ART Pro VLA II 2-Channel Compressor

Beef up individual tracks with the ART Pro VLA II tube opto-electro compressor/leveling amp -- or link its 2 channels in stereo for super-smooth mastering.

Ideal for both studio and live sound applications, the ART Pro-VLA II is a tube-driven Vactrol-based compressor and leveling amplifier designed to propel your tracks, mixes and masters to professional status.

Two Channels of ART Tube Compression

Beef up individual tracks, or link the ART Pro VLA II's two channels in stereo. When you apply this two-channel compressor and leveling amplifier to your recordings, you will be rewarded with rich, full-sounding tracks that sound musical and natural, not squashed or obviously compressed. You can use the Pro-VLA II for both live audio engineering and studio recording applications, but it especially shines as a mastering tool.

VCA vs. Optical Compressors

As opposed to a more typical VCA-driven level detection circuit, the Pro-VLA II uses an opto-electronic design, which allows more compression to be added to an audio source. Interpretation? You get 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 work.

Hybrid Design -- No VCA

Thanks to the hybrid design of the Pro-VLA II, the hardware compressor is able to do its job with extremely low noise and exceptional signal integrity. The Pro-VLA II combines optical electronics (a Vactrol, to be specific) with a 12AT7 vacuum tube gain stage, so you get the best of both worlds.

Hands-On Control Over Your Levels

read more On the face of the Pro-VLA II, you have Variable Threshold, Ratio, and Output controls, as well as Attack and Release knobs, for each of the two channels. Large LED backlit VU meters sit side by side, offering you the visual update you need for at-a-glance status checks on your audio levels. Likewise, easy-to-read 10-segment LED metering shows you what's up with output levels and gain reduction.

Watch our exclusive overview of the ART Pro VLA II 2-Channel Compressor:


Features:

- 2-Channel hardware compressor and leveling amplifier ideal for tracking, mixing, mastering, live sound, or broadcast situations
- 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, and Output controls
- LED backlit VU input/output level metering
- LED metering indicates both average level and peak hold
- Accurate 10-segment LED gain reduction metering
- +4 dBu/-10 dBV Mode switch optimizes Pro-VLA II for interfacing with pro- or consumer-grade components
- Active balanced XLR and TRS 1/4-inch inputs and outputs
- Toroidal transformer reduces mechanical and electrical hum

In making the Pro-VLA II, ART sought to go above and beyond what typical VCA-driven compressors do, and create a tube compressor that adds a musical, natural, expressive touch to your sound.
read less

Dimensions and Weight in Packaging
Base Item
Shipping Weight: 12 lbs
Shipping Dimensions: 22 x 12 x 6 in
Manufacturer Part Number (MPN): PROVLA-II

For support or warranty questions, please contact the manufacturer:
Phone: 716-297-2920
Web: https://www.artproaudio.com/support/

ART Pro VLA II 2-Channel 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.

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 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 12AT7 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.

Reviewers gave this product an overall rating of 5 out of 5 stars. (37 ratings)
Submitted March 16, 2014 by a customer from yahoo.com

"happy"

Overall: 5 out of 5 stars
(see rating details)
Verified Customer zZounds has verified that this reviewer made a purchase from us.
I liked the first one so much that I dedicated to my Korg MicroArranger that I purchased a second dedicated to the 2 mikes I use for my guitar amps.I've had non-tube compressors for a long time but irregardless of what some reviewers have mentioned (on different blogs), the tube really make a difference..depending on your speakers/headphones, if there good quality you'll hear the difference alright, obviously the rest of the circuit makes a difference . The VLA has a simple but functional front panel. The bypass is a little suspect, seems to be a little harsh, but if I wanted to bypass I would eliminate the VLA and go "DI" into my DP-32. I'n not wealthy but I came into a little extra money and have replaced my non-tubes with tubes. Like most compressors that do there job, you see see there is a lot less clipping... with the VLA's there is less clipping and a plus a more concise and warmer sound. I especially noticeable are the drums from the Korg. .The drums from the Korg are really good going DI but with the VLA II , sounds like the drums are in my home studio.. they don't become homogenized and maintain good delineation from all the different drum sounds . and as most reveiewers have said, for the money, they can't be beat (so far).
18 of 18 people (100%) people found this review helpful. Did you?
Thanks for your opinion!

New

$449.99
  • 8 x  
    $56.25
FREE -Day Shipping!
Get it  for
Get it by if you order within
Shipping to