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!

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.

I use this compressor in my home studio. There is not much reviews about it but I decide to have it. I also have analog 76 black face FAT compressor and both of them are far more better sounding than plugins. I think that 2A is a go to compressor for vocals, acoustic guitar and bass. If you want smooth and natural sounding track, that's it. Very nice built piece of gear. Everything is working fine after 3 days of experimenting. No meter how much compression and gain you make there is no noise. You get only a pleasant tube distortion that we all looking for. Before I noticed KT-2A I was thinking to get WA-2A but now I am glad I didn't. Very important thing that KT has on the front side is a pre emphasis knob. You will use it a lot depend of the instrument and material. WA has that knob on the back and that makes adjusting inconvenient. I hope it will work fine long enough and won't make me regret that I bought it. Up to now I can recommend it.