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Astonishing value compressor!
USE: I am using the KT-2A for tracking vocals and bass guitar.
PROS: Good solid build quality, great overall sound that add's character and warmth, built in PSU, extremely good value
CONS: It's really hard to write anything here even if the KT-2A cost double the price let alone what it actually costs! However, if I had to write something then lower noise is always useful at more extreme settings but at sensible output levels noise is inaudible.
OVERALL: I've been really impressed with both the sound and quality of this compressor regardless of price. I've found it to be a good step up from the software VST compressor's I have used and I like the character, smoothness and warmth the KT-2A imparts compared to other more expensive hardware units I've tried (though they were different types of compressors). The build quality seems to be excellent. The pots and switches feel extremely well made and better than on a lot of more expensive products I've used. It also has an internal PSU with an IEC socket so no wall-warts here! This compressor performs well above what it's price tag would suggest and I would definitely recommend it!
PROS: Good solid build quality, great overall sound that add's character and warmth, built in PSU, extremely good value
CONS: It's really hard to write anything here even if the KT-2A cost double the price let alone what it actually costs! However, if I had to write something then lower noise is always useful at more extreme settings but at sensible output levels noise is inaudible.
OVERALL: I've been really impressed with both the sound and quality of this compressor regardless of price. I've found it to be a good step up from the software VST compressor's I have used and I like the character, smoothness and warmth the KT-2A imparts compared to other more expensive hardware units I've tried (though they were different types of compressors). The build quality seems to be excellent. The pots and switches feel extremely well made and better than on a lot of more expensive products I've used. It also has an internal PSU with an IEC socket so no wall-warts here! This compressor performs well above what it's price tag would suggest and I would definitely recommend it!
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B
GREAT LA2A FOR THE MONEY!
The KT2A is a surprisingly good recreation of the classic LA2A compressor! It definitely nails the opto sound and has a really nice gooey compression and imparts desirable characteristics onto the sound of your vocal / bass / whatever you're running through it!
The build is pretty solid and the knobs and switches feel decent. The unit also looks great, definitely reaching for that classic aesthetic more than some other clone units.
It also has some extra features, such as the ability to stereo link two units together, and dial in the responsiveness to high end frequencies! Very handy!
For the money you're getting a really excellent sounding compressor, that definitely will find a use in any studio looking to add a bit of classic compression to their recording chain.
The only things I don't like about it is that sometimes you have to drive the input really hard if you want some heavier compression - can be quite hard to do if your preamp doesn't have an output level - but this is somewhat true to the original I suppose, as it doesn't have an input gain.
Also should note that my first unit completely died shortly after receiving and I had to get a replacement! Second one is doing fine though!
The build is pretty solid and the knobs and switches feel decent. The unit also looks great, definitely reaching for that classic aesthetic more than some other clone units.
It also has some extra features, such as the ability to stereo link two units together, and dial in the responsiveness to high end frequencies! Very handy!
For the money you're getting a really excellent sounding compressor, that definitely will find a use in any studio looking to add a bit of classic compression to their recording chain.
The only things I don't like about it is that sometimes you have to drive the input really hard if you want some heavier compression - can be quite hard to do if your preamp doesn't have an output level - but this is somewhat true to the original I suppose, as it doesn't have an input gain.
Also should note that my first unit completely died shortly after receiving and I had to get a replacement! Second one is doing fine though!
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s
Don't be fooled by the low price!
It might not sound exactly like the vintage LA-2A, but I'm not concerned with that. If a box makes the signal just passed through it without compression sound better, than it is worth having. And KT-2A does this in a very nice way. It softens the signal, smears it a bit in a pleasing way, smooths out the highs and opens the low mids. The compression is quite transparent, but of course very slow. Everything sounds smooth and creamy through it. I also use hardware 1176LN and a custom made Vari-mu compressor, but this one imparts the greatest amount of smoothness to the sound (1176 obviously doesn't).
The build quality is nothing I can complain about. Very good.
Well done Klark Teknik!
The build quality is nothing I can complain about. Very good.
Well done Klark Teknik!
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N
Very good first impression
I bought this for tracking vocals and bass so I can apply some gentle compression and also some of that archetypal tube thickening. I work with a 'one-take' singer and I wanted something that was quick and easy to set up without needing a lot of knob tweaking. I've never used a real LA-2A on which this is based, so I can't compare it in terms of sound, but it definitely gives a pleasing character even when it's not compressing.
