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Based on price data from 1 merchant for "ART Pro VLA". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 2, 2026.
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Description
Unlock the full potential of your recordings with the ART Pro VLA, a tube-driven compressor that's ready to elevate your audio to professional heights. This Vactrol-based opto-compressor offers a natural, musical sound, making it ideal for tracking, mixing, mastering, or even live performances. By forgoing a traditional VCA circuit in favor of an opto-electronic design, the Pro VLA delivers smooth, transparent dynamic leveling that preserves the integrity of your sound.
The Pro VLA's 12AT7 vacuum tube gain stage brings warmth and character to any audio source, while its comprehensive control set allows for fine-tuning of compression parameters. Whether you're adjusting the threshold, ratio, or output, you'll appreciate the intuitive detented controls that ensure repeatable settings every time. With its LED backlit VU meters, you'll have precise visual feedback to monitor both input and output levels simultaneously, allowing for confident adjustments on the fly.
Housed in a rugged chassis with a rounded front panel, the Pro VLA is built to withstand the rigors of both studio life and on-the-road performances. Experience the versatility of enhanced link mode, where channel 1 acts as the master output and channel 2 provides a balance control, transforming this unit into a mastering powerhouse. The Pro VLA is a blend of innovation and reliability, making it a must-have for audio professionals seeking high-quality compression with a touch of tube magic.
Key Features:
- Vactrol Opto-compression design (No VCA)
- Tube gain stage for warm, musical sound
- Enhanced link mode for mastering
- Variable threshold, ratio, and output controls
- LED backlit VU input/output level metering
- Accurate ten-segment LED gain reduction metering
- +4dBu/-10dBV mode switch
- Active-balanced XLR and 1/4" inputs and outputs
- Toroidal transformer reduces mechanical and electrical hum
Product specs
| Range switch | +4dBu/-10dBV selectable |
| Inputs | +20dBu (in +4dBu mode) / +10dBV (in ”10dBV mode) |
| Output | +20dBu (R load > 10K, 0.1%THD) |
| Output Gain | +20dB max |
| Frequency response | 10Hz to 100KHz (+/- 0.5dB) |
| Dynamic Range | >100dB (20-20KHz) |
| THD | @ 0dBm Out <0.1% (typical) |
| @+4dBu | -99dBu ('A' weighted) |
| @-10 dBV | -107dBu ('A' weighted) |
| Attack time | 0.25msec. to 50msec. variable |
| Release time | 150msec. to 3 sec, variable |
| Slope variable | 2:1 to 20:1 |
| Max. attenuation | 30dB |
FAQs
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What type of compressor is the ART Pro VLA?
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The ART Pro VLA is an opto-electronic compressor, which uses an optical element to control dynamics, providing smooth and musical compression that is favored in many studio applications.
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How does the ART Pro VLA handle audio dynamics?
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The ART Pro VLA offers variable attack and release times, with attack ranging from 0.25ms to 50ms and release from 150ms to 3 seconds, allowing for precise control over audio dynamics.
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Is the ART Pro VLA suitable for both professional and home studios?
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Yes, the ART Pro VLA is versatile and can be used in both professional and home studio environments due to its high dynamic range and low total harmonic distortion.
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What is the frequency response of the ART Pro VLA?
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The ART Pro VLA has a frequency response of 10Hz to 100KHz, ensuring it can handle a wide range of audio frequencies with minimal coloration.
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Can the ART Pro VLA be used with different output levels?
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Yes, the ART Pro VLA features a range switch that allows you to select between +4dBu and -10dBV, making it compatible with various output levels.
Videos
SpectreSoundStudios
Cheapest Tube Compressor on Amazon
Cheapest Tube Compressor on Amazon
SpectreSoundStudios
Art Pro VLA II Demo And DAW Integration
DV247 Music Store UK TV
ART PRO VLA II Demo
KdW Mixing & Mastering
ART PRO VLA II Tube Compressor Review (No Talking)
Pine Hill Sound Studio
ULTIMATE VALUE! - ART Pro VLA II Review Including Vocals, Bass, Drums, & Mix Bus
askdrtk
Making a song with only the ART PRO VLA II Compressor
Can't Afford To Record
Art Pro Vla 2 is it a piece of junk?
ANYTHING ABOUT MUSIC
Reviews
Owner Insights
We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about ART Pro VLA.
Features and functionality
Use cases and applications
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Owners use the VLA II to smooth out signals from stereo keyboards or mixers, enhancing the overall sound in small studio setups.
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Often used as a "glueing leveler" on vocal buses, ensuring volume consistency without sacrificing musical movement.
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Commonly integrated into room mic chains for drum recordings, adding character and "mojo" with a bit of compression.
Source
Comparisons
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The ART Pro Channel, featuring a tube preamp, compressor, and semi-parametric EQ, is mentioned as an alternative for those not requiring stereo compression.
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Compared to modern Klark Teknik gear, the ART Pro VLA II is preferred for its reliability and consistent sound quality in home studios.
Source
Value and pricing
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The ART Pro VLA II is noted as a good first compressor due to its transparency and affordability, providing significant value for its price.
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Software and compatibility
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Recommendations suggest starting with an audio interface to facilitate digital recording, as it offers more flexibility than hardware compressors, especially for beginners.
Source
User experience
Mods and upgrades
4.5 out of 5
Based on 2 Reviews and 5 Ratings
41010
Outsstanding bang for buck
I prefer the VLA 1 to the more popular 2. Its a little less hifi sounding for starters, the tube stages are grittier which is great for parallel bus use and its got a fast and dirty like it or lump it fixed or program dependent attack and release system that makes working with it fast. You want fidelity and precision get a 2, but if you want something that excels at trashy special effect jobs? This is it. Don't expect an LA2A, expect a stereo unit that can make anything sound like zep.... just kidding, but its got this loose vibey thing. The differences are minor between this and the 2 but its worth having both at these prices as one is clinical and precise and the other is a budget mojo machine. They can be made to sound similar but never the same.... both versions feature a big dollop of output that can be used to overload a console bus. Remember to back off those faders once you're in the red, kids. This baby gets LOUD
HEADS UP, the VLAs aren't in starved plate but they're not high voltage tube circuits, its more sort of a hybrid opto, slid state does most of the real work for in and out amps. Don't expect an LA2A but it has a vintagey charm of its own...
339
VLA II
Great for bringing up the dynamics in my productions wish it had more channels is all ..
Genre Usage
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Used With
Based on how musicians on Equipboard use ART Pro VLA, it is most commonly used with the following gear.
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