ART SOLO VLA Multivoice Tube OPTO Compressor User Manual

APPLIED RESEARCH AND TECHNOLOGY
SOLO VLA
MULTIVOICE TUBE
User’s Manual

IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS

CAUTION «• AVIS
RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK DO NOT OPEN
The lightning flash with arrowhead symbol, within equilateral triangle, is intended to alert the user to the presence of uninsulated “dangerous voltage” within the product’s enclosure that may be of sufficient magnitude to constitute a risk of electric shock to persons.
The exclamation point within an equilateral triangle is intended to alert the user to the presence of important operating and maintenance (servicing) instructions in the literature accompanying the appliance.
WARNING: TO PREVENT FIRE OR SHOCK HAZARD, DO NOT EXPOSE THIS APPLIANCE TO RAIN OR MOISTURE.

1. Read these instructions.

2. Keep these instructions.

3. Heed all warnings.

4. Follow all instructions.

5. Do not use this apparatus near water.

6. Clean only with dry cloth.

7. Do not block any ventilation openings.
   Install in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions.

8. Do not install near any heat sources suchas radiators, heat registers, stoves, or other apparatus (including amplifiers) that produce heat.

9. Do not defeat the safety purpose of the polarized or grounding-type plug. A polarized plug has two blades with one wider than the other. A grounding type plug has two blades and a third grounding prong. The wide blade or the third prong are provided for your safety. If the provided plug does not fit into your outlet, consult an electrician for replacement of the obsolete outlet.

10. Protect the power cord from being walked on or pinched particularly at plugs, convenience receptacles, and the point where they exit from the apparatus.

11. Only use attachments/accessories specified by the manufacturer.

12. Use only with the cart, stand, tripod, bracket, or table specified by the manufacturer, or sold with the apparatus. When a cart is used, use caution when moving the cart/apparatus combination to avoid injury from tip-over.

13. Unplug this apparatus during lightning storms or when unused for long periods of time.

14. Refer all servicing to qualified service personnel. Servicing is required when the apparatus has been damaged in any way, such as power-supply cord or plug is damaged, liquid has been spilled or objects have fallen into the apparatus, the apparatus has been exposed to rain or moisture, does not operate normally, or has been dropped.

• The apparatus draws nominal non-operating power from the AC outlet with its POWER or STANDBY/ON switch not in the ON position.
• The mains plug is used as the disconnect device, the disconnect device shall remain readily operable.
• Caution should be taken when using earphones or headphones with the product because excessive sound pressure (volume) from earphones or headphones can cause hearing loss.

CAUTION

• Do not expose this apparatus to drips or splashes.
• Do not place any objects filled with liquids, such as vases, on the apparatus.
• Do not install this apparatus in a confined space such as a book case or similar unit.
• The apparatus should be located close enough to the AC outlet so that you can easily g rasp the power cord plug at any time.
• If the product uses batteries (including a battery pack or installed batteries), they should not be exposed to sunshine, fire or excessive heat.
• CAUTION for products that use replaceable lithium batteries: t here is danger of explosion if a battery is replaced with an incorrect type of battery. Replace only with the same or equivalent type.

WARNING

• Products with Class I construction are equipped with a power supply cord that has a grounding plug. The cord of such a product must be plugged into an AC outlet that has a protective grounding connection.

WARNING

• To prevent possible hearing damage, do not listen at high volume levels for long periods.

RACK-MOUNTING THE UNIT
Use the supplied rackmount screw kit to mount the unit in a standard 19-inch rack, as shown below.
Remove the feet of the unit before mounting. CAUTION

• Leave 1 U of space above the unit for ventilation.
• Allow at least 10 cm (4 in) at the rear of the unit for ventilation.

CAUTIONS ABOUT BATTERIES
This product uses batteries. Misuse of batteries could cause a leak, rupture or other trouble. Always abide by the following precautions when using batteries.

