ART Pro VLA Compressor (Model 212)

The PRO VLA (Vactrol-based Leveling Amplifier) is a multi-purpose tool for audio engineering and recording. Enclosed in a 2U (3.5" high) rack-mountable chassis are 2 independent channels of analog leveling/compression designed to work seamlessly with any recording, sound-reinforcement, or electronic instrument setup.

ART's PRO VLA circuitry is a hybrid design utilizing the latest and most advanced analog and tube technology. Using a transformerless design throughout, the PRO VLA maintains exceptional signal integrity and extremely low noise. Its VCA-less design utilizes optical electronics (Vactrol) coupled with a 12AX7 vacuum tube gain stage for superior musical performance.

The PRO VLA is a soft knee leveling amplifier by design. Although it is capable of providing a thoughougly "squashed" signal, the PRO VLA was designed to excel in areas where transparent, expressively musical dynamics control is desired. In addition to making signal levels more manageable, it is common practice to apply compression or limiting to a signal to make it louder or more "in-your-face."

The benefit of using the PRO VLA for these applications is in its design. By utilizing opto-electronics, the PRO VLA allows you to add more compression without sounding like you're squashing the daylights out of the signal. Unlike typical compressors which use VCA's to control level detection, the PRO VLA is very musical. The nature of its operation is much like the way your eye adjusts to light. Just as your eye transparently adjusts to changes in light, the PRO VLA adjusts to changes in signal level.

Developed in partnership with studio and live sound engineers, the PRO VLA possesses a "sound" that is not available from any other compressor on the market - at any price. A member of the ART Reference Series, the PRO VLA was designed and constructed with the absolute best components, assuring a lifetime of quiet, reliable performance.

Features
VCA-less design provides unrivaled musical performance.

Provides superior dynamics control for every compression application.

Variable Threshold, Ratio, and Output Controls.

Smooth, silky, and transparent sound quality.

Variable Input and Output Gain Controls.

Professional Backlit VU INPUT/Output Level Metering.

10-segment GAIN REDUCTION LED Array

XLR and 1/4" inputs and outputs.

Mastering quality audio processing.

WINNER - 1998 ELECTRONIC MUSICIAN EDITORS CHOICE AWARD!

5-year warranty.

Designed and manufactured in the USA.

Controls
Input/Output level meter select switch

Attack Time select switch

Release Time select switch

Channel Active/ Bypass switch

Variable Threshold control

Variable Ratio control

Variable Output Level control

Stereo Link switch

10-segment Gain Reduction bargraphs

Input/Output signal level VU metering

Applications
4- to 24-track recording studios

FOH Sound Systems

Multi-track to digital mixing/mastering

Digital Audio Workstation & Computer Recording

MIDI recording and samplers

Broadcast Edit Suites

Club and Fixed Installation Sound Systems

Technical Info

Dimensions (W x D x H): 19 x 6.5 x 3.5 in.
Weight: 9 lbs.
Input Connections: Balanced XLR & 1/4" TRS
Output Connections: Balanced XLR & 1/4" TRS
Input Impedance: XLR: 20K ohms; 1/4": 1M ohms
Output Impedance: XLR: 600 ohms; 1/4": 300 ohms
Maximum Input Level: XLR: +21dBm; 1/4": +21dBm
Maximum Output Level XLR: +27dBu (RL = 100KW, THD = 5%); 1/4": +21dBu (RL = 100KW, THD = 5%)
Frequency Response: 10Hz to 20kHz (+/- .5dB)
Dynamic Range: >100dB (20-20kHz)
THD @ 0dB out <0.1% (typical)
EIN XLR to XLR: -99dBm ("A" weighted); 1/4" to 1/4": -97dBm ("A" weighted)
Attack Time: Fast: 2ms; Slow: 15ms (20dB comp.)
Release Time: Fast: 300ms; Slow: 100ms-3sec.
Slope Variable: 2:1 to >10:1
Maximum Attenuation: 30dB
Power: 100-125VAC, 25W - (USA) Internally fused
Other power requirements configured for country of destination.`

Especially popular for the smooth, silky sound its optical compression and tube gain stage give to drums and stereo mixes! Independent or stereo-linkable channels with threshold, ratio, and output controls. XLR and TRS I/O.