best 500 series comp for 2 buss

florent · 13th March 2008, 11:30 PM

Which one would(probably 2 of them) be the best comp.for 2 buss duties.I am looking on SSl - C2 type of sound.thanks

NathanEldred · 13th March 2008, 11:41 PM

For two bus, you are going to want a pretty slow attack. Usually most people like slower than 50 milliseconds for this application. Not microseconds, so you have to look closely at each unit. Also, an opto is not going to get you anywhere close to the modern SSL sound. So basically based on the two criteria above that leaves you with the Buzz Potion, which is a tight sounding FET compressor that allows you to adjust the attack from a variable setting in microseconds, all the way to a nice slow 80 milliseconds attack, allowing you to let the transient through enough to sound good. Another nice feature on the Potion is the mix knob so you can adjust the compressed sound with the non compressed sound in any amount you want.

undermind · 14th March 2008, 08:27 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by florent

Which one would(probably 2 of them) be the best comp.for 2 buss duties.I am looking on SSl - C2 type of sound.thanks

I would consider NOT limiting yourself to the 500 format maybe?? There are many things available in the format, but not many compressors. But the REST of the compressor world can live in a standard rack right above or below your lunchbox. Or you could buy a 4 space table top rack and then you have a 19" lunchbox for rack units.
He

hh I actually truly made myself LOL there.. Not trying to be a smart ass necessarily, I just never thought of that..

But anyways, don't know what your budget is, but you can get the SSL style stereo compressor from Chameleon Labs on the CHEAP! And everything I've read on it has been quite nice, considering the price!

pan60 · 14th March 2008, 04:38 PM

their are a few comps, and more coming: )~

but i agree one should always look at the option and make the best choice for themselves.
i do not see the 500 format has limiting one self though.
their is some very awesome gear still to come for this format.

undermind · 14th March 2008, 06:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by pan60

their are a few comps, and more coming: )~

but i agree one should always look at the option and make the best choice for themselves.
i do not see the 500 format has limiting one self though.
their is some very awesome gear still to come for this format.

Yes their absolutely is awesome gear in the 500 format! I love the format, and actually prefer buying gear in that format. But you are most definitely limiting yourself when it comes to compression! And that is absolutely nothing against the compressors in the format, there is already great stuff there, and more coming (an Optograph in 500 form, c'mon it's brilliant!)
But the number of compressors in 500 form makes up a TINY TINY percentage of what is available in other forms! So yes, you absolutely are limited in choice when it comes to the 500 series. Is it possible to find the perfect compressor in 500 form? Sure!

bgrotto · 14th March 2008, 06:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by NathanEldred

For two bus, you are going to want a pretty slow attack. Usually most people like slower than 50 milliseconds for this application. Not microseconds, so you have to look closely at each unit. Also, an opto is not going to get you anywhere close to the modern SSL sound. So basically based on the two criteria above that leaves you with the Buzz Potion, which is a tight sounding FET compressor that allows you to adjust the attack from a variable setting in microseconds, all the way to a nice slow 80 milliseconds attack, allowing you to let the transient through enough to sound good. Another nice feature on the Potion is the mix knob so you can adjust the compressed sound with the non compressed sound in any amount you want.

If florent is looking for a C2 type sound, he probably doesn't want a 50ms-or-slower attack time. Based on his post, I'm guessing he's looking for something with more grab (as in under 10ms)...I've gotta pair of vintage 525s that have a really fast grab and they work great on buss duties. If the re-issues sound as good as my old timers, I'd recommend those.

NathanEldred · 14th March 2008, 06:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bgrotto

If florent is looking for a C2 type sound, he probably doesn't want a 50ms-or-slower attack time. Based on his post, I'm guessing he's looking for something with more grab (as in under 10ms).

The Buzz Potion does 50 microseconds, 1 millisecond, 5 milliseconds, and 10 milliseconds attack time also, so that covers what you are talking about.

pan60 · 14th March 2008, 09:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by undermind

Yes their absolutely is awesome gear in the 500 format! I love the format, and actually prefer buying gear in that format. But you are most definitely limiting yourself when it comes to compression! And that is absolutely nothing against the compressors in the format, there is already great stuff there, and more coming (an Optograph in 500 form, c'mon it's brilliant!)
But the number of compressors in 500 form makes up a TINY TINY percentage of what is available in other forms! So yes, you absolutely are limited in choice when it comes to the 500 series. Is it possible to find the perfect compressor in 500 form? Sure!

no argument, but i do want to everyone to know, you will be ( and i wish i could say more :(~

), seeing a number of comps hit the market this year!
the gap will narrow considerably.

stevetgn · 14th March 2008, 10:28 PM

To a certain extent how many milliseconds you set the attack to is not the important factor, but more how quickly the compressor grabs after the set attack time has elapsed.
It is this swift onset of compression that makes the SSL, C2, Potion etc add punch, drive and urgency to your mix. A compressor with a sluggish attack will not add any punch or drive regardless of attack setting, although it may add glue and cohesiveness.

I love my Potion but I don't feel there is a killer 500 series mix buss comp... yet!

NathanEldred · 15th March 2008, 12:59 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by stevetgn

I love my Potion but I don't feel there is a killer 500 series mix buss comp... yet!

What did or didn't you like about your pair on main stereo bus?

florent · 15th March 2008, 02:51 AM

the couple of reasons I am looking on 500 series format are: price ,also I can add some EQ’s latter maybe 2 more pre amps .The C2 or SSL comp is to much for my budget ,I am looking on comp .only for 2 buss nothing else,.and the budget I was thinking is 2000 $ for comp only.

undermind · 15th March 2008, 06:12 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by florent

the couple of reasons I am looking on 500 series format are: price ,also I can add some EQ’s latter maybe 2 more pre amps .The C2 or SSL comp is to much for my budget ,I am looking on comp .only for 2 buss nothing else,.and the budget I was thinking is 2000 $ for comp only.

