Teletronix LA-2A Mastering Lab Modded Pair #714
Teletronix LA-2A Modded Pair
For sale is a very rare historic custom modified stereo pair of vintage Teletronix LA-2A compressors. These are completely unique units. Functionally they have no input or output transformers, decoupled with a capacitor to maintain correct impedance. It uses the LA2A amplifier tube circuit, but it no longer operates as an optical compressor/limiter (no T4B opto cell) and instead operates more similar to a fet solid state compressor. In practical operation usage, it is a very clean high-headroom compressor meant to cut off just the very peaks of the signal while providing the warmth of the LA2A amplifier circuit. Designed by Sherwood Sax, the brother of Doug Sax and used at the Mastering Lab. Serial #714 on one (the other we cannot tell serial #) so this makes at least one unit an early LA-2A, known as the Babcock version "Silverface" made approximately from 1965-1967. Cosmetically they include custom made with 24k gold anodized faceplates and blue LEDs. The original black faceplates are included as well. We have for sale another pair in a separate listing. Here is you rare chance to own these super rare historic units. You can find photos and videos online showing these units at the Mastering Lab. Some of the records mastered with these units include Steel Dan's Aja and Gaucho. The last two photos in the listing show examples of these units in the Mastering Lab's racks.
From Doug Sax's bio
"On December 27, 1967 Doug Sax opened the doors to The Mastering Lab Hollywood, founding one of the first independent facilities in the world, as well as the most recognizable name in mastering. Now located in Ojai California, The Mastering Lab remains a revolutionary state-of-the-art company, utilizing unique concepts of signal flow and electronics pioneered by Doug's brother, Sherwood Sax. Indeed all of our custom-electronics from the tape machines to the equalizers, compressors / limiters, A/D - D/A converters, monitoring amplifiers, and console are all purpose designed and handcrafted. The musical use of this peerless equipment has earned The Mastering Lab more Grammy nominations for engineering than any other mastering facility."
