User Manual

UAD Powered Plug-Ins Manual - 165 - Chapter 18: VCA VU
CHAPTER 18
VCA VU
Overview
The VCA VU Compressor/Limiter is a faithful emulation of the first commer-
cially available VCA (Voltage-Controlled Amplifier) compressor, the dbx
160. Originally designed and sold by David Blackmer in 1971, this solid-
state design set the standard for performance and affordability. “VU” is the
common nickname for this widely regarded studio staple, famous for its sim-
ple control set and firm compression characteristics. The original unit is still
considered the very best VCA compressor ever made. Unlike later monolithic
IC units, the “VU” uses a series of discrete components for gain reduction,
and therefore has unique nonlinearities not found in other VCA compres-
sors—thus giving it a sonic distinction from later models. The VCA VU cap-
tures all the sonic nuances from our “golden” modeling unit and the simple
control set of the hardware, including Threshold, Compression (Ratio) and
Output Gain. Like the hardware, LED threshold indicators are provided, as
well the Input/Output/Gain Change VU meter for which the unit is famous.
VCA VU Screenshot
Figure 44. The VCA VU plug-in window