Klark Teknik 2A-KT

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Classic Tubular Compressor / Leveling Amplifier

Completely discrete signal path
High quality 12AX7, 12BH7 and EL84 tubes
Specially developed MIDAS input and output transformers
XLR connectors
Adjustable stereo link function
Frequency range (+/- 1dB): 10 Hz to 20 kHz
Gain limiting: 0 to 30 dB
Attack: 10 ms
Release: 50 ms to 5 s
Self-adaptive universal power supply
Format: 19" / 2 HE
Case depth: 130 mm
Weight: 2.9 kg

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3-Year Thomann Warranty

Available since September 2018
Item number 448006
Sales Unit 1 piece(s)
Compressor Yes
Gate Yes
Peak Limiter Yes
2-Channel Unit No
Attack/Release Adjustable Yes

345 €

All prices incl. VAT

Sales Rank

in Compressors, Gates and De-essers

Classic compressor at a competitive price

The Klark Teknik KT-2A is inspired by the legendary Teletronix LA-2A, a tube-based optical compressor first introduced in the early 1960s and notable as the first compressor to use an optical control element rather than a fully tube-based design. Drawing on the strengths of the three original models produced up until 1969, Klark Teknik has recreated their character while incorporating modern components, including parts from Midas, resulting in a unit that captures the classic sound while offering greater reliability. With this approach, the KT-2A presents itself as an appealing choice for cost-conscious producers seeking an authentic hardware alternative to the many software emulations available today.

Klark Teknik 2A-KT Classic Tubular Compressor / Leveling Amplifier, display

Easy to use

From the front, the KT-2A closely resembles the original, which also means that it could hardly be easier to operate – just two main controls, output gain and peak reduction, where increasing the reduction applies more compression and the gain is raised to balance the level. A switch allows the mode to be toggled between Limit and Compress, though given the inherently smooth nature of the compressor, the difference is subtler than expected. Beyond that, the front panel houses only the metering controls and a power switch, keeping the design clean and straightforward.

Klark Teknik 2A-KT Classic Tubular Compressor / Leveling Amplifier, dials

Warm tube sound

The 2A-KT owes its signature warmth to a carefully chosen set of high-quality tubes – 12AX7, 12BH7, and EL84 – which work together to deliver a low-noise analogue output with a well-balanced sound, featuring tight, warm bass, silky-smooth mids, and bright, airy highs. The tube compressor, with its optical control element, particularly enhances the bass, eliminating the need to manually adjust time constants like attack and release. In three little words, the Klark Teknik 2A-KT's sound is soft, fat, and big.

About Klark Teknik

Founded in 1974 by brothers Terence and Phillip Clarke, Klark Teknik designs and manufactures professional audio equipment used primarily in the events industry. Based in Kidderminster, Worcestershire, UK, the company has developed a number of innovative products in the audio field (including the DN60 Real Time Analyzer and the DN300 Graphic Equalizer) and it won one of the Queen's Awards for Enterprise in 1986. Today, the firm (along with Midas) is owned by the Music Group, to which Behringer also belongs.

One for the road

The Klark Teknik KT-2A boasts a fully discrete signal path and custom-designed MIDAS input and output transformers, all housed in a robust two-unit-high rack enclosure with durable Neutrik XLR and jack connections on the rear panel. Built to withstand the rigours of stage use as well as studio work, it includes a self-adjusting universal power supply for reliable performance anywhere. For stereo applications, two units can be linked via the Sidechain Out and adjustable stereo link function, allowing stereo signals to benefit from its signature gentle, warm compression.

135 Customer ratings

5 103 Customers 4 26 Customers 3 4 Customers 2 1 Customer 1 1 Customer

4.7 / 5

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92 Reviews

Astonishing value compressor!

Ricardo78 06.01.2019

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!

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GREAT LA2A FOR THE MONEY!

Benni.. 30.04.2019

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!

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Don't be fooled by the low price!

synthesist 07.11.2019

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!

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Very good first impression

Nicholas3612 14.10.2019

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.

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Klark Teknik 2A-KT

Classic Tubular Compressor / Leveling Amplifier