ART Pro VLA Compressor

ART Pro VLA Compressor Product Details

Description

Product Information:

 The PRO VLA (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 circuitry is a hybrid design utilizing the latest and most advanced analog and tube technology. Using a transformerless design throughout, the PRO VLA 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 is a soft knee leveling amplifier by design. Although it is capable of providing a thoughougly "squashed" signal, the PRO VLA 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 for these applications is in its design. By utilizing opto-electronics, the PRO VLA 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 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 adjusts to changes in signal level.

Developed in partnership with studio and live sound engineers, the PRO VLA possesses a "sound" that is not available from any other compressor on the market - at any price! A member of the ART Reference Series, the PRO VLA was designed and constructed with the absolute best components, assuring a lifetime of quiet, reliable performance.

Dimensions: 19"W X 6.5"D X 3.5"H

Weight: 9 Lbs

Input Connections: Balanced XLR & 1/4" TRS

Output Connections: Balanced XLR & 1/4" TRS

Input Impedance: XLR: 20K ohms

Input Impedance: 1/4": 1M ohms

Output Impedance: XLR: 600 ohm

Output Impedance: 1/4": 300 ohms

Maximum Input Level: XLR: +21dBm

Maximum Input Level: 1/4": +21dBm

Maximum Output Level: XLR: +27dBu (RL = 100KW, THD = 5%)

Maximum Output Level: XLR: +27dBu (RL = 100KW, THD = 5%)

Maximum Output Level: 1/4": +21dBu (RL = 100KW, THD = 5%)

Frequency Response: 10Hz to 20kHz (+/- .5dB)

Dynamic Range: >100dB (20-20kHz)

THD @ 0dB out: <0.1% (typical)

EIN: XLR to XLR: -99dBm ('A' weighted)

EIN: 1/4" to 1/4": -97dBm ('A' weighted)

Attack Time: Fast: 2ms

Attack Time: Slow: 15ms (20dB comp.)

Release Time: Fast: 300ms

Release Time: Slow: 100ms-3sec.

Slope - Variable: 2:1 to >10:1

Maximum Attenuation: 30dB

Maximum Attenuation: 100-125VAC, 25W - (USA) Internally fused

Controls: Input/ Output level meter select switch

Controls: Attack Time select switch

Controls: Release Time select switch

Controls: Channel Active/ Bypass switch

Controls: Variable Threshold control

Controls: Variable Ratio control

Controls: Variable Output Level control

Controls: Stereo Link switch

Controls: 10 segment Gain Reduction bargraphs

Controls: Input/Output signal level VU metering