The BF-2A is a vintage-style compressor plug-in that is available in AAX, TDM, RTAS, and AudioSuite formats.
Meticulously crafted to capture every nuance of the legendary LA-2A tube studio compressor, BF-2A provides the most authentic vintage compression sound available.
Designed and manufactured in the early 1960s, the LA-2A achieved wide acclaim for its smooth compression action and extremely high quality audio signal path.
Originally designed as a limiter for broadcast audio, a Comp/Limit switch was added to LA-2A compressors after serial number 572. The subsequent addition of a Comp (Compress) setting made the LA-2A even more popular for use in audio production. However, the switch was inconveniently located on the back of the unit next to the terminal strips and tube sockets in the original version. In the BF-2A plug-in, the switch has been placed on the front panel, where you can make better use of it.
The heart of the LA-2A is its patented T4B ElectroOptical Attenuator, which provides the compression action. The T4B consists of a photo-conductive cell, which changes resistance when light strikes it. It is attached to an electro-luminescent panel, which produces light in response to voltage. Audio (voltage) is applied to the light source, and what happens as the audio converts to light and back to voltage gives the LA-2A its unique compression action (BF-2A preserves all the subtle characteristics of this unique electronic circuit). After compression, gain brings the signal back to its original level. The LA-2A’s gain comes from a tube amplifier, which imparts further character to the tone. In fact, it’s common to see engineers using the LA-2A simply as a line amp, without any compression applied to the signal.
One beautiful side effect of the LA-2A’s elegant design is that it’s easy to hear the compression action. When the BF-2A’s two knobs are set properly, you know you got it right. It’s a great unit for learning the art of compression!