• Never recharge non-rechargeable batteries. The batteries could rupture or leak, causing fire or injury.

• When installing batteries, pay attention to the polarity indications (plus/ minus(+/-) orientation), and install them correctly in the battery compartment as indicated.
  Putting them in backward could make the batteries rupture or leak, causing fire, injury or stains around them.

• When you store or dispose batteries, isolate their terminals with insulation tape or something like that to prevent them from contacting other batteries or metallic objects.

• When throwing used batteries away, follow the disposal instructions indicated on the batteries and t he local disposal laws.

• Do not use batteries other than those specified. Do not mix and use new and old batteries or different types of batteries together. The batteries could rupture or leak, causing fire, injury or stains around them.

• Do not carry or store batteries together with small metal objects. The batteries could short, causing leak, rupture or other trouble.

• Do not heat or disassemble batteries. Do not put them in fire or water. Batteries could rupture or leak, causing fire, injury or stains around them.

• If the battery fluid leaks, wipe away any fluid on the battery case before inserting new batteries. If the battery fluid gets in an eye, it could cause loss of eyesight. If fluid does enter an eye, wash it out thoroughly with clean water without rubbing the eye and then consult a doctor immediately. If the fluid gets on a person’s body or clothing, it could cause skin injuries or burns. If this should happen, wash it off with clean water and then consult a doctor immediately.

• The unit power should be off when you install and replace batteries.

• Remove the batteries if you do not plan to use the unit for a long time. Batteries could rupture or leak, causing fire, injury or stains around them. If the battery fluid leaks, wipe away any fluid on the battery compartment before inserting new batteries.

• Do not disassemble a battery. The acid inside the battery could harm skin or clothing.

For European Customers
Disposal of electrical and electronic equipment and batteries and/or accumulators (a) All electrical/ electronic equipment and waste batteries/accumulators should be disposed of separately from the municipal waste stream via collection facilities designated by the government or local authorities.
(b) By disposing of electrical/electronic equipment and waste batteries/accumulators correctly, you will help save valuable resources and prevent any potential negative effects on human health and the environment.
(c) Improper disposal of waste electrical/ electronic equipment and batteries/ accumulators can have serious effects on the environment and human health because of the presence of hazardous substances in the equipment.
(d) The Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE) symbols, which show wheeled bins that have been crossed out, indicate that electrical/ electronic equipment and batteries/accumulators must be collected and disposed of separately from household waste.
If a battery or accumulator contains more than the specified values of lead (Pb), mercury (Hg), and/or cadmium (Cd) as defined in the Battery Directive (2006/66/ EC), then the chemical symbols for thoseelements will be indicated beneath the WEEE symbol. Pb, Hg,Cd
(e) Return and collection systems are available to end users. For more detailed information about the disposal of old electrical/electronic equipment and waste batteries/accumulators, please contact your city office, waste disposal service or the shop where you purchased the equipment.
Wireless Equipment Precautions

Compliance of radio transmitter and interference
This product has the function of broadband transmitter using 2.4 GHz Band.
Use frequency range: 2400 MHz – 2480 MHz
Maximum output power: Bluetooth®
Class2 (less than 2.5 mW)
CAUTION
Use only in the country where you purchased the product.

• Authorization of wireless devices are different in countries or regions.
• Depending on the country, restrictions on the use of Bluetooth wireless technology might exist.

Radiation Exposure requirements
This equipment meets the regulation, which is recognized internationally, for the case of human exposure to radio waves generated by the transmitter.
Radiation Exposure requirements
This equipment complies with EN.6231 1; Assessment of electronic and electrical equipment related to human exposure restrictions for electromagnetic fields; the harmonized standard of DIRECTIVE 2014/ 53/ EU.
Laser Information
This product contains a solid state laser system within its enclosure and is classified as a “CLASS 1 LASER PRODUCT”. To avoid exposure to the laser beam, do not attempt to open the box. tJ•W•Ma
WARNING

• DO NOT OPEN THE PROTECTIVE HOUSING WITH A SCREWDRIVER.
• USE OF CONTROLS, ADJUSTMENTS OR FOLLOWING PROCEDURES OTHER THAN AS DESCRIBED HEREIN MAY RESULT IN HAZARDOUS RADIATION EXPOSURE.

