The ART Pro VLA III Tube Leveling Amplifier delivers smooth, musical dynamic control with the warmth and character that only a tube-based optical compressor can provide.
Designed for tracking, mixing, and mastering applications, the Pro VLA III offers a natural, transparent compression style that enhances performances without sounding overly processed—making it an excellent choice for vocals, bass, acoustic instruments, and full mixes alike. At the heart of the Pro VLA III is its opto-electronic gain reduction circuit, which reacts in a program-dependent manner for ultra-smooth compression that avoids harsh artifacts. Combined with a high-voltage tube stage, this design adds subtle harmonic richness and depth while maintaining clarity and headroom. Whether you're gently leveling a vocal or applying more assertive compression to a drum bus, the Pro VLA III retains musicality and detail.
Each channel features fully variable threshold, ratio, attack, and release controls, along with a switchable soft knee for transparent leveling or a harder knee for more noticeable compression. The onboard VU meters provide clear visual feedback for gain reduction and output levels, while stereo link capability allows for cohesive processing of stereo sources. With balanced XLR and 1/4-inch inputs and outputs, selectable +4 dBu or -10 dBV operation, and a robust rackmount design, the ART Pro VLA III integrates easily into any studio setup - from home studios to professional environments. Its combination of classic optical compression and tube warmth makes it a versatile and musical tool for shaping dynamics across a wide range of sources.
ART Pro VLA III Tube Leveling Amplifier Features
- Dual-channel tube optical compressor / leveling amplifier
- Opto-electronic gain reduction for smooth, musical compression
- High-voltage tube stage adds warmth and harmonic richness
- Fully variable threshold, ratio, attack, and release controls
- Switchable soft knee and hard knee compression modes
- Stereo link function for processing stereo sources
- Analog VU meters for gain reduction and output monitoring
- Balanced XLR and 1/4-inch TRS inputs and outputs
- Selectable +4 dBu or -10 dBV operating levels
- Ideal for vocals, bass, acoustic instruments, and mix bus duties
- Rugged rackmount chassis for studio and live use
ART Pro VLA III Tube Leveling Amplifier Includes
- ART Pro VLA III Tube Leveling Amplifier
- IEC Power Cable
- Owner’s 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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