Vertigo Sound VSC-3 Quad Discrete Compressor

The VSC-3 is the rightful successor to the Vertigo Sound VSC-2 compressor – already a classic that is used in many top class studios worldwide.
Vertigo Sound has spared no effort to improve a good product even further.
Of course, the VSC-3 can still do everything that the VSC-2 is known and loved for.
The new VSC-3 offers further useful features and parameter enhancements.
The VSC-3 retains the name of its predecessor – QUAD DISCRETE COMPRESSOR – as the topology of the unit has been retained.
The VSC-3 is also a nod to the best VCA compressors of the 70s and 80s.
The discrete Vertigo VCA 1979 combines the best design features of classic VCA compressors in one device.

The concept based on classic discrete circuits is combined with a signal path trimmed for maximum performance.
Under the “hood” of the VSC-3 you will find many other unique and innovative features such as an auto ratio from 1.1 to 8:1 in “soft mode”

The VSC-3 Quad Discrete Compressor uses four discrete 1979 VCAs in its two channels.
Each channel has one VCA in the audio path and a second in the sidechain path.
In Stereo SC mode, both sidechain VCAs are active independently and the audio signal is not summed to a control signal.
Exceeding the threshold in one of the two channels results in compression being applied to both channels.

In stereo SC mode, the VSC-3 also responds to non-phase-coherent signals.
This circuit concept makes the VSC-3 in stereo SC mode ideal for mix bus and mastering applications.
Mono SC mode is the exact opposite.
Here, both channels are added to one control signal.
This mode is well suited in combination with RMS or for effect compression.
In dual mode, the VSC-3 works like two independent compressors.

Furthermore, the VSC-3 offers both peak and RMS detection.
The peak mode corresponds 1:1 to the VSC-2 detector.
Peak mode is ideal for most mixing and mastering applications.
The RMS mode works with a fixed ratio and is particularly suitable for processing individual signals or stereo signals where an equal volume impression is to be achieved.