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5
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Front Panel
OUTPUT CONTROL
This center-detented knob controls the output level. The center detent indicates unity gain. Provided,
the Tube Gain control is in the center detent position as well. The output level can be adjusted to
provide make-up gain when the compressor is active, or reduce the output level fed to a device that
will only accept -10 dBV signals. You would also reduce the output level to retain unity levels when
increasing the vacuum tube saturation with the TUBE GAIN control. In either case, you should
switch back and forth between Bypass and Active to ensure level unity.
Note: If the Stereo Link 1>2 switch is In, the Output controls for Channel 1 and 2 remain
independent. The Tube Gain control for Channel 1 controls Tube Gain for both channels.
CLIP LED
The Clip LED is a fast-acting indicator to warn you of quick transient peaks that can cause audible
output distortion. The Clip LED will light when the signal is 3 dB below the onset of clipping.
Critical points in the audio path are monitored so that clipping cannot occur in any one stage.
TUBE GAIN CONTROL
This control determines the amount of gain the tube amplifier will apply to the input signal. Unity
gain for a signal passing through the VCS-1 is achieved when this and the OUTPUT control are at
the center detent position. As you increase the TUBE GAIN you will increase the amount of tube
saturation that, in moderate amounts, enhances pleasant even order harmonics but in greater
amounts, can cause audible distortion. If you have the TUBE GAIN control set to a level causing
tube saturation, you should lower the OUTPUT level so you don’t overdrive the outputs.
VU METER
The VU Meter can be used to indicate input level, output level and the amount of gain reduction.
The following shows how each display mode is selected.
