Introduction
Thank you and congratulations on your purchase of the Digitech VCS-1. This product was devel-
oped to give you precise control over dynamics in digital recording, analog recording and live per-
formance. The VCS-1 also has an adjustable-gain vacuum tube stage with analog VU metering and
LED peak indication.
The compression circuit is comprised of the latest solid state VCA components available. This
ensures that even under considerable compression, the VCS-1 will not contribute significant
amounts of noise or colouration to an audio signal. The attack and release timing is based on the
“True Logarithmic Compression” design that sounds most natural to human hearing and is an emu-
lation of “vintage” compressor sound.
The vacuum tube amplification stage in the VCS-1 is a classic, high plate-voltage design utilizing a
pure class A topology. A parallel-triode arrangement is employed, in addition to a fully-regulated
235V plate supply to maximize signal-to-noise performance and transient response. The premium-
grade 12AX7A vacuum tubes used in the VTP-1 are manufactured in Russia, and hand tested and
graded specifically for the VCS-1 by Audio Glassic in the USA.
Precision 1% metal-film resistors are used throughout the audio path to ensure performance stability
and low noise. In addition to precision resistors, all filter circuits utilize high quality plastic-film
capacitors to maintain spectral accuracy and minimize the long-term effects of component drift. To
ensure years of trouble-free operation, each VCS-1 must pass a rigorous set of performance tests and
a 24-hour burn-in period before it is shipped from the factory.
Features
• Fast, quiet industry standard VCA circuitry with “True Logarithmic Compression” timing
• Dual Class A vacuum tube stages
• Convenient single knob De-ess control
• Input, Output and Gain Reduction VU metering with LED peak indication
• Peak limiter circuit for transient peak protection
• Gate feature with variable attenuation level
• XLR and TRS 1/4” balanced inputs and outputs
• Sidechain loop for frequency-sensitive compression and gating
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