LA-2A-GO TO Compressor/Limiter?

[newrigel]

Hey Roger, I'm talking about newer as in to be released not the newer already released old plugs he he...
I still would love an LA2A hardware unit!

[rodger1811]

Hey Roger, I'm talking about newer as in to be released not the newer already released old plugs he he...
I still would love an LA2A hardware unit!

We're on the same page bro! Here's what's clear, we both LOVE UA and highly recommend their products. You're a UA fan and that's good enough for me! Yeah, I'd like to have a outboard LA-2A to!!!

[buzzsmith]

Thanks, guys for all the great input.

Looks like I'll...

1. Rent a hardware LA-2A just to check it out with the interested client and...
2. Bite the bullet and upgrade to the UAD-2 card. (Just wish it wasn't like, $500.00)...Like James, with his recent new system, this sure adds up in a hurry! $$$.
3. And probably continue tracking most of the time with no compressor/limiter.

Buzzy

[BradLyons]

The LA2A is a hardware box unlike any other for tracking---I do agree that plugins for mixing are wonderful, but that doesn't make for a replacement for not having great outboard gear for tracking. The LA2A is pricey, but well worth it for what it does. The idea for limiting is not to over-compress, but have something that controls the transients and drastic changes in amplitude. I think GML makes the best one out there, but the LA2A is second best and that's nothing bad at all.

[newrigel]

The LA2A is a hardware box unlike any other for tracking---I do agree that plugins for mixing are wonderful, but that doesn't make for a replacement for not having great outboard gear for tracking. The LA2A is pricey, but well worth it for what it does. The idea for limiting is not to over-compress, but have something that controls the transients and drastic changes in amplitude. I think GML makes the best one out there, but the LA2A is second best and that's nothing bad at all.

Exactly... just use it as a leveler (hence it's name) and don't stomp the signal too much... they can be set in a way as to be pretty much transparent, and just add some body and fatness to the signal.

[buzzsmith]

Brad:

Which GML? The GML8900?

Thanks for weighing in.

Buzzy

[kassonica]

You can't go wrong!

This.

/thread

[David Polich]

Thanks, guys for all the great input.

Looks like I'll...

1. Rent a hardware LA-2A just to check it out with the interested client and...
2. Bite the bullet and upgrade to the UAD-2 card. (Just wish it wasn't like, $500.00)...Like James, with his recent new system, this sure adds up in a hurry! $$$.
3. And probably continue tracking most of the time with no compressor/limiter.

Buzzy

Buzzy, be sure to CHARGE the client for the rental.

Personally, I've used hardware LA2A's at sessions and I have the UAD-1
version. The UAD-1 emulation is as close as you can get to the hardware.
I love it, it's practically a miracle worker. Usually what I put on all
lead vocal tracks.

That said, tracking with a compressor colors the track with that particular
compressor's sonic imprint, and you can't undo it..you know the drill.