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Fredenstein V.A.S. Desktop FET Compressor Demo

1-channel FET Compressor/Limiter, with Side-chain Input and Stereo Link Capability
6 Write review Item ID: VASCompd1

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Flexible Compressor for Tracking and Mixing

Use the Fredenstein V.A.S. Compressor as a single-channel solution for day-to-day compression tasks in your studio, or get two of them and link them for true stereo operation. LED meters allow you to check the amount of gain reduction and output level at a glance. The side-chain insert point allows you to trigger compression from an external source, with a switchable filter to fine-tune which frequencies trigger the compressor — perfect for preventing bass-heavy signals from triggering too much compression. And the Mix control lets you blend your source signal for parallel-compression effects. Complete with a steel-core output transformer for rich sound and ultra-low noise, the Fredenstein V.A.S. Compressor is a workhorse dynamics controller.

Related Videos: V.A.S. Desktop FET Compressor

OPA2 op-amp and steel-core output transformer for superior sonic performance

Instead of using off-the-shelf components, the V.A.S. Compressor is based around Fredenstein's OPA2 discrete audio op-amp. Because the OPA2 op-amp is socketed, it can be easily swapped with a different model without requiring tools. Combined with the steel-core transformer at the output stage, the V.A.S. Compressor offers vibrant audio performance with a linear frequency response.

Intelligent engineering through the entire signal path

While it may be one of the more affordable compressors at Sweetwater, the V.A.S. Compressor is the result of impressive engineering. It incorporates Fredenstein's Reverse-Mancini FET architecture, which promises increased linearity and noise performance. And for maximum sonic integrity, no polarized capacitors are used in the signal path.

Flexible compression from subtle to extreme

With a ratio range of 2:1 to 20:1, the Fredenstein V.A.S. Compressor is suitable for everything from subtle smoothing to full-on limiting. It's an ideal choice for taming vocals and bass guitar, and a pair of them linked for stereo operation would do well smashing a pair of drum overheads. Attack time ranges from 0.5ms to 50ms, while the Release ranges from 70ms to 2.5s — wide-ranging controls that allow you to dial in just the right amount of dynamic control for any project.

Fredenstein V.A.S. Compressor Features:

  • Single-channel FET compressor with stereo link capability
  • Clear, vibrant, balanced sound from OPA2 discrete op-amp and steel-core output transformer
  • Mix control allows you to blend your source signal for parallel-compression effects
  • Side-chain input with filter allows you to trigger compression from an external signal
  • LED meters display Gain Reduction and Output Level
  • Ratio ranges from 2:1 to 20:1 for everything from subtle smoothing to extreme limiting
  • Attack time ranges from 0.5ms to 50ms
  • Release time ranges from 70ms to 2.5s
  • Hard Bypass completely removes the compressor from your signal chain
  • Perfect for desktop use — can also be mounted in the Fredenstein V.A.S. Rackmount Kit
  • Universal power supply: 90VAC–240VAC, 50Hz–60Hz

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Signal Processing Buying Guide

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Tech Specs

  • Type: FET Compressor/Limiter
  • Number of Channels: 1
  • Controls: Attack, Release, Ratio, Make up, Mix
  • Threshold: Fixed
  • Ratio: 2:1 to 20:1
  • Inputs: 1 x 1/4", 1 x XLR, 1 x 1/4" TRS (link)
  • Outputs: 1 x 1/4", 1 x XLR
  • Sidechain I/O: 1 x 1/4" TRS
  • Height: 2.0" (with feet)
  • Depth: 6.69"
  • Width: 7.87"
  • Weight: 2.86 lbs.
  • Manufacturer Part Number: VAS Comp

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Customer Reviews

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2023 Update Review

I had to update my review of this product. On my last review, I complained about the LED gain reduction lights not responding correctly. There was nothing wrong about it - simply just my inexperience using the unit. It's going on 3 years of me having this and all I can say is this compressor is simply amazing sounding! Sounds so good on drums and vocals. I've compared this unit with other 1176 clones, many of them way above its price range, and this keeps coming out on top. The input amp is discrete and the makeup gain has the transformer so it's cleaner even then my Urei rev F. So lowering the input and cranking the makeup can give you wonderful tones. Also, the wider range of attack and release time from an original 1176 gives this thing even more versatility. I can honestly say this is a sleeper unit. Good Job Fredenstein.
by Dat Boi Sheed on
Music background: 13+ years as an Audio Mix Engineer

Great Colored Preamp

This is a great little preamp. I only use it on vocals. Very quiet. And it's colored. Heavily colored. Very Smooth. Clear. Unique sound signature.
Pairs wonderfully with the Rode NT1a but especially with a Blue Bluebird. This preamp likes to see a bright mic. It brings out the best in the brighter condensers in my opinion.Tames them in a very nice way. So if you have some bright mics that bother you with other preamps,try this out.
For the price, it's unique, sounds great and looks cool too.
Build quality if fantastic. Can't lose with this one and like I said. Very quiet too.
by ej from Boston Area on
Music background: Guitarist, Drummer. Hacking around with Vocals

Top notch quality in a miniature body

I love the sound of this little fet compressor. It allows recordings to sit in the mix perfectly. Only two issues I have will fredenstein is they should of included the rack years instead of making it an additional purchase. Also, the LEDs on the gain reduction side doesn't read the reduction how I expected so there is a learning curve -as weird as that sound. Anyway, 2020 if you would like a quality fet and not have the same overpriced units everyone else runs to, buy this!
by Dat Boi Sheed from South Carolina on
Music background: 10+ years as an Audio Mix Engineer

Compact Compressor With A Nod To A Studio Legend

Bought a Fred VAS preamp a while back, really glad I got it; awesome performance for the price. When I was able to save up enough to add a compressor to the chain, I decided to go with the matching Fred VAS compressor. The preamp rocks (a very useful,high quality unit)-so I figured Fredenstein would get the compressor right, too. Which they did, and it really does behave like an 1176-style compressor w LED's instead of a VU meter, with extra hot-rodded specs and goodies thrown in for free. The unit I received is almost perfect, I could not be happier, especially at this price-point. An excellent compressor/limiter, it does it's job well, just like the big dawgs. Plus, I saved enough $$ to add a Klark-Teknik tube EQ to my channel strip, all without sacrificing a bit of performance. If I had known the VAS PreAmp was as good as it was, I would have just jumped straight to the F200, dual-channel preamp with compressor. I am sold on Fredenstein! BTW, Sweetwater hooked me up with another epic deal, with a ton of savings thrown in ta boot. Thanks, Bob M!
by Ken O from Austin on

Mini 1176

This thing is basically a mini 1176 with extra features. I bet everyone just overlooks it because of the way it looks and the lower price. They also have a rack ear set that lets you hook two together to fit in a 1U space. Give it a try!
by csmelko from Akron, OH on
See also: Compressors, Fredenstein, Fredenstein Compressors / Limiters
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