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I've seen numerous threads about this unit and I have some specific questions.

First off, the only compressors I'm using right now are the stock Cubase SX plugins and the 1176 SE plugin in the UAD-1. For some reason I don't think these compressors are suiting my needs, and I want to venture outside of my software.

Is the ART Pro VLA good on all things needing compression (guitars, vocals, bass, and drums) or is it just recommended to be put across a drum bus like I've been reading?

Is there another unit (hopefully two channel) in the same $250 price range?

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Randyman... Fri, 04/15/2005 - 21:41

In that price range ($229 at Musician's Friend BTW :wink: ) - I don't know of anything to compare to the Pro-VLA. I have 2 of them I use to fatten up my Tom Tracks (which currently pass through cheapo Tascam mixer pre's).

I'm also looking into some DIY compressors - but they are still not cheap for the good stuff. A DIY LA-2A will still run about $900 per channel!

That's all I got.

:cool:

anonymous Sat, 04/16/2005 - 10:46

well, there is THAT : ) but...you can use it on mono sources (one guitar, bass, etc.) just not TWO mono sources at once with independent settings. also, being unbalanced is not really an issue if your cable runs are short and clean and you don't live next to an evil mad scientist and his evil radio staion/power plant.

cool unit.

mckay

Davedog Sat, 04/16/2005 - 11:28

The VLA is (with a nod to the RNC) the best value in compressors available.What they arent is an LA-2A,1176/1178,Alan Smart,TubeTech,etc....What they are is generally under $300 for a really nice sounding versatile compressor. I would never ask mine to 'pump'...I just dont like the artifacts it exhibits like this but for fattening up a drum or controlling the deck on some sources,it shines. Another mostly overlooked and damn cheap unit is the Symetrix 525.This one you can pump with.Its got a very bland look about it but it can handle a lot of things well.For real crush, The Valley People Dynamiter is, well, dynamite.