Klark Teknik 2A-KT

USE: I am using the KT-2A for tracking vocals and bass guitar.

PROS: Good solid build quality, great overall sound that add's character and warmth, built in PSU, extremely good value

CONS: It's really hard to write anything here even if the KT-2A cost double the price let alone what it actually costs! However, if I had to write something then lower noise is always useful at more extreme settings but at sensible output levels noise is inaudible.

OVERALL: I've been really impressed with both the sound and quality of this compressor regardless of price. I've found it to be a good step up from the software VST compressor's I have used and I like the character, smoothness and warmth the KT-2A imparts compared to other more expensive hardware units I've tried (though they were different types of compressors). The build quality seems to be excellent. The pots and switches feel extremely well made and better than on a lot of more expensive products I've used. It also has an internal PSU with an IEC socket so no wall-warts here! This compressor performs well above what it's price tag would suggest and I would definitely recommend it!

The KT2A is a surprisingly good recreation of the classic LA2A compressor! It definitely nails the opto sound and has a really nice gooey compression and imparts desirable characteristics onto the sound of your vocal / bass / whatever you're running through it!

The build is pretty solid and the knobs and switches feel decent. The unit also looks great, definitely reaching for that classic aesthetic more than some other clone units.

It also has some extra features, such as the ability to stereo link two units together, and dial in the responsiveness to high end frequencies! Very handy!

For the money you're getting a really excellent sounding compressor, that definitely will find a use in any studio looking to add a bit of classic compression to their recording chain.

The only things I don't like about it is that sometimes you have to drive the input really hard if you want some heavier compression - can be quite hard to do if your preamp doesn't have an output level - but this is somewhat true to the original I suppose, as it doesn't have an input gain.

Also should note that my first unit completely died shortly after receiving and I had to get a replacement! Second one is doing fine though!

It might not sound exactly like the vintage LA-2A, but I'm not concerned with that. If a box makes the signal just passed through it without compression sound better, than it is worth having. And KT-2A does this in a very nice way. It softens the signal, smears it a bit in a pleasing way, smooths out the highs and opens the low mids. The compression is quite transparent, but of course very slow. Everything sounds smooth and creamy through it. I also use hardware 1176LN and a custom made Vari-mu compressor, but this one imparts the greatest amount of smoothness to the sound (1176 obviously doesn't).
The build quality is nothing I can complain about. Very good.
Well done Klark Teknik!

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.

It fulfills its purpose well. Taking hold of my hands, I suspected because of the light weight of a valve equipment that proposes to do what a LA-2A does. However, it has a good finish. Being new, I can't talk about durability yet, but in terms of sound it's very good.

Do not expect a Teletronix in your studio, but for the price and quality, I can say that it surpassed my compressor plugins. I expected a little more color in the sound from the valves, which didn't happen. In the end it is a very transparent compressor that performs its role of limiting the peaks well. I recommend

Just received my pair. The first thing I noticed was it' pretty lightweight - found out the KT's are about half the weight of the UA or Warm units. So I suppose they must lack some iron inside for sure. The VU meter needs callibration after each session, not sure if it'll settle down but it doesn't bother me that much. Knobs and switches feel nice, built quality seems good.

The sound is actually pretty good. Tried it on bass, vocals, snare and full mix... smooth action, love it. For a price of boutique guitar pedal it's an ultimate bang for the buck.

Even if they eventually crap out after the warranty period, it's worth the try. If they have completely discrete signal path as stated, it should be easy to repair/replace parts.