I look at LA-2A’s and 1176’s (which we’ll dissect in a later video) as my compression salt and pepper. Using a Limiter The LA2A can be a wonderful subtle and transparent comp and hard to … On the LA2A (or other comps for that matter), the magic is not remembering the setting of the threshold ("Peak reduction" on the LA2A), but listening (duh), and watching the needle to see, how much it actually compresses. It can gently up the RMS level and ride peaks without apparent pumping artefacts. Opto compressors, such as the Universal Audio LA-2A, are popular for treating vocals, drums, and bass guitars in pop and rock music, where a larger than life sound is desired. The scope of dynamics the 1176 offers with exploding Bonham type drums and super dynamic vocal transients is not even in the vocabulary of an LA2A. An 1176 in front of an LA2A will catch the fast peaks before it hits the LA2A. Circuitry & Technology. I love the LA2A and use it on everything from Kick Drum, Tom Toms, Drum Submixes, Vocals and even Mastering when I need to add a little "authority" to the sound. There’s nothing I can’t do with both of these in a session For rock and roll the LA2A is not a substuitute in any way for the 1176 IMO. The input and output transformers, for example, are the same as those … Having the pair is the ultimate vocal combo. By the same token, the Universal Audio 1176 LN , which as an FET compressor, is one of the most popular of all time for drums, electric … Let’s say you have a busy rhythm guitar part, a bright synth, or even a tambourine part … Slate VMR – I like to use the 1176 emulation included in this plugin for faster dynamic control when needed. Indicator LEDs would spoil the look of the unit, though, and (with the exception of the polarity switch) inappropriate settings would usually be obvious anyway. The Waves CLA-2A used to be my favorite opto compressor, that is until I heard … I'll use it on anything that works, usually compressing, unless the occasion arises where I need to tame some peaks, and I'll switch it into limiting … We don’t often think of using a vocal track as a sidechain signal for compressors on instrument tracks, but this can be a great way to tame instruments competing with the vocals. You can dial the LA2A in more precisely, (even more than you are now because you are using the 1176 in front). My thoughts on each compressor are below: Waves CLA-2A. Waves CLA2A – Any LA2A emulation is perfect for lighter tonal compression. Hello, Ian Vargo here with The Pro Audio Files. I used some EQ and de-essing on the vocal prior to the compression. This vocal track suited such a test well due to the fact it is dynamic which pushes the compressor harder at points. The LA2A's winning combination of electro‑optical compression, transformers and valve amplification can also be found in a couple of other units well‑respected for vocal use, Tube Tech's CL1B and Avalon's VT737SP, so if you like what an LA2A can do for your vocals you may find that these models provide useful alternative … Thus, allowing the LA2A to be more proficient, especially for vocals and bass. We recently released an article on the five things to listen for when using a compressor, and first up is one of the most common uses for compressors, which is the control of dynamics and taming peaks. LA-2A compressors are absolute go-to’s for me when I’m recording and mixing things like bass guitar and vocals. The LA2A is a real classic tube-powered opto compressor/limiter. The LA610 draws heavily on the original 610 and LA2A circuitry. I have messed around with the settings and continue to be a bit dissatisfied with how the vocals sound once I play back the recording on the DAW. Of all the compressors, this one can be the most transparent and great sounding on vocals and in stereo mode is one of the secret weapons of mastering engineers. I am currently working with the following vocal chain: Neumann U87 into Warm Audio 1073 clone into Warm Audio 1176 clone into Warm Audio LA2A clone, into an Apollo Twin. Waves Renaissance Vocals – This plugin just has one control and it’s AWESOME. Vocals As Input To Sidechain Compression. Today is the first in a five part video series on compression.