LA-2A Clone

[Matt Syson]

Hi
There are 3 basic parts to a LA2a
The T4 opto unit (a light emitter and some photo resistors).
The circuit, which is nothing remarkable but will only 'sound' exactly as the 'original' if assembled using the original (crappy?) parts in the same physical layout, although the layout is less likely to be significant compared to the opto and item 3, the transformers.
These will have been assembled using the 'steel of the day' which will have aged, thus making them more 'unique' than all the other parts.
There is also the issue that any particular example of a LA2a that you are listening to may not have been lined up and in the same condition of service than any other.
You can't sensibly fit a 'real' LA2a into a 500 series module simply because the volume of 'stuff', even ignoring the power supply, would not fit into that volume of space.
You can't make a transformer (as suggested previously) 'smaller' as it simply won't have the same characteristics, and as this is one of the most significant parts of the 'sound' (before compressiopn is taking place) you have destroyed it's purpose.
Matt S

[check_your_head]

Originally Posted by Turdadactyl

I'm totally digging the sound clips on their website. How much is the OC6?

the qes oc6 lists for 1390€. they have a special offer 1260€ now though.
very interesting comp.

[reflexbc]

Originally Posted by Matt Syson

Hi
There are 3 basic parts to a LA2a
The T4 opto unit (a light emitter and some photo resistors).
The circuit, which is nothing remarkable but will only 'sound' exactly as the 'original' if assembled using the original (crappy?) parts in the same physical layout, although the layout is less likely to be significant compared to the opto and item 3, the transformers.
These will have been assembled using the 'steel of the day' which will have aged, thus making them more 'unique' than all the other parts.
There is also the issue that any particular example of a LA2a that you are listening to may not have been lined up and in the same condition of service than any other.
You can't sensibly fit a 'real' LA2a into a 500 series module simply because the volume of 'stuff', even ignoring the power supply, would not fit into that volume of space.
You can't make a transformer (as suggested previously) 'smaller' as it simply won't have the same characteristics, and as this is one of the most significant parts of the 'sound' (before compressiopn is taking place) you have destroyed it's purpose.
Matt S

Thank you for your explanation. So, obviously, the 500 series units I listed would not probably sound a lot like an LA-2A, for the reason that their transformers would have to be smaller. They still seem cool, though, especially that Buzz Audio unit. As I understand it, people usually use optical compression because it has a certain sound that is associated with "vintage." So, even if these units didn't have that certain "magical" LA-2A sound, they might impart at least some of that vibe (analogous to using FET compressors to get that "1176 LN vibe").

[EPrecording]

Originally Posted by mexicola

Glad to see you make assumptions about people without knowing them.

Sorry to hear you got burned on some gear, but your experience is not universal. Whenever you buy something you need to research, research, research...rather than just take someone's word that it's "just as good". An understanding of circuitry is an invaluable tool in evaluating the worth of a piece of gear. I always encourage engineers to gain at least a minimal understanding of how audio circuitry works. It's really the only way to know what you're buying.

I didn't start any arguments. I got called a "sheep" for stating my opinion, and then merely pointed out the basis for my point of view (maybe a little defensively). But I still stick to my opinion that the UA LA2A is not the best that the LA2A circuit can be. And that opinion comes from many hours of use, as well as an extensive understanding of the circuit itself. But that's just my opinion. If you disagree, that's fine, just don't offensively fling insults around because your opinion differs.

I'd like to respect the OP's request to keep this discussion civil.

Go back to making amateur DIY designs for Profit. I am well aware of your contributions at the lab. Remember that YOU are the one that ended the thread stating that my post was "laughable". Perhaps you should double check who used the word "sheep" first... Your opinion is just another that drags the discipline of audio engineering into some kind of esoteric niche The capacitor types used bare little effect on the music being made. If they do... your design is flawed from the get go. If it comes down to that to save your music... you are well screwed.

How about you stop trying to pimp your products on the forum. You infallible attitude... respect me opinion, but I won't respect yours... yadda yadda yadda bares excruciatingly similarity to all the "manufacturers" who are pumping out stolen DIY designs.

dfegad

[mexicola]

Originally Posted by EPrecording

Go back to making amateur DIY designs for Profit. I am well aware of your contributions at the lab. Remember that YOU are the one that ended the thread stating that my post was "laughable". Perhaps you should double check who used the word "sheep" first... Your opinion is just another that drags the discipline of audio engineering into some kind of esoteric niche The capacitor types used bare little effect on the music being made. If they do... your design is flawed from the get go. If it comes down to that to save your music... you are well screwed.

