# VCA compression VCA compressors are the most versatile, with independent attack, release, threshold, and ratio controls,[^1] and they are especially well-suited for dealing with transients.[^2] They tend to be transparent.[^3] Most digital compressors are based on the VCA design.[^1] The SSL G Series, Distressor, dbx 160, and API 2500[^4] are popular VCA compressors.[^5] They can also transform energy, like FETs. They may be likened to a CNC machine.[^6] These are great for percussion and [[Parallel compression]].[^2] [[Molot GE]] does a nice VCA kind of thing. [[DC8C3]] Snap mode is like a VCA. [[MTurboComp]] does an SSL Bus, Distressor, and dbx 160. It seems [[Pro-C 2]]'s Bus mode is VCA-inspired. Reaper's [[Major Tom Compressor]] is inspired by a dbx 160. Steve Churchyard, Humberto Gatica, Eddie Kramer, Ed Cherny, and Mike Clink use a dbx on vocals for how clean they are.[^4] Rick Beato likes to use a dbx or SSL on kick and snare. He also sometimes uses a Distressor on snare and SSL on toms.[^7] Tom Lord‑Alge, Jack Joseph Puig, and Butch Vig, and Glen Ballard like the dbx on drums. Michael Brauer, Joe Chiccarelli, Fabian Marasciullo, and Robert Orton like to use a Distressor on drums, especially for parallel processing.[^4] [^1]: [Here are the most used type of compressors today! 🙌 - YouTube](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cUTe3PJYFfM) [^2]: [Audio Compressors: VCA, FET, and Other Compression Circuit Types](https://www.masteringbox.com/audio-compressors-vca-opto-fet-compression-circuit-types/) [^3]: [Audio Compression 101 - What is a compressor, its key terms and what do the different types offer?](https://mixdownmag.com.au/features/compression-101/) [^4]: [Classic Compressors](https://www.soundonsound.com/techniques/classic-compressors?utm_source=pocket_mylist) [^5]: [What are the different types of compressors?](https://audiohertz.com/2017/08/07/what-are-the-different-types-of-compressors/?utm_source=pocket_mylist) [^6]: [Four Types Of Compression And Why You Need Them All - YouTube](https://www.youtube.com/watch?utm_source=pocket_mylist&v=oIDvjCmaq-0) [^7]: [How The Pros Use Compression - Audio Compression Instruments and Mixes - YouTube](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7oOmX3JHwtE)