only want to see the schematic : )

The uad plugin bring up the low end i kinder stop using it I use plugin alliance or waves 😔

I think it’s considered feedback because the signal goes to the TB4 from the middle of the voltage divider; so any compression would lower the sidechain signal. To be feed forward that split would happen before that voltage divider entirely

My Dad had 4 LA-2A's, in his 4 track studio, that he bought new in the early 70's or late 60's. He sold them in the late 80's. I don't know what he sold them for.

What is difference between UA LA-2A silver and LA-2A Tube compressor?

Math I'm hoping uad see this offer to have u on they platform to debate with you over this lol I'll pay for front row seats to hear this debate with them lol

"I think even Universal Audio is getting it wrong!".. WILD!!!

whats the song tho? is it released?

You are telepathic, man! I was looking for this video among yours, this morning and it came out couple hours later 🤍 BTW love this video because I am evolving my channel sound crafting and want to know more about this specific compressor