ART 500 series compressor
The VLA-500 brings the same Vactrol-based VCA-free compression circuitry used in ART's legendary Pro-VLA, bringing the 500 Series to the practical format for the first time. Capable of not only delivering incredibly smooth compression and overall dynamic control, the VLA-500 also offers two user-selectable sound shaping circuits, making it one of the most versatile signal processors in your 500 Series rack.
The 'Punch' circuit is a J-FET harmonic enhancer that adds even-order harmonic distortion for a fuller, more 'punch' tone while taming the nasty peaks that can escape the Vactrol. The Grit circuit adds frequency-dependent signal distortion to make each track really stand out. This is a very creative effect that can work particularly well on drums and percussion, solo brass and woodwinds, and even vocals when additional presence and position in a mix is needed. Bypassing the 'Punch' and 'Grit' circuits achieves the purest Opto-compressor tone, perfect for critical solo instruments and clean vocals. The 'Punch' and 'Grit' circuits can even be combined for additional sound shaping options.
Features :
- 500 Series Form Factor Compressor Module
- Based on popular PRO-VLA technology
- VCA-free design of the Vactrol opto-compressor
- Two additional selectable solid-state tone shaping circuits ('Punch' & 'Grit')
- Variable threshold, ratio and output controls
- Stereo / Multi-Channel Linkable
- LED measurement
Specifications:
Equivalent input noise: -102dBu ('A' weighted)
Input Impedance: 10K Ohms
Output impedance: 100 Ohms
Level Inputs: +20dBu
Output level: +20dBu
Output gain: 20dB max +20dB max
Frequency response: 20Hz to 100KHz (+/- 0.5dB)
Dynamic range: >120dB (20-20KHz)
Attack time: variable 0.25msec. at 50msec.
Release time: 150msec. at 3 sec., variable