MF Blowing out Pro VLA - $239

[rhythm ranch]

Musicians Friend is blowing out ART Pro VLAs for $239.99

The web site still has the $299 price, but the latest catalog has the lower price on page 206. It says limited quantities so call 'em now! 800-776-5713, item #180582.

No, I don't work for them, just want everyone to share the joy. Now I'm glad I passed on that used one on eBay for $250!

[Reuben]

Makes me wish I hadn't bought one a month ago from Sweetwater for $350!

[rhythm ranch]

Sweetwater is never your cheapest option.

[Reuben]

It's the only time I've used them. B & H is my usual for most things.

[awolski]

Has anyone heard both the Pro VLA and the (small tabletop mono comp) Levellar? I have a Levellar and it's nice for the price I paid for it. I have heard raving about the Pro VLA and wonder if it sounds much nicer than the Levellar or if it's more like a stereo version of the same.

[JES]

There's a dual levellar that's the stereo version of the tabletop one. I like my Levelar, but the VLA is a different sounding beast. Whether you love it or hate it is a matter of taste, though it's generally well-regarded in these parts.

Best,
--JES

[awolski]

Cool, "different sounding" was what I was bascially looking to find out. Everything else I've heard sounds great. I definitely want something non-transparent and characterful as my only other comp (besides the Levellar) is an RNC.

[Chris_Meck]

The Pro-VLA is definitely NOT transparent.

I've got one. I love it. I wish I could afford another one, but I can't right now, cheap deal or no.

There's a tubey-ness in 'em; think thick. They're not super fast; I don't know that I'd try to use it on anything with super fast transients or anything unless you were looking just for color and not for actual compression.

I love mine for female vocals. Sounds great on stereo hammond/leslie. Cool on bass. rules on electric guitar. Nice for vintage flavored acoustic guitars, too. Folks like 'em on 2 buss, although I haven't used it there yet.

I'd get another if I could.

Chris

[bassface]

For us digital "in the box" guys, is this better than most or any plug-ins I could use, or is my money better spent on a nice plug-in?

[SlabOLab]

thankyou rhythm ranch! I've been on the fence about this one for a while, but now I've spanked my credit card and cleared a spot in the rack.

[A.L.]

@#$! I've been wanting to pick one of these up but really don't have the dough. Grrr.

[cgarges]

These things are so rockin' it's ridiculous. I might have to pick up another.

Chris Garges
Charlotte, NC

[MASSIVE Mastering]

Buy 'em up. They're one of my favorites.

I have two tube compressors that I use regularly...

One is a Manley Variable Mu (Mastering Edition).

The other is the ART Pro VLA.

Granted, the VM sees a little more action (no, really?), but there are some mixes that come through that just like the VLA better.

And for $239?!? Geez, I'd get a rack full of them.

[slowblue]

Grabbed one, thanks for the tip.