VCC
The Virtual Console Collection consists of two modules: Virtual Channel and Virtual Mixbuss. Each module allows the user to choose from one of six meticulously modeled analog consoles. The Virtual Channel was designed for use on individual mixing channels, while the Virtual Mixbuss should be the first module insert of the master fader.
When using the Virtual Console Collection across a mix, your DAW takes on the personality of a real analog mixing desk. The imaging and depth improves, instruments sit more naturally in the frequency spectrum, and mixing becomes easier and more musical. You can even push the DAW faders up to find each mixer’s “sweet spot.”
VU Meter
The VU Meter displays the RMS level of the signal just after the Console and before the Output gain.
The meter is calibrated to display 0VU when being fed by a 1kHz sine wave with a peak level of -18dBFS by default. You can recalibrate this level by adjusting the screw below the meter 1.
Clip-LED
The VCC Channel and Mixbuss are saturation modules. Above a certain input level proper to each console, the algorithm starts clipping, which means more saturation and non-linearities.
As soon as the signal gets above the Clip Threshold, the Clip-LED lights. Thus, you can easily visualize how the signal behaves in the console.
Input & Output Trim
Input Trim adjusts the level pre-processing. Increasing the Input Trim will allow you to hit the Channel or Mixbuss harder. Boosting the Input Trim will have a different effect than boosting the Console Drive.
Output Trim adjusts the level post-processing, which is useful for gain staging into following VMR modules.
Group I/O
Group I/O allows isolating the Input and Output section from the Group.
Link I/O allows for constant gain as the Input or Output Trims are adjusted2.
Console
Selects between the six console models.
Console Drive
Increases the nonlinear response of the selected console without increasing the output level. Drive can add more analog response without altering balances. Boosting the Console Drive will have a different effect than boosting the Input Trim.
You can reduce the Console Drive level by turning it counterclockwise or add even more tone than before by pushing it all the way to 18!
Group
Assigns the VCC Channel or Mixbuss module to one of the eight groups.
Noise Reduction
Disables the modeled noise for each console model.
Group Bypass
Bypasses processing for the selected group. The Group Bypass state is identical to using the Power Button to bypass the module, but with the benefit of affecting every VCC module in the group.
Grouping
Groups make using the Virtual Console Collection very simple, quick, and intuitive. At its most basic use, you can just set all VCC Channels and the Mixbuss to the same group, emulating mixing through one console. You could also use several groups and make your own hybrid console!
Grouped Parameters
- Input and Output
- Input / Output Link
- Console
- Console Drive
- Noise Reduction
Grouping Operations
Below are some rules that explain how grouping works with the VCC modules:
- When a VCC module is ungrouped, then the module uses the it’s own settings.
- When a VCC module is grouped, then the module uses the Group’s Settings.
- When a VCC module is joining an empty group, then the module keeps its own settings, and applies it to the group.
- When a VCC module is joining an occupied group, then the module takes on the settings of the group.
- When a VCC module becomes ungrouped, then the module keeps its last known settings.
Tips
Each Group label around the Group knob is clickable, allowing the user to directly select a Group, without having to scroll through the intermediate Groups.
The Group’s Tooltips allow you to select a Group simply by typing the Group number.
The Consoles
Every console has been optimized so that it matches the original tone of its analog counterpart with absolute precision. In most of the consoles, you’ll likely not hear a difference. However, the US-A and RC-Tube models were modified to match some new reference units that we obtained, and while the changes are very subtle, we think they are for the better and hope you’ll agree!
Brit 4k E
This console models an early 80’s British mixing desk that we were told about by many local LA engineers who were fans of the console’s uniquely fat tone. This desk has a tight but punchy low end, warm low mid, and punchy and present mids. You can really hit the mix buss hard (do this either by pushing the faders into it -or- by using the new input/out link), and it gives you an amazing saturation and makes transients sit in the mix much better.
Brit N Discrete
This classic desk has been a staple of the recording industry for over thirty years. Known for a rich, fat, and warm sound, it can add some classic vibe to your mixes.
Brit 4k G
The most popular mixing console in the industry, this desk has a clean, punchy, wide, and slightly aggressive quality that has made it the go-to desk for rock, pop, metal, and hip hop. Push it hard to get some extra grit to the transients.
US A Discrete
One of the most sought after desks in the industry, this American-made discrete console is known for a thick and fat tone with lots of vibe and midrange punch.
Ψ
Another classic British console, this desk is known for being the ultimate rock desk, with a wide soundstage, smooth highs, and fat low end. Push it hard for some extra fatness.
RC-Tube
The RC-Tube is based on an all-tube broadcast desk from the 50’s. It has a super thick midrange, smooth high end, and fat and warm bottom end.
RC-Tube License & Feature Set
RC-Tube is a feature-limited version of the Virtual Console Collection. If you have an RC-Tube license instead of a Virtual Console Collection license, the VCC Bundle modules will operate as follows:
- Console Models Brit 4k E, Brit 4k G, US A, Brit N, and Ψ will be dimmed.
- Console Models Brit 4k E, Brit 4k G, US A, Brit N, and Ψ may be selected, however, the VU Meter will not move and the selected Console will have no effect on the signal.
- The RC-Tube Console Model will not be dimmed and will process the signal when selected.
If you purchase a Virtual Console Collection license, there’s no need to install additional software; simply move the Virtual Console Collection license to your iLok 2 dongle and all Console Models will be unlocked!