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ART
ART Pro VLA II Tube Compressor
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ART Pro VLA II Tube Compressor

The ART Pro-VLA II is a tube driven Vactrol-based Compressor and Leveling amplifier designed to excel in any professional audio application, including tracking, mixing, mastering, live sound or broadcast situations.
By using an opto-electronic design, (as opposed to a more typical VCA driven level detection circuit) the Pro-VLA II allows more compression to be added to an audio source with a more natural, musical sounding output and virtually transparent dynamic leveling. This VCA-less design coupled with a 12AT7 vacuum tube in the gain stage makes the Pro-VLA II the ideal dynamic control device for critical studio and live sound applications.

ART Pro-VLA II Features

  • Vactrol Opto-Compression Design (no VCA)
  • Mastering-Quality Audio Signal Path with Tube Gain Stage
  • Enhanced Link Mode – While in stereo link mode, channel 1 level control acts as a master output level and channel 2 becomes a balance control between them, - optimizing the Pro-VLA II for use as a mastering tool
  • Variable Threshold, Ratio & Output Controls
  • LED Backlit VU Input/Output Level Metering
  • LED Metering Indicates Both Average Level And Peak Hold
  • Accurate Ten Segment LED Gain Reduction Metering
  • +4dBu/-10dBV Mode Switch Optimizes Pro-VLA II For Interface With Professional OR Consumer Grade Components
  • Active Balanced XLR And 1/4-Inch Inputs & Outputs
  • Toroidal Transformer Reduces Mechanical & Electrical Hum
ART Tube Compression
ART Tube Compressors deliver analog leveling/compression designed to work seamlessly with any recording, sound-reinforcement, and electronic instrument application. Our Tube Compressors excel at making tracks sound rich and full for both live audio engineering and studio recording applications.

ART’s tube compression circuitry is a hybrid design utilizing the latest and most advanced analog and tube technology, and has exceptional signal integrity with extremely low noise.

ART tube compressors utilize optical electronics (a device known as a Vactrol), coupled with a 12AX7 vacuum tube gain stage for superior musical performance. Unlike typical compressors which use VCAs to control level detection, ART tube compressors are very musical, expressive and natural sounding.

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ART Pro VLA II Tube Compressor Specifications

  • Attack Time: 0.25 msec to 50 msec (variable)
  • Dimensions: 3.5 x 19 x 9.2 inches (8.9 x 48.3 x 23.3 cm)
  • Dynamic Range: greater than 100dB (20-20KHz)
  • Equivalent Input Noise:
    • @+4dBu: -99dBu (A weighted)
    • @-10 dBV: -107dBu (A weighted)
  • Frequency Response: 10Hz to 100KHz (+/- 0.5dB)
  • Input Impedance: 10K Ohms
  • Maximum Attenuation: 30dB
  • Maximum Input Level:
    • +20dBu (in +4dBu mode)
    • +10dBV (in –10dBV mode)
  • Maximum Output Level: +20dB max
  • Release Time: 150ms to 3s (variable)
  • Slope: 2:1 to 20:1 (variable)
  • Total Harmonic Distortion: less than 0.1% (typical)
  • Weight: 10.5lbs (4.76kgs)


 
 
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3 people rated this item
Jeff Sanders from Merced, CA, USA
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Subject:This does some "stuff" other boxes don't do!
Quality: For the price, this unit seems very well made. "Dependable" is hard to measure.
Features: The best feature for mastering is the tube circuit. The tubes round and flatten peaks, making your mixes hotter on digital systems without audible distortion on most programs. This works with the optical compressor or without the compressor showing any level reduction.
Ease of Use: The VLA II is fairly straightforward, but compressors in general baffle a lot of people. ANY bicycle is "hard to use" if you don't know how to ride a bicycle.
Sound: I have read some reviews that say this unit is "dark" or loses something in the mids. I don't hear that. If you overdrive the input and really push the optocomp or the tube circuit, it will probably give you some "interesting" results, but with conservative input levels the VLA sounds pretty neutral to me. It definitely does not give you that "Chinese condenser through a B.. preamp" harsh brightness, but that's a good thing, isn't it?
Reliability: I haven't had it long enough to tell.
Overall: Good. I own other ART gear. The PRO series MPA and VLA are noticeably heftier and a little more finished looking than ART's single-rack-space gear, stand-alone pres and DIs. I am pleased with the look, sound and function of this unit.
Do you own this product?: yes
Date submitted: 12/3/09
 
MG from Sf, Ca USA
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Subject:Best compressor deal I know of...
Quality: Feels suuuper solid unlike many pieces of gear in this price range.
Features: The best feature of this box is the sound you get out of it for the price you pay!
Ease of Use: Very easy to figure out and use
Sound: Very good tone, quiet, vibey. Gets fatter and smoother with a tube upgrade (very easy to drop 2 new ones in. Don't forget to adjust/match the left/right outputs with the little trim pots inside the box near the tubes after replacing the tubes). I mix for a living and won't keep any gear that doesn't enhance the sound of my mixes. Simple as that.
Reliability: Only had it while so far.
Overall: This has to be the best deal out there for compressors (the FMR Audio RNC is another, but a very different sound). Straight out of the box this is a really god unit for drums, vocals, 2 bus, and especially virtual instruments. It really brings things to life. I threw in a couple of Telefunken tubes I had (12AT7) and it really gave it even more life, smoothed it out some more, and brought it up a notch for little money. Killer box I'd use alongside boutique boxes all day long. I give it five stars all around based on the value and sound possibilities for little investment.
Do you own this product?: Yes
Date submitted: 091509
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