The Mercedes of VCA compressors from German manufacturer Vertigo Sound! The VSC-2 Quad Discrete Compressor is so named because it uses 4 VCA’s built by hand using only discrete components. It’s design is a nod toward the best VCA based compressors of the 70s and 80s.
The Vertigo VCA is in fact named 1979. Some of the best features of these classic Compressors have been complimented in the VSC. This classic based sound is combined with a modern mastering grade signal path. Some unique and innovative features lie beneath the bonnet, such as the ratio which increases with level in ‘Soft’ mode.
VSC-2 Unique Features
One for all! True Mono and True Stereo
Dual - Mono, no shared contols
In Stereo Mode Channel A controls become master
The Stereo signal is phase coherent under all settings
No phase shift or L-R problems can occur due to the innovative SC design
The Signal path is of Mastering quality
Real stereo mode! Channel A is stereo master
There is a minimum of circuitry with a hard relay bypass
Settings from Soft Knee (Soft=TipToe) to Hard Knee (Brick)
The Ratio selection switch compensates to provide equal loudness, allowing immediate comparison
Side chain High Pass Filters with two switchable frequencies are provided onboard
Metering is analogue with carefully chosen ballistics, and beautifully lit!
Handsome parameter control via customized scale ranges
Internal components are of the ultimate quality, modified where necessary
A Toroid transformer ensures no PSU noise
The ‘1979’ VCA is made of individual components, no Integrated Circuits
Encased in a ceramic material for thermal stability
This 1979 unit adds character to the sound, similar to some Vintage units;
The harder it compresses the more it colours
This VCA delivers Real Analogue punch, so difficult to achieve with modern software plug-ins
A Jensen transformer and a state of the art line-out driver complete the picture by providing perfectly balanced In and Outs
The heart of the VSC-2 – the discrete VCA 1979 99% of all newer designs use an Integrated Circuit for this job which makes production easy and cost extensive.
Here's the big difference!
The Vertigo Sound 1979 is a fully discrete handbuilt V-oltage C-ontrolled A-mplifier.
This VCA colours the signal the more you compress and "make up" the output.
This basic effect plus a very well thought out circuitry and choice of components gives you a fresh, punchy precise sound without sounding dull or nasty even if the unit is pushed hard.
The precision of this technique makes the Vertigo ideally suited for Mastering and Mix Buss compression.
Mono Mode is the exact opposite. Each channel has entirely separate control and metering. Crosstallk is less than minus 100dB, like two separate units!
This provides two world class Compressor/Limiters for Tracking and Mixing.
Technical Specifications
Stereo / Dual Mono switchable
Jensen Balanced In. That 1646 or Burr Brown Balanced Out
"The VSC-2 has become my "Go-To" compressor. The compression is open and the frequency spectrum stays fully intact even under heavy compression. But the most important point is that the Mix stays your Mix - while just sounding better." Hans-Philipp "H-Peh" Graf
Hans-Philipp Graf is one of Germany´s most sought-after freelance mastering engineers. The recordings H-Peh has mastered have become a regular feature in the German sales and club charts, with some going all the way to number one. www.h-peh.de
