The ART Pro VLA II Tube Leveling Amplifier is a soft knee leveling amplifier by design. Although capable of providing dramatic compression effects, the Pro VLA II is designed to excel in any application where transparent, expressively musical dynamics control is desired.
The ART Pro VLA II Tube Leveling Amplifier is a tube driven Vactrol®-based Compressor / Leveling amplifier designed to excel in any professional audio environment. Superior performance and an incredible tone makes the ART ProVLA II and indispensable tool for tracking, mixing, mastering, dynamic control of live sound sources or for use in broadcast audio.
Capable of delivering a far more musical natural sounding and sonically transparent compression than competitive units in its class, the ART Pro VLA II uses an Opto-electronic circuit rather than the more typical design VCA driven level detection circuit. This VCA-less design coupled with a 12AT7 vacuum tube in the gain stage makes the ART Pro VLA II the ideal dynamic control device for critical audio applications. Exceptional signal integrity with extremely low noise and low distortion is achieved in the ART Pro VLA II by utilizing a transformerless design throughout.
Vactrol® Technology
Unlike typical compression units that use Voltage Controlled Amplifiers (VCA’s) to handle level detection, the ART Pro VLA II’s Opto-electronic design allows a far more transparent and musical sounding compression without sounding aggressive or un-natural. This Vactrol based optical electronic circuitry is the basic component of the classic highly sought after compressors of past. Vactrol® design allows the ART Pro VLA II to react to audio signal in much the same way the eye naturally adjusts to fluctuations in light levels – smoothly, quietly and almost imperceptibly.
Soft Knee Leveling
The ART Pro VLA II is a soft knee leveling amplifier by design. Although capable of providing dramatic compression effects, the ART Pro VLA II was designed to excel in any application where transparent, expressively musical dynamics control is desired.
Comprehensive Metering
Large highly visible backlit analog VU meters accurately display input and output levels while extremely fast 10-segment LED’s display gain reduction. For added functionality, the LED’s display either average level for mastering & mixing applications or peak hold for monitoring individual sources when tracking audio.
Versatile I/O
XLR and 1/4-inch TRS balanced inputs and outputs are provided to ensure the ART Pro VLA II can connect with any audio source or hardware. A +4dBu/-10dBu mode switch optimizes ART Pro VLA II I/O for either consumer or professional equipment.
ART Pro VLA II Tube Leveling Amplifier Features
- VCA-Less Vactrol Opto-Compression Design
- 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/-10dBu 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 Pro VLA II Tube Leveling Amplifier Specifications
- Equivalent Input Noise: @+4dBu: -99dBu (”A” weighted) / @-10 dBV: -107dBu (”A” weighted)
- Maximum Attenuation: 30dB
- Input Impedance: 10K Ω
- Maximum Input Level: +20dBu (in +4dBu mode) / +10dBV (in -10dBV mode)
- Maximum Output Level: +20dB max
- Frequency Response: 10Hz to 100KHz (+/- 0.5dB)
- Dynamic Range: > 100dB (20-20KHz)
- Attack Time: 0.25msec. to 50msec. variable
- Release Time: Variable 150ms to 3s
- Slope: Variable 2:1 to 20:1
- Total Harmonic Distortion: <0.1% (typical)
- Dimensions: 3.5″ x 19″ x 9.2″ (8.9cm x 48.3cm x 23.3cm)
- Weight: 10.5lbs (4.76kg)
ART Pro VLA II Tube Leveling Amplifier Includes
- ART Pro VLA II Tube Leveling Amplifier
- IEC Power Cable
- Owners Manual
- Manufacturer Warranty
12 Reviews Hide Reviews Show Reviews
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Well worth it!
Jun 28th 2010Really easy to get usable sounds from. Haven't found it to add bunches of great flavors, but it gives me the pre-interface compression I want without adding garbage to the signal. The multiple I/O sets make it easy to integrate into just about any setup, and the detented pots make it easy to recall settings. It was cool to be able to route the output of one channel into the other to bear down hard on a hip-hop vocal. Looking forward to trying it on a good bass; tried it on a mediocre one, and wasn't really happy. Also gave me fullness without muck on acoustic guitar. Physically, it's pretty stout, but it's nice that they built it big so it doesn't get too hot and cook things next to it in the rack.
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Great value
Jan 13th 2010This compressor is definitely a best bang for your buck deal. You won't find a better stereo comp in this price range. They sound good stock, but as mentioned in other reviews, it's easy to swap out the tubes for some NOS tubes and you end up with a very usable unit in anyone's studio. Hard to make it sound bad.
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bang for your buck
Feb 12th 2009I recently found on for short money one word incredible!! I swapped out the tubes and put in some vintage 12at7 mullards and its sick on the 2 buss. Very good piece if it had an ssl logo this thing would cost 5grand. Cheers,
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