ART Pro VLA III Multi-Voice Compressor

zZounds Gear Experts Say...
ART takes their Pro VLA 2-channel opto compressor up a notch with the III. Choose your voicing with transparent solid-state and real 12AT7 tube signal paths.

The Pro VLA compressor has been one of the most popular ART products for over two decades. It's the secret weapon. The cult classic. The Rochester sound. Tape Op called the original "one of the best compressors ever made at its price point", and ART continued that tradition with the new Pro VLA III.

Features:

- Two-Channel Optical Compressor
- Switchable Tube and Solid State Voicings
- Input, Output, and Gain Reduction Metering
- Variable Threshold, Ratio, Attack, and Release
- Dual Mono or Linked Stereo Operation
- 12AT7 Tube
- +4 dBu or -10 dBV Operation
- Universal Internal Power Supply

Like the earlier models, it's an optical compressor with two channels that can be used independently or linked for stereo operation. It offers musical control of dynamics that can smooth out individual tracks or glue a full mix together. It uses a fixed-input, variable-threshold design, and offers the authentic character of a real 12AT7 tube.

New to this version, the Voice switch selects between a warm tube or clean solid state signal path to best match your source material. The ratio range has been extended down to 1.25:1, providing even more subtle control when you need gentle compression for mastering applications. ART has increased the available headroom, lowered background noise, and improved the channel symmetry in the linked stereo mode. The front panel has also been refreshed to match the Pro Channel III.

The Pro VLA III also offers variable threshold, attack, release, and read more output controls, independent bypass per channel, and simultaneous metering of input level, output level, and gain reduction. The rear panel has balanced XLR and 1/4" inputs and outputs, and a button to select +4 dBu or -10 dBV operation.

Compression is one of the most powerful tools in the studio, and with all-analog circuitry and real tube tone, the Pro VLA III will help you push your mixes to a higher level.
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Input Impedance: 10 kOhm (Balanced / Unbalanced)
Maximum Input Level:
- +4 dBu Mode: +20 dBu
- -10 dBV Mode: +10 dBV
Maximum Output Level: +20 dB Max
Frequency Response: 10 Hz to 50 kHz (+0 / -1 dB)
Total Harmonic Distortion: < 0.005% (Solid State)
Equivalent Input Noise:
- +4 dBu Mode, A-Weighted: -99 dBu
- -10 dBV Mode, A-Weighted: -107 dBu
Power Requirements: 100-240V 50Hz/60Hz 25W
Power Connection: Rear-mounted IEC connector
Dimensions (DxWxH): 3.5" x 19" x 9.2" (8.9 cm x 48.3 cm x 23.4 cm)
Weight: 10.5 lbs (4.76 kg)

Dimensions and Weight in Packaging

Base Item

  • Shipping Weight: 10.4 lbs
  • Shipping Dimensions: 22 x 11 x 5 in
  • Manufacturer Part Number (MPN): PROVLAIII

Open Box (Very Good)

  • Shipping Weight: 10.4 lbs
  • Shipping Dimensions: 22 x 11 x 5 in
  • Manufacturer Part Number (MPN): PROVLAIII

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

Reviewers gave this product an overall rating of 5 out of 5 stars. (1 ratings)
Submitted April 11, 2026 by a customer from yahoo.com

"Clean, full-bodied music!"

Overall: 5 out of 5 stars
(see rating details)
Verified Purchaser zZounds has verified that this reviewer purchased this specific product from us.
Got my unit from zZounds in an awesome next-day delivery. From streaming music, this Art Pro VLA III makes quiet parts louder and loud parts quieter. Gives you that most sought-after clean (not muddy), punchy bass and crisp, silky highs! Makes your music sound thicker and fuller. The beautiful multi-display front panel provides you all the monitoring information that you need: Input, output and gain reduction. A twin tube compressor that actually works! If ART makes the "IV" (fourth edition), I'll buy it again! Thank you zZounds!
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