Need some help with my LA-2A reissue

[JMc]

I was searching for some threads on mods/tweaks for the LA-2A and I ran across a post where someone described the LA-2A as creating "smooth and gooey vocals". I recently purchased a two-year old re-issue LA-2A and while I sort of like it, the sound is not at all what I would describe as "smooth and gooey". More like crunchy bordering on strident. The mid highs and highs seem overly accentuated to me, which leads me to wonder if something is wrong with this unit and perhaps I should send it in for calibration and/or servicing. From what I've read, if anything, this thing is supposed to do just the opposite and squash the high end a little.

Maybe I'm using it incorrectly. I've got it coming after a Requisite PAL Plus Mk3, which is a super clean sounding pre. I'm not overdriving the gain or output on that one at all. The LA-2A is set for compression, not limiting, and the makeup gain is set ar around 38 while the peak reduction is right around 32. I'm looking for fairly aggressive compression on the vocal, but the way my vocals are losing presence and body in exchange for cutting-through, airy crunch is sort of bugging me. For certain things, it works. Can someone with experience using these things advise me on what I might be doing wrong? I can post audio samples if required. Thanks.

[Mike H]

NOS Mullard tubes will help smooth it out, make it less strident.
A must do, to get the best from it.

If you're looking for really gooey, you will want to look at what you run it through when mixing...........don't think the reissue LA2A alone will do it for you. Not sure if you're looking for something at the extreme end like a 2254 (??).

You might check thethrillfactor's comments here regarding the sweet spot:

Retro Sta-Level or a new LA2A

[JMc]

Thanks, Mike. I'll check the thread. I'm just sort of relieved to see that perhaps this is SOP for the LA-2A. I just bought a Retro Sta-Level, which of course is a different beast entirely, so I have some different colors to choose from, certainly, and maybe the Mullard tube swap will be all I need to really be pleased with the LA-2A. It's sort of interesting... I ran the LA-2A through a BBE 882i, and when it's punched in, it really seems to restore the missing low end and smooth out the highs. Whereas, when I tried the BBE with the Sta-Level, the difference was extremely subtle and far less pronounced - almost indiscernable. I thought that the conrast between the LA-2A and Sta-Level was was pretty interesting in that regard.

[Mike H]

Originally Posted by JMc

I just bought a Retro Sta-Level, which of course is a different beast entirely, so I have some different colors to choose from, certainly, and maybe the Mullard tube swap will be all I need to really be pleased with the LA-2A.

I rarely compress vocals when tracking, but I use two compressors in series when mixing. One of my RI Sta Levels is almost always one of these.

The Mullards will definitely improve your results........but the unit will still have its signature. I didn't really like it (even with Mullards) and I finally sold mine. But, I am in a very tiny minority in that regard..........most guys I trust swear by it for tracking vocals. Just goes to show.........
With tube change and some experimentation, you will likely find you agree with the other guys.

A dependable source of Mullards is here:

Anybody try NOS tubes in a UA LA-2A?

[stagefright13]

There are adjustments for the frequency response. It was originally used for limiting radio broadcasts. So there is an adjustment for triggering on high frequencies. There should be 4 adjusters. 2 are pots and 2 are Arco adjustable capacitors. One pot is frequency and one for stereo adjust.

It should be smooth and slightly gooey lol.

Here is the original manual. I think it describes the adjustment procedure.

LA2A Manual

If doing a tube swap only 2 are in the audio path. You'll need a 12ax7#1 (V1) and a 12bh7a. Hope that helps.

[JMc]

Thanks for the info, I have the manual, and the only frequency response gain reduction control referenced for adjustment is the R37 screw on the back of the LA-2A, which I may try messing with a little. I checked your .PDF (thank you) and could find no instructions for adjusting any of the other three controls you referenced.

Seems to me that some enterprizing tech could start his own little cottage industry tuning these things for specific applications. Kinda like Klaus Heyne mods those U87's. Never mind, that's probably a very bad idea for a lot of reasons, ha ha.

I think the best plan of action for me at this point is to buy and install the Mullards, then if necessary, experiment with the lower peak reduction and gain settings as mentioned in the thread that Mike referenced, and then finally (again, only if necessary) very carefully adjust R37 to apply a tiny bit more compression to those higher frequencies. I think that ought to do it.

[Johnkenn]

I wanted to love the LA2A...I really did - but I just couldn't do it. I found the Retro to be more of what I was looking for.

[Mike H]

Originally Posted by Johnkenn

I wanted to love the LA2A...I really did - but I just couldn't do it. I found the Retro to be more of what I was looking for.

John and I are probably the only two you will find who preferred other vocal compressors.

It is probably a genetic thing.