Learn · All Quick-Starts · 2 min
EA-2A
quick-start.
Level a lead vocal with the classic two-knob opto workflow.
4 steps · every control name is the real one · Dynamics
Start in COMP
Flip the switch to COMP — the ~3:1 leveler with the wide soft knee, the vocal setting. LIMIT steepens toward soft-infinity when you need a ceiling instead.
Lean in PEAK REDUCTION
Raise PEAK REDUCTION until the VU shows 3–6 dB of reduction on the strongest lines. The attack is deliberately lazy — instant first dB, gentle last dB.
Make up with GAIN
Bring GAIN up to match the bypassed level. The tube stage warms slightly as GAIN rises — that's the sound, not a fault.
Trust the memory
After long loud phrases the release slows down on its own — that's the photocell light memory doing the smoothing a fader ride would. Watch it on the VU with the meter switch on GR.
Pro moves
Once it's working.
- Rear panel EMPHASIS tilts the sidechain toward HF — more of it makes the unit lean harder on brightness and sibilance.
- The GR / OUT switch under the meter shows gain reduction or output level; check OUT when gain-staging into the next unit.
