Level the Playing Field

Since the 1960s, professional engineers have relied on the unique characteristics of this electro-optical tube-based compressor to work its magic on all kinds of sources, including guitars, bass, pads, and especially vocals. Previously only available to big studios that could afford these all tube units, the CA-2A T-Type Leveling Amplifier lets you wield this legendary sonic weapon in your own studio, on your own tracks. With only a few simple controls, it's easy to use and provides instant gratification with professional results. It features native x64 operation, zero latency performance, and 64-bit double precision audio fidelity. Get the kind of smooth, warm sound heard on so many classic recordings, at a fraction of the cost and with modern convenience.

Modeled to a T

The characteristic sound of the original hardware unit is a result of both its tube design and the famous T4 circuitry – and the CA-2A T-Type Leveling Amplifier meticulously models both. The T4 circuit is made up of an electroluminescent panel partnered with and an optical photocell that, together, determine the the attack and release time - all based on incoming program material. The four tubes in the original hardware unit were also carefully modeled giving the CA-2A its warm character. The tubes slightly change the shape of the signal, adding even and odd harmonics based on the frequency of the incoming program material. We even went so far as to model the user-adjustable "R37" screw on the original unit. Turning the R37 screw controls how much compression is applied to high-frequency content, such as vocal sibilance. Every detail of the original hardware has been carefully considered and incorporated into this stunning software model.

Smooth Operator

Because it's essentially a tube amp with some photo-resistors there is no electronic circuitry involved in the compression process. This simple yet clever design offers flat frequency response and transparent sound with automatic attack and release times that are completely program dependent. Unlike typical dynamics processors that have a fixed compression ratio across all frequencies, the CA-2A T-Type Leveling Amplifier's gain reduction varies at different frequencies. This unique design only reduces gain to a certain point before "giving in" and allowing the output level to naturally increase again. These characteristics play a big part in its smooth and transparent sound and why it is so universally revered as a vocal compressor. But it's equally at home on guitars, bass, wind instruments and any other highly dynamic source material. Silky smooth and easy to use, the CA-2A T-Type Leveling Amplifier is truly a must have dynamics processor.

Side-Chaining

In addition to adding support for VST and AU-compatible DAWs, the CA-2A T-Type Leveling Amplifier also includes side-chain capability allowing the compressor to react to program material from one track, and apply it to another. This is an improvement that many mixing engineers will find useful for a wide variety of use cases, such as ducking or pumping of synth sounds in EDM.

CA-2A T-Type Leveling Amplifier

Parameter	Control Type	Range	Description
Limit / Compress	Toggle	Limit, Compress	Toggles between compression and limiting (ratio)
VU Meter Mode	4-Position switch	GR, dBFS, +4, +10	Sets the VU meter to display either gain reduction, db-Full Scale output, or either of the analog simulated metering modes
R37	Dial	0-100%	Adjusts the gain reduction frequency response
Gain	Knob	0-100%	Adjusts the make-up gain after compression
Peak Reduction	Knob	0-100%	Adjusts the threshold and gain reduction

Windows

• Windows 7 SP1 (32-bit and 64-bit), Windows 8 (32-bit and 64-bit)*
• Intel Core 2 Duo or newer processor
• 1 GB RAM
• 1280x800 minimum resolution, 32-bit
• 100 MB hard disk space required
• a VST 3 or VST 2.4 compatible host
• SONAR X1 Producer Expanded or newer required for ProChannel module version

Mac OS X

• Mac OS X 10.7.5 or higher
• 64-bit processor, Intel Core 2 Duo or newer**
• 1GB RAM
• 1280 x 800 minimum resolution, 32-bit
• 100MB hard disk space required
• VST3 or Audio Units compatible host

* Windows XP and Vista not officially supported
** Not supported on 32-bit processors