ART Pro VLA III 2ch Multivoice Tube / Opto Compressor

About: ART Pro VLA III 2ch Multivoice Tube / Opto Compressor

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 we’ve continued that tradition with the new Pro VLA III.

• Two-Channel Optical Compressor
• Switchable Tube and Solid State Voicings
• Input, Output, and Gain Reduction Metering
• Variable Threshold, Ratio, Attack, and Release
• Dual Mono or Linked Stereo Operation
• 12AT7 Tube
• +4 dBu or -10 dBV Operation
• Universal Internal Power Supply

Like the earlier models, it’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.

New to this version, 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. We’ve 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 1/4” inputs and outputs, and a button to select +4 dBu or -10 dBV 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.

Specifications

• Input Impedance: 10 kΩ (Balanced / Unbalanced)
• Maximum Input Level
  • +20 dBu (+4 dBu Mode)
  • +10 dBV (-10 dBV Mode)
• Maximum Output Level: +20 dB Max
• Frequency Response: 10 Hz to 50 kHz (+0 / -1 dB)
• Total Harmonic Distortion: < 0.005% (Solid State)
• Equivalent Input Noise
  • -99 dBu (+4 dBu Mode, A-Weighted)
  • -107 dBu (-10 dBV Mode, A-Weighted)
• Power Requirements
  • 100-240V 50Hz/60Hz 25W
  • Rear-mounted IEC connector
• Dimensions (DxWxH) 3.5 x 19 x 9.2 inch (8.9 x 48.3 x 23.4 cm)
• Weight 10.5 lbs (4.76 kg)