Retro Sta-Level or a new LA2A

[squeeks555]

i have not used the new LA2A's im only experienced with vintage ones, i have heard that they dont stand up to the classics. so my dilemma is this:

Retro Sta-Level or a new LA2A

what do you fine people think i should get. im leaning toward the Retro, but thought i would get some suggestions.

[syra]

STA

[TML]

STA x2
It rocks!!
Tim

[delcosmos]

First of all, re-issued LA2A, they do STAND behind the original (Some times re-ussues sound better).

But...

I prefer a retro STA level.

STA have more options, and it sounds fantastic.
One of my favourite pieces of gear.

Best regards.

Delcosmos.

[thethrillfactor]

For what though?

If tracking vocals i would choose the UA La2a.

If mixing vocals i would choose the STA-level.

The key to the UA La2a is finding the range(its sweetspot) where it sounds best. I've noticed over the years that it doesn't like to be driven hard, but it doesn't like to be driven too low either.

As close to 0vu as possible with a gain of 20 and peak reduction of 20. You let the mic pre do the work.

Class A Neve,API and the older Focusrite mic pres sound best with it.

[Johnkenn]

I would use a Sta for vocals over the LA2A in both mixing and tracking. It's a standout piece of gear...

[walth]

Retro is great. i would also look at the retro 176.

[squeeks555]

yah the 176 is great as well, i worked on a session where we had both. i would rather get a Sta-Level. i was always leaning toward the Sta-Level, and now i know for sure. its also cheaper then a new LA2A purchased retell, so i guess its a no brainer.

[Johnkenn]

I bet it won't be long until we see a price drop on the LA2A's...seriously...

[lpkyer]

more like a price raise of the STA ;)

[AB3]

What did you like about the Sta-level over the 176? I have read posts where the 176 can do what the Sta-level does and more?

Originally Posted by squeeks555

yah the 176 is great as well, i worked on a session where we had both. i would rather get a Sta-Level. i was always leaning toward the Sta-Level, and now i know for sure. its also cheaper then a new LA2A purchased retell, so i guess its a no brainer.

[espen askelad]

Originally Posted by Johnkenn

I bet it won't be long until we see a price drop on the LA2A's...seriously...

I hope so. Love the Sta, but seriously want a 2A as well.

[syra]

Originally Posted by delcosmos

First of all, re-issued LA2A, they do STAND behind the original (Some times re-ussues sound better).

But...

I prefer a retro STA level.

STA have more options, and it sounds fantastic.
One of my favourite pieces of gear.

Best regards.

Delcosmos.

Delcosmos, 99% of the time I agree with you but I have to say that IMO UA did not nail it with the LA2A reissue. I have a vintage one that sounds much better.

If the question was about an original LA2A and STA then I'd say Thrill got it right. LA2A for tracking is king where as STA for mixing rules.

[vin-gear]

Originally Posted by lpkyer

more like a price raise of the STA ;)

That has already happened...my 2nd one was $300 more than the first.

The front panels were different. The "Mode" is now on the front instead of inside. Also, different input pad resistors.

Phil from STA is a great guy and has taken very good care of me so now both units are indentical.

My La2a is great also. Even though it's just a crappy "re-issue".

Be a slut. You really need both. Two very different sounding compressors.

One thing interesting about the Retro STA that I've not seen mentioned yet is the metering. -2 on a standard VU is -10 on the STA!
A standard VU meter goes to -20 and the STA goes to -50! I've found 2 NOS 6386's to try. Can't wait to find a little time to experiment.

[delcosmos]

I'm sure you are right, my comments were regarding fellow GS "Raal" experience.

He owns an original LA2A with original original transformer in really good shape and also a LA2a re-issue, and the re-issue sounds as good as his vintage LA2a.

I own a re-ussue and I use it all the time, maybe I should get a vintage one to compare them.

Best regards.

Delcosmos.

BTW, How's everything with your one year Baby girl (Duality)?

Originally Posted by syra

Delcosmos, 99% of the time I agree with you but I have to say that IMO UA did not nail it with the LA2A reissue. I have a vintage one that sounds much better.

If the question was about an original LA2A and STA then I'd say Thrill got it right. LA2A for tracking is king where as STA for mixing rules.

[B-San]

Originally Posted by Johnkenn

I bet it won't be long until we see a price drop on the LA2A's...seriously...

They did... somewhat.

With 2-LA2, you get 2 channels for only a few hundred more than the price of a stand alone piece... Plus it takes up less space and the unit is fully incased, as the original has only a faceplate...

[Johnkenn]

The 2-LA2 isn't the same opto cell, right? Isn't it just the same cell that's in the LA610? So, not REALLY the same as two LA2A reissues...

Originally Posted by B-San

They did... somewhat.

With 2-LA2, you get 2 channels for only a few hundred more than the price of a stand alone piece... Plus it takes up less space and the unit is fully incased, as the original has only a faceplate...

[squeeks555]

by the way, there is an original Sta-Level on ebay right now, if only i had the cash in hand.

[raal]

Originally Posted by delcosmos

I'm sure you are right, my comments were regarding fellow GS "Raal" experience.

