ART Pro Audio

500-series Vactrol Compressor

SKU: # 437470   |   Model: # VLA500   |    Product Reviews1 Reviews  Write a Review

500-series Vactrol Compressor

Buy Online

ART 500 Series Compressor

The VLA-500 brings the same VCA-less Vactrol based compression circuit used in ART's legendary Pro-VLA, putting to a convenient 500 Series format for the first time. Capable not only of delivering incredibly smooth compression and overall dynamic control, the VLA-500 also offers two user selectable tone 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, "punchier" tone while taming nasty peaks that may escape the Vactrol. The Grit circuit adds frequency-dependent signal distortion to make any track truly stand out. This is a highly creative effect that can work especially well on drums and percussion, solo brasses and woodwinds and even vocals when added presence and position in a mix is required. Bypassing both 'Punch' and 'Grit' circuits delivers the purest Opto-compressor tone, perfect for critical solo instruments and clean vocals. 'Punch' and 'Grit' circuits can even be combined for additional tone shaping options.

Features:
• 500 Series Form Factor Compressor Module
• Based on Popular PRO-VLA Technology
• VCA-less Vactrol Opto-Compressor Design
• Two Additional Selectable Solid State Tone Shaping Circuits ('Punch' & 'Grit')
• Variable Threshold, Ratio and Output Controls
• Stereo / Multi-Channel Linkable
• LED Metering

Specifications:
Equivalent Input Noise: -102dBu ('A' weighted)
Input Impedance: 10K Ohms
Output Impedance: 100 Ohms
Inputs Level: +20dBu
Output Level: +20dBu
Output Gain: +20dB max
Frequency Response: 20Hz to 100KHz (+/- 0.5dB)
Dynamic Range: >120dB (20-20KHz)
Attack Time: 0.25msec. to 50msec. variable
Release Time: 150msec. to 3 sec, variable
Total Harmonic Distortion:

Q & A


There are currently no questions for this product.

Reviews


18.217.116.183
Mozilla/5.0 AppleWebKit/537.36 (KHTML, like Gecko; compatible; ClaudeBot/1.0; [email protected])
This little guy rocks! 2 of 2 customers found this review helpful
Features  
Quality  
Value  
Overall  
Product Experience   I've tried it
Closest Store   Winnipeg (Pembina), Manitoba
Testing this unit out right now and all I can say is wow! It exceeds my expectations. It has a similar character to its big brother (pro vla) with some additional features that make it way more versatile. The grit and punch buttons really extend its usefulness on a wider variety of instruments. I would choose it over My Universal audio La-610 on pretty much every source. Its extremely easy to use, and very hard to make sound bad. If you like opto compression I would say give it a shot!
Posted by JP Laurendeau on Apr 11, 2018
Was this review helpful? Vote helpful Vote not helpful flag this review

Performance Warranty Banner

Protect your investment with the Long & McQuade Performance Warranty

A warranty can be a very important factor when making a buying decision. Because repairs can be very expensive in terms of parts and labour costs, manufacturers usually only provide one year limited warranties that generally only cover items that malfunction due to a manufacturer’s defect. With an important purchase such as a musical
instrument or piece of studio gear, however, many people want to have the peace of mind in knowing that their investment will be protected should the product no longer be performing at 100%.

Because of this, Long & McQuade provides our customers with a FREE one-year Performance Warranty on most of our products. The Long & McQuade Performance Warranty supplements the manufacturer’s warranty to ensure that our customers receive complete “no hassle” warranty coverage within their first year.

How does the Long & McQuade Performance Warranty differ from most manufacturers' warranties?
  • Performance Guarantee: Normal wear and tear is covered, so your product will be performing as well as the day you purchased it for the entire duration of the coverage. Band and Orchestral Performance Warranty does not include replacing pads or cleaning for woodwind instruments, unless deemed necessary by our repair staff. Ultrasonic cleaning for brass instruments will be provided if deemed necessary by our repair staff, but is not routinely offered under the Performance Warranty.
  • Product Replacement: If your product cannot be fixed or costs too much to fix, we will replace it with the equivalent model for no additional charge. If this is not possible, a full refund will be provided.
  • No Lemon Policy: Your product will be replaced should the same problem occur multiple times.
  • Convenient: Easy drop off and pick up of the product at any Long & McQuade location.
  • Guitar Setup: Guitars purchased at Long & McQuade come with 1 free setup, to be redeemed within 1 year for new guitars and 90 days for used guitars.
  • Loaners Available: A loaner product may be given while the product is being repaired.
  • Power Surge Protection: Your product is covered even if damaged from a power surge.
  • Accessory Coverage: Any peripheral devices or accessories that come with your product (i.e. foot pedal, case) are also covered.
  • Commercial Use Coverage: Music and recording professionals who purchase gear for “heavy-use” commercial purposes will still be covered.
 

Long & McQuade reserves the right to restrict the purchase of additional years of Performance Warranty. Used products come with a 3-month Long & McQuade Performance Warranty. Some products (i.e. computers, software, cymbals and other items) are covered only by the manufacturer‘s warranty. Consumables (i.e. strings, reeds, drum sticks, batteries, tubes, cross faders) are excluded as they are designed to be replaced. Cosmetic Damage, Accidental Damage, or problems caused by Humidity or Temperature Issues are not covered. Speakers damaged by overpowering are generally not covered. Our coverage does not provide compensation for loss of use. As of June 2018 the Performance Warranty is no longer transferable. The warranty is only valid in Canada.

Purchasing additional years of coverage

Some manufacturers provide warranties for longer than 1 year; however, these are usually limited warranties that do not provide the same coverage as the Long & McQuade Performance Warranty. Customers interested in more complete and convenient (but not necessarily longer) coverage are still able to purchase additional years of the Performance Warranty.

If you are interested in receiving this coverage for longer than one year, you have the option of purchasing additional years of the Performance Warranty. The pricing is as follows:

  • NEW products: 4% of the current new selling price to double the warranty from 1 year to 2 years. 4% for each additional year.
  • USED products: 4% of the current new selling price to increase the warranty from 3 months to 1 year. 4% for each additional year.
  • GUITARS: 4% of the current new selling price to double the warranty from 1 year to 2 years. 4% for each additional year. $45 maximum. An additional free setup is not included with additional purchased years of Performance Warranty.
  • BAND and ORCHESTRAL instruments: 4% of the current new selling price to double the warranty from 1 year to 2 years. 4% for each additional year.