GC Audio Density 500-Series VCA Compressor

GC Audio DCC500 Overview

Complete and easy to use, the Density Compressor from GC Audio is a 500-series rack module that provides users with a flexible VCA compressor for professional mixing purposes. Sporting a straightforward design for a rapid workflow, Density uses carefully chosen capacitors and materials for extremely low noise performance and lots of character.

Controls include a threshold knob with a -30 to +10 dB range, ratio selection between 1:1 and 1:20, attack and release controls with an optional automatic selection for brickwall limiting, and ±20 dB of makeup gain. A soft knee selection and side-chain high-pass filter are also available, with the filter being tunable between 20 and 200 Hz on a dedicated control knob. The low-noise performance is ensured by the use of a Lundahl output transformer, optimized coupling and decoupling links, and gold contact mechanical relays that prevent any sound from passing through the front panel switches.

Quality Components

Great care was taken in selecting the components of the Density VCA compressor, including the capacitors, the high-grade Wima plastics, the low-ESR Nichicon Long Life electrolytic compounds, and the coupling and decoupling links which are optimized for a desirable impulse response.

The output balancing stage consists of a Lundahl high-output transformer preceded by a solid low-output impedance current generator stage. The very few uH generated naturally by the output coil of the transformer brings density and a feeling of proximity.