SSL g series mix buss comp.

[Push845]

OK...silly question of the day....ready.....I just did a mixdown and set the SSL at 2:1, 30 ms attack and auto on the release..I'm really not sure if I should have used 4:1 instead. I couldn't tell the diff. so I left it at 2:1. Was it the right thing to do for a master mix comp? Also...I'm usind a Vari-mu on the drum sub mix...Would any body trade the places of the SSL and the Manley? RE: Manley on the master sub and the SSL on the drum sub? I really value everybodys opinion on here.
Thanx, Paul

[cap217]

2:1 is fine 4:1 is ok as well at 2-3db max. But the 30 attack is high, I only go as high as 10 on bass tracks, rock I put it lower but there is no rule here. If it sounds good go for it!

[Push845]

Originally Posted by cap217

2:1 is fine 4:1 is ok as well at 2-3db max. But the 30 attack is high, I only go as high as 10 on bass tracks, rock I put it lower but there is no rule here. If it sounds good go for it!

So your saying that the attack overall should be on 10 ms?

[Mr. Incredible]

Well, it depends.

Depends on the tempo, the track, the emotion, the genre, etc.

It also depends on whether you're mixing into it or slapping it on towards the end.

If I mix into it and I'm looking to do something punchy, I'll often use as fast an attack as 1ms, with the release at .3. Meter shows up to about 3db of compression.

Depending on the track though and especially if I'm adding it later, it will be slower attack with the fastest release or auto.

If you're looking for starting ideas, those are pretty good places, but those "rules" are definitely meant to be broken and I'm sure there are plenty around here who use it a completely different way.

Whatever works...

[cap217]

no, 30 may have worked in that situation.... I personally never go that high, 10 at the most. But for rock tracks and others I stay lower! But like I said this is just me, not a rule!

[Push845]

Originally Posted by cap217

no, 30 may have worked in that situation.... I personally never go that high, 10 at the most. But for rock tracks and others I stay lower! But like I said this is just me, not a rule!

Thanx for the info!

[lefthando]

Pretty hard to screw up attack/release settings with that compressor. Just don't overdo the gain reduction

[MJGreene Audio]

One word of advice. Try everything. Ok. That is two words!! I have been doing a bunch of mixes and my usual set up is 4:1, with a 10ms attack and Auto release. I was working on a mix that had really bad tracks and it just wasn't working the way I wanted it to. I started twiddling the knobs and ended up at 10:1 with a 10ms attack and the track just jumped out and sounded like a real mix. That was only with about 3 db reduction. At first I thought I was nuts but after I a/b's the different settings it just worked. That box is pretty magical and can do so many things if you just mess with it.

As always, Just use your ears and don't worry about what the numbers say.

Michael Greene

[bpatural]

It's always good to try other settings...where you started is a nice safe place, but sometimes 10 sounds good on the attack (a little more punch), 4:1 was a pretty standard ratio when I used to assist in an ssl room...gives a little more snap. I like to try the 2 -3 shortest release times sometimes to see if it adds some excitement, but auto release is usually the nicest as it allows parts of the song to be louder without getting too squished. All the settings can get more extreme if you use it as a drum sub instead.
-Brian

[socologan]

what do you think of the 33609?
what are some settings some of you use for mix bus?

[Push845]

Originally Posted by MJGreene Audio

One word of advice. Try everything. Ok. That is two words!! I have been doing a bunch of mixes and my usual set up is 4:1, with a 10ms attack and Auto release. I was working on a mix that had really bad tracks and it just wasn't working the way I wanted it to. I started twiddling the knobs and ended up at 10:1 with a 10ms attack and the track just jumped out and sounded like a real mix. That was only with about 3 db reduction. At first I thought I was nuts but after I a/b's the different settings it just worked. That box is pretty magical and can do so many things if you just mess with it.

As always, Just use your ears and don't worry about what the numbers say.

Michael Greene

Thanx for the advise...well taken

[Push845]

Originally Posted by bpatural

It's always good to try other settings...where you started is a nice safe place, but sometimes 10 sounds good on the attack (a little more punch), 4:1 was a pretty standard ratio when I used to assist in an ssl room...gives a little more snap. I like to try the 2 -3 shortest release times sometimes to see if it adds some excitement, but auto release is usually the nicest as it allows parts of the song to be louder without getting too squished. All the settings can get more extreme if you use it as a drum sub instead.
-Brian

I'm gonna try the 4:1 at 10 ms tonight....I'll let you know...

[Push845]

Originally Posted by socologan

what do you think of the 33609?
what are some settings some of you use for mix bus?

This comp. is KILLER!....I replaced my vari mu with it.....I'm looking for settings too!!...lol ...These guys have been great with thoughts on settings!!!!!