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Compressor Data Sheets

The document discusses four different audio leveling and limiting devices: the LA-3A audio leveler, LA-2A leveling amplifier, Fairchild 670 compressor/limiter, and AU 1176 limiter. It provides details on the specifications, history and usage of each device, and notes that while original vintage units can be extremely expensive, reissues and plugin emulators are available at lower costs.

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zbodinez
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170 views

Compressor Data Sheets

The document discusses four different audio leveling and limiting devices: the LA-3A audio leveler, LA-2A leveling amplifier, Fairchild 670 compressor/limiter, and AU 1176 limiter. It provides details on the specifications, history and usage of each device, and notes that while original vintage units can be extremely expensive, reissues and plugin emulators are available at lower costs.

Uploaded by

zbodinez
Copyright
© Attribution Non-Commercial (BY-NC)
Available Formats
Download as DOCX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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MC 201 Studio Tech.

II

Ryan Bodine

LA-3A Audio Leveler

Category: Solid State Frequency Response: 20-20,000 Hz Noise Floor -80 dB below program at threshold of limiting Attack: 1.5ms or less Release .06 for 50%

The solid state LA-3A Audio Leveler is a dramatic step away from the LA-2A tube amp design. It immediately became a studio workhorse and is still used today by collectors and audio professionals luck enough to have this vintage piece of audio history. There are many modern re-runs of the LA-3A as well as several plug-in emulators. Vintage LA-3As vary in price depending on condition; but the remakes, which are almost exactly the same, run for around 2,000 dollars.

MC 201 Studio Tech. II

Ryan Bodine

LA-2A Leveling Amplifier

Category: Tube Frequency Response: 20-20,000 Hz Noise Floor -40 dB below program at threshold of limiting Attack: 10 ms Release: ..06 for 50%

The LA-2A leveling amplifier was originally produced by Teletronix in 1965. This highly regarded piece of audio equipment was entered into the Technology Hall of Fame in 2004. This machine is still being reissued and built by hand to this day. Although it was originally designed for and used by radio stations, it was embraced by studio engineers because of its perfect, warm, and dialed in compression on vocals, bass guitar, or any other instruments that need to fit snug into a mix. Because of its popularity, the LA-2A has been re-issued and is being sold again. You can pick up a re-issued LA-2A for about 3,500$, or a software plug-in emulator for a few hundred.

MC 201 Studio Tech. II

Ryan Bodine

Fairchild 670 Compressor/Limiter

Category: Tube Frequency Response: 20-20,000 Hz The Fairchild 670 is the Holy Grail of compressors. Its been used on countless albums in the 60s, and is still used today. It costs as much as a house, but those that use it say its beyond worth it. Its labyrinth of tubes and circuitry is hand-made and an incredible piece of engineering. The original Fairchild 670s are extremely hard to come by. And if you were able to find one it is likely it wont be in good condition. The Fairchild was manufactured half a century ago, and its delicate array of tubes and other circuitry make it not only delicate, but extremely heavy. Not many of them survived their era. However, there are some that did, and a refurbished, working vintage Fairchild 670 will cost about 30,000$. By far one of the most famous and coveted pieces of vintage audio. But fear not, the plug-in is only about 175$.

MC 201 Studio Tech. II

Ryan Bodine

AU 1176

Category: Solid State Frequency Response: 20-20,000Hz Attack Time: 20 Microseconds to 800 Microseconds Release Time: 50 Milliseconds to 1.1 Seconds The AU 1176 was a visionary step forward in limiter technology. It was the first true peak limiter with all transistor circuitry offering superior performance with a unique sound. Still hand-wired and built today by Universal Audio, its remake and its software plug-in counterpart are guaranteed quality and are painstakingly made to be as close to the original as possible. A UA 1176LN Solid State Compressor now-adays will cost you about 2,000$. However, if youre short on cash Universal Audio has several different versions of the 1176 available for purchase at a much lower price. Its not only a piece of history its a great tool for any studio, and youll likely find it in studios all over the world.

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