Solid State Logic FX384, XLogic G Series Compressor, Smart C2

[ripper]

Ok, I'm finally succumbing to the SSL comp thing.

It's a flavour, I'll give it that, and more flavs on hand the better.

Considering buying the SSL XLogic G Series Compressor and need to do it before the end of the tax year (June 30) but don't wanna later go: "Damn, shoud have gotten the
FX384 or C2. Or a clone? Hmmmm... what to do?

Just had in a new SSL XLogic G Series Compressor that sounded pretty damn punchy in 4:1.

Have also tried the C2 but I was mixing a track done by an LA poppy-punk producer that the band and I weren't to into (just for a benefit album) so I did a quick mix in CRUSH mode as a parody of that whole sound... it "worked" if that's your cup of tea but we were doing it as an in-joke... to me if i had any decent mix going at all i would have hated it.

Has anyone compared the XLogic G Series Compressor DIRECTLY with the Solid State Logic FX384 and /or the C2 or clones?




I think i was more impressed w/ the XLogic G Series Compressor than the Smart C2 which seemed to do too much of that SSL thing (crush mode) or not enough (normal mode). I want flavour out of this thing, but I still wanna taste my original receipe.

But I didn't have them in at the same time on the same material so can't say for sure.

Call me crazy, but when I used the XLogic G Series Compressor, it was on the last mix of an album I had used my STC8 as 2 buss comp on every other mix... so i just inserted the XLogic G Series Compressor in series before the STC 8.

Holy hell! THAT made one nice compresser (well 2 actually!). I was just hitting a db or less on the SSL in 4:1 and then playing w/ the knee control on the STC 8 (how awesome is THAT knob?!?) which was on slow attack and fast release... about 1 to 1.5 db reduction on the STC8.

SUPERGLUE!

all this punch from the SSL and then this nice shaping from the STC 8!




My usual mix compression setup is:

STC8 on stereo buss (love that thing there!!!)

2 linked EAR 660's as main parallel compressor

TG1 and 33609 on lead and backing vocs, "toughners" for acoustic or clean elec rhy guitars, etc.

Manley ELOP on overheads , bvs or pretty acoustics

Distressors on DI bass, parallel kick, elec, guitar, etc... same goes for 1176's and 1178's

DBX160VU as snare parallel comp..

RNC's when desperate.

Any thoughts as to which SSL type might be the best missing link provider?

Thanks!!!!

[SnakeCained]

Opinoin is that there is liitle if any difference between the G384 and Xlogic G buss comp.

I just wonder if the auto fade knob is able to be pulled out

[ripper]

thanks for the reply.

by "pulled out"
. do you mean removed?

that autofade seems pretty unnecessary... a slightly cheaper price would be a better feature!!!!

has anyone out there compared the SSL's directly to the Rolls RMS755?

[el cochino]

Originally Posted by ripper

has anyone out there compared the SSL's directly to the Rolls RMS755?

Yes, Bang has in this thread: http://gearslutz.com/board/showthread.php?t=49426

[SnakeCained]

Originally Posted by ripper

thanks for the reply.

by "pulled out"
. do you mean removed?

that autofade seems pretty unnecessary... a slightly cheaper price would be a better feature!!!!

has anyone out there compared the SSL's directly to the Rolls RMS755?

No there is another thread where we noticed that on some units you can push/ pull the Autofade knob , NOT that this actaully does anything!

The Autofade is quite cool. Remember this is in the analogue domain and sounds very different to the same thing done in a DAW.

[thethrillfactor]

Originally Posted by ripper

Any thoughts as to which SSL type might be the best missing link provider?

Thanks!!!!

The original compressor in the E/G console to me sounds the best.

It has the best "glue" of all the SSL like comps.

But that's also because its working as part of a system.

The original gray faced SSL FX 384G outboard unit improved the sonics in that it sounds more open but without the console it always feels like its missing something.

The issue with all of the emulators is that some change the side chain,some change the VCA's, some add EQ's in the side chain and others change the output amps.


All of these improvements seem to change the characteristics some what.



For some its a benefit and for others who are used to the original SSL sound its a detriment.


You just have to try them all out and see what you like best.

[GearHunter]

The XLogic G comp is the same as G384s which were made after about '99. In '99 or 2K SSL changed the VCA in there from a dbx 2002 to a "That" VCA. Then in '02 they ended the 384 and introduced the XLogic version, whose only difference was new cosmetics. The real 384 fanatics prefer the "mojo" of the pre-Y2K comps. They tend to be a bit crunchier, have more of the well-loved SSL punch and crunch.

Personally, these days I like the Smart C1, because it sounds like a 384 only with the advantage of dual mono mode for tracking. I have no use for the C2's "Crush". The SSL XL is overpriced, and the 384s are hard to find and pricey. So the C1 for the bucks is a pretty nice choice.

NONE of the currently available boxes have that dbx 2002 VCA, as far as i know. So, if you absolutely have to have that older 384 sound, you'll have to seek one out...before June 30. Buena Suerte!

