Invented in the 1960s, resurrected by Universal Audio in 2000, and heard all over the most iconic records in music history, the Teletronix LA-2A limiter is essentially synonymous with the concept of studio compression. From piece-by-piece hardware replications to cutting-edge digital plug-in models, Universal Audio offers stunning LA-2A-inspired tools in many forms, but the UAFX Teletronix LA-2A Studio Compressor is by far the company's most pedalboard-friendly release yet. This compact 3-knob powerhouse packs the power of Universal Audio’s immensely powerful LA-2A digital algorithm onboard, recreating the soft, mellow compression of the original unit right down to the tubes, transformers, and T4 optical cell distortions. Besides the intuitive Peak, Gain, and Mix knobs, this pedal also sports a Comp/Limit switch for all the versatility of the original. Put the power of studio-grade compression onto your pedalboard with Universal Audio’s Teletronix LA-2A Studio Compressor pedal.
Just like the original LA-2A this pedal sports a rather spartan control setup, making it a breeze to reign in dynamics with smooth, soft, and utterly vintage-inspired compression. A pair of Gain and Peak controls come straight off of the original unit, while the convenient Mix knob adds a touch of modern versatility by allowing you to balance your compressed signal and your dry signal. Plus, the Teletronix LA-2A pedal comes equipped with the same Comp/Limit switch found on vintage units. When testing this pedal out at Sweetwater, we found the Comp/Limit switch to be a subtle yet powerful tool, with the Limit side supplying a slightly more aggressive feel than the soft, lush sound of the Comp side.
Universal Audio’s legacy lies in the studio, and that fact often shines through its pedals’ predilection for diverse and complex sonic sculpting possibilities. Frankly, few pedals can match the sheer depth of UAFX designs, but sometimes, a slightly more straightforward design can be preferable. Universal Audio’s scaled-down UAFX pedals pack the same studio-grade sound as their bigger brothers — often with the same algorithms — but with an intuitive knob-per-function design that’s just at home on the stage as it is in the studio.
