The Effectrode^® LA-1A Leveling Amplifier is a high-end, studio-grade vacuum tube compressor in a pedal. Whisper-quiet operation and a wide, wide dynamic range make this tone-tool an unparalleled tone enhancer on stage and in the studio—its natural warmth and clarity are unmatched.

The Effectrode LA-1A is a formidable piece of guitar and bass hardware” — Vintage Guitar

• Peak Reduction Knob: Adjusts the threshold and the amount of compression. Wind the “PEAK REDUCTION” knob back to around 9 o’clock to add subtle compression to enhance the tone of your guitar and create a fuller, warmer tone. Turn the knob fully clockwise and the LA-1A becomes a leveler, squashing the signal dynamics and reducing the volume of loud notes relative to quieter ones.
• Gain Knob: Adjust to add “make-up” gain to the compressed signal to match it with the bypass signal level. Provides up to +15dBu of tube boost with the “PEAK REDUCTION” knob set fully counterclockwise (zero compression).
• Boost Knob: Adds up to +6dB of gain (on top of the make-up gain), which is useful when soloing on guitar, or bass. Further, you can use the boost to push the input stage of a tube amp very nicely too.
• Attack and Knee Knobs: Fine-tune the compression to suit other instruments. For example, active 5-string bass guitars and nylon or steel string acoustic guitars fitted with piezo pickups. Or especially “difficult” instruments, such as hammered dulcimer, harpsichord or tar. Rotate the “ATTACK” knob clockwise to increase how quickly the compression kicks-in. The “KNEE” knob blends some of the “dry” signal into the mix to “lighten” the compression. Rotate the knob fully clockwise and the LA-1A becomes a limiter; and counter-clockwise for more subtle compression.
• Dynamic EQ: With the toggle switch in the “down” position the LA-1A dynamically boosts high frequency material. This is fabulous for enhancing a Rickenbacker^® 12-string to add some “jangle” & “sparkle” to the tone.
• Balanced Direct Out: ¼” TRS (stereo) jack socket enables direct recording to mixing desk, computer sound-card or external audio capture device. This output is fully balanced and isolated by a Triad transformer to eliminate earth loops and reduce hum.
• External Select: ¼” TRS (stereo) jack socket for connecting an external footswitch to control bypass and boost remotely. Compatible with standard latching footswitch types, such as the Fender^® “Deluxe Reverb” amp vibrato/reverb dual footswitch.
• True Bypass Footswitching: Minimises “pop” or “thump” when engaging the pedal.
• “Dakaware” Knobs: Authentic Bakelite Dakaware Chicago 1510 knobs custom made in the U.S.A.
• Includes 12VDC 1.5A Wall-Wart: High quality low-noise switched mode power supply operating from 100-240VAC mains input. Supplied with various adapter plugs to facilitate connection to mains outlets in other countries. Compatible with all Effectrode pedals.