This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class B digital device, pursuant to part 15 of the FCC Rules.
These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful interference in a residential installation. This equipment generates, uses and can radiate radio frequency energy, and if not installed and used in accordance with the instructions, may cause harmful interference to radio communications. However, there is no guarantee that interference will not occur in a particular installation.
If this equipment does cause harmful interference to radio or television reception, which can be determined by turning the equipment off and on, the user is encouraged to try to correct the interference by one or more of the following measures:

• Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna.
• Increase the separation between the equipment and receiver.
• Connect the equipment into an outlet on a circuit different from that to which the receiver is connected.
• Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician for help.

CAUTION: Changes or modifications not expressly approved by the party responsible for compliance could void the user’s authority to operate the equipment.
This device complies with Industry Canada licence-exempt RSS standard(s).
Operation is subject to the following two conditions: (1) This device may not cause interference,
(2) This device must accept any interference, including interference that may cause undesired operation of the device.

Introduction

Thank you for purchasing Applied Research and Technology’s Solo VLA. Whether it’s to fatten up an instrument take, smooth out a vocal performance or prevent clipping while laying down tracks, the ARTSolo VLA will elevate your projects to the next Level. The Solo VLA has lots of sound shaping options, these options will help you create a signature sound that is right for you.
Parallel Compression
The Blend control is used to dial in dry signal back into the output. This allows the mix in some of the original signal while using a heavy amount of compression to fatten up a track while retaining some of the dynamics.
Soft-Knee Leveling
The Solo VLA is a soft-knee leveling amplifier by design. Although capable of providing dramatic compression effects, the Solo VLA was designed to excel in applications where transparent, expressively musical dynamics control is desired.
MultiVoice
Select between a pristine solid-state path or a class-A vacuum tube gain stage for warmer saturation.
Comprehensive Metering
A back-lit analog VU Meter can accurately display either the Output Level or Gain Reduction.
The Solo VLA’s impressive feature set

• Mastering Quality Audio Signal Path
• Selectable MultiVoice Tube/Solid State Control
• Parallel Compression Blend Control
• Hand selected 12AT7 Tube
• OPTO – Analog Optical Isolators (AOI)
• Non-VCA Design = transparent, classic sound
• Backlit VU Meter: Output Level monitoring. Gain Reducing-Compression
• Balanced XLR and 1/4-inch Inputs and Outputs
• Variable Threshold and Ratio Controls
• Variable Attack and Release Controls
• Variable Blend (uncompressed and compressed signals)
• Switch Selectable Level Modes; Pro (+4dBu)/Consumer (-10dBV)
• 20Hz to 80KHz Frequency Response (+0db+/-1dB)

• 100dB (20-20k Hz) Dynamic Range

• 1U Rack-Mount Aluminum Front Plate
• Removeable IEC Cord
• Internal Power Supply
• 3-year parts and labor warranty

Installation

The ART Solo VLA may be used in a wide variety of applications and environments. In a rack-mountable, all-steel enclosure, the unit is designed for continuous professional use. Mounting location is not critical, however for greater performance reliability we recommend that you not place the unit on top of power amps, or other sources of heat and/or strong magnetic fields. The tube circuitry needs about a minute to “warm up” and stabilize from a cold power up.

AC Power Hookup

The Solo VLA has an internal power supply designed to operate from 100-120V/220-240V~, 50/60Hz 25W. Units manufactured for use outside of North America have been modified to comply with the required electrical specifications. Under no circumstances should the power cable be altered. If the cable becomes cut or damaged, discontinue its use and have it replaced before operating the Solo VLA.
The power source must provide a good ground connection, and the ground pin on the mains plug should never be defeated.

