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 bought two of these after doing way too much research and listening to sound samples. I've used the LA-2A plugins for the last 12 years so I'm very familiar with the controls and what to expect. After hearing sound samples on YouTube, and comparisons to every 500 series LA-2A style compressor, I bought this. And I am so glad I did. It makes mixing easier. It pulls the sound together on anything you track. It adds a good amount of energy by pulling up the low dynamics and kind of holding onto them, not in a noticeable way if it's in the range of 2-5 db. And it's easy to use and very forgiving, like if you're running past that level ocassionally, it doesn't fuss like a VCA would. I use it mostly on classical guitar, electric guitar, bass and vocals. After having some time on these IGS One LAs, I bought the IGS S-Type buss compressor and then the IGS 576 1176 style compressor. The transformers in the IGS One LA add a lot of character and weight. You won't find a better LA-2A style 500 series compressor than this one. It's been one of the best purchases I've made for my 500 rack.

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.