Teletronix LA-2A Free Plugin
If you’ve been following my blog for a while, you already know how much I love legendary gear emulations. Well, here’s some exciting news: from August 28 to September 2, 2025, Universal Audio is giving away the iconic Teletronix® LA-2A Tube Compressor (UADx) completely FREE.
How to Set Up the LA-2A for Vocals Like a Pro
If you want your vocals to sit perfectly in the mix, here’s a tried-and-true method used by professionals on the hardware LA-2A — and it works the same on the UAD Native version:
- Start with Peak Reduction at Zero
Begin by turning the Peak Reduction knob all the way down. This ensures that the signal going in matches exactly the level coming out of your DAW — no compression is applied yet. - Dial in the Compression Gradually
Slowly increase the Peak Reduction until you reach the amount of gain reduction you want. The more you reduce, the more controlled the vocal becomes. - Find the Sweet Spot
The goal is to tame the peaks without over-compressing. Too much compression will make the vocal sound lifeless and dull, while the right amount keeps it smooth, present, and natural.
This method mirrors how engineers set up the classic hardware LA-2A, ensuring you get that warm, musical compression every time.
💡 Pro tip: Whether you’re using the hardware or the UAD plugin, always start with zero reduction and work your way up. This helps maintain the vocal’s dynamics while still controlling peaks effectively.
This is not just another plugin giveaway — it’s a chance to own one of the most famous compressors in music history, faithfully modeled for your DAW.
The Teletronix® LA-2A has been around since the 1960s and remains one of the most trusted compressors ever built. Known for its smooth, warm, and musical compression, it’s a go-to for vocals, bass, guitars, and pretty much anything you want to sit beautifully in a mix.
The UAD Native (UADx) version captures every detail of the original hardware:
- Authentic transformer and tube modeling.
- Classic optical compression behavior with program-dependent attack/release.
- Natural saturation and headroom characteristics.
- That unmistakable “glue” engineers love about the LA-2A.
In short: you’re getting the real LA-2A experience, without spending thousands on vintage hardware.
System Requirements
Before you download, make sure your setup is compatible:
- Operating Systems: macOS 11 (Big Sur), 12 (Monterey), 13 (Ventura) or Windows 10/11 (64-bit).
- Processors: Intel, AMD, or Apple Silicon.
- Internet connection: required for download and authorization.
- iLok account: free, with either machine authorization or iLok USB (2nd gen+).
- UA Connect app: needed to manage UADx plug-ins.
LA-2A Free vs. LA-2A Leveler Collection
You might be wondering: what’s the difference between this free version and the full LA-2A Collection?
- Teletronix® LA-2A Tube Compressor (Free): Single, faithful recreation of the classic hardware.
- Teletronix® LA-2A Leveler Collection (Paid): Includes three legendary versions (Silver, Gray, LA-2), added Mix and Emphasis controls, and artist presets for more sonic variety.
If you just want the classic LA-2A tone, the free version is perfect. If you’re after more flexibility, the Collection is worth the upgrade.
Frequently Asked Questions
👉 Is this the same as the old UAD-2 Legacy LA-2A?
No, this is a newer, more detailed model.
👉 I already own the Collection. Can I get another plugin instead?
No, this promotion only applies to the free LA-2A download.
👉 How many activations do I get?
You can activate it on up to 3 machines/iLoks.
👉 I changed computers and ran out of activations. What now?
Simply deactivate a license from your old machine via iLok License Manager and reactivate it on your new one.
How to Claim Your Free LA-2A
Here’s a quick step-by-step:
- Sign up for a free iLok account.
- Download and install UA Connect from Universal Audio.
- Between August 28 – September 2, 2025, add the Teletronix® LA-2A Tube Compressor (UADx) to your account.
- Authorize it via iLok and start mixing with the legendary LA-2A.
