Does anyone have experience of using the 1176 and LA2A in the recording chain?

I have both free versions in my input chain and I see that the collections are both on sale, so I'm wondering what difference they both make to the input and recording?

Does it make a huge difference? Will it improve performance? Which versions of each are the best for vocal recording?

 

• The UREI-built Silver LA-2A is generally appreciated for its faster time constant and its treatment of transients. This makes it a versatile performer that's suitable for the widest variety of applications — including drums, percussion, and bass guitar.
• The Gray model, paying homage to Jim Lawrence's original mid-‘60s Pasadena-built units, is typically used for material requiring a medium-speed compression — think lead and background vocals, keyboards, and (judiciously) acoustic and electric guitars.
• The LA-2 model captures the mojo of one of the very earliest Teletronix units, offering the slowest response time and a distinctive "mellow" sound owing to its 50-year-old luminescent panel. It may be best used on legato vocals, strings, and horns. But you know the old maxim, “If it sounds good, it is good".

Source: https://www.uaudio.com/blog/la-2a-collection-tips-tricks/

Here's some tricks and tips about the 1176 collection as well.

https://www.uaudio.com/blog/1176-collection-tips/

You can also combine these two compressors in your vocal chain. Using the 1176 before the 2A.

I believe the best answer is: use your ears.

 

I use those when tracking 1176ae into La2a or Cl1b warms everything up and my vocals come out crystal clear

 

Oh that's really interesting thanks... I haven't seen the AE mentioned people seem to be using the LN... Are you using the 2:1 ratio?

Which version of the 2A do you use?

Did you find any performance improvement from the Legacy versions of both?

 

Yes 2:1 ratio I normally use LA2a Legacy I dont think theres a "performance improvement" from one or the other but they all sound good I track with Apollo

 

Thanks for this. Really helpful. You have a similar setup to me, RMX16 on the send, I think I put the comp after though. I'll try swapping that out of interest. Do you use a preset? I think I have something like a Non-Lin plus the second Aux with a 224.

I've forgotten that I bought the Studer for vocal recording so that's a great reminder thanks and I also have the Manley. I never liked its sound, it came with the Apollo, but I've just had an idea for setting up a second channel for BVs using the Manley for contrast.

I'm going to have to test the 76, 2A and Century whilst these offers are on. I'll check your suggestions. I guess I could even use different 76s on the LV and BV assuming the Apollo can handle that.

I nearly got a Townsend but I went with a U87 copy instead, I really liked its sound. How do you find that thing? Is the flexibility worthwhile?