2A-KT : 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.