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 is a free solid-state optical compressor plugin by Analog Obsession, modeled after the classic 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. It became a studio staple throughout the 1970s, prized for its ability to cut through dense arrangements.
LAEA keeps the interface simple, matching the hardware with just two main controls: Gain (makeup gain) and Reduction (threshold). A VU meter displays gain reduction in real time.
Four additional buttons extend the plugin beyond the original hardware. LIM switches from compressor to limiter mode, HPF engages a sidechain high-pass filter to prevent low frequencies from triggering compression, EXT enables an external sidechain input, 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.
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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, warm leveling on vocals and bass. Choose LAEA when you need punchier compression that cuts through a dense mix, especially on drums, guitars, and aggressive vocals.
Is LAEA really free?
Yes. LAEA is completely free to download from Analog Obsession's Patreon page. No paid tier is required. The developer accepts optional donations via Patreon to support continued development.
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 and remains popular for vocals, guitars, bass, and drums.
Does LAEA support Apple Silicon Macs?
Yes. LAEA runs natively on Apple Silicon (M1, M2, M3, and newer) Macs as well as Intel Macs. It requires macOS 10.11 or higher and a Metal-compatible graphics card.
What paid plugins does LAEA replace?
LAEA is a free alternative to paid LA-3A emulations such as the Universal Audio Teletronix LA-3A Audio Leveler ($99), Waves CLA-3A Compressor/Limiter, Black Rooster Audio VLA-3A, and Apogee Opto-3A. While the paid options may offer deeper circuit-level modeling, LAEA provides the core LA-3A sound and character at no cost.
