Opto-compressor with mastering-quality audio signal path and tube gain stage.

The Pro VLA by ART is a tube driven Vactrol-based Compressor/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 tube compressor the ideal dynamic control device for critical studio and live sound applications.

These are the differences between the Pro VLA and the Pro VLA II:

1. Enhanced Link mode
In link mode, CH1 output control acts as a master output level and CH2 becomes a Balance control. This optimizes the Pro VLA II for use as a mastering processor.

2. Active balanced outputs. The old VLA has balanced outputs that have 6dB more gain than when using them in the unbalanced mode. This shows up as an error when using the VU meter to compare the input and output level.

3. LED output meter.
a. Always monitors the output level allowing the user to view Both input and output levels at the same time. b. LED meter indicates both average level plus Peak hold.

4. Attack and Release knobs vs. switches. The Old VLA compressor has switches that allow the user to adjust the attack time between "Fast" (~1mSec) and "Normal" (~10mSec). The release switch can be set to "normal" (200mSec) and "Auto" (program dependant, but rather long an average).
a. Attack time as ranges from .25mSec to 50mSec b. Release time ranges from 0.15Sec to 3Sec. (This is program dependant at shorter release rates). c. Improved detector that lowers low frequency distortion at fast release rates.

5. Improved package
a. Rounded front panel machined to countersink all knobs and level meters. b. Re-enforced ears. c. Led lit switch caps. d. Heavier chassis and cover ruggedized for longer life on the road.

6. Lower noise.
a. +4dBu/-10dBv mode switch optimizes the unit for Pro OR consumer operating system levels. b. Toroidal transformer reduces mechanical and electrical hum. c. Tweaked Tube circuit for better dynamic range. d. Increased transformer shielding.

7. Increased ranges on Threshold and Output gain. This allows the user a wider range of operation.
a. Old threshold = -20 to +15, New Threshold range = -30dB to +20dB. b. Old Output gain max = +10dB, New output Gain = +20dB

8. LED lit VU meters. No more dark meters due to blown out bulbs.

9. All of the pots have detents.
a. Imparts a more professional feel. b. Makes settings more repeatable.

ART PRO VLA II Tube Compressor Features:

• Vactrol Opto-compression design (No VCA)
• Mastering-quality audio signal path with tube gain stage
• Enhanced link mode
• Variable threshold, ratio and 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
• Active-balanced XLR and 1/4" inputs and outputs
• Toroidal transformer reduces mechanical and electrical hum
• 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

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ART PRO VLA II Tube Compressor Specifications:

• Dimensions: 3.50" H x 19.0" W x 9.17" D (89 mm H x 483 mm W x 487 mm D)
• Weight: 10.5 lbs. (4.8 kg)
• Input impedance balanced/unbalanced: 10K Ohms
  
  Maximum levels:
• Range switch: +4dBu/-10dBV selectable
• Inputs: +20dBu (in +4dBu mode) / +10dBV (in 10dBV mode)
• Output: +20dBu (R load > 10K, 0.1%THD)
• Output Gain: +20dB max
  
  Frequency response: 10Hz to 100KHz (+/- 0.5dB)
  
  Dynamic Range: >100dB (20-20KHz)
• THD: @ 0dBm Out <0.1% (typical)
  
  Equivalent Input Noise (EIN)
• @+4dBu: -99dBu ('A' weighted)
• @-10 dBV: -107dBu ('A' weighted)
  
  Attack time: 0.25msec. to 50msec. variable
• Release time: 150msec. to 3 sec, variable
• Slope variable: 2:1 to 20:1
• Max. attenuation: 30dB

ART PRO VLA II Tube Compressor

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Average of 4 User Ratings

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Best I have used in this price range

Posted by Randy Stanton from Centennial Colorado on Jan 6, 2009

Experience w/product: I own it

Reviewer's Background: Active Musician, Songwriter, Demo Studio

Reviewer's Play Style: Rock styles of Church Worship

I have had this compressor (VLA II) for about 6 months now and I love it. I have used it for some demo mastering and it is a "real" optical compressor response. I even have used it to hypercompress and it sounded amazing(hypercompression techniques on cheap compressors usually sound bad). The controls are designed to be centered at typical usable volumes. It even looks nice - rounded edges and analog meters. It adds a little bite in the mid range - which is really unusual - my other compressors seem suck out the mids. Handles the bass well. It pumps with a real musical presence like what you hear on radio mixes.

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awesome value

Posted by home recording enthusiast from Boston on Nov 8, 2008

Experience w/product: I own it

Reviewer's Background: pro musician

Reviewer's Play Style: classic

This is a great pc of equipment. I cannot find anything that I do not like about the vlaII. Very sensitve, very quiet, and very effective. Not a ten thousand dollar manley, but you get allot of processing power!!

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Best compression around regardless of price

Posted by Stardom from Woodbridge, Ontario on Jul 19, 2008

Experience w/product: I own it

Reviewer's Background: hobbyist

Reviewer's Play Style: Heavy metal

After trying some expensive in the range of 2 to 4 grand units, and some cheap ones. I finally found something that fits exactly for what I want it to do. What sold me is the OPTO compressor that uses no VCA. This unit is used specifically used for a guitar rig. but will be ideal for recording studios. With other units there was a harshness that I could not get rid of but this unit gives a warmth that is unmatchable, as I said I borrowed many of the really expensive units and no matter what I did could not get it to sound properly, ART did their homework, may be they took a good look at their previous model and decided to improve upon it, maybe they checked the reviews, (PAY ATTENTION TO THIS R&D DEPARTMENT) Customers do take in consideration reviews before they make a purchase. Loud passages become manageable and low signals really increase in volume. by applying the proper ratio. I bought 2 units I will buy another 3 Excellent product I would recommend it to anyone trying to find affordable yet professional performance, go ahead test all the rest you will come back to this unit.

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Quality

Features

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Sweet clear and quiet, easy to use

Posted by Eton Montgomery from New York on May 30, 2008

Experience w/product: I own it

Reviewer's Background: pro audio engineer

Reviewer's Play Style: N/A

This is my favorite rack compressor for budget studios or for live systems where you don't want to break out the high-priced delicate stuff. It has the least noise of any in its class, even less noise than the venerable RNC and TC electronic models. (I have them all in my studio)

The old-school knobs and Vu meters make it a breeze to adjust and keep track of its functioning.

It is sweet and clear, with very transparent compression even at high comp-ratios. Sounds beautiful for voices, makes orchestral instruments shine, especially delicate violin passages. It can add body to tom-fills without pumping. Makes snares "fit" in pop-song mixes without becoming harsh or loosing a sense of "thwack!."

I really appreciate the low-noise the most. Even at high-gain settings, this is remarkably quiet. At this price, most studios can afford at least one, and if you do live sound or live recording, two or three would be a good idea.

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ART PRO VLA II Tube Compressor

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$299.00

MSRP: $379.00 Savings: $80.00(21%)

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Availability: Available: 11-24-2009.

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