Art PROVLA PRO 2ch Compressor

ART PROVLA Details

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! The PRO VLA was designed and constructed with the absolute best components, assuring a lifetime of quiet, reliable performance.

Vactrol® is a registered trademark of EG&G Vactec Inc., St. Louis, MO, USA

Pro VLA 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
Designed and Manufactured in the USA

Attack Time Fast : 2ms; Slow: 15ms (20dB comp.)
Controls Input/Output level meter select switch; Attack Time select switch; Release Time select switch; Channel Active/ Bypass switch; Variable Threshold control; Variable Ratio control ; Variable Output Level control; Stereo Link switch; 10 segment Gain Reduction bargraphs; Input/Output signal level VU metering
Dimensions 19"W X 6.5"D X 3.5"H
Dynamic Range >100dB (20-20kHz)
Equivalent Input Noise -99dBm (XLR to XLR, ‘A’ weighted); -97dBm (1/4" to 1/4",‘A’ weighted)
Frequency Response 10Hz to 20kHz (+/- .5dB)
Input Impedance 20K ohms (XLR); 1M ohms (1/4")
Input/Output Connections XLR (Balanced) & 1/4" (TRS)
Maximum Attenuation 30dB; 100-125VAC, 25W - (USA) Internally fused
Maximum Input Level +21dBm (XLR); +21dBm (1/4")
Maximum Output Level +27dBu (XLR) (RL = 100KW, THD = 5%); +21dBu (1/4"):(RL = 100KW, THD = 5%)
Output Impedance 600 ohm (XLR); 300 ohms (1/4")
Power 100-125VAC, 25 USA (Export units configured for country of destination)
Release Time Fast : 300ms; Slow: 100ms-3sec.
Slope Variable : 2:1 to >10:1
Total Harmonic Distortion <0.1% (typical)
Weight 9 Lbs

User Manual (pdf)

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