The White 2A Leveling Amplifier is based on a legendary vintage unit that is entirely tube-based. It's a totally different device in terms of construction where all the compression magic happens inside an optically coupled element formed by a fluorescent panel and some photocells: the famed T4A element. There is no electronic circuitry involved with the compression itself. It's just a tube amp with photo-resistors, lighted by a fluorescent panel driven by the output signal. At the time of this invention, there were not many ways of making an audio compressor: only variable-mu and optical. Optical was the simplest one, and if proper elements for both the light emitting panel and the photocells were matched, magic happened.
On par with the other great classic compressor, the 1176, the White 2A is so simple to use, yet very effective: just set the peak reduction knob to achieve the desired limiting effect, and adjust the gain knob to set the output level. The result is a gentle, warm and fat compression is just magic at evening out dynamic tracks where a smooth and consistent compression is needed.
New White 2A Leveling Amplifier
Probably the most used compressor/limiter on vocals in music history it makes them stand out in a mix giving them consistent level and less need for fader rides. When driven harder it gets personality out of them, also thanks to the tube output stage and its harmonic enriching effect.
As for other compressors in the T-RackS series this module has the advantage of the digital only features allowed by the DAW format. So instead of having the need to purchase two, you can simply insert one across the stereo bus of your DAW of choice and enjoy the incredible and even leveling effect its capable of. Bass looks like another good candidate for this module, where wide dynamics are gently kept under control with the subtle yet very pleasing harmonic saturation courtesy of the tube electronics.
Unprocessed
Processed
Also included in
Black 76 Limiting Amplifier
This audio processor module is part of T-RackS CS "Custom Shop" Mixing and Mastering Plug-In Collection. With T-RackS CS you can:
Read more about T-RackS CS
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T-RackS® is a registered trademark property of IK Multimedia Production. All other product names and trademarks are the property of their respective owners, which are in no way associated or affiliated with IK Multimedia. Product names are used solely for the purpose of identifying the specific products that were studied during IK Multimedia’s sound model development and for describing certain types of tones produced with IK Multimedia’s digital modeling technology. Use of these names does not imply any cooperation or endorsement. LA-2A and 1176 LN are registered trademarks of Universal Audio, Inc. IK Multimedia's products, specifically, the T-RackS 3 Black 76 Limiting Amplifier and T-RackS 3 White 2A Leveling Amplifier, are manufactured and developed by IK Multimedia based on its own modeling techniques. Universal Audio has neither endorsed nor sponsored IK Multimedia's products in any manner, nor licensed any intellectual property for use in this product. Leslie is a trademark property of Hammond Organ/Leslie, wholly-owned brand subsidiaries of Suzuki Musical Instruments Mfg., Ltd. of Hamamatsu, Japan, used under license. Fairchild® is a registered trademark property of Avid Technology, Inc. Pultec® is a registered trademark property of Pulse Techniques, LLC. Mac and the Mac logo are trademarks of Apple Computer, Inc., registered in the U.S. and other countries. Windows Vista and the Windows logo are trademarks or registered trademarks of Microsoft Corporation in the United States and/or other countries. QuickTime and the QuickTime logo are trademarks or registered trademarks of Apple Computer, Inc., used under license therefrom. The Audio Units logo is a trademark of Apple Computer, Inc. VST is a trademark of Steinberg Media Technologies GmbH. ARC System™ is a trademark property of IK Multimedia Production Srl. Audyssey™, MultEQ®, Audyssey MultEQ® are trademarks property of Audyssey Laboratories™ Inc. used under license.