In this free video tutorial brought to you in with the support of Plugin Alliance, Pro Tools Expert team member Julian Rodgers demonstrates how by unlinking the stereo side chain of the VSC2 compressor extra width and movement can be introduced.

Two Channels, Four VCAs

The VSC2 is an emulation of a high end VCA compressor from the late 70s. The design featured an interesting use of four VCAs with two in the side chain. In stereo mode the linked VCAs in the audio path were controlled by whichever of the two channels in the side chain saw the loudest signal but unlike many compressors the side chain signals weren't summed to mono. Because of this even out of phase material could be properly processed.

Unlinked Operation

In this example Julian switches the VSC2 into mono mode which unlinks the two VCAs in the audio path. With the two channels operating as independent compressors, a loud signal on either side will cause the stereo image to shift. This can be a very bad thing but in moderation this movement can add interest to the stereo image.

Watch the video tutorial to see and hear this in practice.