Vertigo Sound VSC-3 Quad Discrete VCA Compressor - Mastering Version

The Vertigo Sound VSC-3 is the successor of the VSC-2 - a modern classic found in many top class studios around the world. Vertigo Sound spent a lot of effort making a good product even better. The VSC-3 can do all the tricks the VSC-2 is known and loved for plus a bunch of new features and options. The VSC-3 is still named Quad Discrete Compressor because its topology stays the same. It is so named, because it uses four VCAs built using only discrete components. Its 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 topology 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. The master version features 41-click detented threshold and makeup knobs.

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 voltage-controlled amplifier. This VCA colors 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 CONCEPT OF THE VSC-3

The Quad Discrete Compressor uses four discrete 1979 VCAs in its two channels. Each channel has one VCA in the Audio Path and another in the sidechain. In Stereo SC Mode both sidechains are fully active; they are not summed together. The higher signal peak on either channel results in equal compression of both. In Stereo SC Mode the VSC-2 reacts even to out of phase signal peaks without image shift. This is a unique innovation, far removed from simple Stereo Linking. The precision of this technique makes the Vertigo ideally suited for Mastering and Mix Bus compression. The Mono SC Mode is the exact opposite and is primarily designed to work in combination with RMS or for effect compression. With Dual Mode each channel has entirely separate controls and metering. Crosstallk is less than minus 100 dB, like two separate units!

VERTIGO SOUND VSC-3 FEATURES:

• Quad VCA compressor with Dual Mono, True Stereo SC, and Mono summed SC functionality
• Switchable to RMS or PEAK Detection
• Dual mono, no shared controls - mid side capability
• Stereo and Mono SC Mode Channel A controls become master
• Stereo signal is phase coherent under all settings
• No phase shift or L-R problems can occur due to the innovative SC design
• Signal path is of Mastering quality
• Real stereo mode where 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
• All parameters are detented including Threshold and Makeup
• Choose between 10 Attack and Release settings
• Slow and fast Auto release Mode
• Side chain High Pass Filters with two switchable frequencies are provided onboard
• 20-segment gain reduction bargraph meter for each channel 0.25 dB to 20 dB
• Handsome parameter control via customized scale ranges
• Internal components are of the ultimate quality, modified where necessary
• Toroid transformer ensures no PSU noise
• ‘1979’ VCA is made of individual components with no integrated circuits
• Encased in a ceramic material for thermal stability
• Discrete VCA adds vintage character to the sound
• The harder it compresses the more it colors
• Cinemag transformer and a state of the art line-out driver provide perfectly balanced In and Outs