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ART Pro-VLA IIItem ID: ProVLA22-channel Leveling Amplifier/Compressor with Optical Compression, Tube Gain Stage, and Mastering-quality Audio Path 
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From Our Research Team:An Effective, Affordable Compressor/Leveling Amp from ART!The ART Pro-VLA II is a tube driven Vactrol-based compressor/leveling amplifier designed for 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 an ideal dynamic control device!ART Pro-VLA II Compressor/Leveling Amplifier at a Glance:
Great in the studio or live ART's Tube Compressor/Leveling Amplifier deliver analog leveling/compression designed to work seamlessly with any recording, sound-reinforcement, and electronic instrument application. It excels at making tracks sound rich and full for both live audio engineering and studio recording applications. Tube compression circuitry ART’s tube compression circuitry is a hybrid design utilizing advanced analog and tube technology, and has exceptional signal integrity with extremely low noise. Vactrol This unit utilizes 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. ART Pro-VLA IICompressor/Leveling Amplifier Features:
The ART Pro-VLA II is an incredibly effective compressor/leveling amp that sounds fantastic! Pro-VLA II Image Gallery
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Reviewsbased on 14 reviewsAs good as my Fatso!
by Bernardo Manzoli from Brazil
I also own a UBK Fatso, a Avalon 737 and a DBX. This compressor is really, really good. With the stock tubes it sounds very good. But I changed for a pair of 12ax7 Mullard (12ax7 give you more gain an... read more [+]d let you reach the right amount of valve character, to warm any source). Even with no compression, the Pro VLA II will give you a wonderful roundness and the most natural compression that exist - tube (or tape) compression. Using 12ax7 tubes can polish very well the offending high frequencies of a digital recording. There is no input volume control, so it keeps the signal untouched before it hit the valves and compressor. Resuming - If you mix in the box, one Art Pro VLA II is enough. But if you, as me, mix OTB, buy one to test and then buy 1 or 2 more. One good trick - It gets its best results after 2 hours in use. Everyday I wake up, turn it on, check my email, go to break fast, etc..,before use it. While it will not give you an ultra fast attack as a SSL Master Bus or an 1176, the Pro VLA II has a respectable fast attack and, most of all, a natural sounding. One thing that I discovered only after 2 weeks of use - the attack and release knobs changes the ratio and vice-versa. So, if it is not exactly the sound you want, try very subtle tweaking the attack, release and ratio knobs. This compressor It is another kind of animal, a totally different way to achieve compression. If I only had Art Pro VLAs to mix, I would be capable of do a good job. close [-]
October 16, 2011 Music Background: Recording Engineer front end leveling for all
by ty from home of the bave
I was going to get a pair of la2a's, but then I noticed the Art unit having a pan pot, so I got it instead..(ha,ha!). Here's the truth- this sounds so good it hurts me to criticize it at all, but you... read more [+] don't want to use the stereo link switch for the best sound. And with the excellent meters(input,output,gain reduction), you'll have no challenge matching the two sides with ease, anyway. September 15, 2011 Music Background: enthousiastic novice Now my conscience is clear disclosing the only fault, here's the deal- I choose between my AEA, UA, and Focusrite pres for an input and use it like a TRS patch bay in front of my Burl B2 ADC. If it didn't sound good, it would not stay in my rig. It not only sounds good(for any price), my front end gain-staging is now rock solid. close [-] Really lives up to the hype and beyond...
by Mateo Monk from Washington, DC
I bought this item nervously. I don't always trust when people say that this or that budget piece of gear is a hidden gem of awesomeness. But in this case, wow, it's true. If you're looking for a vers... read more [+]atile, musical compressor for under $500, jump on it and don't hesitate. It's become one of the central tools of my project studio, sweetens everything up. It really is quite musical, and I've been able to easily dial in just what I'm looking for for any particular track. I haven't been this pleased with a piece of gear in a long time if ever. Solid! close [-]
August 22, 2011 Music Background: Performing musician, studio engineer Pro VLA is Awewsome!
by Mike Willis from Lexington, SC
I own a radio station in Lexington, SC. The Art Pro VLA is one of the most usefull and versatile pieces of equipment I have in the studio. My unit is mostly used in the 'Dual' mode, using it as two in... read more [+]dependent mono units. One side is used to power and process the radio station's streaming audio, hear it ai LakeMurrayRadio, 107.9 WLXM. The other side/half is used for everything from mic processing to leveling commercial production. Delivers a smooth, rich, warm sound. close [-]
August 10, 2011 Music Background: Recording, live, broadcasting. FYI ...My Art Pro-VLA II is a beast!! I love it!
by Lock from Dallas, Texas
This review revolves around that this is my first rack tube compressor. I have used plug-ins for years, but I needed a physical piece of gear, in a rack, with an analog mixer this time for live use. ... read more [+] Using my audio interface and laptop was not an option for me. January 25, 2010 Music Background: Audio / Visual, Home Studio For the price its great which is why I am giving it 5 stars. It is built psychically stout, and has been in my traveling rack for a few weeks now. It is not too terribly heavy being two rack spaces. Once I got the flow of how to operate the unit it is very simple to dial it in. It saturates nicely like it should and sounds clean going out. I recommend this product, but since I can't compare it to anything else I have touched, other then AUs, I am kind of bias. If I ever get the opportunity to try out a 'better' tube compressor, I might one day get something else too. I am enjoying the ART Pro-VLA II and I am giddy with a new toy. close [-] Also popular
ART Pro-VLA II
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