A low-distortion, exponential-response VCA integrated circuit created by THAT Corporation and primarily used in studio equipment. Three grades are available at increasing prices and decreasing distortion levels. The exponential response avoids the need for an external exponential converter. The 2180 has been used in some Eurorack modules, notably in designs by Manhattan Analog and by L-1.
The 2180 is a simplification of the 2181, which required external trimming to acheive lowest distortion levels, and was in turn derived from the dbx 2150 used for example in studio compressors.