IGS Audio One LA 500

If you're looking for a smaller format 8ans cheaper) LA-2A type tube/valve compressor, then look no further: this is IT.
The IGS Audio One LA 500 has the sound to match the looks, and both that unmistakable and desirable true opto-cell non linear program dependent release curve, and the tube rich creaminess.
And it doesn't "emulate" that, but it achieves it the right, correct, old fashioned way - proper solid build, 250V DC high voltage guts, 3 audio transformers (one in the sidechain, too) of which one is an Edcor and another a super buttery Sowter, and a real vintage-style photocell element.
The meter can be fine-calibrated from the front panel, and controls are as simple and basic as in a real LA-2A.
After trying many clones and replicas, this was clearly the best choice (just watch & listen to the examples in several YouTube videos), with a friendly price to top it all.
Only thing perhaps missing is a sidechain lowcut or variable filter, which would make it even more modern and feature laden. But, as it is, it's just as the heading says, a shrinked-down LA2A with a stellar sound... and that is more than enough!

I usually split the time I work on mixing sessions onto 2 parts. First part spent mostly in the box using UAD plugins. But for the second part I try to bypass some plugins to avoid overprocessed result and also I replace some plugins with outboard gear. I always replace software LA2A on lead vocal with outboard One LA 500 with great results!

Usually vocal chain contains a lot of plugins but I finally bypass most of them and leave all dynamic processing for One LA 500 hardware insert only. The tube section of One LA 500 has nice natural saturation effect, which suppresses fast transients while opto compression tames overall dynamics.

Besides vocals this 500 series module works great on bass guitar too. One LA 500 is very quiet (noise level is much less than you?d expect from tube gear) and I didn?t have any overheat problems (often experienced with tube gear) too.