Vertigo Sound

Vertigo Sound is brand new pro-audio manufacturing venture. The people behind the name however, have been involved in high end analogue equipment since the late nineties. In HE Studiotechnik, the team provides technical services in modification, repair, and sales, of high end vintage equipment. They are consummate analogue audio technicians, recording engineers, and musicians. For years they have worked with the very best audio designs from German Broadcast and Recording history. In Vertigo Sound they hope to bring this rich heritage to today’s Recordings.

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VSC-2

Quad Discrete Compressor

The first product from Vertigo Sound is the VSC-2, a.k.a. Quad Discrete Compressor. It is so named, because it uses 4 VCAs built by hand using only discrete components. Its design is a nod toward the best VCA based compressors of the 70s and 80s.

The Vertigo VCA is in fact named 1979. Some of the best features of these classic Compressors have been complimented in the VSC. This classic based sound is combined with a modern mastering grade signal path. Some unique and innovative features lie beneath the bonnet, such as the ratio which increases with level in ‘Soft’ mode.
The Quad Discrete Compressor uses four discrete 1979 VCAs in it’s two channels. Each channel has one VCA in the Audio Path and another in the sidechain.

The concept of the VSC-2

In Stereo mode both sidechains are fully active; they are not summed together.
The higher signal peak on either channel results in equal compression of both.
The VSC-2 reacts even to out of phase signal peaks without image shift.
This is a unique innovation, far removed from simple Stereo Linking.

The precision of this technique makes the Vertigo ideally suited for Mastering and Mix Buss compression.
Mono Mode is the exact opposite. Each channel has entirely separate control and metering. Crosstallk is less than minus 100dB, like two separate units!
This provides two world class Compressor/Limiters for Tracking and Mixing.

The heart of the VSC-2 – the discrete VCA 1979

99% of all newer designs use an I-ntegrated C-ircuit for this job which makes production easy and cost extensive.
Here’s the big difference!

The Vertigo Sound 1979 is a fully discrete handbuilt V-oltage C-ontrolled A-mplifier.
This VCA colours the signal the more you compress and “make up” the output.
This basic effect plus a very well thought out circuitry and choice of components gives you a fresh, punchy precise sound without sounding dull or nasty even if the unit is pushed hard.

Stereo / Dual Mono switchable
Jensen Balanced In. That 1646 or Burr Brown Balanced Out
Dynamic Range: 115 db
Frequency response: 10 Hz … 70 kHz (- 3 db)
Max. Output Level: + 25 dBu / 600 Ohm balanced floating
Signal to Noise Ratio at + 6 dBu = 97 db (20..20 kHz, unweighted, RMS)
Noise: – 91 dBu (20 Hz – 22 khz – unweighted, RMS) @ 0 db Unity Gain
Crosstalk between channels: > 100 db at any frequency
Power consumption: max 8 Watts
One for all! True Mono and True Stereo
Dual – Mono, no shared contols
Stereo Mode Channel A controls become master
The Stereo signal is phase coherent under all settings
No phase shift or L-R problems can occur due to the innovative SC design
The Signal path is of Mastering quality
Real stereo mode! Channel A is stereo master
There is a minimum of circuitry with a hard relay bypass

Settings from Soft Knee (Soft=TipToe) to Hard Knee (Brick)
The Ratio selection switch compensates to provide equal loudness, allowing immediate comparison
Side chain High Pass Filters with two switchable frequencies are provided onboard
Metering is analogue with carefully chosen ballistics, and beautifully lit!
Handsome parameter control via customized scale ranges
Internal components are of the ultimate quality, modified where necessary
A Toroid transformer ensures no PSU noise
The ‘1979’ VCA is made of individual components, no Integrated Circuits
Encased in a ceramic material for thermal stability
This 1979 unit adds character to the sound, similar to some Vintage units
The harder it compresses the more it colours
This VCA delivers Real Analogue punch, so difficult to achieve with modern software plug-ins
A Jensen transformer and a state of the art line-out driver complete the picture by providing perfectly balanced In and Outs

