There are more than a few of the VSI prototype pre amps and compressors in daily use in studios throughout the states and even on a few tours. More than I realized.
I have been hosting a temporary web site for VSI Audio in anticipation we can get something better going on later as sales justify. Here and there I pitch in funds for the cause, because I have some of their stuff, get a LOT of personal favors, a lot of gear, and hell, I love it!
Well, it is my number on the VSI webpage, and for the people who have called, e-mailed, or pm'ed me about VSI, this post is for you! This is about our progess and products.
A side story taht leads me to realize how many inits are out there: I got a call from someone who purchased some prototypes through Gary Brandt's ad. (picture 11) Gary was in transistion, moving to a new home, and was just away from his e-mail longer than the customer liked. In the meantime I took his stats and got him in touch with Gary.
There is a problem (as there can be with prototypes). The problem is in the custom rack mount of the VSI lunchbox. While they were at it, the engineers insisted they make the latest transformer change on the prototypes 'V-3"s as well. The first two pictures are of the customer's rack. I hope you don't mind, Paul!
A lot of people have contacted me about the backwards compatibility of the VSI rack. It looks like standard 500 series, but it has additional voltage for tube gear. The edge connector of the VPR standard calls for the use of one side of the edge connector, and VSI stuck their extra voltage on the other side. This concerns some but I need the lunchboxes and racks just for VSI gear. Plus I can throw my API stuff in there as well. Even better!
So far, I personally have used it with API 512c's, 550b's, BAE312a's, and Eisens (as well as all of the VSI stuff). Paul was the first to test Buzz Audio and A Design.
The current plan is to soon release the L-21 Spectrum and L-22 Overtone fully compatible mic pres. The next step is to release the L-23, the 2 tube LA-2 style compressor with pre circuit exploited. After that, release the lunchbox and racks, so the compressors can link.
Gary Brandt has worked a lot with VSI as well, tailoring what had been once my commissioned project, and taken it in a new direction. Gary approaches the task with a wealth of experience and access to far better microphones than I have as well as some nice test equipment. I have to admit my ears have enjoyed the results of his suggestions. We have been using them a lot on Poe's upcomming album, and for tracking Gary Novak's drums on Craig Tyler's production of Jacob's "A Record Life' project, and most recently tracking Gry Novak's drums on Mitch Forman's new project (Dave Weckl is on the record too, Gary, Dave and I are old friends
). Gary B., I am just loving them on my console inserts... come over and listen (yes you can being your own speakers because you don't trust mine).
I have seen drawings for a product for the 500 series that I have racked we call the Magic Bus Processor, a one channel descrete amp and UI transformer for us on a group or main bus insert. It adds depth and articulation that sounds literally painful to remove once added.
There should be a 500 compatible compressor. One engineer has had a little discrete VCA block going on for a while now. It will kinda look like a 1122 or 2250 op amp. It's almost done. The rest of the circuit/design is not all that different than the L-22 from there, except the two meters instead of one (level and reduction).
I have asked for a tube mic pre based on the L-21 topology with a Pentode dual tube configuration in exchange for the discrete block. Basically what 'my' L-23 was supposed to be before this compressor thing amzingly came along.
And I have asked for something similar to the Mooktronics PDI 500. I asked VSI for a discrete DI based on their block and UI transformer, much like the Magic Bus, but with a instrument input on front, an amp output on front, and some metering, phase, pads, output level selector, and maybe HPF.
But first we really need to get that L-21/L-22 into mass production. For those of you waiting for them, we are doing what we can, sorry for the wait.
Eric