The Maselec MLA-2: Precision Compression for Mix and Mastering Clarity
Introduction
In the world of dynamic control, compression often walks a fine line: too much, and you lose energy. Too little, and the mix feels unglued. That’s where the Maselec MLA-2 shines.
Favoured by mastering engineers, broadcast facilities, and high-end mix rooms, the MLA-2 offers ultra-precise, musical compression that’s both transparent and reliable. It doesn’t saturate or colour your signal — it simply keeps your audio balanced, focused, and polished.
At Sonatune, the MLA-2 lives on our outboard rack as a trusted final-stage compressor for stereo bus control, vocal levelling, and instrument groups. It’s especially powerful when paired with already well-balanced recordings — letting us refine dynamics without flattening the mix.
What Is the Maselec MLA-2?
The MLA-2 is a dual mono/linked stereo compressor built by Maselec, the company founded by mastering legend Leif Mases. Known for its ultra-low distortion and transparent behaviour, the MLA-2 is designed to perform gentle, precise dynamic control on high-resolution audio.
Key features include:
- True Class A signal path
- Variable attack, release and threshold
- Fixed ratios (2:1, 3:1, 4:1, 6:1) for consistent results
- Gain makeup with detented controls
- Stereo link switch for mastering-style applications
- Exceptionally low noise floor
This unit is not designed to sound vintage — it's designed to sound right.
What Makes It Special?
1. Transparent, Musical Compression
The MLA-2 doesn’t "squash" the mix or pump in a distracting way. Instead, it offers subtle levelling that preserves the energy and intent of the performance. This makes it ideal for:
- Final mix bus compression
- Mastering applications
- Vocal bus levelling
- Instrument groups that need cohesion without loss of detail
It adds just enough control and glue to give a mix cohesion and confidence, without announcing its presence.
2. Extremely Low Distortion and Noise
This is one of the quietest compressors we’ve ever used. Even with gain makeup engaged, the noise floor is essentially inaudible. That makes it perfect for:
- Dynamic acoustic recordings
- Sparse arrangements where every detail matters
- Mastering chains that require absolute precision
- Parallel compression where signal purity is key
If you're working on mixes where clarity, depth and stereo image are vital, the MLA-2 helps you keep it all intact.
3. Ideal for Stereo Bus and Mastering Work
At Sonatune, we often use the MLA-2 in mastering chains where we want to:
- Tighten the low end without changing tone
- Gently smooth out vocal transients in a finished mix
- Bring up detail with controlled dynamics
- Glue elements together before limiting
Its gentle ratios and flexible attack/release settings allow us to dial in exactly what a track needs — and no more.
How We Use the Maselec MLA-2 at Sonatune
The MLA-2 is in frequent rotation across a variety of sessions:
- As a mix bus compressor when we want polish without weight
- On stereo stems (e.g. backing vocals, synth groups)
- During mastering sessions to create cohesion before limiting
- On delicate vocals that need control without tone shift
We often pair it with other clean outboard gear like the Grace Designs m501 or Elysia XFilter, giving clients a high-fidelity, detail-rich sound that translates across playback systems.
Who It’s Best For
- Mix engineers looking for a neutral bus compressor
- Mastering engineers needing subtle, transparent control
- Singer-songwriters or producers working with natural instruments
- Artists recording dynamic, spacious music that needs levelling but not colouration
Whether you’re mixing acoustic folk, cinematic instrumentals, jazz, electronic, or ambient music — the MLA-2 is an elegant solution for compression that stays out of the way.
Final Thoughts
The Maselec MLA-2 is compression for grown-ups — subtle, precise, and totally in service of the music. At Sonatune, it's a go-to when we want a mix to sound tighter, cleaner, and more professional without losing any of its original depth or feel.
It might not colour your signal — but it will absolutely refine it.
Want to experience what mastering-grade compression feels like on your mix? Book a session and hear the Maselec difference for yourself.