dbx VCA

[Marc Bareille]

Thank for all the  answers! This is a Great List :)

Tony Allgood wrote:
> 
> Marc brought up the idea of using dbx2155 et al. as VCAs in synths. I've
> used these and yes they do sound good even if they distort the input a tad.
> 0.05% THD ha, ha.

Yes there are not perfect! But if you dont use them for HiFi but for
sono and instruments 
(well as dynamic processing mainly ) they are quite good and efficients.
Have build some for friends  and they are still in use!

> But I found the real problem with these was control
> breakthrough. You always had to slug the CV otherwise it would thump
> something horrid. 

Yes again , you're rigth !  I experiment the same pb when i try to build
a fast side chain for driving 
the dbx vca... or give to the attack/realese time of my compressor a to
small value 

>I cannot remember the rise times I used with the 2155 but
>I bet it was a lot slower than a good ADSR

I think a synth VCA need to have a very fast attack rate ... dbx vca
will probably  make problem on this side
and it's rigth that they need good trimming to give good sound as well ! 

> The SSM parts are cheaper and better I think.

I will probably try the SSM2018... (i have some never used samples
somewhere... :) 

>Mind you I haven't found a source of these who is willing to
> sell me any in small numbers.

I know two sources in France for those ics :
 
the first is a retailer and have only the 2150A and the 2252 RMS
detector for 73FF each (about 7.3£ or $14)
but you can order only 1 if you want... http://wwww.selectronic.fr

the second one is the official importator :SCV audio - they have all the
collection of THAT ics...
but the prices are heavy if you buy only one. Prices are very degressive
with qte ...
For people who just want few ics they provide packages with different
combinations 
(ie: 3*2150 +3*2252 for about 400FF -40£- 80$) 

you can contact them here : http://www.scv.fr
they have an E-mail: scv at scv.fr    


thanx  
Marc Bareille