Native Instruments VC 2A Manual page 12

Like its renowned hardware equivalent, the VC 2A is very easy to use, as most of the time, you
will only need to tweak the big
and switches to adjust the sound in greater detail. The full set of controls is as follows:
(1) Mode switch: Switches between two operation modes. When set to Comp, the curve of the
gain reduction is softer and the compression ratio is lower. When set to Limit, the compression
ratio is higher and the VC 2A tends to operate more like a limiter.
(2) Dry knob: Blends the original signal with the compressed signal. This is called parallel com-
pression (see ↑1.1.2, Other Compression Parameters and Features
this knob is set fully counter-clockwise, only the compressed signal is output. Turning the knob
to the right progressively blends in the original signal into the compressor output.
After changing the
overall output remains at the optimum level!
(3) GAIN knob: Adjusts the make-up gain. This allows you to offset the overall output level
once you have set the desired compression via the
See ↑1.1.1, Main Compression Parameters
gain, compression ratio, and threshold level parameters.
(4) VU meter: Allows you to visually monitor the compression in real-time. This VU meter has
three operation modes, which you can select using the Display mode selector (see below).
(5) Display mode selector: Allows you to switch the VU meter between various operation modes
by clicking the corresponding buttons:
▪ In: The VU meter displays the level of the input signal. Use this mode to ensure that the
input signal is at the optimum level.
GR (Gain Reduction): The VU meter displays the current amount of compression applied to
▪
the input signal. By tweaking the
how much gain reduction is being applied.
▪ Out: The VU meter displays the level of the output signal. You can use this display mode
while adjusting the output level via the
not overdrive.
(6) PEAK REDUCTION
This knob affects both the compression ratio and the threshold level simultaneously.
GAIN and PEAK REDUCTION
Dry level, you might have to adjust the
PEAK REDUCTION
GAIN
knob: Adjusts the amount of compression applied to the input signal.
knobs. Use the additional knobs
for more info on this). When
GAIN knob to ensure that the
PEAK REDUCTION knob.
for more general information on the make-up
knob, you can see on the VU meter
knob to ensure that the output signal does
Using the VC 2A
The Main Interface
VC 2A - Manual - 12