One LA 500 : A shrinked-down LA2a with stellar sound!

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!