The Professional's Source
866.276.1435 / 212.502.6357
Holiday Closing
We are not accepting orders at this time. Online ordering will resume Monday, May 28th at 9:45PM EDT. Our SuperStore and offices are currently closed and will reopen on Tuesday, May 29th at 9:00AM EDT.
We apologize for any inconvenience and appreciate your patronage.
ART Pro VLA II - Compressor/Leveler
The Pro VLA II from ART is a dual-channel compressor/leveler that uses an opto-electrical design to provide smooth and musical dynamic range control. The unit features a mastering-quality audio signal path and a tube-based gain stage. Variable ratios that range from 2:1 to 20:1 allow the unit to work both as a compressor or a limiter. Metal rotary controls with detents provide for the adjustment of threshold and output level, along with variable and separate attack and release speeds.
The front panel features large analog VU meters for each channel, while ten-segment, multi-colored LED arrays provide information on gain reduction. Back-lit push switches set whether either VU meter reflects input or output levels; select a straight wire bypass; and engage a link function, appropriate for stereo mastering. When the channels are linked, channel one controls act globally and the channel two output knob acts as a balance control.
XLR and 1/4" TRS balanced input and output jacks are provided, along with a level selector to set the unit operating levels and metering to match either +4dBu or -10dBV systems. The unit is housed in a 2U space, rack-mountable steel chassis with a CNC routed, black anodized aluminum face panel. The Pro VLA II uses two hand-selected 12AT7 tubes and is designed for years of reliable operation in the studio and on the road.
- Two-channel, opto-isolator tube-based leveling amplifier
- Non-VCA design provides transparent, classic sound
- Hand selected 12AT7 tubes in the output section
- Stereo linking of channels with master volume and balance control in Link Mode
- XLR balanced inputs and outputs along with 1/4" TRS phone active balanced inputs and outputs
- Variable Threshold and Ratio controls
- Variable Attack and Release controls
- Variable Output Level rotary controls
- VU metering of input and output levels
- LED metering of output level with peak-hold function
- Ten-segment Gain Reduction LED array
- Low noise circuitry with a healthy dynamic range
- Rack-mountable, all-steel enclosure
| Function | Compressor/leveler |
| Number of Channels | 2 |
| Inputs |
2 x XLR 2 x 1/4" TRS phone (balanced or unbalanced) |
| Outputs |
2 x XLR 2 x 1/4" TRS phone (balanced or unbalanced) |
| Maximum Input Level | +20dBu |
| Compression Threshold | -30 to +20dB |
| Compression Ratio | 2:1 to 20:1 |
| Attack Time | 0.25 ms to 50 ms, variable |
| Release Time | 0.15 s to 3 s, variable |
| Gate Threshold | Not applicable |
| Gate Rate | Not applicable |
| Maximum Output Level | +20dBu (10kΩ, 0.1% THD) |
| Make-up Gain | +20dB |
| Frequency Response | 10Hz to 100kHz (+/- 0.5dB) |
| Dynamic Range | >100dB (20Hz to 20kHz) |
| Noise |
EIN: -99dBu, A-weighted (+4dBu mode) -107dBu, A-weighted (-10dBV mode) |
| Dimensions (WxDxH) | 19 x 9.2 x 3.5" (483 x 234 x 89 mm) |
| Weight | 10.5 lb (4.8 kg) |
| Specialties | Internal power supply |
REVIEW SNAPSHOT®
by PowerReviews(based on 2 reviews)
Ratings Distribution
Reviewed by 2 customers
Sort by
Displaying reviews 1-2
Pros
- Clear Sound
- Easy To Use
- Pro
Cons
Best Uses
- Amateur Recording
- Events
- Home Studio
- Professional Recording
Comments about ART Pro VLA II - Compressor/Leveler:
If you are looking for a great compressor, try this one. It has everything I need, it's easy to setup all the settings. I'm using it for recording and on the final master of my songs BUT I never use a lot of db reduction... just enough to my ears. If you set the threshold a little too much, it will be over compressed. But when it's used in the good way, it sounds really great !
- Recommended:
- PRO MPA II
Pros
- Great metering
- Great Sound
- Simple to use
- Versatile
- Well-built
Cons
Best Uses
- Professional Recording
Comments about ART Pro VLA II - Compressor/Leveler:
Having been in the studio business for 11 years now, and having acquired...and disposed of many pieces of gear over the years that just didn't cut it in one way or another, I would like to say how much I have been enjoying this piece in the studio here these last couple weeks.
The Pro-VLA II - Compressor/Leveler by ART is a bargain at 5 times the price, easily! It's well-built and does exactly what it is designed to do. The unit is currently residing on my console's 2-buss along an A-Designs Hammer EQ. A very nice combination indeed!
I will not hesitate to put this to use in a vocal chain (say, following an 1176 in series), or using it similarly for bass guitar.
The unit compresses well. It can be pushed a bit harder than most compressors and still remain relatively transparent. The tube stage gives the compression a nice 'girth'...a subtle coloring that brings mix elements together very cohesively.
The Pro-VLA II - Compressor/Leveler by ART has found a home here at the studio alongside, Manley, Universal Audio, Urei, Crane Song and a host of other fine, venerable manufacturers of compression units. I don't think this one is going anywhere any time soon!
I think this is one of the best bargains going in the audio business at this time!
Displaying reviews 1-2
Cables
-
- Original: $15.99
- Save: $1.60
- Price: $14.39
- GBP 9.19
Additional Hardware
- Price: $4.50
- GBP 2.87
Racks
- Price: $79.95
- GBP 51.05
Books & Tutorials
- Price: $29.49
- GBP 18.83
What's in the Box
- AC Power Cable
- Five (5) Year Warranty
Why Shop at B&H
Make your online shopping trip personal with our online Live Chat representatives. You can easily reach an in-house expert while browsing our site for your shopping needs. We have the most highly-trained staff in the industry who are pros in their fields, and their professional expertise will help you get the most from your purchase.
Place your domestic order with us for shipment via any UPS, FedEx Economy, or FedEx Priority shipping methods by 4 PM ET Monday through Thursday or 11 AM ET Friday and your order will be shipped that day. Visit our Shipping Delivery Times page for further details. Delivery times are subject to payment verification.
We appreciate your purchase from us, and we understand that sometimes the products you buy don’t turn out to be the right choice for you. We guarantee your peace of mind with our 30-day return policy. With no standard restocking fee and few restrictions, you’ll enjoy a return process as easy as shopping with us. Please visit our Return Policy page for further details.
We’ve made iPhone and Android mobile apps available for your service and shopping convenience. Use filtered search to find and purchase almost any item we sell and ship worldwide. Download product manuals and guides for many popular items. See high-resolution product images in close-up detail. Manage wishlists and view order history. Visit our Mobile Apps page to download.
See sample Newsletter
Help
Company Information
B&H Resources
