Optical compressors all react more slowly than VCA- or FET-based designs, such as the aforementioned 1176, and the LA-2A is no exception. With the ratio set, you juggle the output Gain and Peak Reduction (threshold) controls until you have the desired amount of gain reduction and the desired signal level flowing to the next device in the signal chain. A Compress/Limit switch sets the ratio and knee - Compress gives you a soft knee and a 4:1 ratio, whereas Limit gives you a ratio of (to all intents and purposes) infinity. There are three main user controls on the front panel. One of these is used to govern the amount of ‘leveling’ (gain reduction) applied to the audio signal, and the other to control the VU meter (which may be switched to display gain reduction or output level). In turn, the panel becomes more or less bright and the resistance of both photoresistors changes accordingly. As the incoming signal level changes so does the voltage of the side-chain control signal. The side-chain control signal of this ‘leveling amplifier’ (a term derived from its original intended application in broadcast) is drawn from the input signal, and feeds a T4 ‘opto’ cell, which comprises an electro-luminescent panel attached to a pair of photoresistors, all sealed from external light. The presence of a number of valves and input/output transformers does, of course, contribute to the sonic character, but the beating heart of the LA-2A design is its optical gain-reduction circuitry.
I’ll then discuss how faithful a recreation Warm have managed to make, and what, if any, corners they’ve had to cut along the way.
First, let’s consider what has earned the LA-2A it’s enviable reputation. Once again, the idea is to produce an authentic but affordable recreation this time, we have a remake of the Teletronix LA-2A, which is another of those characterful yet versatile processors that have proven enduringly popular. The WA-2A isn’t Warm Audio’s first homage to a Universal Audio compressor - we reviewed the FET-based WA76, a Rev D 1176 clone, back in SOS May 2014 ( ). Warm Audio promise us an authentic recreation of the Teletronix LA-2A for a fraction of the price.
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