Audio Connections

Audio connections to and from the Solo VLA are:Unbalanced 1/4-inch cables may be used with no damage to the Solo VLA. We recommend using only high-quality cables equipped with the appropriate connectors.

Applications

Compressor/ Limiter
The main application of the Solo VLA is to control the dynamic range of an audio signal. Plug a line level (post preamplifier or other gain stage) source into the Input, and set the Threshold and Output controls to provide the desired amount of compression to the input signal.
Vocal and Instrument Leveling
The musical nature of the Solo VLA makes it ideal for use on a wide range of instruments and vocals. Place the Solo VLA into a channel insert, after a preamplifier, or in line with the direct output of a mixer channel. Adjust the controls of the Solo VLA to achieve the desired amount of compression.

Front Panel

1. Power Switch
   The Power switch turns the power on and off to the unit. The Solo VLA should be turned “on” with all monitor levels turned down to protect against any “thumping” caused by power up. Likewise, the Solo VLA should be turned “off” after turning all monitor Levels down.
   When the Power switch is turned on, the VU Meters will light. Switch LED’s will light if its associated switch is in the “in” position. Power on the Solo VLA before any monitoring outputs or power amps are turned on.
   Like all tube-based equipment, the Solo VLA needs to warm up to operating temperature. The 12AT7 tube will reach operating temperature within one to three minutes. During this warm-up period you may experience sound variations due to the bias of the tubes stabilizing. This is normal and the Solo VLA will provide consistent results once the warm-up period is over.
   If the Solo VLA fails to power up when the Power switch is turned on, check to see that its power cord is plugged into an active outlet. Locate the fuse installed in the IEC connecter, verify that the fuse is not blown, replace if blown with the same type and value fuse. If the unit still fails to operate properly, turn it off and unplug it. Then consult your dealer or the ART Customer Service Department.

2. Threshold Control
   The Input Threshold control sets the point at which the Solo VLA will act on a signal. Turning this control counter-clockwise lowers the Threshold (adding more compression to a signal). Turning this control clockwise raises the Threshold.
   Proper setting of the Input Threshold control is dependent on the input signal. The output of a guitar can be –20dB to –10dB, whereas the level from an insert on a mixing console can be –10dB to +15dB. The easiest way to set the Input Threshold control is to start with the control fully clockwise. Set the VU Meter to display Gain Reduction. Slowly turn the control counter- clockwise (lowering the threshold) until the Gain Reduction VU Meter displays -5dB. Next adjust the control (either lower or higher) for the desired amount of compression. Use the Gain Reduction Meter as a visual guide to the amount of compression applied.

3. Ratio Control
   The Ratio Control selects the “amount” of Compression applied to the input signal once that signal reaches or exceeds the threshold. This compression amount is expressed as a ratio of input to output. For example, if a 4:1 compression ratio is chosen, for every 4dB over the threshold the input signal rises, the output level only rises by 1dB. In this case if the input signal increased 12dB over the threshold, the output level would only rise by 3dB.
   In general, compression ratios of 10:1 and greater are considered “limiting”. The range of the Ratio control is (1.25:1) to (20:1). The Solo VLA may be used as either a compressor or a limiter with all of the following:
   – Multi track recorder, DAT machine, hard disk recorder, or analog recorder.
   – In a mixer’s channel insert points.
   – Between a microphone preamp and signal processors.
   – Between pre-amplified electronic musical instruments (synthesizers, guitars, bass, samplers, acoustic instruments with pickups) and other line-level equipment.

