LA-2A-GO TO Compressor/Limiter?

[buzzsmith]

Morning...

I have a (male) client who would like to experiment recording his vocals with the LA-2A. We could probably rent one. He just wants to see if it makes any "difference".



I already use a PreSonus ADL600 Mic Pre but it has no limiting or compression. I've gotten very used to recording without any compressor/limiter.

What do some other members use as their hardware "go-to" vocal compressor/limiter?

(I know each voice can be different...just a general question.)

Thanks...

Buzzy

[newrigel]

You can't go wrong!

[wrathy]

I see you have a UAD card.
Why not try the plugin?

http://www.uaudio.com/products/software/la2a/index.html

Just a thought.
Also, no attempt here to start a plugin vs the real hardware unit debate!

(I like the plug, although I am also not a big compression during recording fan...)

best.

[buzzsmith]

I see you have a UAD card.
Why not try the plugin?

http://www.uaudio.com/products/software/la2a/index.html

Just a thought.
Also, no attempt here to start a plugin vs the real hardware unit debate!

(I like the plug, although I am also not a big compression during recording fan...)

best.

I need to upgrade to the newer UAD card since I switched to the Quad-Core Intel a few months ago. Unfortunately, there's not a really big discount for previous owners to go to the new card.

Also, I want to do it in real time with no latency.

Thanks...

Buzzy

[HCMarkus]

Aphex 240 for transparent control on input is my current choice.

You might look into this... http://www.uaudio.com/products/hardware ... index.html

[rodger1811]

I love the LA-2A a lot and I use on most of my vocalist. However, when I have a really aggressive and dynamic vocalist I tend to use the LA-3A. The LA-3A has faster attack and release features that tend to work better on aggressive vocalist. The LA-2A is smooth as butter but not fast enough for certain applications.

[newrigel]

A hardware LA2A is killer for tracking... The UAD's are more for post processing but you can't go wrong with UA anything. I upgraded to a another UAD 2 because I got a trade in on them and did the UAD1 to UAD2 transfer and got the Fatso free which is KILLER! None of the newer (as in to be released newer) plugs will run on the UAD1 so what you have now is all your ever going to have but if they are adequate, then why update but I want the newer plugs plus, I needed more power than only 2 cards could give since I already have the SSL Duende taking up one of my 3 slots. A hardware LA2A is killer... wished I had one!

[rodger1811]

None of the newer plugs are going to run on the UAD1:

Uh, well that's not exactly true, only the Manley, FATSO, EMT 250, Cooper Time Cube, and the Precision Enhancer Hz won't run on the UAD-1. The Harrison, Trident A-Range, and the 4K (SSL 4000) plugins are fairly new and all work on the UAD-1. That being said, the UAD 2 is WONDERFUL!!!!!

++++++1092576859593467984 for ANYTHING UA!!!!!

[newrigel]

None of the newer plugs are going to run on the UAD1:

Uh, well that's not exactly true, only the Manley, FATSO, EMT 250, Cooper Time Cube, and the Precision Enhancer Hz won't run on the UAD-1. The Harrison, Trident A-Range, and the 4K (SSL 4000) plugins are fairly new and all work on the UAD-1. That being said, the UAD 2 is WONDERFUL!!!!!

++++++1092576859593467984 for ANYTHING UA!!!!!

From the UA website:

Will UAD-1 products continue to be available?
As of June 2009, the UAD-1 product line has been discontinued. We still plan to continue support of the UAD-1 products with software updates, and will continue to develop and release UAD-1 versions of plug-ins whenever possible. Unfortunately some plug-ins cannot be ported due to resource and technical limitations. We hope you continue to enjoy using your UAD-1’s and hope you eventually upgrade to the UAD-2 platform.

So I take it that any of the new plugs are NOT going to be UAD1 compatible.... the "and hope you eventually upgrade to the UAD-2 platform" says it all!
The new plugs coming out aren't going to be even doable on a complete UAD1 card.
The plugs that run on the UAD1 are excellent... but the newer emulations are going to be way too much DSP for the UAD1 since they can't load balance over more than one card.

[Phil O]

I dunno. With 24 bit converters, I just don't see the need for compression while tracking. I'd much rather just track the vocal as is, and compress to taste while mixing. You can still use the LA2A (outboard) if you like. You'll just have to make the necessary latency adjustments.

BTW, I had the use of an LA2A hardware unit for a short period of time. Sweet!

Phil

[rodger1811]

None of the newer plugs are going to run on the UAD1:

Uh, well that's not exactly true, only the Manley, FATSO, EMT 250, Cooper Time Cube, and the Precision Enhancer Hz won't run on the UAD-1. The Harrison, Trident A-Range, and the 4K (SSL 4000) plugins are fairly new and all work on the UAD-1. That being said, the UAD 2 is WONDERFUL!!!!!

++++++1092576859593467984 for ANYTHING UA!!!!!

From the UA website:

Will UAD-1 products continue to be available?
As of June 2009, the UAD-1 product line has been discontinued. We still plan to continue support of the UAD-1 products with software updates, and will continue to develop and release UAD-1 versions of plug-ins whenever possible. Unfortunately some plug-ins cannot be ported due to resource and technical limitations. We hope you continue to enjoy using your UAD-1’s and hope you eventually upgrade to the UAD-2 platform.

So I take it that any of the new plugs are NOT going to be UAD1 compatible.... the "and hope you eventually upgrade to the UAD-2 platform" says it all!
The new plugs coming out aren't going to be even doable on a complete UAD1 card.
The plugs that run on the UAD1 are excellent... but the newer emulations are going to be way too much DSP for the UAD1 since they can't load balance over more than one card.

Like I said, not all..... The Trident A-Range for example came out after that date. As of June 2009, the UAD-1 product line was discontinued but "SOME" of the new plugs did and do still work on the UAD1. You're incorrect in that "none" are compatible. I own EVERY UA plugin and I know for sure that the Trident A-Range came out in July 2009 http://www.uaudio.com/press/releases/20 ... ident.html

[HCMarkus]

I hear you Phil. It is just a touch of compression on the way in for me, unless it is opera. Then, of course, it is no compression. Then again, I haven't recorded opera for 20, make that 30, years.

[cloudsplitter]

I use the Avalon 737sp 4:1 comp I adjust threshold to get 10db comp on the hardest hits fast attack semi-fast release....The tube warmth of the 737 is amazing..it is very transparent and very well built..I don't normally use the EQ on it as I tend to get the right mic for the sound instead of changing the sound to fit the mic. Just my 2 cents. I have never tried a LA-2A before.

[cloudsplitter]

I would like to add that another compressor that seems to have a large following is the DBX 160... I have used one of those and they are amazing for a $500 compressor. Some day I am going to get another one..!!

[rodger1811]

I dunno. With 24 bit converters, I just don't see the need for compression while tracking. I'd much rather just track the vocal as is, and compress to taste while mixing. You can still use the LA2A (outboard) if you like. You'll just have to make the necessary latency adjustments.

BTW, I had the use of an LA2A hardware unit for a short period of time. Sweet!

Phil

I agree 1000% With 24 bit, there is now PLENTY of headroom to catch transients without going over. There's really NO NEED to record at more than and average -18 dBFS. I can appreciate how compressors can color the sound but that can be done after the fact.