UBER SMOOTH AND MUSICAL VARIABLE-GAIN COMPRESSION
AudioScape’s V-Comp+ gives you the same great tone and topology as their standard V-Comp, but with more options. The V-Comp is their take on a classic variable-mu tube compressor, originally designed for broadcast in the 1950’s.
In keeping with the original circuit topology, AudioScape uses Allen-Bradley carbon comp resistors and Cornell Dubilier polypropylene caps in key areas of the circuit, and a curated selection of tubes and iron-core transformers to best re-create the classic variable-mu box-tone of the original.
Tubes and transformers used in the V-Comp+ include:
- 6386
- 12AT7
- 6AL5
- OB2
- 6V6 (x2)
- 5Y3
- Triad® Choke
- Proprietary Custom-Wound Input and Output Transformers
Extremely Musical Compression
The V-Comp+’s variable-mu compression is not rigid and confronting; the compression ratio is program-dependent while still allowing the operator a certain level of control over the attack and release time constants.
It has a very gentle knee, which is to be expected from its variable-mu topology. What this means for the operator is that the resulting compression behavior is always extraordinarily smooth and allows the V-Comp+ to ebb and flow along with the source audio in the most natural way.
Enhanced Input Level Control
One essential improvement was making the Input and Output controls more usable. They can now boost the input level by engaging the DRIVE switch which adds +5db of gain after the INPUT level control, allowing the user to drive the AudioScape V-Comp+ even harder.
This modification allows the operator to get the full effect of saturating the input and output transformers, one of the sonic signatures of this design, and pushing the tube gain stages, while still allowing for ample headroom heading into their converter, console or tape machine.
Modern Workflow meets…
To highlight the creamy saturation that the V-Comp+ is capable of, AudioScape has added a 4th option to the existing SINGLE, DOUBLE and TRIPLE recovery time modes; OFF, as the name implies, completely bypasses the compression section of the circuit while still running audio through the all-tube signal path and output transformers.
AudioScape has also tweaked the time-constants to allow for a much faster recovery time than the original was ever capable of. This is particularly useful for today’s more modern pop and electronic productions.
However, changing these values resulted in a peculiar sonic oddity that AudioScape thought was too fun to omit. They call it glitch mode:
Simply set the V-Comp+ to TRIPLE Mode, fastest recovery time and crank the INPUT control. This now becomes even more pronounced with the faster recovery mode times and increased input gain from the DRIVE switch. This mode will change your world view on what the V-Comp+ is capable of
.…Vintage Vibe
Many improvements and modifications have been made to the original circuit from the 1950’s in an effort to make the V-Comp+ more versatile when used in modern recording environments. But it is still right at home if you’re after a more vintage, indie, throw-back type of sound.
