The Little Labs LL2A is a single-channel easy-to-use audio compressor and limiter using an innovative design to provide natural, soft-knee compression. The Little Labs LL2A uses a straightforward 2-knob control for set-and-forget compression, providing a powerful and easy way to achieve the desired amount of compression. Indeed with only a threshold level and output gain controls, it is easy to find the desired amount of gain reduction. Attack and release times are fixed and specially optimised to work with vocals and instruments like bass guitars. On the inside, the LL2A uses an innovative design that uses a single linear analogue multiplier to reduce the dynamic range smoothly and naturally. The metering is achieved using a NOS (New Old Stock) neon Nixie tube that provides a vintage look reminiscent of old speedometers. Two units can be linked together for stereo operation by linking the sidechain detectors. If no cable is present the Link button changes the attack time by slowing it down considerably making it particularly useful on instruments like bass guitars or synths. Furthermore, a single LL2A can be used to provide unbalanced stereo operation if required. The external side-chain is also useful for side-chain dynamics processing to external signals that can be used to provide de-essing when linked to a duplicate channel with emphasised EQ in that region or the more popular ducking effect popular in electronic music productions. The LL2A is extremely versatile and a must-have compressor for any recording studio.