VSM-2 Full

Mastering tool

The VSM-2 is a creative fully analog Mix and Mastering tool. The VSM offers MS, Blending and two sophisticated coloration generators in 2U size.
The VSM-2 is also available in a “basic version” without harmonic generators. This represents a “All In One”-solution for Mastering studios with no more need to invest in mastering consoles, switching devices, monitor controllers, MS En & de-coders etc.
Like all Vertigo Sound products, the VSM-2 is manufactured to the highest industry standards to guarantee the utmost performance and maximum durability. The VSM-2 a.k.a. Mix Satellite offers plenty of hugely useful functions for mixing and mastering in one unit. Of course in daily studio life, even in the worst case scenario, you won’t need all the functions of the VSM-2 at once. Carefully spot the problems you want to fix and choose the appropriate processing technique of the VSM-2.

The Mix Satellite allows you to try different processing strategies without any loss of time!
You can switch between conventional Stereo and MS processing within seconds or you can blend the Mix with the unprocessed signal by dialing only one knob.
The Solo M&S Function allows you to listen closely to M or S and to optimize your processing setting!
Technical progress and purity of analogue and digital equipment effectively removed distortion as a stylistic device from the audio engineers’ tool repertoire of today
The VSM-2 Harmonic generators allow you to colour, saturate, enhance, compress, limit or distort your program material! Now you are able to put real analog life into “dead sounds” out of the box. All parameters to create your own kind of musical coloration are on the hand with the Mix Satellite VSM-2!

VSM-2 Basic:

All analog, latency free processing
Two fully balanced inserts on XLR offering MS En & DE-coding
Level compensated MS En & DE-coding
Insert 1 provides Dry-Wet Mix control “Parallel Compression” for LR and MS
Insert 2 provides “M&S Stereo Width” control
Level compensated AFL Solo for M and S-Signal
All controls can be easily recalled via stepped controls, pointer knobs & fine scales
Hardwire bypass for all and each processing stage
Excellent headroom with up to +30dbu at the Ins & Outs
Level matching of the inputs and outputs
Fast input and output metering plus various clip leds
Colour coded switch controls for easy intuitive operation
Superior crafted & anodized frontplate in “sun orange” & blue metallic silk screen print

VSM-2 “full version” additional features:

Two independent stereo coloration circuits
Stereo & M or S Generation of pure 2nd & 3rd harmonics
Each coloration generator is independantly switchable to M, S or LR
Excessive harmonic filtering possibilties for each harmonic generator
RMS LED level control for equal level of harmonic generators
Unique “Track” mode for processing individual instruments
Soft & Hard clip switching capability

All Ins & Outs: electronically balanced
Dynamic Range: 128 db
Frequency response: 10 Hz … 100 kHz (+- 1 db)
Max. Output Level: + 30 dBu
THD: at +28dbu <= 0,003%

Signal to Noise Ratio: at + 6 dBu = 104 db (20..20 kHz, unweighted, RMS)
Noise: – 98 dBu (20 Hz – 22 khz – unweighted, RMS) @ 0 db Unity Gain
Power consumption: max 30 Watts

VSP-2

Dual Mic Preamp 1976

The VSP-2 is VERTIGO SOUNDs 3rd BIG IMPACT DESIGN and is setting a new benchmark in microphone amplification.
The heart of this unit is Vertigo Sound 100% discrete Twin Op Amp circuit called the OPA (operational amplifier) 1976.
These “in house” engineered & built discrete amplifier stage is combined with Jensens world famous JT-16 Mic transformers and provide a smooth warm and defined sound from the lowest bass to the very top end of the sonic spectrum. The JT-16 transformer can handle very high input levels and provides a very linear phase behaviour because of low capacitance problems due to it`s low ratio of 1:2. Further the low ratio of the transformer forces the discrete OP Amp to provide most of the amplification in the VSP-2. This ” full throttle”,”pedal to the floor” circuitry enables a unique, rich, full and characterful sound.

