The Pro VLA compressor has been one of the most popular ART products for over two decades.
- It's the secret weapon
- The cult classic
- The Rochester sound
Tape Op called the original "one of the best compressors ever made at its price point", and they've continued that tradition with the Pro VLA III!
Like their earlier models, Pro VLA III's an optical compressor with two channels that can be used independently or linked for stereo operation. It offers musical control of dynamics that can smooth out individual tracks or glue a full mix together. It uses a fixed-input, variable-threshold design, and offers the authentic character of a real 12AT7 tube.
Now with Pro VLA III, the Voice switch selects between a warm tube or clean solid state signal path to best match your source material. The ratio range has been extended down to 1.25:1, providing even more subtle control when you need gentle compression for mastering applications. ART has increased the available headroom, lowered background noise, and improved the channel symmetry in the linked stereo mode. The front panel has also been refreshed to match the Pro Channel III.
The Pro VLA III also offers variable threshold, attack, release, and output controls, independent bypass per channel, and simultaneous metering of input level, output level, and gain reduction. The rear panel has balanced XLR and ¼" inputs and outputs, and a button to select +4dBu or -10dBV operation.
Compression is one of the most powerful tools in the studio, and with all-analog circuitry and real tube tone, the Pro VLA III will help you push your mixes to a higher level.
2-in-1
Tailor your performance by selecting between musical tube circuity or the more precise solid-state circuity.
Soft-Knee Leveling
The Pro VLA III is a soft-knee leveling amplifier by design. Although capable of providing dramatic com-pression effects, the Pro VLA III was designed to excel in any application where transparent, expres-sively musical dynamics control is desired.
Comprehensive Metering
Large, highly visible, backlit analog VU meters accurately display input levels while the extremely fast 10-segment LED bar displays gain reduction. For added functionality, the center LED bar monitors the input level, showing average level for mastering and mixing applications as well as peak hold, for moni-toring individual sources when tracking audio.
Versatile I/O
XLR and ¼" TRS balanced inputs and outputs are provided to ensure the Pro VLA III can connect with any audio source or hardware. A +4dBu/-10dBV I/O Mode switch optimizes Pro VLA III I/O for either consumer or professional or consumer equipment
Applications:
- Compressor/Limiter: The main application of the Pro VLA III is to control the dynamic range of an audio signal. Plug a line level (post preamplifier or other gain stage) source into either input, and set the threshold and output controls to provide the desired amount of compression to the input signal.
- Stereo Mix and Mastering: Because of its low noise and excellent tonal qualities, the Pro VLA III is ideal for processing mixes when recording. Used as a mastering device, the Pro VLA III is capable of adding warmth and impact to the overall signal level as well as pre-venting transients from causing digital clipping. The Pro VLA III is ideal for live use as well.
- Vocal and Instrument Leveling: The musical nature of the Pro VLA III makes it ideal for use on a wide range of instruments and vocals. Place the Pro VLA III into a channel insert, after a preamplifier, or in line with the direct output of a mixer channel.