Hardware LA-2A's have a distinct characteristic where they recover relatively quickly from heavy compression but don't recover all the way back to zero - at that same speed. This slows the release rate, the closer the gain reduction gets back to unity.
Some LA-2A emulations out there don't have this release response working correctly. Some feel too slow at higher gain reduction amounts. It makes the whole thing feel sloppy, as you don't get the movement from the compressor, and that's one of the most important things that we want from an LA-2A emulation. We want that sense of timing and movement.
Slate Digital has mastered this tapered release with the FG-2A, and it gives a really smooth and forgiving sound. It gets you out of heavy compression quickly, and the last few dB of gain reduction are comparatively relaxed. On top of that, the FG-2A features a programme dependent release which alters the time based on certain programme factors, like how much low-end content is present.
Every LA-2A is different, and Slate Digital listened to a hundreds of units until they found one that captured all the warmth and tone producers love. They spent over a year measuring, analysing, and obsessing over every aspect of an original, golden unit. They took the time to ensure every peak, curve, and nuance of the original hardware has been modelled - from its characteristic saturation to the magic of the T4 optical attenuator to the signature release response - and in our opinion, have done a really great job.
With saturation that’s peak-for-peak comparable to the original hardware, the FG-2A is an amazingly accurate emulation of one of the most popular opto compressors in history.
In this video for Production Expert, Michael Costa gets a first look at the FG-2A and gives an overview of this latest plugin emulation of the classic opto compressor - the LA-2A.
Slate Digital FG-2A Compressor Plug-in Features:
Faithfully captures the tone and character of a vintage opto compressor
Peak Reduction and Gain knobs adjust dynamic leveling and output level
Limit/Compress switch toggles between a higher and lower compression ratio
HF/Flat sidechain pre-emphasis control defines how the plug-in responds to higher frequencies
Mix control provides effortless parallel compression — avoid over-compression
Stereo Link switch for use with stereo tracks and buses
Responsive analog-style gain reduction meter
Pricing
You can purchase a perpetual license for FG-2A for $149.99, and an iLok USB dongle is required.
However, you can get FG-2A and over $5,000 worth of Pro Plugins, synthesizer, tutorials and sample packs when you sigh up for a Slate Digital All Access pass for only $9.99 for the first 6-months and $14.99 recurring after that. Alternatively, you can buy a yearly subscription for $149.
For full details on the FG-2A, head over to Slate Digitals website.