4. Attack Control
   The Attack control sets the time it takes the Compressor/Limiter to respond to increases in signal Level (by reducing gain).
   You can use this control to shape the “front end” of the dynamic’s envelope. One example is to listen to a snare hit and adjust the Attack control. A short Attack makes the snare sound “thin.” As the attack time goes longer (the knob is turned clockwise) you should hear more of the thump in the compressed snare. The downside is that this creates an overshoot, (or “transient”), the length of which is the time set by the Attack control.
   Overshoots less than 1 msec. are very hard to hear even when they are clipped. If the Attack is set too fast, the gain may be reduced too much and thereby create a “pumping” sound.
   1“Pumping” in a Compressor/Limiter sounds like the signal is muted when it shouldn’t be.

5. Release Control
   The Release control sets the time the Compressor/Limiter takes to increase the gain after the input level drops.
   Longer settings maintain the dynamics of the input signal, while shorter settings reduce the dynamics. Shorter settings will also increase the apparent reverberation, and at extreme gain reduction settings, lead to “breathing” artifacts.

6. Blend Control
   The Blend control mixes the dry and compressed signals. This allows you to use a heavy amount of compression to fatten up a track and then mix in some of the original signal to retain some of the dynamics.

7. Voice Switch
   Opto/FET
   Switches the signal between the Solid-State FET based compressor and the opto compressor tube gain stage to add a warmer saturation to the signal.

8. Comp. Switch
   Bypass/Active
   The Bypass switch bypasses all Compressor controls and passes the input signal to the output. This only works when the system is Powered ON.

9. VU Meter Switch
   Gain Reduction/Output
   The Gain Reduction or Output Level of the Solo VLA can be monitored by selecting the function you want displayed on the VU Meter.

10. VU Meter
    The Gain Reduction or Output Level of the Solo VLA can be monitored by the analog VU Meter. The VU Meter switch selects the source of the audio for this meter. The ballistic characteristics of the meter provides an accurate indication of the average signal Level.’
    In Gain Reduction Mode, the meter sits at 0 VU unless the Compressor requires gain reduction. As gain reduction increases the meter pointer drops to the below zero scale. The below zero scale indicates the dB of gain reduction.
    In Output mode, the markings of the meter read the dB output level. 0 VU indicates that the output level is +4dBu (1.228V RMS) when the output level switch is set to +4dBu and -10dBV (0.316V RMS) when set to -10dBV.

11. Meter Trim
    The Meter Trim is used to adjust the Meter’s “0” point. This may change if the unit is NOT mounted with the front panel perpendicular to the floor.
    Using a small flat-blade screwdriver you can mechanically fine-tune the meter indicator position if, for example, it does not rest at the leftmost position when the unit is OFF.

12. Master Output Control
    The output signal level at the rear output jacks is adjusted by this control. It can provide from +15dB of gain (fully clockwise).

2 “Breathing” is the sound of the Compressor/Limiter turning up the gain so quickly you can hear breathing noises between words during vocal processing.

Rear Panel

1. I/O Level Switch
   The Solo VLA can be optimized for either “professional” (+4dBu) or “consumer” (-10dBV) I/O levels. When the switch is depressed, the unit is in “professional” Levels mode. This does not change the overall Gain of the unit, but the operating Levels within the unit.

2. Balanced Inputs
   The Solo VLA provides both an XLR and 1/4-inch input jack, both jacks are balanced. The 1/4-inch jack can be used with unbalanced signals by simply plugging in an unbalanced cable.
   The Inputs are designed for use with line level signals ranging from –30dBm to +20dBm. While it is possible to plug an instrument directly into the Solo VLA, it is desirable to run the instrument into a preamp ahead of the Solo VLA. This will provide a stronger signal and will keep noise to a minimum. Microphones must connect through a microphone preamplifier (like the ART Solo MPA) before connecting into the Solo VLA. The input impedance of the input 10K ohms.

3. Balanced Output
   The output of the Solo VLA is available on both the 1/4-inch TRS and the XLR jacks. This output is active balanced. The output has a 47 ohm impedance into a balanced or unbalanced load.
   The analog VU Meter monitors the level present at this output. “0” VU on the analog VU Meter corresponds to +4dBu (about 1.23 Volts RMS).

