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Universal Audio LA-3A
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Universal Audio LA-3A
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« A compressor that is simple and super warm sounding  »

Published on 02/27/12 at 19:07
As with all U-Audio plugs purchase on-line, down loan activation file, enable the plug-in record...

UTILIZATION

See below for an detailed explanation.

SOUND QUALITY

I have yet to fins any U-Audio plug I don't absolutely love. Love this especially on kick or snare.

OVERALL OPINION

The original Teletronix LA-3A Audio Leveler made its debut at the 1969 New York AES show. Marking a departure from the tube design of the LA-2A Lev- eling Amplifier, the solid-state LA-3A offered a new sound in optical gain re- duction, with faster attack and release characteristics that were noticeably dif- ferent from its predecessor. Immediately embraced as a studio workhorse, the LA-3A is still widely used today. Engineers and producers the world over fa- vor the LA-3A for its unique compression characteristics and sonic signature. Modeled from a unit in UA's vintage collection, our digital emulation of the LA-3A faithfully captures the hardware's sound, working magic on vocals, guitars and drums.
This switch changes the characteristics of the compressor I/O curve. When set to Compress, the curve is more gentle, and presents a low compression ra- tio. When set to Limit, a higher compression ratio is used.
The Gain knob adjusts the output level (by up to 50 dB). Make sure to adjust the Gain control after the desired amount of compression is achieved with the Peak Reduction control. The Gain control does not affect the amount of com- pression.
This control adjusts the amount of gain reduction, as well as the relative threshold. A Peak Reduction value of 0 yields no compression. Rotate this con- trol clockwise until the desired amount of compression is achieved (to monitor the Peak Reduction, set the VU Meter to Gain Reduction). The Peak Reduction should be adjusted independently of the Gain control.
This switch sets the mode of the VU Meter and also disables the plug-in. When set to Gain Reduction, the VU Meter indicates the Gain Reduction level in dB. When set to output, the VU Meter represents the output level (the output meter is not calibrated).
When in the Off position, the plug-in is disabled and UAD DSP usage is re- duced.
Phase-coherent stereo imaging is maintained when the LA-3A plug-in is used on a stereo signal.
A great compressor in any one’s arsenal to have.