Little Labs LL2A Compressor/Limiter

Full Description

Minimalist design, maximum sonic quality

The LL2A’s design philosophy is rooted in keeping the audio path as pure as possible. Instead of following the usual route of heavy circuitry and multiple gain stages, the LL2A employs a single analog multiplier to manage gain reduction. This is paired with a high-quality current driver output stage and passive components, creating a path that is clean, open and full of depth.

This unique approach gives the LL2A a signature character; clear, musical and responsive, without any of the dullness or stiffness sometimes found in modern compressors. It reacts quickly yet naturally, maintaining musicality even under heavy gain reduction.

Flexible operation for mono or stereo use

While primarily a mono balanced compressor, the LL2A can be configured for stereo unbalanced use with a TRS-to-dual-TS insert-style cable. It preserves differential signal integrity, meaning each side of the balanced signal is processed separately and independently. This results in lower distortion and higher fidelity when used with appropriate balanced connections. The unit also features both TRS and XLR I/O for flexible integration. It includes a sidechain insert for external triggering, which is particularly useful for ducking or frequency-dependent compression setups. In stereo applications, the LL2A’s link function allows for shared threshold control between two units while still maintaining independent output levels.

Selectable compression timing with a hidden twist

The LL2A’s default attack time is 400 microseconds with a release of 0.9 seconds, making it responsive enough for vocals and most general-purpose applications. However, activating the link button without connecting a link cable engages a hidden slower mode — 2400 microseconds attack and 4.9 seconds release. This is ideal for bass or other instruments that benefit from more relaxed dynamics control.

Vintage-style visuals meet precision metering

One of the LL2A’s standout features is its use of a Nixie tube meter. Unlike traditional VU meters or LED strips, the Nixie tube offers a unique blend of retro style and precise display. A front-panel button lets you switch between displaying gain reduction and output level, giving you useful visual feedback at a glance while adding an eye-catching design element to your rack.

Designed for real-world workflow

With only a threshold knob, output gain control, meter switch and bypass button, the LL2A keeps things simple. This streamlined interface lets you dial in settings quickly, making it a go-to solution for sessions where time and precision matter. The build quality is rock solid, with a compact metal housing and optional rackmount kit for studio installations.

Features

• Original compressor design using a four-quadrant analog multiplier for ultra-transparent gain reduction
• Minimalist audio path with only two active components for virtually artifact-free compression
• Modeled after the Fairchild 670 with a fast 400μs attack and 0.9s release, or switchable 2400μs attack and 4.9s release for bass
• Stepped, resettable threshold and gain controls for fast, accurate recall
• Soft-knee compression for smooth dynamic control
• True VU meter with neon Nixie tube for precise and stylish level monitoring
• Linear voltage multiplier performs attenuation instead of amplification, reducing coloration
• Internal low-noise linear voltage regulation with 1MHz high-voltage supply for metering
• Linkable for stereo operation, with support for unbalanced stereo via a single unit
• Rear panel includes TRS balanced sidechain insert, TS link jack, and XLR/TRS mono and stereo I/O
• Compact form factor fits up to two units in a 1U rack space
• Handcrafted in California, USA

Specifications

• Input Impedance:
• Mono Balanced Input Impedance: 20k Ω
• Stereo Unbalanced Input Impedance: 10k Ω
• Output Impedance:
• Mono Balanced Output Impedance: < 0.5 Ω
• Stereo Unbalanced Output Impedance: < 0.5 Ω
• Maximum Output Level:
• In Balanced Mono: +28dB
• In Unbalanced Stereo: +22dB
• Product Code: LL2A