UAD Teletronix LA-3A Audio Leveler
The UAD Teletronix LA-3A Audio Leveler delivers the punchy, forward sound of one of the most beloved solid-state optical compressors ever made. Developed by Universal Audio, this premium compressor plug-in accurately recreates the fast response, smooth leveling behaviour, and analog character of the legendary Teletronix LA-3A hardware unit.
Originally designed as a solid-state evolution of the classic LA-2A, the LA-3A became famous for its tighter transient response, focused midrange presence, and ability to add punch and clarity to vocals, guitars, bass, and drums. The UAD version captures the original hardware’s analog circuitry, optical compression behaviour, and transformer coloration with exceptional detail.
Classic Optical Compression with Added Punch
The LA-3A is renowned for delivering:
- Fast and musical optical compression
- Punchy transient response
- Focused midrange clarity
- Smooth analog dynamics control
Compared to tube-based optical compressors, the LA-3A offers a more aggressive and immediate sound while maintaining the natural and musical response optical compression is known for.
Authentic Analog Modeling
Universal Audio’s detailed circuit emulation recreates the original hardware’s solid-state gain stages, transformers, optical cell behaviour, and nonlinear analog response for an authentic vintage compression workflow inside modern DAWs.
Features
- Authentic Teletronix LA-3A emulation
- Solid-state optical compression
- Fast transient response and punch
- Smooth and musical gain reduction
- Rich analog coloration and harmonics
- Professional studio-grade sound quality
- Designed for UAD and native production workflows
Applications
- Lead and backing vocals
- Electric guitars and bass
- Drums and percussion
- Mix bus dynamics control
- Professional studio tracking and mixing
Plugin Technical Specifications
- Plugin Type: Optical compressor / leveler
- Modeled Hardware: Teletronix LA-3A Audio Leveler
- Compression Style: Solid-state optical compression
- Processing: Advanced analog circuit and optical cell modeling
- Formats: VST3, AU, AAX
- Compatibility: macOS & Windows
- DSP Support: UAD-2 and Apollo DSP systems
- Native Support: Supported via UAD Native software ecosystem
- Authorisation: iLok account required
- Applications: Mixing, mastering, tracking, analog dynamics processing
