Pro VLA II
2-Channel Tube / Opto Compressor
“I'm blessed to have a number of great compressors at my disposal, and I still want to use the Pro VLA II on all kinds of things. Dear ART, please invoice me; I'm not returning the review box.” -Tape Op
The Pro VLA II is a two-channel, tube-driven, Vactrol®-based leveling amplifier. It offers the smooth, musical sound of optical compression for recording, mixing, and mastering.
Visually, the first thing you’ll notice is the robust metering. Each channel has a VU meter that shows the average input or output level, and an LED meter for gain reduction. A master LED meter shows the peak and average output of each channel for precise gain staging.
Both channels have variable controls for threshold, ratio, attack, release, and output level. The ratio ranges from 2:1 for gentle compression up to 20:1 for hard limiting. The channels can be used independently or linked for stereo operation. When linked, the Channel One controls are global, and the Channel Two output level control adjusts the stereo balance.
The rear panel features balanced XLR and 1/4” inputs and outputs, and a switch for +4 dBu or -10 dBV operation.
What you’ll notice most is the sound: subtle and natural when used gently, lively and colourful when driven hard. Try one and hear for yourself why the Pro VLA has earned a reputation as a trusted secret weapon and one of the best bang-for-your-buck compressors on the market.
Features
- VCA-Less Vactrol Opto-Compression Design
- Mastering Quality Audio Signal Path with Tube Gain Stage Enhanced Link Mode – While in stereo link mode, channel 1 level control acts as a master output level and channel 2 becomes a balance control between them, – optimizing the Pro-VLA II for use as a mastering tool
- Variable Threshold, Ratio & Output Controls
- LED Backlit VU Input/Output Level Metering
- LED Metering Indicates Both Average Level And Peak Hold Accurate
- Ten Segment LED Gain Reduction Metering
- +4dBu/-10dBu Mode Switch Optimizes Pro-VLA II For Interface with Professional OR Consumer Grade Components
- Active Balanced XLR And 1/4-Inch Inputs & Outputs
- Toroidal Transformer Reduces Mechanical & Electrical Hum
Specifications
| Input Impedance | 10K Ω |
| Maximum Input Level | +20 dBu (in +4 dBu mode) / +10 dBV (in -10 dBV mode) |
| Maximum Output Level | +20 dB max |
| Frequency Response | 10 Hz to 100 KHz (+/- 0.5 dB) |
| Total Harmonic Distortion | <0.1% (Typical) |
| Equivalent Input Noise | @+4dBu: -99dBu (”A” Weighted) / @-10 dBV: -107 dBu (”A” Weighted) |
| Dimensions (DWH) | 9.2″ x 19″ x 3.5″ (23.3 cm x 48.3 cm x 8.9 cm ) |
| Weight | 10.5 lbs (4.76 kg) |
Specifications subject to change without notice
“I'm blessed to have a number of great compressors at my disposal, and I still want to use the Pro VLA II on all kinds of things. Dear ART, please invoice me; I'm not returning the review box.” -Tape Op
The Pro VLA II is a two-channel, tube-driven, Vactrol®-based leveling amplifier. It offers the smooth, musical sound of optical compression for recording, mixing, and mastering.
Visually, the first thing you’ll notice is the robust metering. Each channel has a VU meter that shows the average input or output level, and an LED meter for gain reduction. A master LED meter shows the peak and average output of each channel for precise gain staging.
Both channels have variable controls for threshold, ratio, attack, release, and output level. The ratio ranges from 2:1 for gentle compression up to 20:1 for hard limiting. The channels can be used independently or linked for stereo operation. When linked, the Channel One controls are global, and the Channel Two output level control adjusts the stereo balance.
The rear panel features balanced XLR and 1/4” inputs and outputs, and a switch for +4 dBu or -10 dBV operation.
What you’ll notice most is the sound: subtle and natural when used gently, lively and colourful when driven hard. Try one and hear for yourself why the Pro VLA has earned a reputation as a trusted secret weapon and one of the best bang-for-your-buck compressors on the market.
Features
- VCA-Less Vactrol Opto-Compression Design
- Mastering Quality Audio Signal Path with Tube Gain Stage Enhanced Link Mode – While in stereo link mode, channel 1 level control acts as a master output level and channel 2 becomes a balance control between them, – optimizing the Pro-VLA II for use as a mastering tool
- Variable Threshold, Ratio & Output Controls
- LED Backlit VU Input/Output Level Metering
- LED Metering Indicates Both Average Level And Peak Hold Accurate
- Ten Segment LED Gain Reduction Metering
- +4dBu/-10dBu Mode Switch Optimizes Pro-VLA II For Interface with Professional OR Consumer Grade Components
- Active Balanced XLR And 1/4-Inch Inputs & Outputs
- Toroidal Transformer Reduces Mechanical & Electrical Hum
Specifications
| Input Impedance | 10K Ω |
| Maximum Input Level | +20 dBu (in +4 dBu mode) / +10 dBV (in -10 dBV mode) |
| Maximum Output Level | +20 dB max |
| Frequency Response | 10 Hz to 100 KHz (+/- 0.5 dB) |
| Total Harmonic Distortion | <0.1% (Typical) |
| Equivalent Input Noise | @+4dBu: -99dBu (”A” Weighted) / @-10 dBV: -107 dBu (”A” Weighted) |
| Dimensions (DWH) | 9.2″ x 19″ x 3.5″ (23.3 cm x 48.3 cm x 8.9 cm ) |
| Weight | 10.5 lbs (4.76 kg) |
Specifications subject to change without notice