Fredenstein V.A.S. Compressor
The V.A.S Compressor is single channel FET compressor with Stereo link capability. It
incorporates Fredenstein's proprietary Reverse-Mancini FET architecture for increased linearity and
noise performance. In addition, the output stage consists of our high performance OPA2 discrete
operational amplifier coupled to a high quality American-made steel core transformer.
As all Fredenstein products, the OPA2 is not a copy of an older design, but a completely new
circuitry manufactured in SMT technology. Matched and integrated dual input transistors guarantee
vastly improved specifications compared to older designs. The OPA2, following the tradition of
well known manufactures, is socketed and can be exchanged without tools. The industry standard
pin-out makes it compatible with many manufactures. To achieve the highest sonic performance, no
polarized capacitors, electrolytic or tantalum, are deployed in the signal path.
Overall the V.A.S Comp supports a wide variety of different sounds from smooth and clean to
aggressive and smashed. As a truly flexible compressor, it features rotary controls for Input Gain,
Attack Time, Release Time , Compression Ratio, Side-Chain Bandwidth, Make-up Gain, and Wet-
Dry mixing as well as illuminated switches for Bypass, Stereo link, and Side-Chain filter.
Controlling the operation of the V.A.S. Comp is very easy due to its separate 12 LED Gain-
Reduction and Output-Level meters. Gain reduction is indicated ranging from 1 to 16 dB and the
output-level in the range from -30 dB to +20dB (0 dB = +4 dBu).
Other professional features are a hard bypass when powered off and a three second turn-on delay to
suppress pops, as well as a remote Bypass function in Stereo link mode. Only one Bypass switch
has to be engaged to put both units in Bypass mode for easy Stereo sound comparisons with or
without compression.
For easy touring and recording around the world, the V.A.S. Comp has a built-in universal power
supply ranging from 90Vac to 240Vac, 50 -60 Hz.
As all Fredenstein products, the V.A.S. Comp is designed by a German-American team and
manufactured in Taiwan.
Fredenstein V.A.S Comp Manual V1.1 Oct. 2, 2014 Page 1