Controls and Features of the VSP-2

Gain control:
10-position Grayhill Rotaryswitch with 6db step increments. The full range of the unit is 12-72db

Fine Gain control:
41 click Alps 0-6db fine gain trim

120Hz/off/80hz:
Switch that engages lowcut input filter 12db/oct at 80hz or 120 HZ.

Signal & Clip LED:
This LED either indicates Green for a reasonable signal level presence at the output or red for close to Overload.
There is no inbetween orange state to indicate clipping clearly.

LED green:
– 6dBu to 19dBu at the output of the VSP-2 >>>> reasonable output level

LED red:
+19dBu at the output of the VSP-2 >>>> close to clipping level

Note: The maximum output of the VSP-2 is +24dbU, the red clipping led indicates the maximum capable input level of most common converters and analog gear.

INSTRUMENT IN:
This is an unbalanced input for guitar, bass, samples, etc. This unbalanced input goes directly to the TWIN OPA input without using any circuitry inbetween. (Real DI Input)
Simply throw the toggle switch and you’re off. The output is muted when switching to avoid loud clicks in your monitors.

48V :
48V switches ramped phantom power.

-20dB:
Pads the input signal 20dB down. The pad does not affect the input impedance of the VSP-2!
The pad circuitry is switched out of the Input stage completley when disabled.

Please use the Pad for the gain Settings 12dB-18db-24dB and 30dB only!!! The Pad does not effect the sound of your signal but settings like 54dB with Pad engaged e.G. will worsen your signal to noise ratio.

PHASE:
Reverses the polarity of the pre amp’s output.

Dual Mono Mic pre with 1,5K input impedance
Jensen Balanced In. That 1646 Balanced Out
Dynamic Range: 116 db @ 36dB Gain

Frequency response: 10 Hz … 35 kHz (+– 1db) @ 36dB Gain
Max. Output Level: + 24 dBu / 600 Ohm balanced floating
Noise: -81dBu (20 Hz – 22 kHz – unweighted, RMS) @ 36 db Gain

VSE-2

The Discrete Gyrator EQ for Tracking, Mixing and Mastering

The VSE-2 is another BIG IMPACT DESIGN and is setting a new benchmark for Tracking, Mix-Bus and Mastering applications. Unlike other EQs on the market the VSE-2 is equipped with six discrete gyrators and lots of matchless detailed features. This unique set-up makes the sound of the golden decade of analog recording equipment available in today’s studio environment.

What makes The Vertigo Sound Discrete Gyrator stand out from the crowd? The Vertigo Sound “Discrete Triple Gyrator 1972” uses a fully discrete circuitry, while other devices on the market realize the Gyrator using an standard IC.
The well thought out design of Vertigo’s Gyrator delivers a tube unit like distortion spectrum. The distortion is produced by the Gyrator itself at the frequency you dial in.

I/O: Jensen Balanced In. That 1646 or Burr Brown Balanced Out
Dynamic Range: 122 dB
Frequency response: 10 Hz … 80 kHz (– 3dB)
Max. Output Level: + 23dBu / 600 Ohm balanced floating
Signal to Noise Ratio: at + 6dBu = 105dB (20 … 20 kHz, unweighted, RMS)
Noise: – 99dBu (20 Hz – 22 kHz – unweighted, RMS) @ 0dB Unity Gain
Crosstalk between channels: > 100dB
Power consumption: max 10 Watts
Discrete gyrator based Equalizer concept

Discrete operational Cut and Boost amplifier +-8db
18 selectable frequencies on each channel
Dual Mono Design
Hi Pass Filter 10Hz-400Hz with bypass
Transformer balanced input
All EQ parameters controlled by rotary switches
Unique A.I.R Mode (Enhancement of the auditory threshold)
Smooth and Punchy
Super Low Noise (-98dBu)
Cut & Boost steps +-: 1dB, 2dB, 3,5dB, 5,5dB, 8dB