The Vertigo Sound VSC-3 is a quad discrete compressor designed as the successor to the VSC-2, combining modern hi-tech design with classic sonic characteristics. It utilises four discrete Voltage Controlled Amplifiers (VCAs) known as the ‘1979’ VCA, which are constructed from individual components rather than integrated circuits to provide vintage character and analogue punch. The unit features a mastering-grade signal path with a hard relay bypass and offers versatile operating modes including Dual Mono, True Stereo Side Chain, and Mono Summed Side Chain.
The Vertigo Sound VSC-3 employs a topology that uses four discrete VCAs, with each channel containing one VCA in the audio path and another in the sidechain. In Stereo Side Chain mode, both sidechains remain fully active and are not summed together; the higher signal peak on either channel results in equal compression of both. This design ensures the stereo signal remains phase coherent under all settings, preventing phase shift or left-right problems, which makes the Vertigo Sound VSC-3 suitable for mastering and mix bus compression.
The Vertigo Sound VSC-3 offers switchable detection modes, allowing users to choose between RMS or PEAK detection. It provides a wide selection of time constants with ten attack and release settings, as well as slow and fast auto-release modes. The ratio selection switch compensates to provide equal loudness, facilitating immediate comparison between settings. All parameters are detented for easy recall, with an optional detent for Threshold and Makeup controls.
The signal path includes a Cinemag transformer and a state-of-the-art line-out driver, providing perfectly balanced inputs and outputs. A toroid transformer is used to ensure no power supply noise is introduced. The discrete VCA design colours the signal more as compression and make-up gain increase, delivering a fresh, punchy, and precise sound. The Vertigo Sound VSC-3 features a 20-segment gain reduction bargraph metre for each channel, ranging from 0.25dB to 20dB, and includes side chain high-pass filters with two switchable frequencies.
The Vertigo Sound VSC-3 supports Dual Mono mode where each channel has entirely separate controls and metering, with crosstalk between channels measured at greater than 100dB. In Stereo and Mono Side Chain modes, Channel A controls act as the master. The internal components are of high quality, with the VCA encased in ceramic material for thermal stability. The unit is manufactured by Mustang Sound GmbH in Munich, Germany.
Features
- Quad discrete compressor topology using four discrete 1979 VCAs
- Dual Mono, True Stereo Side Chain, and Mono Summed Side Chain functionality
- Switchable RMS or PEAK detection
- Phase coherent stereo signal with no phase shift or L-R problems
- Hard relay bypass with minimal circuitry
- Ratio selection switch with equal loudness compensation
- Ten attack and release settings with slow and fast auto-release modes
- Side chain high-pass filters with two switchable frequencies
- 20-segment gain reduction bargraph metre per channel (0.25dB to 20dB)
- Cinemag transformer and state-of-the-art line-out driver for balanced I/O