In a recent Instagram post, we’ve highlighted and explained why the LA-2A remains hugely popular more than 50 years after its original design, and suggested some free LA-2A alternatives.
If there are countless paid emulations of this vintage compressor by well known brands such as Universal Audio, Waves or Slate Digital, there are also less known but completely free ones that are well worth a try.
Below are a few of them, hopefully you will discover new helpful tools !
LALA
This emulation delivers all the features from the original unit, along with some extras such as an external sidechain input, a 3 band filter and mix knob for quick parallel compression.
TLS 1295 LEA
Borrowing all core functionalities from the original unit, it adds the ability to fine-tune almost every parameter, from the envelope timing and saturation level to the sidechain high-pass filter and dry/wet mix levels.
Leveling Tool
ADHD’s Leveling tool allows much more settings than the original LA-2A unit, such as variable ratios, adjustable attack/release times, an high-pass sidechain filter, a drive control and a dry/wet knob.
Slax
Sonic Anomaly’s Slax is a vintage compressor emulation loosely inspired by the LA-2A with a rather agressive and dark character which suits perfectly for vocals, drums or guitars.
[UPDATE NOV 2022]Dirty LA
Our friends at Bedroom Producers Blog just released Dirty LA, a free compression and saturation plugin inspired by the LA2A: You can choose between compression and limiting mode, blend the Dry and Wet signals to taste for parallel compression, or use BPB’s very own analog-style ‘Dirty’ saturation algorithms to help you add flavor and character to your tracks and tame more dynamic.
One comment
eltundjofficiall
10 October 2022 at 10 h 37 min
Nice Thanks