History of the Universal Audio LA-2A Leveling Amplifier with CEO Bill Putnam Jr.

0 Views

Thanks! Share it with your friends!

You disliked this video. Thanks for the feedback!

Published May 28, 2026

We recently visited Universal Audio's headquarters in Scotts Valley, California. While there we chatted with CEO Bill Putnam Jr. about the history of the legendary LA-2A Leveling Amplifier.

Bill shared stories of the early history of Universal Audio, the origins of the LA-2A compressor and, thanks to its tube and optical-based design, its unique sonic qualities and applications. Bill also discusses early challenges involved with their attempts to model it as a plug-in for their UAD platform.

To learn more and shop Universal Audio's gear, including the 610 mic preamp, the legendary 1176 and LA-2A compressors and their industry-standard Apollo X recording interfaces:

https://www.musiciansfriend.com/universal-audio?source=3GOA6AKB

Learn more about the history of Universal Audio and their legendary gear at https://www.musiciansfriend.com/thehub/the-history-of-universal-audio?source=3GOA6AKB