SSL clones.. There's a Gyraf on the classifieds right now for cheap. (whoops didnt mean to share that)

stevetgn · 15th March 2008, 10:29 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by NathanEldred

What did or didn't you like about your pair on main stereo bus?

The Potion is not quite the same, but has a similar swift grab to my Smart C2 and the SSLs, but for me it's just a bit too aggressive for the mixbuss with far too higher harmonic distortion and using the blend, again doesn't work for me on the mix buss. As the good man Fletcher says though YMMV.

On the drum buss however that aggressiveness, all that extra harmonic distortion that is induced, used with the blend can make the kit sound really exciting. Love it on bass and sometimes acoustic if it's strummed in a rock track.

Nathan we've spoke before on this forum about how I love the Potion. It's just not a mix buss comp for me, but one hell of a tool all the same.

NathanEldred · 15th March 2008, 06:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by stevetgn

The Potion is not quite the same, but has a similar swift grab to my Smart C2 and the SSLs, but for me it's just a bit too aggressive for the mixbuss with far too higher harmonic distortion and using the blend, again doesn't work for me on the mix buss.

On the drum buss however that aggressiveness, all that extra harmonic distortion that is induced, used with the blend can make the kit sound really exciting. Love it on bass and sometimes acoustic if it's strummed in a rock track.

Nathan we've spoke before on this forum about how I love the Potion. It's just not a mix buss comp for me, but one hell of a tool all the same.

It's all good, I was just curious for the details. Thanks.

stevetgn · 16th March 2008, 12:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by NathanEldred

It's all good, I was just curious for the details. Thanks.

np

Drumsound · 16th March 2008, 09:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by florent

the couple of reasons I am looking on 500 series format are: price ,also I can add some EQ’s latter maybe 2 more pre amps .The C2 or SSL comp is to much for my budget ,I am looking on comp .only for 2 buss nothing else,.and the budget I was thinking is 2000 $ for comp only.

Why should a piece of gear only be used for one purpose?

florent · 16th March 2008, 11:10 PM

I am happy with everything else that I have but not with a comp for 2 buss,so that's a reason.also I didn't hear that people use SSl(2 buss comp.) or C2 a lot for tracking-mix also I didn't like them for that purpose.

13th March 2008, 11:30 PM	#1
florent Gear nut Join Date: Oct 2006 Posts: 82	best 500 series comp for 2 buss Which one would(probably 2 of them) be the best comp.for 2 buss duties.I am looking on SSl - C2 type of sound.thanks

13th March 2008, 11:41 PM	#2
NathanEldred Lives for gear Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: West Coast Central Florida Posts: 6,211	For two bus, you are going to want a pretty slow attack. Usually most people like slower than 50 milliseconds for this application. Not microseconds, so you have to look closely at each unit. Also, an opto is not going to get you anywhere close to the modern SSL sound. So basically based on the two criteria above that leaves you with the Buzz Potion, which is a tight sounding FET compressor that allows you to adjust the attack from a variable setting in microseconds, all the way to a nice slow 80 milliseconds attack, allowing you to let the transient through enough to sound good. Another nice feature on the Potion is the mix knob so you can adjust the compressed sound with the non compressed sound in any amount you want. __________________ Nathan Eldred Atlas Pro Audio APA Juggernaut 500 & Juggernaut Twin Preamp USA Distributor for Buzz Audio Worldwide Distributor for APA & OSA Atlas Recording Studios, Inc. Recording/Mixing/Mastering Services

14th March 2008, 04:38 PM	#4
pan60 500 series nutjob Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: 500 series Guru SKANK! ; ) Posts: 8,556	their are a few comps, and more coming: )~ but i agree one should always look at the option and make the best choice for themselves. i do not see the 500 format has limiting one self though. their is some very awesome gear still to come for this format. __________________ www.pan60.com A CHARTER MEMBER OF THE 500 FORMAT, MAFIA where is LA? Randall nailed it VOTE THEM ALL OUT! ALL! quote: your secret identity is safe with me superman! Peter Montessi it is easy to sound as though one was endowed with great intelligence, whilst speaking amongst a crowd of total morons

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14th March 2008, 10:28 PM	#9
stevetgn Lives for gear Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: Right here where I'm Stood Posts: 1,652	To a certain extent how many milliseconds you set the attack to is not the important factor, but more how quickly the compressor grabs after the set attack time has elapsed. It is this swift onset of compression that makes the SSL, C2, Potion etc add punch, drive and urgency to your mix. A compressor with a sluggish attack will not add any punch or drive regardless of attack setting, although it may add glue and cohesiveness. I love my Potion but I don't feel there is a killer 500 series mix buss comp... yet!

15th March 2008, 02:51 AM	#11
florent Gear nut Join Date: Oct 2006 Posts: 82	the couple of reasons I am looking on 500 series format are: price ,also I can add some EQ’s latter maybe 2 more pre amps .The C2 or SSL comp is to much for my budget ,I am looking on comp .only for 2 buss nothing else,.and the budget I was thinking is 2000 $ for comp only.

16th March 2008, 11:10 PM	#17
florent Gear nut Join Date: Oct 2006 Posts: 82	I am happy with everything else that I have but not with a comp for 2 buss,so that's a reason.also I didn't hear that people use SSl(2 buss comp.) or C2 a lot for tracking-mix also I didn't like them for that purpose.