| ART Pro VLA II Details
The PRO VLA II (Vactrol based Leveling Amplifier) is a multi-purpose tool for audio engineering and recording. Enclosed in a 2U (3.5" high) rack-mountable chassis are two independent channels of analog leveling/compression designed to work seamlessly with any recording, sound-reinforcement, or electronic instrument setup. ART’s PRO VLA II circuitry is a hybrid design utilizing the latest and most advanced analog and tube technology. Using a transformerless design throughout, the PRO VLA II maintains exceptional signal integrity and extremely low noise. Its VCA-less design utilizes optical electronics (Vactrol) coupled with a 12AX7 vacuum tube gain stage for superior musical performance.
The PRO VLA II is a soft knee leveling amplifier by design. Although it is capable of providing a thoughougly "squashed" signal, the PRO VLA II was designed to excel in areas where transparent, expressively musical dynamics control is desired. In addition to making signal levels more manageable, it is common practice to apply compression or limiting to a signal to make it louder or more "in-your-face". The benefit of using the PRO VLA II for these applications is in its design. By utilizing opto-electronics, the PRO VLA II allows you to add more compression without sounding like you’re squashing the daylights out of the signal. Unlike typical compressors which use VCA’s to control level detection, the PRO VLA II is very musical. The nature of its operation is much like the way your eye adjusts to light. Just as your eye transparently adjusts to changes in light, the PRO VLA II adjusts to changes in signal level.
Developed in partnership with studio and live sound engineers, the PRO VLA II possesses a "sound" that is not available from any other compressor on the market - at any price! The PRO VLA II was designed and constructed with the absolute best components, assuring a lifetime of quiet, reliable performance.
ART Pro VLA II Features
- VCA-less Design Provides Unrivaled Musical Performance
- Provides Superior Dynamics Control For Every Compression Application
- Variable Threshold, Ratio and Output Controls
- Smooth, Silky and Transparent Sound Quality
- Variable Input and Output Gain Controls
- Professional Backlit VU
- Input/Output Level Metering
- Ten Segment Gain Reduction LED Array
- XLR and 1/4" Inputs and Outputs
- Mastering Quality Audio Processing
- WINNER - ELECTRONIC MUSICIAN EDITORS CHOICE AWARD
- Five Year Warranty
New Additions to VLA II
- Enhanced Link Mode
- In link mode, CH1 output control acts as a master output level and CH2 becomes a Balance control. This optimizes the Pro VLA II for use as a mastering processor
- Active balanced outputs
- The old VLA has balanced outputs that have 6dB more gain than when using them in the unbalanced mode. This shows up as an error when using the VU meter to compare the input and output level
- LED output meter
- Always monitors the output level allowing the user to view BOTH input and output levels at the same time
- LED meter indicates BOTH average level and peak hold
- Attack and Release knobs vs. switches
- The old version has switches that allow the user to adjust the attack time between "Fast"(~1mSec) and "Normal(~10mSec). The release switch can be set to "normal" (200mSec) and "Auto"(program dependant, but rather long on average)
- Attack time ranges from .25mSec to 50mSec
- Release time ranges from 0.1Sec to 3Sec. (This is program dependent at shorter release rates).
- Improved detector that lowers low frequency distortion at fast release rates.
- Improved package
- Rounded front panel machined to countersink all knobs and level meters
- Re-inforced ears
- LED lit switch caps
- Heavier chassis and cover ruggedized for longer life on the road
- Lower noise
- +4dBu/-10dBv mode switch optimizes the unit for Pro OR consumer operating system levels
- Toroidal transformer reduces mechanical and electrical hum
- Tweaked Tube circuit for better dynamic range
- Increased transformer shielding
- Increased ranges on Threshold and Output gain. This allows the user a wider range of operation
- Old threshold = -20 to +15, New threshold range = -30dB to +20dB
- Old output gain max = +10dB, New output gain = +20dB
- LED lit VU meters. No more dark meters due to blown out bulbs
- All of the pots have detents
- Imparts a more professional feel
- Makes settings more repeatable
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