ART Pro-VLA II Two Channel Vactrol-based Compressor

I really do love this compressor. Does exactly what a compressor is supposed to do. Does it well. And is not difficult to use. No matter what, you're going to have to spend SOME money on your gear... and I can honestly say this has been worth every penny of the $269 I put into it. It's worth it to also note that I use this with the ART MPA II. Which I'm also a major fan of for the price point. My favorite part of having this compressor is that it provides the user the opportunity to truly learn how to use an external compressor, and not be limited by the quality of your gear. That is to say, if the user cannot get a good sound or get the right amount of compression, it is not the gear's fault. The problem would lie with the skill of the user. Whereas the really cheap stuff will always sound quite cheap, this does not. Using a tube preamp and compressor really takes the digital edge out of my guitar work, as quite often things would sound very dull harmonically. Or just muddy and unclear (I don't have a great interface, but still). But using these two pieces of gear have cleaned a lot of that right up. I can rely on driving this compressor and preamp to get a great amount of tube grit, which to my ears really just makes amp modeling sound so much better (I use Logic). This compressor, coupled with the MPA II, has really helped me find an awesome smooth, slightly crunchy guitar sound. I realize it sounds like I'm pushing both ART's preamp and compressor combo, but if you love this layout on the compressor then the MPA II is also the way to go. It's the same great value for the price. I have yet to try this on a microphone. Just guitar so far. Order some tubes with it though. 12AT7's. The stock chinese ones in there aren't so great.

Easy to control and very good finish. Thanks.

Using for DJ use and other projects

Excellent gear. Sounds great and Value for money.