Build Your Own Dual LA-2A Optical Compressor [Silent:Arts]
Channel: ShoeTique
Date: 2023-11-01

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What's better than a Teletronix LA-2A? TWO of 'em that's what! In this video we cover the Silent Arts Dual LA-2A - a PCB based build found over on the GroupDIY forum. 

We'll talk about how optical compressors work, take a look at the controls, cover my build notes and dive into the calibration procedure. We'll even listen to some examples of the D-LA2A in action as we work our way through the most detailed Silent Arts Dual LA-2A video on the web!

We'll also take a close look at all the upgrades available if you need your LA-2A to be the absolute best in class. This build will blow any modern production Universal Audio LA-2A out of the water!

0:00 - Intro
3:22 - Bass Demo
4:20 - Controls
6:04 - Vocals Demo (Chinese Eric Free Download Here: https://soundcloud.com/shoe-tique/chinese-eric)
7:13 - Build Guide
7:32 - BOM
8:05 - DIY Racked Case
8:30 - Heater Wiring
8:44 - Kenetek T4B Opto Attenuator
9:31 - Crimp Tool
9:48 - Hairball Audio VU Meters
10:51 - Zener Diode
11:06 - Elma Stepped Pots
11:54 - Toroidal Power Transformer
12:24 - Tubes (12ax7, 12BH7 and 6AQ5)
12:51 - Sowter Input and Output Transformers
13:16 - Arco Caps
14:24 - R125 and R225 Trim Pot
14:35 - Electric Guitar Demo
15:48 - Calibration
16:09 - Zero Adjust
16:18 - Gain Reduction and Level Calibration (R125)
17:08 - Limiter Response
17:36 - Stereo Balance Adjust
18:23 - Final Thoughts

Group DIY D-LA2A Support Thread: https://groupdiy.com/threads/d-la2a-support-thread.32677/
Build of Materials: https://www.dropbox.com/s/2xky62b30ccsvfw/D-LA2A_BOM_QNS.xlsx?dl=0

Kenetek:  @gearslut4020  http://www.kenetek.com
Silent Arts: http://www.51xaudio.com/
DIY Racked: https://www.diy-racked.com/
Hairball Audio:  @HairballAudio  https://www.hairballaudio.com/
Sowter: https://www.sowter.co.uk/