Maselec MLA-2
Mastering compressor
Compressor / Limiter$7,500Manufacturer list price
Specifications
- Type
- Compressor / Limiter
- Description
- Mastering compressor
- Topology
- discrete, precision stepped controls
- Signal path
- Analog
- Channels
- 2
- Channel format
- stereo / dual-mono
- Form factor
- Rack
- Rack units
- 2U
- Powered
- internal AC PSU (mains powered)
- Power (W)
- 20
- Introduced
- 1995
- Country of manufacture
- United Kingdom
Details
Controls: stepped drive (input gain) in 1dB steps instead of variable threshold, 6-step ratio (1.4:1 to 8:1), stepped attack and release, stepped output gain in 1dB steps, IMAGELINK stereo side-chain link, switchable gain-reduction/level metering
I/O: XLR 3-pin electronically balanced inputs and outputs, up to +29dBu
Notable use: Designed by Leif Mases (ABBA, Led Zeppelin, Jeff Beck); non-VCA optical mastering compressor, a mastering-industry standard alongside the MEA-2.
Notes: FLAG current-availability: as of this research, MLA-2 is NOT listed on the current Maselec authorized-dealer catalogs checked (Studiocare UK and RSPE Audio US both list only MEA-2, MLA-4, MPL-2, MDS-2, MTC-1X as current stock lines). US dealer FrontEndAudio shows MLA-2 as 'Backordered (Extended)' with manufacturer supply unknown, and a Gearspace thread (~2025) reports Maselec has had parts-supply/production difficulties for some legacy units. Included here because the task explicitly named it, but it appears to be a legacy/limited-availability model rather than a confirmed current production item — treat with caution against 'current models only' scope. Price ($7,500) is FrontEndAudio's listed USD price, not confirmed as a live MSRP given backorder status. Country of manufacture inferred from retailer 'Made in U.K.' tags.