The Sweet Spot
The plug-in includes a preset called “LA Sweet-Spot” and one can safely use this setting on almost everything just to add a little more mojo. Just drive the unit with a proper “IN GAIN” amount so that the overall compression and distortion fits to the source.
Increased Stereo Imaging
If ThrillseekerVBL is used on stereo program material, I would recommend to use the TRAFO option to have the most prominent stereo imaging effects. Also, if there is just a little gain reduction amount applied, I would prefer the “DUAL M” option opposed to “STEREO” linking. And I would always use the “DUAL M” option on sources like vocal groups, panned rhythm guitars and stuff.
VBL as a Mastering EQ
One common mastering trick to open up a rather flat/dull track is to dial in a slight but broad 5kHz boost with an analog tube equalizer. Due to the tube circuit also higher order harmonics are generated and the whole stereo image opens up.
This can be replicated perfectly with ThrillseekerVBL: Move the “BRILLIANCE” screw to its top most position and set the “AMP” knob to 0.68. If distortion is too much now, just back it off by dialing in some compression and/or lowering the input gain.
If the EQ effect amount is too much, simply use the “DRY:WET” option. Also make sure that the trafo is in and prepare yourself for pure awesomeness.
Some Shorties
- Avoid pumping: Dial in some more “EMPHASIS”.
- More HF focus: Turn the “BIAS” screw clock-wise.
- Upward compression style: Dial in some dry signal amounts (just a little).
Variety Of Sound 
I love you
I was always told that upward compression was boosting the volume of a track when it goes under the threshold and that downward compressors with a dry/wet knob were incorrectly marketed as upward compressors because they are still using downward compression.
in principle you are right of course but when just looking at the compressor transfer curve a slight d/w mixing results into the very same effect.
Excellent tip’s thanks!
To which side the switch must be to turn the trafo on?
to the left
Thanks! This is a fantastic plugin!