VSS-2
by Vertigo · Channel Strip · Vertigo console channel strip
Not rated yet
VSS-2 combines four Vertigo hardware sections in one channel strip: VSE-2 filters, a VSC-3 quad VCA compressor, a VSE-4 gyrator EQ and VSM-4 tube saturation.
Sections can be re-ordered and the saturation has pentode and triode modes; it is $129 (on sale for $49.99 when checked).
Best for: Vocals, Drums, Mix Bus, Bass, Guitars. Genres: all genres.
Keywords: tube, VCA, drums, bass, hardware emulation, vocals, 50s, 70s, bus processing, electric guitar, full mix, gentle, harsh, mix bus, built-in mix knob, mixing, oversampling, parallel processing, sidechain input, warm, wide.
What it does
VSS-2 is a Plugin Alliance channel strip, developed by Brainworx, that combines four Vertigo Sound processors into "one complete, discrete channel strip". Each section can be switched in or out, and the order of the sections can be changed.
- VSE-2 filters: high-pass and low-pass filters at the input, modelled on Vertigo's discrete gyrator filter design, for clearing rumble and harshness before the rest of the chain.
- VSC-3 compressor: a quad VCA compressor based on a 1979 design, with Soft, 2:1, 4:1 and 10:1 ratios, auto release and a switchable sidechain high-pass filter (for example 90 or 120 Hz).
- VSE-4 EQ: an inductor-style EQ with discrete gyrator circuits, with low and high shelves and mid bands; each band has a narrow or wide Q (or slope) switch rather than a free Q knob.
- VSM-4 saturation: tube saturation based on a 1950s W. Frank tube desk, with Pentode/Triode style, Hard/Soft type and an input filter that can focus the drive on full range, low, mid, high-mid or high bands.
- THD Mix: a wet/dry control on the saturator for parallel tube colour.
- Routing and quality: switchable section order and FIR oversampling; sections you switch off also save CPU.
The current version is 1.0.0 (released February 26, 2025). A 14-day trial is available.
When to use it
VSS-2 is the better pick when you want a clean, modern VCA compressor and a strong tube saturator in one strip. Compared with bx_console SSL 4000 E or Native Channel Strip 2, it trades SSL console character for Vertigo's smoother EQ and much more tube colour, but it has no polarity switch and fewer fine EQ controls. Scheps Omni Channel is more flexible, with more modules and detailed metering, while VSS-2 is simpler, with fixed, hardware-style choices. It also pairs naturally with the VSC-2 and VSM-3 plugins already on the site.
- Best for: vocals, bass, drums and buses that need gentle VCA control plus warmth or overdrive.
- Genres: pop, rock, R&B and any style that wants analog tube colour.
- Look elsewhere if: you want classic SSL behaviour (bx_console SSL 4000 E) or fully parametric EQ bands (Scheps Omni Channel).
- Tip: Mix's reviewer liked the Soft ratio on bass, drums and guitar to keep them breathing, and the Hard saturation type on drums and percussion.
What producers say
Early press is very positive, with the tube saturator singled out as the highlight.
- Mix said it would be "among the leading contenders" if they had to pick one channel strip, and called the saturator one of the best in software.
- Gearnews described it as "a powerful channel strip plugin" for a wide variety of situations.
- Criticisms: Mix noted no polarity switch, a thin manual, no fully adjustable Q on every band, and very subtle Pentode/Triode differences.
Where to buy
- Plugin Alliance: $129 (sale price shown on Plugin Alliance's Vertigo collection page when checked)
Tutorials and reviews
- Vertigo VSS-2 - Quick Overview
- Vertigo VSS-2 - Walkthrough
- Plugin Alliance Vertigo Sound VSS-2 Channel Strip A MUST HAVE PLUGIN
- Vertigo VSS-2 Channel Strip by Plugin Alliance (No Talking)
- Plugin Alliance - Vertigo VSS-2 Channel Strip - The best of Vertigo’s sound? Walkthrough (no talk)
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