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.