For a finite quiver Q without sources, we consider the corresponding radical square zero algebra A. We construct an explicit compact generator for the homotopy category of acyclic complexes of projective A-modules. We call such a generator the projective Leavitt complex of Q. This terminology is justified by the following result: the opposite differential graded endomorphism algebra of the projective Leavitt complex of Q is quasi-isomorphic to the Leavitt path algebra of Qop. Here, Qop is the opposite quiver of Q, and the Leavitt path algebra of Qop is naturally ${\open Z}$-graded and viewed as a differential graded algebra with trivial differential.