The TUBE-TECH LCA 2B is a highly powerful and versatile all-tube VCA compressor/limiter, making it one of the most adaptable compressors on the market. It performs exceptionally well across a wide range of applications, including vocals, instruments, and bus compression. Its fast and smooth attack makes it particularly suited for dynamic sources such as drums and percussion.
The TUBE-TECH LCA 2B handles virtually any audio source with ease. It excels in both parallel and inserted bus compression, delivering impactful results, and is equally effective for fine-tuning individual instruments and voice compression. The compressor’s action is transparent and intuitive, allowing users to quickly find the ideal settings without overcomplication.
Designed as the TUBE-TECH equivalent of the legendary Fairchild 670, the TUBE-TECH LCA 2B mirrors its compression behaviour while maintaining transparency, even at extreme settings. While its design does not replicate the Fairchild’s electronics, it does feature the same fixed attack/release constants, delivering similar sonic results while preserving high-frequency clarity.
For those seeking greater control, power, and creative potential beyond the TUBE-TECH CL 1B, the TUBE-TECH LCA 2B is an excellent choice. It has become a trusted tool in both studio environments and the touring racks of top live sound engineers worldwide.
The TUBE-TECH LCA 2B is a two-channel compressor/limiter unit, featuring an independent compressor and limiter for each channel. The design is all-tube-based, excluding the power supply and sidechain circuit. Its VCA (1 dual triode) is positioned between the input transformer and the output stage (2 dual triodes).
Key Features:
- Audio Path: Fully symmetrical from input to output.
- Transformers: Fully floating input and output transformers.
- Sidechain Operation:
- The audio signal is picked up post-VCA and sent to the sidechain circuit.
- The compressor and limiter control signals are combined and routed to the link switch and control amp, which drives the VCA.
Linking Capabilities:
- The two channels can be linked for stereo applications.
- The unit includes two bi-directional link buses accessible via 1/4″ stereo jack sockets on the rear panel.
- Multiple LCA 2B units can be linked using a standard stereo jack-to-jack cable.
Compressor and Limiter Control:
- Compressor:
- Offers six attack/release presets based on Fairchild time constants.
- Includes a manual control option.
- Limiter:
- Features fixed attack/release settings.
Indicators and Power:
- LED Display:
- Compressor LED fed from the control amp.
- Limiter LED fed from the limiter buffer.
- Power Supply:
- Stabilised DC voltages, except for the anode voltage in the output stage.
The TUBE-TECH LCA 2B is a versatile tool designed for precision dynamics control in stereo and multi-unit configurations, offering seamless operation and outstanding audio quality.
