Ken Kessie, Jim Scott | Inova LA-2A manual

Ken Kessie

Mixer Ken Kessie (En Vogue, Tony! Toni! Tone!, Celine Dion) is known for being experimental. "Seems like everybody knows the basic tricks for he 1176," he says, "But here are two that might be lesser known. If you turn the attack knob fully counterclockwise until it clicks, the 1176 eases to be a compressor and acts only as an amplifier. Sometimes this is the perfect sound for a vocal. And of course the unit can be overdriven, adding another flavor of distortion in case your plug-ins are maxed out!

"Then, for that hard-to-tame lead vocalist (the one that backs up from the mic to whisper and leans in for the big ending chorus), try an 1176 followed by a DBX 165. Use the 1176 as a compressor, and the DBX as a peak limiter...it's guaranteed to be smooth as silk."

Jim Scott

Jim Scott shared a Grammy for Best Engineered Album for Tom Petty's Wildflowers. He's also known for his work with Red Hot Chili Peppers, Natalie Merchant and Wilco. "I use 1176s real conservatively and they till do amazing things," he comments. "I'm always on the four to one button, and the Dr. Pepper--you know, 10 o'clock, 2 o'clock, and it does everything I need.

"I always use them on vocals. I use them on room mics, on acoustic guitars--sometimes in mixing I'll sneak a little on a snare drum or a separated channel of a snare drum. I'm not one of those guys who leaves it on everything, but I'd have to say I've used an1176 on everything at one time or another.

"They have an equalizer kind of effect, adding a coloration that's bright and clear. Not only do they give you a little more impact from the compression, they also sort of clear things up; maybe a little bottom end gets squeezed out or maybe they are just sort of excitingly solid state or whatever they are. The big thing for me is the clarity, and the improvement in the top end.

"The 1176 has that same kind of phenomenon, where, when you patch something through a Neve equalizer and you don't even engage the EQ, it sounds better. It's just a combination of the amps.

"I also use LA-2As all the time. I use them on bass, and it's one of the compressors I use for reverb. Often I'll send a bunch of things to one LA2A and bring it back into the console like a return--it's great for drums, great for kick drum especially.

"LA-2As warm things up. They're the opposite of the 1176--they EQ all the warmth and low mids and bass. When you put bass and drums in them they get fatter and bigger. And unless you hit them way hard and make the tubes sizzle they don't really distort. Of course, you can get them to sound like an AC30 if you want to, just turn them all the way up. They are very loud, powerful amplifiers.

"I've also used both the 1176 and the LA-2A for stereo buss compressors--you just have to be a little bit careful that your mixes don't go one sided. Tom's [Petty’s] records have often been mixed through 1176s. I've also done that with LA-2As --they are of course, more

LA-2A specifications

The Inova LA-2A is a sophisticated optical compressor renowned for its classic design and exceptional sound quality. Hailing from the lineage of legendary optical compressors, the LA-2A combines vintage warmth with modern reliability, making it a staple in professional recording studios globally.

One of the main features of the LA-2A is its opto-electronic gain reduction circuit, which utilizes a light-dependent resistor (LDR) and a sealed optical element to achieve compression. This unique mechanism provides a smooth and transparent compression, allowing the audio signal to maintain its natural dynamics while controlling peaks effectively. The optical design contributes to a musical response, widely regarded as one of its defining characteristics.

The LA-2A also features a simple and intuitive interface. It includes essential controls such as Peak Reduction, which adjusts the level of gain reduction, and Make-Up Gain, which compensates for any lost level after compression. The device typically has two modes: the Compress mode for moderate compression and the Limit mode for more aggressive limiting. This flexibility makes it suitable for a variety of audio sources, from vocals to instruments.

Another noteworthy characteristic is its true tube circuitry. The LA-2A employs a vacuum tube in its audio path, contributing to its warm tonal character. This tube coloration enhances the richness of audio signals, making the device particularly popular for vocals and bass, where presence and depth are paramount.

Additionally, the build quality of the LA-2A is exceptional. The chassis is constructed from durable materials, ensuring longevity and reliability in demanding studio environments. Its vintage aesthetic features analog VU meters, adding to its charm while providing visual feedback of the gain reduction.

Inova has modernized the LA-2A with contemporary features while preserving its classic sound. Enhanced technologies such as improved signal-to-noise ratio and updated component designs ensure that the LA-2A remains competitive in today's digital landscape.

Ultimately, the Inova LA-2A is a beautifully crafted compressor that delivers a unique sonic signature. It combines vintage appeal with modern functionality, making it an essential tool for audio engineers and music producers seeking to achieve professional-grade mixes. Its smooth compression characteristics, intuitive controls, and durable design are testaments to its lasting legacy in the world of audio processing.