The unit itself seems nicely constructed and looks better in real life than it does in any photos. The retro switches and knobs look and feel great and the VU meter is very smart.
In short: Great bit of kit for the money.
Slightly bad points
I've taken a star off for features for two reasons:
1. The meter calibration is on the back panel and will be a pain to get at once it's racked. Why not put it on the front?
(Same for the calibration if you want to set up a stereo pair.)
2. The pre-emphasis control could really have had a proper knob on so that it can be used more easily as a creative function.
The unit itself seems nicely constructed and looks better in real life than it does in any photos. The retro switches and knobs look and feel great and the VU meter is very smart.
In short: Great bit of kit for the money.
Slightly bad points
I've taken a star off for features for two reasons:
1. The meter calibration is on the back panel and will be a pain to get at once it's racked. Why not put it on the front?
(Same for the calibration if you want to set up a stereo pair.)
2. The pre-emphasis control could really have had a proper knob on so that it can be used more easily as a creative function.
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MR
Best cost benefit
It fulfills its purpose well. Taking hold of my hands, I suspected because of the light weight of a valve equipment that proposes to do what a LA-2A does. However, it has a good finish. Being new, I can't talk about durability yet, but in terms of sound it's very good.
Do not expect a Teletronix in your studio, but for the price and quality, I can say that it surpassed my compressor plugins. I expected a little more color in the sound from the valves, which didn't happen. In the end it is a very transparent compressor that performs its role of limiting the peaks well. I recommend
Do not expect a Teletronix in your studio, but for the price and quality, I can say that it surpassed my compressor plugins. I expected a little more color in the sound from the valves, which didn't happen. In the end it is a very transparent compressor that performs its role of limiting the peaks well. I recommend
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S
Better than any plugin
Ordered 2 as part of an analog compressor rack in the studio. Both units sound good, and behave like I want from an LA2A-style compressor. The pre-emphasis knob is very useful. Is it a vintage original unit? No. Do I like it better than any of the LA2A plugins I own? Yes!
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F
Suprising
I was suprised by this purchace in a good way! I'm going to keep it. Sounds amazing for the price. It feels solid and the meter stays at 0 after a few adjustments. I'm using it on voice and keep thinking it should sound "cheap" but it just doesnt.
It sounds sweet and adds some warmth to my vocal chain. Nice suprise!!
It sounds sweet and adds some warmth to my vocal chain. Nice suprise!!
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lr
Bang for the buck
Just received my pair. The first thing I noticed was it' pretty lightweight - found out the KT's are about half the weight of the UA or Warm units. So I suppose they must lack some iron inside for sure. The VU meter needs callibration after each session, not sure if it'll settle down but it doesn't bother me that much. Knobs and switches feel nice, built quality seems good.
The sound is actually pretty good. Tried it on bass, vocals, snare and full mix... smooth action, love it. For a price of boutique guitar pedal it's an ultimate bang for the buck.
Even if they eventually crap out after the warranty period, it's worth the try. If they have completely discrete signal path as stated, it should be easy to repair/replace parts.
The sound is actually pretty good. Tried it on bass, vocals, snare and full mix... smooth action, love it. For a price of boutique guitar pedal it's an ultimate bang for the buck.
Even if they eventually crap out after the warranty period, it's worth the try. If they have completely discrete signal path as stated, it should be easy to repair/replace parts.
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f
just perfect for tracking vocals, bass and (acoustic) guitars
I am so happy with this tool, i bought another one a week later... i use it with Klark Teknik EQP-KT for tracking vocals, and bass and guitars. Only bad thing is the handling as stereo compressor/limiter... hard to calibrate, and it changes the sound... good for ruff mixes, but i would not recommend it for serious mastering.
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T
This is an absolute steal.
What the price of this unit, you'd be actually crazy not to buy it.
I've cross referenced with the waves plugin, a real 2A and the warm audio 2A in the time ive had this unit,
while obviously in the lead was the real 2A, for me the clear winner next was the KT 2A, i used it for vocals and bass guitar and you just cant get anything like it.
I have 2 in my studio and be purchasing another 2.
I've cross referenced with the waves plugin, a real 2A and the warm audio 2A in the time ive had this unit,
while obviously in the lead was the real 2A, for me the clear winner next was the KT 2A, i used it for vocals and bass guitar and you just cant get anything like it.
I have 2 in my studio and be purchasing another 2.
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