Chapter 6: Bomb Factory BF-2A 17
chapter 6
Bomb Factory BF-2A
(TDM, RTAS, and AudioSuite)
Meticulously crafted to capture every nuance of
the legendary LA-2A tube studio compressor,
the Bomb Factory BF-2A provides the most au-
thentic vintage compression sound available.
How BF-2A Works
Designed and manufactured in the early 1960s,
the LA-2A achieved wide acclaim for its smooth
compression action and extremely high quality
audio signal path.
Originally designed as a limiter for broadcast au-
dio, a Comp/Limit switch was added to LA-2A
compressors after serial number 572. The subse-
quent addition of a Comp (Compress) setting
made the LA-2A even more popular for use in
audio production. However, the switch was in-
conveniently located on the back of the unit
next to the terminal strips and tube sockets in
the original version. In the BF-2A plug-in, the
switch has been placed on the front panel,
where you can make better use of it.
The heart of the LA-2A is its patented T4B Elec-
troOptical Attenuator, which provides the com-
pression action. The T4B consists of a photo-
conductive cell, which changes resistance when
light strikes it. It is attached to an electro-lumi-
nescent panel, which produces light in response
to voltage. Audio (voltage) is applied to the light
source, and what happens as the audio converts
to light and back to voltage gives the LA-2A its
unique compression action. (Yes, the Bomb Fac-
tory BF-2A preserves all the subtle characteristics
of this unique electronic circuit.) After compres-
sion, gain brings the signal back to its original
level. The LA-2A’s gain comes from a tube am-
plifier, which imparts further character to the
tone. In fact, it’s common to see engineers using
the LA-2A simply as a line amp, without any
compression applied to the signal.
BF-2A
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