Art Levelar Tube Compressor

While this is the Levelar tube compressor, it actually functions more as a limiter. That is, it sets a limit, or ceiling, on the dynamics of the audio, as opposed to altering the entire spectrum of dynamics. There are 1/4" as well as XLR inputs and outputs (1 each). This is tube technology, with a little bit of the old-school design in it. This is not digital and as such is not PC or MIDI ready. The device is not rackable.

UTILIZATION

The editing on this compressor is pretty easy overall. In fact, it has very few parameters that will allow you to edit the sound. There is a knob for threshold as well as a knob for output level. There are three buttons with two settings each. One switches between active and bypass mode, one between compressor and limiter, and one between fast and auto attack. While this isn't exactly the most flexible compressor (two attack/release modes isn't exactly flexible) it is easy to use and get a good sound out of it. I haven't looked at the manual as the one I use doesn't have one, since this is an old piece of equipment.

SOUND QUALITY

This compressor has a pretty solid sound to it. There is little noise at all, which is always nice as compression can be quite noisy sometimes especially if your source is noisy. The one thing about this compressor is that it really does fatten up the sound quite a bit, to the point that it does color the sound a little bit. While there are two modes for compressor and limiter, I find that I end up using it as a limiter more, as there aren't a whole lot of options for control in terms of general compression. The tone is fat enough that it just works better as a limiter anyway. I actually have had good luck using it in a line of guitar effects and using it as a compressor/limiter there, it fattens up a clean lead tone really well and makes it pop nicely. I tend to have to try and put it on vocals after I've already recorded them, it takes a little bit of know-how to patch them out of Pro Tools and from the patch bay directly to this box, but it's easy once you get the hang of it.

OVERALL OPINION

I find that this box is actually pretty great for what it is. It's certainly not as flexible, or functional, as some of the other compressors I've used, but I'd say that it's certainly pretty useful. I recommend that guitar players looking for a noise-less compressor might want to check it out, but they'd have to be absolutely sure as there's little flexibility with it. This isn't available except used anymore, but I'd say that it's not too expensive nowadays, at least not compared to other tube compressor products.

Mono compressor has lamps (Chinese 12AX7)
among-output XLR and jack (asymmetric if I remember correctly)
feeding external process
not rack for a penny as it is very small ... not very practical when the office is filled ...

USE

The parameters are numerous:
-a threshold knob
-a output knob (output level)
and then three switches: -bypass (on / off)
compression -mode: compressor or limiter
-time of attack (and also release I think): auto or fast

suddenly we quickly made the rounds, but it is already enough (not very fine, but enough)
I do not remember having opened the manual ...

SOUND QUALITY

Compressor rather discreet, very "wise" I would say for a compressur lamps .... (at least in compressor mode) do not expect a vintage grain, it's still fairly faithful ...
no breath Gnant, a gentle compression, typical optical compressors (ca not compress huge)
Auto mode is very effective, I use it almost all the time ...
the limiter works pretty well, if good rule threshold and adequate time to attack, it makes the job ... even pretty good, especially for the price !!

NOTICE GLOBAL

I bought used (Merula, for those who know the southeastern ...) there are already good 5 or 6 years, so it should not be young, but it works very well, it's already fallen after about one meter high and there is no bronchbr /> So rather solid for the price, and in addition it not sound bad at all !!
I use voice taken for a first compression before attacking the PC, and frankly very ac works well. You hear it but it barely even when adds a bit of roundness pair NT2 m / Focusrite (which lacks a bit, admittedly)
If necessary I add a comp in soft or a limiter and I am more than satisfied with the result! I thought it was a gimmick given the price but eventually I use it almost every voice has taken !!
I highly recommend it for small budgets, ca worth in my humble opinion !!

Compressor / limiter analog table, but small enough to fit on a pedalboard. Product of attractive appearance.

UTILIZATION

Simple, clear manual, user-friendly.

SOUND QUALITY

Well, I used it against type, and it did not work.

OVERALL OPINION

This is not my first compressor, except that of my Roland Cube 100 that I did not hate but which died spontaneously, I have them all sold. So when mistrust in my opinion since I've never loved a compressor.

Very nice and cheap for what it is, but not suitable to substitute for the lack of preamp. the bass amp in my room again.

I would do this purchase again if I needed it in his job, but not against type as I did.