Carlos Pickens, Engineer, Phase II Mastering Studio from Memphis,TN USA
charlesapickens@yahoo.com
Subject:
Just what the doctor ordered
Quality:
The engineering is super sleek.
Features:
The stereo link makes for a nice smooth stereo mix.
Ease of Use:
It exactly what is a must on a compressor.
Reliability:
I've only had it 2 days so I don't know.
Overall:
I'm extremely suprised at its' quality. I once heard a Ddx 160S at a NAMM show and didn't think anything under $1500.00 would come close. It does. I can honestly say that it doesn't matter. this unit is the bomb. I put it on a 808 drum mix and it was crystal clear and warm.
Do you own this product?:
yes
Jeff Sanders from Merced, CA, USA
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
MG from Sf, Ca USA
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