The ProVLA II is a Vactrol-based tube compressor/leveler designed to excel in any professional audio environment. Superior performance and incredible tone make the ProVLA II an indispensable tool for tracking, mixing, mastering, dynamic monitoring of live sound sources or for use in broadcast audio.
Able to deliver much more musical natural sound and transparent compression compared to competing devices in its class, the ProVLA II uses an opto-electronic circuit rather than the more typically designed VCA level detection circuit. This VCA-free design combined with a 12AT7 vacuum tube in the gain stage makes the Pro-VLA II the ideal dynamic control device for critical audio applications.
Exceptional signal integrity with extremely low noise and low distortion is achieved in the ProVLA II using a transformerless design.
Vactrol technology
Unlike typical compression units that use voltage-controlled amplifiers (VCA) to handle level sensing, the Pro VLA II's opto-electronic design allows for much more transparent and musical sound compression without sounding harsh or unnatural. This Vactrol-based optical electronic circuit is the basic component of the highly sought-after classic compressors of the past.
The Vactrol design allows the ProVLA II to respond to the audio signal in the same way that the eye naturally adapts to fluctuations in light level - smoothly, silently and almost imperceptibly.
Soft Knee Leveling
The ProVLA II is a flexible knee leveling amplifier by design. Although capable of delivering spectacular compression effects, the ProVLA II has been designed to excel in any application where transparent and expressive control of musical dynamics is desired.
Full count
Large, highly visible, backlit analog VU meters accurately display input and output levels while very quickly reducing the gain of the 10-segment LED display. For added functionality, the LED screen displays either the average level for mastering and mixing applications, or the maximum level for monitoring individual sources when tracking audio.
Versatile I/O
Balanced XLR and balanced 1/4-inch TRS inputs and outputs are provided to ensure the ProVLA II can connect to any audio source or hardware. A +4dBu/-10dBu mode switch optimizes ProVLA II I/O for consumer or professional equipment.
Features
- Vactrol optical compression VCA-free design
- Master the quality audio signal path with the tube gain stage
- Improved link mode - In stereo link mode, channel 1 level control acts as a master output level and channel 2 becomes a balance control between them, - optimize the Pro-VLA II for use as a mastering tool
- Variable threshold, ratio and output controls
- UEV input/output level measurement backlit by LEDs
- LED metering indicates both average level and peak hold level
- Accurate measurement of gain reduction on ten LED segments
- +4dBu/-10dBu mode switch optimizes Pro-VLA II for interfacing with professional or consumer grade components
- Active balanced XLR and -Inch inputs and outputs
- Toroidal transformer reduces mechanical and electrical hum
Technical characteristics
Equivalent input noise: @+4dBu: -99dBu ("A" weighted) / @-10 dBV: -107dBu ("A" weighted)
Maximum attenuation: 30 dB
Input impedance: 10K?
Maximum input level: +20dBu (in +4dBu mode) / +10dBV (in -10dBV mode)
Maximum output level: 20dB max +20dB max
Frequency response: 10Hz to 100KHz (+/- 0.5dB)
Dynamic range: > 100dB (20-20KHz)
Attack time: variable 0.25msec. at 50msec.
Release time: Variable from 150ms to 3s
Slope: Variable from 2:1 to 20:1
Total Harmonic Distortion: