Vertigo Sound VSC-2 User manual

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This plug-in version of the original hardware VSC-
2 compressor has been faithfully modeled by
Brainworx, working closely with Vertigo Sound.
Based on Vertigo’s Big Impact Design.The VSC-2
plug-in sets a new standard for tracking, mix bus and
mastering applications.
Four discrete VCAs
Unlike other compressors on the market the VSC-2 is
equipped with four discrete VCAs and lots of
matchless detailed features.
This unique set-up gives you the real analog sound
from 1979 plus a bunch of versatile extras available in
today´s studio environment.
The basic concept of the VSC-2 hardware
The Vertigo Sound VSC-2 hardware version
incorporates two discrete 1979 VCAs for each
channel. Each channel is equiped with one VCA
in the audio path and another one inside the
audio sidechain.
In stereo mode both sidechains are active (they
are not summed together), and the higher signal
peak of either of the 2 channels determines the
compression for both channels (Stereo SC in
Stereo Mode).
Therefore the VSC-2 is able to react even on out
of phase signals ("peaks") – and without image
shift! Variable harmonics (2nd & 3rd order)
depending on Gain Reduction and Make Up Gain
make this compressor one of the cleanest yet
“colored” devices out there.
Precision
Its precision makes the VSC-2 a first choice for
mastering applications and the stereo mix bus.
Tracking
Although the VSC-2 was developed as a stereo bus
compressor each channel provides a complete set of
controls which also makes the VSC-2 a dual mono
"must have" in recording and mix situations.
Plug-in
The VSC-2 plug-in is a faithful emulation of this iconic stereo
compressor offering the same flexibility and precision as the
original.

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General Tip:
Start using the plug-in on a stereo mix bus or a stereo
mix file to get a feel for what this extraordinary
compressor can add to your music.
Presets:
We have added a number of useful presets you should
browse through as a starting point. Please make sure
to adjust the Threshold according to your signals if
needed.
The controls
Let’s take a closer look at the controls from left to right.
Threshold
Sets the level above which signal peaks will cause
compression. Rotating the control clockwise
raises the threshold.
The Threshold is adjustable within a range of
approx. 48 dB.
We incorporated a “Zoom In” to give you a more
sensitive control and resolution in the most
commonly used “Level Area”.
Tip:
Set the Threshold fully clockwise-then turn the
control slowly anticlockwise until the right amount
of compression is processed.
Re-adjust setting if other parameters are changed.
Ratio
Sets the compression slope, which determines how the
output signal will change in relation to the input signal
once the input signal exceeds the threshold.
The higher the ratio, the stronger the compression,
and the more “squeezed” the sound.
Example: With a setting of 2:1, a 2 dB input change for
signals above the threshold results in a 1 dB output
change.
Soft Mode: This is not the commonly known soft knee
characteristic. Soft is better described with TipToe - a
Ratio which increases with input level – a Threshold
related Ratio from 1:1 up to 8:1!
The compressor “tiptoes” into compression with very
low ratios, then automatically increasing with higher
input signal, providing an inaudible start of com-
pression.

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Ratio (continued)
Soft Mode Tip: Use the Soft-Mode (aka “TipToe
Mode”) for all applications where a harsh start of gain
reduction or audible compression is unwanted.
Please feel free to experiment. Try the TipToe Mode
on a single Snare track for example.
This characteristic comes close to the sound of some
classic Opto-Compressors.
Medium to Hard Knee Characteristics:
(2:1 - 4:1 -8:1 -10:1) – it’s a numbers game...
“Hard knee” or “soft knee” response. Each type of
response results in a different musical behavior of the
compressor. The soft knee response sounds more
“musical and transparent” while the hard knee
response is generally considered more severe and
“punchy”.
Brick
Brick Mode = Limiting
In Brick Mode the VSC-2 will serve as an analog
limiter, effectively cutting off signal peaks.
Please notice though that the VSC-2 is not a
“Brickwall Limiter Plug-in” preventing audio from
sample peaks. An additional limiter plug-in may
still be required to deliver final masters leveled
as close as possible to 0dB.
A special tip from VERTIGO:
Use two VSC-2 compressor channels for one
signal to create “customized compression”:
Set plug-in #1 to Soft Mode and plug-in #2 to
8:1.
Now use Attack and Theshold of plug-in #2 to
create your own compression curves.
Compression Curves:
The VSC-2 compression curves offer an “equal loudness
impression“.
Soft Mode gives you the unique “TipToe” curve for an inaudible
start of compression with automated higher Ratio settings at
louder input levels.

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Attack settings: (0.1 ms ·0.3 ms ·1 ms ·3 ms ·10 ms ·30 ms)
“Attack” determines how fast the compressor’s internal
circuitry reacts to changes of the monitored input level.
Slower Attack times make the VSC-2 respond more to
average signal level – now the VSC-2 acts more like
common RMS Detectors. This produces a smoother
sound that tends to retain dynamic character, but the
trade-off is that the VSC-2 cannot react as rapidly to
sudden level shifts.
Faster Attack times give you more precise control over
the peaks and let you raise the average volume of a
signal. If Attack and Release are set too fast the
speedy changes in volume can result in pumping and
even distortion on punchy and rhythmic material.
Setting the Attack times right is about finding the
“sweet spot” where the signal can be controlled well
without distorting it.
A VERTIGO tip for getting a great sound fast:
Dial in a big amount of compression (10 dB gain
reduction) with the Threshold of the VSC-2, then
change the Attack settings and check which setting
sounds best with your signal. Now reduce the amount
of gain reduction to a sensible amount (2-4 dB) with
the threshold knob. Try this strategy with the Release
times as well.
Attack settings on a bass (Example):
Setting a longer Attack time with a bass guitar
allows more of the picking attack to come
through.
The Attack times of the VSC-2 could be set fast
enough to use the VSC-2 as an “overload
protector” but in order to receive a more musical
result we recommend to rather use a bit slower
Attack times like 3 ms or 10 ms.
This leave transients unprocessed and offers a
quite “musical squeezing”.
General proposal for Attack times:
Start with a 3 ms setting, then adjust and listen.
Even shorter Attack times may be musical in Soft
Mode though - just experiment and you will find
“your” sound!
One of four discrete
1979 VCAs from
within the VSC-2
hardware.
Release times: (0.1 s ·0.3 s ·0.6 s ·0.9 s ·1.2 s ·Auto Mode)
This control determines how long it takes for the VSC-2 to
return to unity gain after going into compression.
Short Release times let the compressor track every little
change in level, producing a potentially “nervous” but “fresh”
effect. This can decrease the dynamic range and increase
the average output level.
Longer release times tend to produce less overall output
level but retain more of the original dynamics of the signal.
One (of two)
VSC-2 boards
hosting 2 of the
1979 VCAs
each.
This represents
one channel of
the VSC-2.
Excessive release times...
... can be used as an effect!
In the 60s the use of lots of limiting with a long release time
e.g. on drums was a popular recording technique.

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Make Up Gain
The process of reducing dynamics with a compressor
lowers the signal's overall level. Use the Make Up Gain
to compensate by raising the output gain after the
compression stage.
The 1979 VCAs offer + 22 dBu of Make Up Gain.
The hardware knobs offer a “Zoom In” between 0 dB
and + 6 dB to give you a more sensitive control and
resolution between this commonly used “Level Area”.
The VSC-2 plug-in precisely models this behavior.
A/B comparison using Make Up Gain:
Adjust the output volume to match the bypassed signal
and you can perfectly compare the processed and the
unprocessed signal.
Sidechain Filters (SC Filters) -60 Hz – 90 Hz
If the VSC-2 should react too much to kickdrum, bass
or other bass signals in a mix – often resulting in a
pumping effect – you can activate the SC Filter.
Cutting low end in the sidechain makes the VSC-2
“ignore” these bass frequencies and will result in less
audible compression.
Both SC Filter curves were set very gently, smoothly
and musically to avoid a complete cut off which would
leave some bass parts in the audio material unpro-
cessed. This way the low end of your mix will still be
processed – but with less compression.
The use of SC Filters accentuates the low end of your
audio material. You can choose between two
different settings, 60 Hz and 90 Hz. These frequencies
were chosen to provide larger flexibility over treatment
and balance of the complete mix.
Stereo Mode Switch
In stereo mode both sidechains are active (they are
not summed together), and the higher signal peak of
either of the 2 channels determines the compression
for both channels.
Therefore the VSC-2 is able to even react to out of
phase signals ("peaks") – without stereo image shift!
Unlinked Stereo Mode
The VSC-2 detectors work very precisely. Stereo
signals can be compressed unlinked. To do so simply
adjust the parameters in Stereo Mode until you are
happy with your sound. Then switch the plug-in mode
switch to “Mono”. This strategy can widen your stereo
image. This procedure might be a cure and enhance-
ment to your mix. If the stereo image gets too “shaky”
just switch back to the conventional “Stereo” mode.

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Gain Reduction Metering
This metering shows the amount of gain reduction
being applied to the input signal. The metering
is equipped with a non-linear scale to visualize
the commonly used area of up to 6 dB of gain
reduction with higher precision. It shows quickly and
exactly what is done to your material.
Coloration, Distortion & Sound
Coloration is one of the hidden secrets in mixing
and mastering. It is the basis for a unique sound
and a first step in creating a classic of tomorrow.
In fact, the Vertigo 1979 VCA produces
mainly second harmonics depending on the
amount of gain reduction and Make Up gain
applied. The cocktail of clean precise sound and
the right mix of dynamic, frequency-
dependent second and third harmonics is
what makes the unique sound of the 1979 VCA.
Coloration without compression
If you want to use the VSC-2 to add some coloration without
gain reduction then turn the Threshold pots fully clockwise
to the right and use the Make Up Gain to control the amount
of harmonics added to the signal.
Similarly, with many large format older consoles like SSL,
MCI, and Quad Eight, the discrete VCA stayed in the
signal path of the output section also when deactivating the
compressor.
The signal path: Less components - more clarity
The VSC-2 hardware modeled contains Jensen
transformers and THAT 1646 output stages, along
with other high quality components throughout.
Please check www.vertigosound.com/ for more info.