Arousor ~$249 perpetual vs UAD LA-2A ~$199 (UAD hardware required)
Best feature
Developed by the creator of the Distressor — offers the broadest range of opto-style compression character in software
The catch
Steep learning curve; the wide parameter range is a drawback for engineers who want speed over depth
Best feature
The most accurate emulation of an optical compressor ever modeled, validated by the original hardware designer
The catch
UAD hardware required makes total cost of ownership far higher than the plugin's list price suggests
Arousor is for engineers who want to sculpt compression character; UA LA-2A is for engineers who want the hardware, period.