He owns an original LA2A with original original transformer in really good shape and also a LA2a re-issue, and the re-issue sounds as good as his vintage LA2a.

I own a re-ussue and I use it all the time, maybe I should get a vintage one to compare them.

yup. have both and find myself reaching for the reissue all the time.

just received some JAN Philips and RCA tubes for my vintage one. soon's i get a chance i'll compare the two again (with new tubes) and report back. all other components measured out fine.

i've been itching for a Sta but haven't pulled the trigger because it seemed to me LA2 and Sta would perform the same function, so my question for those that have both is what would you not use the Sta that you'd use the LA2 for and vice versa? thanks.

[syra]

Originally Posted by delcosmos

BTW, How's everything with your one year Baby girl (Duality)?

Still in love!

(I have a list of things they need to update though...I got to send it to you to add your suggestions).

Originally Posted by raal

i've been itching for a Sta but haven't pulled the trigger because it seemed to me LA2 and Sta would perform the same function, so my question for those that have both is what would you not use the Sta that you'd use the LA2 for and vice versa? thanks.

Thats what I thought too raal ...I was reluctant to try the STA cause I have an LA2A. Well...within 5 minutes you'll realize there is NOTHING similar about these 2 units! The LA2A is more aggressive. Which makes it perfect for tracking (in moderation) and parallel vocal compression mult. The STA is very dangerous during tracking cause you can compress 20 db without hearing it. Thats a lot of compression to be stuck with

Color wise the STA is smoother on the mids and lets the highs through even in extreme settings where as the LA2A is more meaty and dark.

[raal]

Originally Posted by syra

Thats what I thought too raal ...I was reluctant to try the STA cause I have an LA2A. Well...within 5 minutes you'll realize there is NOTHING similar about these 2 units! The LA2A is more aggressive. Which makes it perfect for tracking (in moderation) and parallel vocal compression mult. The STA is very dangerous during tracking cause you can compress 20 db without hearing it. Thats a lot of compression to be stuck with

wow... looks like i'm screwed. badge also told me i had to buy one but i was resisting.

Color wise the STA is smoother on the mids and lets the highs through even in extreme settings where as the LA2A is more meaty and dark.

thank you very much for the detailed description syra.

[RoundBadge]

Track a vocal w/ the 176 and use the Sta on mixdown.sounds pretty ace.

..

[B-San]

Originally Posted by Johnkenn

The 2-LA2 isn't the same opto cell, right? Isn't it just the same cell that's in the LA610? So, not REALLY the same as two LA2A reissues...

No sir, the 2-LA2 has two T-4 optical cells per channel - which is the heart and soul of the original, rendering both sonically identical...

[vernier]

Seems it'd be better to compare the LA2A to something similar, such as LA3A or Joe Meek.

[Johnkenn]

Originally Posted by syra

The STA is very dangerous during tracking cause you can compress 20 db without hearing it. Thats a lot of compression to be stuck with

Yeah - I've had a couple of girls leave the house (when I unchained them) and listened back and said, "Where the hell are all the Es's?" I'm exaggerating, but man, you can't hear the thing working! I've definitely over-compressed with it without knowing it...What settings are you using?
I'm usually at double on the attack and the second fastest release. I guess it depends on your gain staging, but I find myself usually around 4, 4 1/2 on the input and around 12ish on the output...

[indie]

I'm getting a Retro STA in here to check out in the next week or so....they're back ordered! I have a La3a to compare with.

[MisterMark]

I went through the whole STA vs. the reissue La2a dilemma...

I originally wanted an La2a for the simple fact that it is known to impart some pretty audible and favorable vibe onto the signal (I have the UAD version and like it, but thought I'd like the hardware version even more). After much research and asking around I was encouraged to get a STA. I just got mine recently and I have to admit, I was a bit shocked at how transparent it really was. I totally agree that you can really compress and 'not hear it'. This wasn't what I was expecting based on the reviews and the suggestions.

It sorta made me wish I had gone with the La2a. But without actually trying one I can't say I'd be totally satisfied with it either. The best suggestion I can make for anyone considering the two options is get both units if you can and compare!

I'm not saying the STA Level is a bad choice... In fact I am going to keep it. I'm just saying based on my expectations it didn't deliver the results I had anticipated. However, not having a lot of time to experiment with it, I might find myself discovering the true beauty of this compressor as I go along.

In my ideal world I would like to have both units. And I think I will try to borrow a reissue La2a to really know for sure.

Hope this helps!

[rainsinvelvet]

I'm still in love with my StaLevel after over a year! Phil is a super cool dude and I love that they are made in small runs by hand. Not only that, but his shop is only 60 miles away from my home so if there is ever a problem I can just run it over.

build quality- top notch
sound quality- holy grail / god like
Price/value- for what you get I think its worth every penny.

just my $2350.00
ERic

[RoundBadge]

I can't say this enough.
176b rules



..

[AB3]

Roundbadge - how does the 176b compare to the Phoenix on vocals?

Originally Posted by RoundBadge

I can't say this enough.
176b rules



..