ART Pro VLA follow-up

[Seeker of Rock]

A while back I was considering the VLA or the RNC. Since I bought the VLA, I use it to polish before going into the mastering deck and think it sounds absolutely wonderful, IMHO. It helps the sound come alive, as well as toning down some of those harsh peaks. I am not in the big league, mind you, but I would recommend this to someone looking for something like this in the below $200 price range. I actually feel good about this purchase still a few months after I made it, unlike some other products I have.

Massive Master, I believe you were one of the firsts to recommend this in the $200 =/- range from my original post. Thanks for the good advice!

[Massive Master]

No problem - It's a great little unit. I'm glad you're digging it also.

[ElDangeroso]

Dig it. Based on reviews I've read here, I just scored a pair of the VLA's from musiciansfiend for 229.00 each.
Just arrived yesterday.
I'm still tweekin em for my drum mix. I like 'em so far.

I am using them to control the transients:

Oktava 012 OH's
Threshold: -2
Ratio: 3.5:1
Output: 0


Kick e602 and Snare sm57
Threshold: -1
Ratio: 4:1
Output: 0

So far it sounds decent, am I using too much compression? The LED's light up from -2 to about -6 for gain reduction. We play Rock (Kinda sorta Foo Fighters, Smashing Pumpkins, Cake type stuff)

Thanks

Chad

Ok, what do you think of the PRE-AMP/COMPRESSOR combo?

http://www.musiciansfriend.com/srs7/...se_pid/180589/

Also, what do you think about chaining the compressor on this to my RNC so that the RNC doesn't have to work so hard? I could lighter settings on the ART and the heavier settings on the RNC and think I can get a real good clean sound.

[Seeker of Rock]

My settings from the 2-buss into the master deck:

Threshold 4.2
Ratio 4.5:1
Output +4
Gain reduction -2db

Dangeroso,
Hola. ?Como estas? I'm running my VLA as a last outboard from the 2-buss going into my CDRW700. It adds 'sparkle to the final signal, tweaks my peaks, and adds a little warmth in the process. Check out my post if you're interested in hearing it from a home recording situation. Again, I feel very good about the price I paid for this and love it in my setup!

www.soundclick.com/bands/6/daleobrienmusic.htm

Surfer,
Maybe it is just my application (I'm still fairly new to recording) but the VLA seems to have a very smooth character, almost a 'polisher' in its fitting role. I haven't explored indivual tracks with it yet, but get my feeling is that it may be a little passive for drums. Then again, maybe I am completely wrong...just haven't tried it that way, but the character of the sound doesn't seem to me like it is a great match.
Where are you having trouble with your RNC? I have found Joe Meek to handle drums well, personally, but... A shot in the dark, but the RNC probably does a better job on the overheads than the kick?

Haven't heard much about the PRE/COMP you mentioned, so I can't give thoughts. I know I have had good luck with my Joe Meek MQ3 as a pre/comp, though. I believe the latest incarnation is the ThreeQ.

[turnitdown]

Based on reviews I've read here, I just scored a pair of the VLA's from musiciansfiend for 229.00 each.

That is a GREAT price!!! How did you get it?? I see MF selling them for $299 new, and $269 blemished...

What gives?? I paid $250 for a used one on eBay a few months back...

[ElDangeroso]

Originally Posted by turnitdown

That is a GREAT price!!! How did you get it?? I see MF selling them for $299 new, and $269 blemished...

What gives?? I paid $250 for a used one on eBay a few months back...

Yeah, its not on their website, and when you phone it in, as I did, they quote $299.00

Just tell them you are looking at the Late Fall Buyers guide, and that is the price listed, they will give you that price. I do not know how much longer these prices are good for. Thats why I snapped up a pair.

Go for it. The more I use this thing, the more I like it.


Peace.

Chad

[turnitdown]

Thanks.... I may get another.... In case my 6 yr old goes south... cheaper than repair!!!

[kragbax]

The VLA is on page 206 of both the MF's fall catalogs. You need to call them and tell the salesperson the $229 is in their catalog - otherwise they quote the $299 (the price on their website).

-Krag

[turnitdown]

Thanks again....
BTW- I just spent $229 on one of those OE-40 Oscar Schmidt Jazz Hollowbodies.... Very nice guitar... The action and neck on mine is VERY good, and it sounds great unplugged. Pretty good finish work, and detailing. My first FULL size jazz hoolwbody. Just an opinion...