Does the la2a create harmonics like the Fatso?

[ericdevine]

This might be kind of a newbie question, but does the la2a create harmonics ln the same way the fatso does?
The reason I ask is because I am trying to expand my compressors, and am planning on getting an la2a, and was wondering if when I'm running through the la2a, should I still run it through the fatso to get that full musical sound?

[ericdevine]

Bump-

[piano]

WOW! Spectacular guitars there!!!! I was just mezmerized by the absolutely stellar wood choices you made on your guitars.

I wish people made pianos like that...

Back to topic.... yes I would like to know the answer to this question as well.

[u b k]

if you run your sound thru an la2a and don't have a full musical tone, you got bigger fish to fry. it's one of the fullest, most musical compressors in existence.

got my eye on that squeezebox, though...


gregoire
del
ubk
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[ericdevine]

I know the la2a is a very great and musical compressor, thats why I am getting one. I was just wondering if it adds those 2nd and 3rd order harmonics like the fatso does?



Anyone know?

[ericdevine]

OK Last bump, and I'll give up.

[Brad McGowan]

Tubes and transformers, both of which can be found in the LA2A, will add harmonics to the sound. Hence the mojo.

I know this will sound cliche, but why don't you just try it both ways when you get the LA2A and see what you like best.

Brad

[not_so_new]

I think the reason why no one is answering is because any question including the statement "to get that full musical sound" will raise a few eyebrows.... ya know?

First it is pretty obvious that there are hundreds of factors that go into getting "that full musical sound" more than just what compressor you are running through.

Secondly, your question is begging for the oldest Gearslutz answer of them all.... You gotta try it for yourself.



What is your definition of "that full musical sound"? How do you know that my definition is the same? If I tell you how I get my sounds would that really work for you?

The key here is that a LA-2A is a GREAT unit, as is the Fatso so I don't think anyone will tell you otherwise. But how they sound together is something you will have to experience yourself.

Sorry man, not much help I know. Kick around on the forum a bit and you might start to get a feel for what the najority of the folks thing about both and then that will get you started.

Good luck

[ericdevine]

By the term "full musical sound" I am talking about the extra harmonic tones that are not created in the digital world, unless added by a specific device such as what Brad mentions above.

Thanks Brad McGowan, this is the answer I was looking for.

"Tubes and transformers, both of which can be found in the LA2A, will add harmonics to the sound."

[Kurt Foster]

Originally Posted by ericdevine

By the term "full musical sound" I am talking about the extra harmonic tones that are not created in the digital world, unless added by a specific device .....

Eric,

There's a San Francisco band called "Dora Flood" that worked in my studio for several months recording their debut CD/album.

One day the singer showed up early for a session with his girlfriend and he took a few minutes to show her around the studio.

When they came into the control room, he walked directly to the outboard racks and pointed to my LA2a and said, "This is a 'GOOD-U-LATOR'. Everything you run through it sounds better!"
..... don't know why, but that comment has always stuck in my mind.

I wouldn't go so far as to say that, as it's my thought that nothing we do to audio (via processing) really makes it better (just different). All processing degrades the audio in some fashon .... but in the context of your question I think that kinda sums it up ...

The LA2a is a classic piece ... once you have one you will love it!

Happy Holidays and good luck with your endeavors,

Kurt

FORMER SF BAY AREA STUDIO RAT. Credits include: Brownie McGhee, cult following guitarist Kenny “Blue” Ray, Jackie Payne (of the Johnny Otis Band), Nik Turners "Space Ritual" with Nik Turner & individual members of Hawkwind, Polo Jones (of Michael Jackson, Peter Gabriel, Whitney Houston) and individual members of The Doobie Brothers, Tower of Power, Huey Lewis and The News and The Tubes.

[u b k]

Originally Posted by ericdevine

By the term "full musical sound" I am talking about the extra harmonic tones that are not created in the digital world, unless added by a specific device such as what Brad mentions above.

fwiw i don't find the harmonics of the la2a to be as drastic as what the fatso can do when pushed. but i also find the creaminess of the la2a to be something the fatso can't touch.

the fatso is so much faster on the attack, and the la2a's release so much more invisible, i don't think one could ever substitute for the other, harmonically or otherwise.


gregoire
del
ubk
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[ericdevine]

Thanks for the feedback. Very helpful-

[foldback]

I regularly use a GT Brick feeding an LA-2 for direct electric guitar input. My guitar is an early 70's Gibson ES-150 thick hollow body with humbuckers.

You don't get harmonic distortion like using a good tube guitar amp but you do get the fattest most buttery smooth nice full sounding compressed guitar sound imaginable.

I was put off for a long time by all the people that said the LA-2 Classic was not as good as the original but finally I bought one anyway. It's freak'n great! You're gonna love it (unless you want it to be a crunchy amp in which case you're going to be sad).

The LA-2 makes anything sound more beefy, even without compression, just run the signal through it.