Duly dominating its familiar-looking ‘vintage’ GUI (Graphical User Interface), VCE-118’s central knob offers compression ratios ranging between 1:1 and ∞:1 or expansion between 1:1 and 1:2, while the intensity of the effect can be tweaked with the THRESHOLD control. An all- important ‘mode’ button switches between regular gain reduction or expansion, whereby only ABOVE THRESHOLD levels are processed, to LINEAR operation, affecting the full level above and below the threshold.

Helpfully, VCE-118 provides the ultimate punchy compression known from early VCA compressor flagships like the famous ’160, but does not simply stop there since its expanded dynamic range surprises with intriguing effects reminiscent of gates and transient shapers. Indeed, its LINEAR operation can take this even further, venturing, for instance, into the sonic realms of heavily pumping beats or dead silent ambience.

“VCE-118 is nothing short of a giant in disguise; it can slam your drums into oblivion while within a second it can become a great punch enhancer — if used sparingly in parallel.” So suggests Fuse Audio Labs CEO Reimund Dratwa, drawing to a close with, “LINEAR mode is such an advantage when you’re hunting for unusual, extreme dynamic effects, applicable in various amounts with the all-important MIX knob.” 

VCE-118 is available at an attractive 50%-discounted introductory promo price of only $29.00 USD until April 29, 2024 — rising thereafter to its regular price of $59.00 USD — directly from its dedicated webpage, which includes more in-depth information, here: https://fuseaudiolabs.com/vce118.html

Note that 14-day trial versions of all Fuse Audio Labs plugins without any restrictions are also available to download for free from here: https://fuseaudiolabs.com/plugins.html

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