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ART Pro-VLA II 2-channel Opto Tube Leveling Amplifier Demo

2-channel Leveling Amplifier/Compressor with Optical Compression, Tube Gain Stage, and Mastering-quality Audio Path
56 Write review Item ID: ProVLA2d2

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This item is in good condition with some signs of use but is in perfect working order. The right bottom ear is bent. Includes all original accessories. This item ships in upgraded Sweetwater packaging.

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ART Pro-VLA II 2-channel Opto Tube Leveling Amplifier
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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!

Related Videos: Pro-VLA II 2-channel Opto Tube Leveling Amplifier

ART Pro-VLA II Compressor/Leveling Amplifier at a Glance:
  • Great in the studio or live
  • Tube compression circuitry
  • Vactrol

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:
  • 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 and Outputs
  • Toroidal Transformer Reduces Mechanical and Electrical Hum
The ART Pro-VLA II is an incredibly effective compressor/leveling amp that sounds fantastic!

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Additional Media

Pro-VLA II User Manual
Signal Processing Buying Guide

Warranty Info

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Tech Specs

  • Type: Optical
  • Number of Channels: 2
  • Controls: Input Threshold, Ratio, Attack, Release, Output
  • Threshold: -30 dB to 20 dB
  • Ratio: 2:1 to 20:1
  • Frequency Response: 10Hz-100kHz
  • Inputs: 2 x XLR, 2 x 1/4"
  • Outputs: 2 x XLR, 2 x 1/4"
  • Rack Spaces: 2U
  • Height: 3.5"
  • Depth: 9.2"
  • Width: 19"
  • Weight: 10.5 lbs.
  • Manufacturer Part Number: PROVLAII

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Customer Reviews

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Excellent, well made product.

I'm not an experienced audio engineer nor do I have experience using other compressor/limiter hardware. I've only used software plug-in's. So, my comments are of a first-time user of a rack mounted tube 2-channel compressor/limiter. In my application I'm patching the ART Pro-VLA to the stereo output of a Yamaha Genos, then to a Presonus Interface, and out to DAW. I use Audacity DAW a lot to quickly record song ideas, adding tracks to build a model of a composition before using Studio One. Audacity does not have a compressor plug-in to use in the pre-recording stage. My recorded ideas start with a drum style, bass line and cords together as a MAIN track to build on. So, compressor/limiter hardware was essential and made blending other tracks together smoother as you probably already know. Mainly, I wanted a fixed BUS up front and the ART Pro-VLA was rated highly as a tube compressor/limiter. Anyone who appreciates quality hardware workmanship will appreciate this ART Pro-VLA II 2-channel Opto Tube Leveling Amplifier. It's really made very well. The manufacturing team at ART deserve a lot of credit. The compression range is wide and the output is clean. I highly recommend this unit.
by LEE on

Great Value for the $$$

The PRO VLA II is a great piece of gear to have in the studio!!! I've been using it for guitar, vocals, and the mix buss return. It's very responsive, and it's AFFORDABLE! It rivals a lot of the top end compressors on the market!! A great buy!!!
by Kerwin Young from Fairburn, GA on
Music background: Composer, Producer, Multi-Instrumentalist, Rock and Roll Hall of Famer (Public Enemy)

Tube delious!

This one great tube pre amp with all the controls you custom tailor your own reveb setting that works with your room environment, warms up digital audio with a some awsome attack and sustain it just don't get no better.
by Richard from Clarksville TN. on
Music background: Sound engineer

Not sure why these are so cheap

I saw Ulrich Wild has two of these (and uses other art stuff) I figured... what do I have to loose? As soon as I took it out of the Box I couldn't believe how heavy and sturdy it felt. It's a heavy well made unit. I am mediately put matched mullard tubes in it. I have privy hardware. I have a distressor, a Neve compressor, a Heritage Audio Succesor and I'll tell you what. This thing rides even with all of them. I'm not really sure how they make these so cheap. It EASILY sounds like a $1000 unit. I'm not the only one that thinks so. Look at the other reviews. I use this on the drum bus exclusively. Every mix.
by John from Oregon on
Music background: Metal

Best Bang fro the Buck

Purchased this affordable 2-Channel Optical/Tube Compressor/Leveling Amp. I am using it in a small mixing studio. Mainly in my keyboard/synthesizer audio chain. Have also used it successfully in the final audio mix. Really happy with the gain control and overall great performance. Best bang for the buck!
by Steven Butts from RATHDRUM, ID on

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What Do Our In-house Gear Experts Think?

Dan Murphy

The Pro-VLA II is a superb stereo compressor with impressive build quality, and this thing looks great in any rack. The compression it applies has a subtle warm, glue quality, and can smooth out harsh frequencies in a mix.

Rob Parker

The ART Pro VLA II is a stunning compressor. It's warm and musical, and can compress while sounding natural. It can also pump and squash if you push it enough. After many tracking and mixing sessions with mine, I eventually started to master with it as well. It sounds great, even compared to masters that I used much more boutique compressors on. Add tons of metering options, the stepped knobs, and the sturdy metal construction,  and it's one of the best values in compression out there.
See also: Compressors, ART, ART Compressors / Limiters
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