For anyone who's used the Art Levelar

[famous beagle]

I just bought one of these used on the bay for $12, supposedly in perfect working order.

After testing it, it seems to be working, but the output seems low. Even with the output knob turned fully up and only 2 or 3db of gain reduction, the volume is barely as loud as when bypassed. I expected the output to afford a bit of a gain boost if needed, but this is barely making up the gain lost by the compressor, and I don't think it's even 100% as loud as the bypassed signal.

Is this normal for this unit? Does anyone else have this unit?

Thanks

 

[j.harv]

Funny thing....just got one off ebay a week ago or so. Same kind of thing, low make up gain. It doesn't add punch like the other compressors I have.
But I have heard good things about them though. There is a mod for the Levelar that supposedly puts it very close to an LA2A !!!! I have read a bunch about people saying how great this thing sounds when modded.One person actually said it was his go to comp, even more than his LA2A.

 

[bongoboy]

Maybe that's why they're on Ebay.