Trickfish VCA Compressor

VCA Compressor
Voltage Control Amplifier Compressor

The VCA Compressor pedal was born out of our desire to offer a compressor pedal that threads the needle between the transparent and accurate studio compression we love, and the tonal enhancement (aka magic sauce) that we all love in certain vintage compressors or beloved compressor pedals on the market. Our goal was to create a highly flexible, super accurate, and, most importantly, fantastic-sounding compressor pedal. We settled on a VCA (voltage-controlled amplifier) design with a smart and simple set of controls over the crucial compression parameters.

Features:

• Studio-Quality VCA Circuit: Delivers exceptionally clean, fast, and transparent compression that tames peak dynamics without altering your natural tone.
  
• Parallel Compression Blending: Features a dedicated Blend knob to mix your raw attack with the compressed signal, preserving string punch and dynamics.
  
• Smart Dynamic Response: Uses an optimized fixed attack time that allows initial string notes to snap through before smoothly leveling the sustain.
  
• Real-Time Visual Metering: Outfitted with an integrated 10-segment LED gain reduction strip for instant, clear feedback on your compression levels.
  
• Pedalboard Optimized: Housed in a compact, rugged steel chassis utilizing space-saving top-mounted input and output jacks.

Controls:

1. OUT - 1/4” phone jack output
2. DC IN - 9V DC power input, center pin negative
3. IN - 1/4” phone jack input
4. THRESHOLD - Sets the level at which the compressor engages
5. LEVEL - Adjusts the overall output level
6. RATIO - Adjusts how aggressive the gain is reduced
7. BLEND - Sweeps between wet/dry levels
8. ON - Footswitch toggles effect on/bypass

Specifications:

• Power Requirements: 9V DC (center pin negative)
  
• Power Consumption: 186 mA
  
• Input/Output Impedance: 1M Ohm / 100k Ohm
  
• Chassis: Steel
  
• Removable Rubber Feet: Adhesive backed
  
• Size (including knobs):
  (H x W x L in.) 2.29 (top) 1.96 (bottom) x 2.72 x 5.08
  (H x W x L mm) 58.2 (top) 49.9 (bottom) x 69 x 129.7
  
• Weight: 0.98 lbs / 0.45 kg