Vertigo Sound VSM-2 Mix Satellite Full Version is a fully analogue mix and mastering processor in a 2U chassis. It combines an MS matrix, two balanced inserts, parallel compression and two independent harmonic generators, replacing a mastering console and separate colouration boxes in one unit.
Parallel compression and MS without repatching
You own a stereo compressor, but the material calls for treating centre and sides separately. With Insert 1 switched to MS, the M signal feeds channel A of your compressor and S feeds channel B, and the level of S is compensated, so you never have to chase an extreme threshold setting. The parallel compression control blends the insert return with the original signal, letting you add weight without flattening transients. Insert 2 works the same way and, in MS mode, engages a stereo width control with a zoom around the centre position. AFL solo lets you audition M and S separately at every stage of the chain.
Two harmonic generators instead of saturation plugins
The Fet Crusher produces pure even harmonics, emulating a Class A valve stage, while the Zener Blender adds third and higher odd harmonics, brightening the material and pulling out detail. Each has its own input filter, so you saturate only the band you want: Low 10-120 Hz, Mid 120 Hz-1.5 kHz, Hi Mid 800 Hz-4 kHz, High 4-20 kHz, Full 120 Hz-20 kHz or Track across the full range. Colouration is routed to LR, M or S, and the Drive, Shape, Level, Mix and Style controls run from subtle thickening to obvious distortion.
KEY FEATURES
- MS encoding and decoding across the whole signal path
- Two balanced XLR inserts switchable to LR, MS or Off
- Parallel compression on Insert 1 with dry/wet control
- Stereo width control with a zoom around the centre
- AFL solo of M and S taken after the output section
- Fet Crusher: pure second harmonic generator
- Zener Blender: third and higher odd harmonic generator
- Six input filter modes for the harmonic generators
- Colouration routed independently to LR, M or S
- Soft or hard character via the Style switch
- Global System hardwire bypass for the entire unit
- Full recall thanks to stepped pots and switches
TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS
- Design: fully analogue, 2U chassis
- All inputs and outputs electronically balanced and fully floating
- Dynamic range: 128 dB
- Frequency response: 10 Hz to 70 kHz (±1 dB)
- Maximum output level: +30 dBu
- THD at +28 dBu: below 0.003%
- Signal to noise ratio at +6 dBu: 104 dB (20 Hz-20 kHz, unweighted, RMS)
- Noise: -98 dBu (20 Hz-22 kHz, unweighted, RMS) at 0 dB unity gain
- Minimum output load: 600 Ohm
- Linear power supply with toroidal transformer
- Power consumption: max 30 W
- Mains voltage: 115 V or 230 V
