Opinions on the Universal Audio LA2A?

[Beech]

There's very little debate on these units in the archives so I'd love to hear any users comments. I've used the original LA2A about 15 years ago and it was delightful! Mind you, it was on Leland Sklar's fretless bass and a U47 original! I'm using a Urei 1176 for vocals at the moment and while they are certainly very good, I'd love to recreate that LA2A sound.

Thanks.

I am sure this will turn into an interesting thread.

I have experience with a URIE re-issue and a UA re-issue.

I found niether worth keeping but, the guy who got the Urei still has it and loves it.
Don't get me wrong. They were nice!

I prefer the ELOP for this style compression.
It does sound different but, I find it to be more flexible.

If that sound is what you want........That is the gear you want.


Good luck

[thethrillfactor]

My own opinion is that the reissue lacks some of the magic and size of the original, but its still useful.

One thing i noticed though is that you have to let it warm up.

[oceantracks]

Originally Posted by thethrillfactor

My own opinion is that the reissue lacks some of the magic and size of the original, but its still useful.

One thing i noticed though is that you have to let it warm up.

It lacks the age of the original too

[Beech]

Originally Posted by dpasch

I am sure this will turn into an interesting thread.

I have experience with a URIE re-issue and a UA re-issue.

Ok, so how many reissues are there?

[thethrillfactor]

Originally Posted by oceantracks

It lacks the age of the original too

Not to mention the original transformers.

Ok, so how many reissues are there?

I have no idea.

I was under the impression one, until I got the Urie and every stiff dick that looked at it to buy, stated that it did not have some Xfrmr and it said "Urie" on the serial sticker on the back not Teletronix.
One person told me that when Urie bought the other company they had no plan to sell these but found a warehouse full all partialy completed and choose to finish them and sell them....
This is all straight from my ass so, take it as such.........


Please someone who knows speak up!

D

Thrill,
I did not see you post.

After reading yours then mine it could appear I am calling you a name.
This is NOT the case!!!!




D

[thethrillfactor]

Originally Posted by dpasch

Thrill,
I did not see you post.

After reading yours then mine it could appear I am calling you a name.
This is NOT the case!!!!




D

What?

(Just kidding!!)

[Tetness]

I demoed a reissue 1176 and LA2A. The reissue 1176 does not do what my Urei 1176 rev D and Rev F do. The real things have the mojo, like an old Fender guitar amp verses the new ones. The La2a reissues are closer, not too shabby, but still no cigar.

[dog haus]

i have both re issues , 1176 and LA2A
and they get used on everything that comes in the place
i couldnt be happier

the LA2A does sound better when its had a chance to warm up some though

[brianroth]

Originally Posted by Beech

Ok, so how many reissues are there?

I'm a little hazy about the original Teletronix and Universal Audio versions from the 1960's, but know for a fact that UREI released a limited-run reissue in 1979. There's one in a local studio here they bought new in that year. I don't have a copy of the manual for it here in Ye Shoppe, but recall UREI was forced to change either/or the in/output iron due to inavailability oI f the originals. They also added a "safety switch" that cut the AC mains when you flopped open the front panel.

AFAIK, that was the only reissue before the current UA model.

Bri

[Beech]

Thanks for your replies. As with all vintage gear there's probably good ones and bad around. What could go wrong with the old units apart from tube wearout? Anyone know what type of tubes were in the originals?

[drpat]

Originally Posted by Beech

Thanks for your replies. As with all vintage gear there's probably good ones and bad around. What could go wrong with the old units apart from tube wearout? Anyone know what type of tubes were in the originals?

I hear people complaining about how unreliable these things are. I have owned three original units for about 10 years now (being forced to sell one, but that's another forum). Once in my control room, an intern turned OFF the air conditioner in the middle of summer. Walked in in the morning to a sweltering hot room and 3 dead, newer, hi end pieces of gear. All 3 LA2's survived with no issues at all. Recap 'em every 5 years, and you're usually good. Common failures are crackly pots, weak optos and bad caps. All simple fixes.

My 3 LA2's have RCA tubes in the audio path. I've swapped them out to NOS Telefunkens, but it didn't seem to be performing any better, so i put the RCA's back in.

[rowdy finn]

I have not heared the UA reissue La2a, but i have a urei reissue, and an original with the painted grey face. Though i love the urei, it sounds nothing like the grey face. The grey face is unbelievable, and usefull on anything. I was wondering if anyone has compared the UA La2a to a grey face, though i highly doubt they would be close at all, i am curious.

[drpat]

Originally Posted by rowdy finn

I have not heared the UA reissue La2a, but i have a urei reissue, and an original with the painted grey face. Though i love the urei, it sounds nothing like the grey face. The grey face is unbelievable, and usefull on anything. I was wondering if anyone has compared the UA La2a to a grey face, though i highly doubt they would be close at all, i am curious.

Definitely different. I had a couple of my original Teletronix grey faced units in the same room as a couple of UA copies. The originals were way thicker and seemed to be a bit more open. Can't explain why. All of the guts look the same except the audio transformers were different. The UA sounded closer to an A-10 equipped LA-2A that I sold years ago, because it didn't sound nearly as good as the original HA-100x equipped LA2's that I own.

I was just reading a thread on the new LA-3 copy that UA is releasing, and it cracked me up to see all of the people who were committing to buy one without even hearing it! Bad business decision in my book.

[raal]

bought a (pre #200 serial no.) UA 1176 and UA LA2A awhile back but they're in the states. because of this thread i haven't brought them down. i also have one of each vintage ones here in mexico, that rock.

so here's the stupid question: should i bring 'em down or put 'em on ebay and look for vintage ones? i dread bringing 'em down, and after shipping/customs realize they just don't cut it next to the real ones. do you guys think they'd be a useful addition or no go? after reading this thread...

also, could someone tell me the difference in sound between the D and F revisions besides the F having more gain?

thanks.