VERTIGO SOUND VSE-2

Product overview

The VERTIGO SOUND VSE-2 is a discrete gyrator EQ: a 3-band, dual mono equaliser with six fully discrete gyrators, 18 selectable frequencies per channel, stepped discrete cut and boost of ± 8 dB, a tunable 10 - 400 Hz high-pass filter and the unique A.I.R. mode, for tracking, mix bus and mastering.

The VSE-2 is another big impact design from VERTIGO SOUND. The frequency of each band is selected by a discrete gyrator circuit, and cut and boost are realised with the dual discrete operational amplifier also used in the VSP-2 mic preamp. The discrete gyrator concept gives the gentle, smooth frequency processing everyone is looking for in today's digital studio, bringing the sound of the golden decade of analog recording equipment into the modern studio.

Key features

• Discrete gyrator based equaliser: six fully discrete gyrators
• Discrete operational cut and boost amplifier, ± 8 dB
• Cut and boost steps: ± 1, 2, 3.5, 5.5 and 8 dB, with variable Q
• 18 selectable frequencies on each channel (LF, MF, HF)
• Dual mono design for tracking, mixing and MS
• High-pass filter 10 - 400 Hz with full bypass
• Transformer-balanced input; electronically floating balanced output
• All EQ parameters on rotary switches
• A.I.R. mode for the very top end
• Hardwire bypass when switched off; super low noise

The Discrete Triple Gyrator 1972

First proposed in 1948, a gyrator is an electronic network used at the heart of equaliser designs as an alternative to the older inductor, which has inherent issues like ringing and odd harmonics. Gyrators store energy like real inductors, with almost no self-capacitance and nothing to pick up stray magnetic fields: the silky smooth sound of vintage inductor equalisers, with more punch and grip. Where other devices realise the gyrator with a standard IC, the VERTIGO SOUND 1972 is fully discrete and delivers a tube-like distortion spectrum, produced by the gyrator itself at the frequency you dial in.

Variable Q and stepped cut and boost

The more you boost or cut, the narrower the bandwidth gets: high boosts stay focused around the selected frequency without pushing the areas above and below too much, a very musical characteristic. Cut and boost run in steps of ± 1, 2, 3.5, 5.5 and 8 dB on an in-house discrete operational amplifier that adds grip while staying natural sounding.

A.I.R. mode

A.I.R. (All Impedance Resonance) sets the gyrator to work at the auditory threshold, extending the frequency response to the top end limit without adding presence or harshness. It is a good alternative to 10k for signals with high frequency content like cymbals, drums and full mixes.

Filter and bypass

The EQ section and the high-pass filter can be used independently or together; switching the filter off bypasses its circuitry completely. When switched off, the VSE-2 goes into hardwire bypass, so the signal chain is not interrupted if the mains supply fails.

In the box

• VSE-2 discrete gyrator EQ

VERTIGO SOUND VSE-2: frequently asked questions

What is a gyrator EQ?

An equaliser whose bands are tuned by gyrator circuits instead of inductors. The VSE-2 uses fully discrete gyrators for a smooth sound with punch, grip and a tube-like distortion spectrum.

Is the VSE-2 stereo or dual mono?

It is a dual mono design with two identical channels, suited to tracking, mixing, stereo bus and MS applications.

What does the A.I.R. setting do?

It sets the gyrator to work at the auditory threshold, extending the top end without presence or harshness: an alternative to 10k for cymbals, drums and full mixes.

Why does the VSE-2 sound subtle at first?

Its processing is very soft and smooth, so it is easy to overdo frequencies like 5k, 8k and 10k; the first impression of subtlety comes from listening habits formed with more aggressive equalisers.

Where can I buy the VERTIGO SOUND VSE-2 in India?

The VERTIGO SOUND VSE-2 is available from Shivansh Electronics, Kolkata, West Bengal, India, with delivery across India.

Workflow 1: Mastering EQ

Mastering studios needing smooth, recallable equalisation.

Connections

Setup

1. Set both channels to the same frequencies.
2. Cut or boost in small steps.
3. Use the stepped switches to match channels exactly.
4. Compare with EQ In off.

Tip: The VSE-2 is easy to overdo: dial 5k, 8k and 10k carefully.

Workflow 2: Mix bus air

Mixing engineers opening up the top end.

Connections

Setup

1. Select A.I.R. on the HF band.
2. Add a small boost.
3. Check for harshness.
4. Compare with 10k.

Tip: A.I.R. extends the top end without adding presence or harshness.

Workflow 3: Tracking vocals

Recording vocals through an outboard chain.

Connections

Setup

1. Switch on the filter and tune out rumble.
2. Choose an MF frequency for body or a HF frequency for clarity.
3. Cut or boost in steps.
4. Watch the clip LED.

Tip: Switch the filter off when not needed to shorten the signal path.

Workflow 4: MS equalisation

Engineers working on mid and side separately.

Connections

Setup

1. Set channel 1 for the centre.
2. Set channel 2 for the sides.
3. Use the high-pass on the side channel if needed.
4. Return to the MS decoder.

Tip: The dual mono design makes the VSE-2 suited to MS work.

Workflow 5: Drums and cymbals

Shaping drum groups or overheads.

Connections

Setup

1. Pick an LF frequency for weight.
2. Use A.I.R. on cymbals.
3. Use variable Q: larger boosts stay focused.
4. Balance with the other channels.

Tip: Higher levels with high boosts add more gyrator distortion products.

Workflow 6: Gyrator colour

Adding tube-like character at a chosen frequency.

Connections

Setup

1. Select the frequency to colour.
2. Boost and drive the level higher.
3. Listen to the added harmonics.
4. Back off if it becomes too much.

Tip: The distortion is produced by the gyrator itself at the frequency you dial in.