!
MIX
One of the most distinctive features of the VMC-76 is its ability to mix the compressed or “wet”
signal with the dry signal using the “MIX” control. By using this control, you can create unique
effects that are typically unachievable within a standalone compressor. For instance, you can
compress a drum bus with a large amount of gain reduction, and then use the MIX control to
mix the compressed signal with the dry signal. This allows you to create a more ‘in your face’
drum sound without leaving the drums sounding lifeless and over-compressed. The MIX
control is very useful on a variety of sources including vocals, drums, guitars, sub-mixes, and
entire mixes.
TUBE|SS
This button toggles the unit between the two selectable output stages. When the button is IN,
the transformer balanced TUBE output stage is selected. When the button is OUT, the SOLID-
STATE output stage is selected. Each of the output stages lends itself to a different sonic flavor.
The TUBE output stage is more colored, whereas the SOLID-STATE, electronically balanced
output stage provides a clean and flat frequency response with very little distortion. Generally
speaking, the SOLID-STATE output stage is better suited to applications where sonic
transparency is key. The TUBE output stage on the other hand has a more obviously colored
sonic footprint.
IN
This toggle switch engages the unit’s relay switched bypass circuit. When the button is IN, the
unit is in compression mode. With the button OUT, bypass is active. The VMC-76 employs a
"true bypass", where no audio traverses the compressor signal path where the bypass is
engaged. The unit also passes audio when the unit is not powered on.
METER
This button toggles the unit between VU and GR (Gain Reduction) metering modes. When the
button is IN the meter will display the amount of gain reduction occurring. With the button
OUT, the meter will show the VU output level on the meter.
HPF
Pushing the "HPF" button IN toggles a fixed 100Hz high pass filter into the compressors side
chain circuit. This feature prevents the compressor 'over compressing' as a response to
excessive low-end frequencies. This makes the compression behavior smoother and more
transparent, which makes this mode very useful in mix bus applications where a more
transparent compression behavior is desired.
SLAM
With the selection of the 20:1 ratio and then engaging of the “SLAM” push button, the VMC-76
goes into the classic "all-buttons-in" compression mode, which is an iconic feature of FET style
compressors. This setting can be pleasing on any source that calls for heightened
saturation/excitement. It is typically used on drum room mics or as an "in your face" vocal
effect.