4. IEC Power Connector
   This is a fused variable voltage selectable IEC connector. The fuse drawer can be removed for fuse replacement and used to set for the correct incoming voltage 100-120V or 220-240V. Rotate the fuse drawer so that the arrow from the drawer lines up with the IEC block for the mains voltage.

Specifications

Equivalent Input Noise (EIN)
+4dBu mode| -99dBu (‘A’ weighted)
-10dBv mode| -107dBu (‘A’ weighted)
Maximum Levels
Range Switch| +4dBu/-10dBv selectable
Inputs| +25dBu (in +4dBu mode) / +16dBV ( –10dBV mode)
Output| +25dBu
Output Gain| +15dB Line In
Frequency Response| 20Hz to 80kHz (+ 0/-1dB)
Dynamic Range| >100dB (20-20kHz)
THD @ 0dBm Out| <0.02% (typical)
Attack Time|  0.25msec. to 50msec. variable
Release Time| 150msec. to 3sec. variable
Compression Ratio (Slope)| Variable: 1.25:1 to 20:1
Maximum Attenuation| 30dB
Power Requirements| 100-120V 60Hz / 220-240V 50Hz
Dimensions (HWD)| 1.75-inch x 19-inch x 6.0-inch
4.45 cm x 48.3 cm x 15.2 cm
Weight| 5.6 lb / 2.5 kg

ART maintains a policy of constant product improvement. ART reserves the right to make changes in design, or make additions to, or improvements upon, this product without any obligation to install same on products previously manufactured. Therefore, specifications are subject to change without notice.
ART Solo VLA
Block Diagram
WARRANTY INFORMATION
Limited Warranty
Applied Research and Technology will provide warranty and service for this unit in accordance with the following warrants:
Applied Research and Technology, (A R T) warrants to the original purchaser that this product and the components thereof will be free from defects in workmanship and materials for a period of three years from the date of purchase. Applied Research and Technology will, without charge, repair or replace, at its option, defective product or component parts upon prepaid delivery to the factory service department or authorized service center, accompanied by proof of purchase date in the form of a valid sales receipt.
Exclusions
This warranty does not apply in the event of misuse or abuse of the product or as a result of unauthorized alterations or repairs. This warranty is void if the serial number is altered, defaced, or removed.
A R T reserves the right to make changes in design or make additions to or improvements upon this product without any obligation to install the same on products previously manufactured.
A R T shall not be liable for any consequential damages, including without limitation damages resulting from loss of use.
Some states do not allow limitations of incidental or consequential damages, so the above limitation or exclusion may not apply to you. This warranty gives you specific rights and you may have other rights, which vary from state to state.
For units purchased outside the United States, an authorized distributor of Applied Research and Technology will provide service
Fill in the following information for your reference:
Date of purchase
Purchased from
SERVICE
The following information is provided in the unlikely event that your unit requires service.

1. Be sure that the unit is the cause of the problem. Check to make sure the unit has power, all cables are connected correctly, and the cables themselves are in working condition. You may want to consult with your dealer for assistance in troubleshooting or testing your particular configuration.
2. If you believe that the ART unit is at fault, go to www.artproaudio.com.
3. Select “Support”, then “Return Authorization Request” to request a return authorization number.
4. If you are returning the unit for service, pack the unit in its original carton or a reasonable substitute. The original packaging may not be suitable as a shipping carton, so consider putting the packaged unit in another box for shipping. Print the RA number clearly on the outside of the shipping box. Print your return shipping address on the outside of the box.
5. Include, with your unit, a note with the RA number and your contact information, including a return shipping address (we cannot ship to a P.O. box) and a daytime phone number, and a description of the problem, preferably attached to the top of the unit. Also include a copy of your purchase receipt.

www.artproaudio.com
Email: support@artproaudio.com
©2023 Applied Research & Technology / Yorkville Sound
Manual-Owners-ART-SOLOVLA-00-1v1 • January 11, 2024
112-5004-100

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