Tube compressor shoot-out: Pendulum ES-8 vs QES Labs Variable-Gm

[SoundKlang]

One more: By chance I heard the samples with a very low quality playback system barely above a kitchen radio with small speakers and no real bass frequencies. In this context the ES-8 delivered the most consistent and pleasant sound with most definition of the bass notes. The 747 was again less defined and a little clouded and the Variable-Gm with its emphasis on the midrange was a little harsh.

[M.o.T.s]

Originally Posted by SoundKlang

One more: By chance I heard the samples with a very low quality playback system barely above a kitchen radio with small speakers and no real bass frequencies. In this context the ES-8 delivered the most consistent and pleasant sound with most definition of the bass notes. The 747 was again less defined and a little clouded and the Variable-Gm with its emphasis on the midrange was a little harsh.

Ironically I've had a similar listen through some laptop speakers, then level adjusting.
Overall the Variable Gm won hands down, solid still not in the mud, the ES-8 was not as thick sounding, but very balanced. With it's veil, did not like the 747 at all.
The bottom end was more 'perceivable' through the Variable Gm sample, the ES-8 was more neutral on lows, while the Variable Gm was warmer.

Thanks for the test.

[SoundKlang]

Just thought the definition in the bass notes with the ES-8 was interesting and wanted to share that impression. With the little I know about perception of bass frequencies when the fundamental frequency is missing (small loudspeakers) - isn't that telling something about the quality of phase coherence in the ES-8? I am not saying here, that highest precision is always the goal.

Of course these devices may not be judged by playback with small loudspeakers. But still a lot of people listen through small playback systems. So I would not disregard them completely.

About the 'veil' in my 747 samples: please keep in mind that at least 50% of it is due to the lower quality of my DA conversion. Will post an update after getting a better DA.

[M.o.T.s]

Originally Posted by SoundKlang

Of course these devices may not be judged by playback with small loudspeakers. But still a lot of people listen through small playback systems. So I would not disregard them completely.

Sure! I agree with you!
Just for fun, I've had a listen through my iPod earpieces.
Still preferred the sparkle and solid body of Variable Gm sample over the ES-8.
Just my $0.02

[Tanio]

Originally Posted by M.o.T.s

Overall the Variable Gm won hands down, solid still not in the mud, the ES-8 was not as thick sounding, but very balanced. With it's veil, did not like the 747 at all.
The bottom end was more 'perceivable' through the Variable Gm sample, the ES-8 was more neutral on lows, while the Variable Gm was warmer.

Got the same impression. Another flag for the Variable Gm.

[SoundKlang]

More samples with the QES Variable Gm on drums (and other highly acclaimed compressors like Manley Vari-Mu, Api 2500 and so on): High End Drum Bus Compressor suggestions.

And here only the QES Variable Gm, but on different sources: Qes Labs Variable-GM Compressor/Limiter (sounds and pictures).

[WBM]

The change on the tubes, can create a different unit

[WBM]

May be the Tesla E88cc that will work if you want something round.

[Resis]

Originally Posted by WBM

The change on the tubes, can create a different unit

If I'm not wrong, I think those vari-mu comps can be based on the 6386 tubes.
The 6386 uses the gain control tube which is a remote cutoff triode, found in the vintage Fairchild limiters to provide the classic feedback response unique to the characteristics of this class of compression.