DBX 160a/x/xt vs ART PRO VLA II (VOCALS)

[Eloheim]

I can't be of a whole lotta help because I don't have any experience with the Art gear, but I do have a Dbx 160a. I've found it works well in SOME cases with my Sm7b for rap vocals, and I know it has been used in this capacity before in high-level professional studios. Definitely hit or miss though, partially because it has no dedicated attack/release controls. It does have a hard/soft knee adjust though so that might help. I would think if the VLA's do have the above controls they would work better for a larger variety of circumstances.

[bexarametric]

I own both. I use the 160 on faster things like drums. The ART can be adjusted to a slower setting that I think works better with vocals.

[marchhare]

I own both a 160x and the original VLA. I like the VLA much better than the DBX for vocals, more open and less obvious to me. The VLA has to be the best
$200 I ever spent on gear.

[Lifted]

Thanks a lot for your replies guys.

I actually went with M-Audio Tampa because of its' Optical-servo plate compressor that is very highly spoken of on multiple sites. Quotes say it's extremely transparent.

Pre in the unit is plus to me, but I'm after the compressor side of it.

Going to be running SSL Alpha Channel into Tampa for that transparent optical compression.

I almost jumped a gun on DBX160x, but luckily found Tampa right after

Best regards