LAEA
Key Features
- Emulates the UREI/Teletronix LA-3A solid-state optical compressor, capturing its fast attack and mid-forward compression character
- Two-knob interface (Gain and Reduction) with real-time VU metering for simple, musical compression
- Switchable compressor/limiter modes via the LIM button for gentle leveling or aggressive peak control
- Sidechain high-pass filter (HPF) prevents low-frequency content from over-triggering the compressor
- External sidechain input (EXT) enables ducking, de-essing, and other advanced sidechain techniques
- 4x oversampling option (click the Analog Obsession logo) for higher audio fidelity
- Resizable interface from 50% to 200% with touchscreen support
Description
LAEA by Analog Obsession is a solid-state optical compressor modeled after the UREI/Teletronix LA-3A leveling amplifier from the late 1960s. The LA-3A replaced the tube circuitry of the earlier LA-2A with solid-state transistors, resulting in a faster attack time and a distinct mid-forward character that pushes sounds to the front of a mix.
The interface keeps things simple with two main controls matching the original hardware: Gain (makeup gain) and Reduction (threshold). A VU meter displays gain reduction in real time, giving immediate visual feedback on how hard the compressor is working.
Four additional buttons extend the plugin beyond the original hardware. LIM switches from compressor to limiter mode for more aggressive peak control, HPF engages a sidechain high-pass filter to prevent low frequencies from triggering compression, EXT enables an external sidechain input for ducking and de-essing, and I/O bypasses the plugin for quick A/B comparison.
The interface is fully resizable from 50% to 200% and supports touchscreen devices. Clicking the Analog Obsession logo engages 4x oversampling for higher fidelity at the cost of additional CPU.
LA-3A emulations are far less common than LA-2A plugins, making LAEA one of the few dedicated options for producers seeking that specific solid-state optical compression character.
Video Preview
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between LAEA and LALA by Analog Obsession?
LALA emulates the tube-based LA-2A leveling amplifier, which is known for warm, gentle compression with a slower attack. LAEA emulates the solid-state LA-3A, which has a faster attack time and a more aggressive, mid-forward character. Choose LALA for smooth leveling on vocals and bass, LAEA when you need punchier compression that cuts through a dense mix.
What is the LA-3A compressor?
The Teletronix LA-3A (later branded UREI LA-3A) is a solid-state optical compressor/limiter that debuted at the 1969 AES show. It replaced the tube circuit of the LA-2A with transistors, offering a faster attack, clearer transient response, and a distinctive mid-forward compression character. It became a studio workhorse in the 1970s.
How do I enable oversampling in LAEA?
Click the Analog Obsession logo in the plugin interface to toggle 4x oversampling on and off. Oversampling improves audio fidelity by reducing aliasing artifacts but increases CPU usage. For mixing at lower buffer sizes, you may want to leave it off and enable it only during final rendering.
Where do I download LAEA?
LAEA is available for download on Analog Obsession's Patreon page. No paid tier is required -- the plugin is completely free. The developer accepts optional donations via Patreon to support continued development of over 80 free plugins.
