The SSM2166 integrates a complete and flexible solution for conditioning microphone inputs in computer audio systems. It is also excellent for improving vocal clarity in communications and public address systems. A low noise, voltage-controlled amplifier (VCA) provides a gain that is dynamically adjusted by a control loop to maintain a set compression characteristic. The compression ratio is set by a single resistor and can be varied from 1:1 to over 15:1 relative to a user-defined rotation point; signals above the rotation point are limited to prevent overload and to eliminate popping. In the 1:1 compression setting, the