How about you stop trying to pimp your products on the forum. You infallible attitude... respect me opinion, but I won't respect yours... yadda yadda yadda bares excruciatingly similarity to all the "manufacturers" who are pumping out stolen DIY designs.

dfegad

1. I'm not pumping out anything. I only build pieces for people who ask me to because they either don't have the time or know how to do so themselves. I'd hardly say that makes me a manufacturer, more of a custom shop. Engineering live and in the studio still takes up alot of my time. And btw, I design my own faceplates and pcb's (do you have equal disdain for Mohog Audio or Steffen Mueller?). On occasion I'm asked to use someone else's pcb. I don't see a problem with it when it's specifically requested by someone (as this person would have used this pcb anyway had they the time or skill to build it themself), and especially since I typically modify the circuit anyway to suit my sonic tastes or the tastes of the person I'm building it for. If you think I'm "pumping out stolen DIY designs" to make mad money, you're greatly mistaken. You should probably get your facts straight before you make an incorrect accusation.

2. Component choices can actually have quite a large impact on the sonic character of a piece, but it depends on the circuit. It's more noticeable in some circuits than in others. But there is an increase in detail and clarity that some components will grant a piece of equipment. Also, modifications to the psu sections can vastly improve a piece of gear's performance. I never made the claim that component choices will "save your music". If the music you're recording is bad, no amount of modifications to your gear will save it. It'll still be bad music. Again, you were putting words in my mouth - where you got them from, I have no idea.

3. I never said I don't respect your opinion. As in my last post, I said it's fine if you disagree with me. If I happen to not agree with you - that doesn't equate to a lack of respect. And yet you continue to throw insults and make up things about me. Btw, my initial use of the word sheep was used as a generalization, and not directed specifically at you. And if something makes me laugh, that's my opinion and not a personal insult directed at you. Your use of the word sheep on the other hand was aimed directly at me.

4. I'm not pimping anything. When I said "my LA2A clone", I literally meant mine...the one that's in my studio. I like it better than the UA LA2A; that's why it's in my studio. If you took it to mean I was trying to sell anything, then I apologize for the misunderstanding. That wasn't my intention. And btw, I have no control over whether someone else mentions work I have done. And if you think what I do is amatuer, you may be surprised by a few of the engineers/studios I've built gear for. It's not really a stretch of the imagination to think you might have heard something i've built without knowing it.

I'd hope that I'm done having to defend myself.
Come on, let's kiss and make up, brother!
Why can't we be friends, why can't we be friends

[treeg]

Originally Posted by mexicola

BTW, which one of these circuit revisions is your "real LA2A"?
[IMG]******//i55.photobucket.com/albums/g136/jaymzcrane/la2arevisions.jpg[/IMG]

For what it's worth the LA2 could be seen as a distinct model from the LA2a as it was different in a couple of features, including that the LA2 had no high frequency preemphasis in it's sidechain wheras the LA2a did AFAIK. Thus the LA2 in theory might let a bit more sibilance pass- in any case it was fairly transparant in it's gain reduction, for better or worse.

[OhioGreg]

Originally Posted by check_your_head

the qes oc6 lists for 1390€. they have a special offer 1260€ now though.
very interesting comp.

Agree.
I think you can even ask them to process some files. The guys there are really fine.

[radlid]

Perhaps a Tube-Tech CL1A or B would be something to try?

[M.o.T.s]

Originally Posted by tapehiss

The new LA-2A is a little "clearer" than the elder options...

However, there are a couple clone manufacturers (much cheaper than new UA version)....

Regular John
Regular John Recording - Raleigh, NC

Such as the Skibbe Red Stripe
» Red Stripe 5-9c

I would add:
The World of Clones - Pro Audio Vintage Clones by gigidesign

Originally Posted by check_your_head

the qes oc6 lists for 1390€. they have a special offer 1260€ now though.
very interesting comp.

I think it is on sale on eBay for an interesting price.