Joe Meek VC1 Settings

[Jim King]

Hello,
I hope you don't mind newby questions. And hopefully someone here has a VC1.
I received a VC1 from a friend to use for an extended period of time. I have enough experience with preamps but little experience with "decent" compressors. I think I understand attack and release well enough, but I was wondering if anyone could help me understand some of the other knobs/switches on this box since it came with no manual.

1. The knob that says "Compression". It's just the amount of compression, right? But what does that mean? Does it mean how much dynamic range I have to start with, dependent on the input gain? And why does the knob go from 1 to 11?
2. Is "Slope" just another name for "Ratio"? If so, that would mean 5:1 is my max, right?
3. Where is the "Threshold" knob (or is this the answer to # 1)?
4. What is the enhancer good for? So far I only like it (a little bit) on bass guitar and a kick sound that I have experimented with for grins. It doesn't really seem be worth messing with otherwise. But maybe I'm missing something, like good ears. :rolleyes:
5. There's a red LED to the right of the Slope knob. When should that light up? So far I haven't got it to light. Maybe something's wrong with it?
And finally..
6. Can anyone offer any suggestions for vocal settings to try out on this thing?

Thanks!

[Alan Hyatt]

Hello,
I hope you don't mind newby questions. And hopefully someone here has a VC1.
I received a VC1 from a friend to use for an extended period of time. I have enough experience with preamps but little experience with "decent" compressors. I think I understand attack and release well enough, but I was wondering if anyone could help me understand some of the other knobs/switches on this box since it came with no manual.

1. The knob that says "Compression". It's just the amount of compression, right? But what does that mean? Does it mean how much dynamic range I have to start with, dependent on the input gain? And why does the knob go from 1 to 11?
2. Is "Slope" just another name for "Ratio"? If so, that would mean 5:1 is my max, right?
3. Where is the "Threshold" knob (or is this the answer to # 1)?
4. What is the enhancer good for? So far I only like it (a little bit) on bass guitar and a kick sound that I have experimented with for grins. It doesn't really seem be worth messing with otherwise. But maybe I'm missing something, like good ears. :rolleyes:
5. There's a red LED to the right of the Slope knob. When should that light up? So far I haven't got it to light. Maybe something's wrong with it?
And finally..
6. Can anyone offer any suggestions for vocal settings to try out on this thing?

Thanks!

1. The knob that says "Compression". It's just the amount of compression, right? But what does that mean? Does it mean how much dynamic range I have to start with, dependent on the input gain? And why does the knob go from 1 to 11? The Compression knob simply adds gain to the compression sidechain and so increases compression. In simple terms this changes the 'threshold' of the compression although with this compressor the 'threshold' is not clearly defined; the compression starts very gradually and the compression ratio changes radically with programme content and amplitude

2. Is "Slope" just another name for "Ratio"? If so, that would mean 5:1 is my max, right? No, this 4 or 5 way switch sets the ratio of compression. Setting ‘1’ is very gentle compression while ‘5’ can give 'pumping' effects, especially with a shorter release time. The max is a 10:1 setting. Anything above 10:1 is not compression...it then becomes limiting

3. Where is the "Threshold" knob (or is this the answer to # 1)? Yes, the answer is from #1

4. What is the enhancer good for? So far I only like it (a little bit) on bass guitar and a kick sound that I have experimented with for grins. It doesn't really seem be worth messing with otherwise. But maybe I'm missing something, like good ears. :rolleyes: The enhancer is a 2nd order harmonic generator. It is useful for fixing tracks that may be dull or have a lifeless feel to them. It can add sparkle to dull vocal tracks, and voiceovers, but it is a strong spice...too much is not good. Do not track with it until you have mastered its use. Use it for fixing or saving tracks in the mix.

5. There's a red LED to the right of the Slope knob. When should that light up? So far I haven't got it to light. Maybe something's wrong with it?
And finally.. The red LED is fitted to show the depth of compression;- this is particularly useful during a busy session so you know the compressor is working

6. Can anyone offer any suggestions for vocal settings to try out on this thing? To USE the compressor, set the COMPRESSION control to somewhere near full up. Set SLOPE to number 4.Set ATTACK to minimum (full anticlock) you can increase this setting to achieve more interesting compression effects. Set RELEASE to halfway the release control at this setting will make the compressor act to moderately control the gain, at higher the settings, sudden loud noises will cause the signal to remain compressed for longer thereby restricting the gain more. Switch the VU meter to 'COMP. METER' (switch out). - Don't forget to turn up the output volume control too. If there is sufficient audio signal from the input amplifiers, the meter will start to indicate compression by the needle moving downwards.The compressor should now be working and ears can take over the adjustments.The amount of compression in use can be seen from the VU meter; but also a flickering red LED is fitted to show the depth of compression;- this is particularly useful during a busy session!

Want more, turn it up...want less, turn it down. Large amounts of compression tend to bring the vocals right up in the mix...right in your face, so experiment and see how you like it.....

I hope this has helped you....

[Jim King]

Yes, this helps for sure! Thanks Alan!
Just to clarify on the Slope knob, you said 10:1 is the max ratio setting. I guess that would be the "5" setting on the Slope dial? And would that mean that all my settings are x 2? As in settings 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 on the Slope dial would respectively equal 2:1, 4:1, 6:1, 8:1, and 10:1 compression ratios?
And the red LED next to the Slope knob, can I assume it may not be broke at all, I just may have not worked it enough to see the light flicker?
I'm looking forward to trying your setting suggestions. Thanks again, Alan. This is VERY helpful to me. This unit seems to be in good condition. I may be able to buy for a fair price if I like it.

[Jim King]

Alan, I've read a few posts about compression that speak to the "pumping effect". I have to say I don't really understand it, but it seems not favorable? Are there any examples of recordings you can point to that would maybe show this? Thanks again!

[Alan Hyatt]

Jim,

The slope switch is not divided like you think it is. Unfortunately, it is not specific. Slope 5 is the 10:1, Slope 1 maybe 1.5:1, but all of it is based on input level, so it all changes as you go.

As for pumping, I can not think of specific songs and many time the pumping being described on the individule track is masked out by the entire mix. Heavy pumping sounds are cool for drum effects. Not to used all the time unless you really like it that way.

[Jim King]

Thanks for the additional clarification, Alan. I understand much more than I did a couple of days ago.