Real-World Assessment of Vertigo's VSS-2 Plug-in: Unfiltered Insights
Title: Vertigo VSS-2 Plug-In: A Comprehensive Review of the Premier Channel Strip
In partnership with Vertigo Sound, Plugin Alliance unveils the Vertigo VSS-2, a robust channel strip that packs powerful filters, an EQ section, a high-quality compressor, and a distinctive tube saturator into a single plug-in.
The Vertigo VSS-2 channel strip reflects a harmonious blend of processing elements from renowned Vertigo Sound hardware units, including the VSE-2 Gyrator EQ, VSE-4 Big Discrete Gyrator EQ, VSC-3 Quad Discrete Compressor, and VSM-2 Mix Satellite.
The plug-in boasts a modular signal path with a broad range of ±20 dB in the Input stage, adjustable with a single click to 0 dB. To visually monitor input, an 11-stage LED-ladder-style meter displays the signal from -60 dB to 0 dB, with shades of green, yellow, and red indicating the signal level.
One notable characteristic of the VSS-2 is its uniform design across mono and stereo instances. Despite only showing the left channel on the stereo meters, this configuration does not create any issues during use.
Following the Input stage, the Low- and High-Pass Filters offer toggles for slope settings (6 dB or 12 dB) in addition to frequency knobs. These filters, like the other processing sections, can be independently bypassed.
The Discrete VCA Compressor module, modeled on the circuitry of the VSC-3 hardware, features variable Threshold, Attack, Release, Make-Up Gain, and Ratio controls. The Ratio control offers Soft, 2:1, 4:1, and 10:1 settings, with Soft mode providing an input-dependent ratio, resulting in less compression when the signal first hits the detector.
The Auto-Release feature in the compressor provides program-dependent release settings adaptable to various audio sources. The sidechain filter, with 90 Hz and 120 Hz settings, helps adjust the bass content triggering compression. While the hardware boasts a Brick Wall mode for limiting, this feature is absent in the VSS-2.
The EQ section, inspired by Vertigo's Gyrator EQ, has four bands with centers at 100, 1,000, 1,000, and 5,000 Hz. The low and high bands employ shelving filters, while the Low Mid and High Mid incorporate Bandpass filters. Each band offers Frequency and Gain controls, along with toggle switches that affect the filter slope and Q.
our platform VERDICT: VERTIGO VSS-2 PLUG-IN
The Low Mid and High Mid toggle switches control the width of the Q, while the low and high shelf toggle switches offer dual filter-slope choices. A button nominally labeled Pre Comp can be used to move the EQ before or after the compressor.
The Tube Saturator, based on the VSC-2 Mix Satellite hardware unit, is the standout feature of the VSS-2. It allows users to warm up or overdrive tracks, adding pleasing analog characteristics to any source. Offering a significant amount of control, it enables users to target the saturation to particular frequency ranges by manipulating the Input Filter Control knob.
With six filter positions available (Low, Mid, HiMid, High, Full, and Track), users can choose whether to saturate the entire signal or a specific frequency zone. The Drive Control knob governs the level of saturation or distortion, while the Level knob controls the output gain.
The Shape knob handles a high-cut filter, allowing users to roll off excessive high-end or adjust the tone for a rounder sound. The Mix knob serves as a useful dry/wet control for parallel saturation. The Style switch toggles between Pentode and Triode tubes, subtly changing the tonal characteristics, while the Type switch offers Hard and Soft tube amplifier styles with more discernible differences.
THE TAKEAWAY: "If I had to choose one channel strip to use when mixing, the Vertigo VSS-2 would be among the leading contenders."
Moreover, the VSS-2 boasts a four-slot Comparison Panel, allowing users to save and compare four different parameter settings. Plugin Alliance also includes a Preset Manager, featuring a moderate-sized preset selection divided into Channel and Mix bus categories. Custom folders for saving user presets round out the robust preset management options.
While the Vertigo VSS-2 channel strip is an exceptional tool for audio engineers, some features are missing compared to other channel strips in the market. For instance, a polarity switch, a commonly found feature in channel strips, is absent from the VSS-2 design.
COMPANY: Vertigo Sound/Plugin Alliance • www.plugin-alliance.comPRICE: $$129 ($89 thru June 25, 2025)PROS:• Sweet-sounding and highly adjustable Tube Saturator.• Compressor provides transparent dynamics control and includes "Soft" mode.• Modules and EQ bands can be switched on and off.CONS:• No polarity switch.• Difference between Pentode and Triode settings is extremely subtle.• User manual could use more detail.
In summary, the Vertigo VSS-2 plug-in combines a sleek modular signal path with high-quality processing modules. Its EQ offers musicality and precision, while the compressor provides transparent dynamics control. However, the standout feature is the Tube Saturator, adding warm, musical saturation to any track with remarkable control. While missing some extra features found in other channel strips on the market, the Vertigo VSS-2 remains a solid addition to any mixing engineer's arsenal.
- The Tube Saturator in the Vertigo VSS-2 plug-in, modeled on the VSC-2 Mix Satellite hardware unit, is a standout feature, offering control to warm up or overdrive tracks, providing analog characteristics to any source.
- The EQ section of the VSS-2, inspired by Vertigo's Gyrator EQ, allows for a wide range of control, with four bands featuring adjustable frequency and gain controls, as well as toggle switches affecting the filter slope and Q.
- The Vertigo VSS-2 plug-in showcases a harmonious blend of processing elements from renowned Vertigo Sound hardware units, including technology from the VSC-3 Quad Discrete Compressor and the VSM-2 Mix Satellite, contributing to its entertainment value for mixing engineers.