[matthias]

you mean the dbx 202xt vca... this one also consists of an array 8x that2151 vcas, the 215x series is the older series, the newer 218x series has better specs,
but doesn't sound different.
in the new xlogic compressor the vca consists of an array of 4x that2181 vca ,
the al smart c1 has only 1 vca ic in the signal path, a 2181 or 2180

[GearHunter]

Originally Posted by matthias

you mean the dbx 202xt vca... this one also consists of an array 8x that2151 vcas, the 215x series is the older series, the newer 218x series has better specs,
but doesn't sound different.
in the new xlogic compressor the vca consists of an array of 4x that2181 vca ,
the al smart c1 has only 1 vca ic in the signal path, a 2181 or 2180

Sorry, right! I meant "202" not "2002".

Thanx! I'm not a tech, nor do I play on on TV.

[SiliconAudioLab]

Originally Posted by SnakeCained

Opinoin is that there is liitle if any difference between the G384 and Xlogic G buss comp.

I just wonder if the auto fade knob is able to be pulled out

Yeah we discovered this feature so you'll want that FOR SURE!!

Ooops...I forgot to post my results on the PlassyBow knob results - today or tomorrow I hope.

Anyway get an SSL Grey G384. I'm fallin' in love w/ mine all over again (just grabbed a second one too), needed some work but worth it.

[SiliconAudioLab]

Originally Posted by GearHunter

So, if you absolutely have to have that older 384 sound, you'll have to seek one out...before June 30. Buena Suerte!

http://cgi.ebay.com/SSL-LOGIC-G384-C...QQcmdZViewItem



Now go and hit that "Buy It Now" button.

[Jules]

I dunno, these days, to me, the SSL G384 (old one) paints with too wide a brush...

I own one, used to love it.. but.. it aint getting much use these days..

Just seems too POWERFULL, to STRONG an effect on the mix..

I do let it go out on rental though.. $$

[GearHunter]

Originally Posted by SiliconAudioLab

http://cgi.ebay.com/SSL-LOGIC-G384-C...QQcmdZViewItem



Now go and hit that "Buy It Now" button.

Ok, THAT PRICE IS JUST WRONG! PuhLeeez! They're good, but they're not that good. $3500?? Canadian dollars? Pesos? Those should be $3K tops!

The seller also has a silver "vintage" 1176 on there for THREE GRAND.

Wow. I sure hope nobody spends that kind of dough, when you can get a new SSL for less, or a Smart, or a Roll 755, or....

[ripper]

Wow! Thanks for the detailed replies and your time!!

Drew, have you directly compared the Rolls Super Stereo and the SSL or C1?

I'm wid ya on not really needing the CRUSH.

Would go for Rolls because of price but I'm a bit worried it won't have quite enuff of that SSL Thang I'm after: I've got the STC8 for a pristine buss comp... like i said, i want this for that "modern" thwack flavour that suits certain things...

thoughts on how the rolls stacks up IN THIS REGARD (not just whether it's a good comp in general).

MUCH appreciated!

[Dirty Halo]

I have both and can confidently say, they are close enough AND have distinct characteristics that may appeal to you.

1. I'd say the G384 (original) really has "that" SSL sound), but remember, part of that was all the VCA and center cention going into that compressor.

2. The C2 is more like a high-fi version of the G384, crisper detail and punchier.

They are both great and more a matter of subtle vibe than enough of a difference to call one better than the other.

Persoanlly, I use the C2 all the time for specific subs or tracking and the G394 across the two buss to get a glued "SSL" finish.

Hope that has some help, putting context to the question.

I may add that short of having an actual SSL console, I'm having a small format custom sort of 16 (32 channel) version made with center section by Bruce at the desk Doctor, sor of the ultimate summing and console mix (no pun intended)...if you REALLY want to go at it, that may be a way to go!

-Andrews

DIRTY HALO www.dirtyhalo.com

[ripper]

Thanks andrews... what you've posted reconfirms my nonscientific impressions of the smart and the ssl

good luck w/ the desk thingy!

[SiliconAudioLab]

Originally Posted by GearHunter

Ok, THAT PRICE IS JUST WRONG! PuhLeeez! They're good, but they're not that good. $3500?? Canadian dollars? Pesos? Those should be $3K tops!

The seller also has a silver "vintage" 1176 on there for THREE GRAND.

Wow. I sure hope nobody spends that kind of dough, when you can get a new SSL for less, or a Smart, or a Roll 755, or....

The Vintage guys down south (LA) have 'em (gray G384) for around $3100 ~ $3500

[ziegenh5]

I've heard the C1 sounds more like the SSL comp in the console than the G384 does. Any truth to that?
Sean

[SiliconAudioLab]

No.

[Bat Head Sound]

Originally Posted by thethrillfactor

The original compressor in the E/G console to me sounds the best.

It has the best "glue" of all the SSL like comps.

But that's also because its working as part of a system.

The original gray faced SSL FX 384G outboard unit improved the sonics in that it sounds more open but without the console it always feels like its missing something.

Agreed.

[yeloocproducer]

Don't have experience with the 384... but I have an STC-8 and C1 and I use them together on the mixbuss sometimes the same way you are describing. I love the combo, really works well. I know a lot of hipster rock peers (tony hoffer, tchad blake, etc.) use the C1. I love the dual mono mode, but you could probably get away without it b/c you have the STC in potential dual mono mode in the chain, if you want a bit of that effect thrown in.

[GearHunter]

Originally Posted by ripper

Wow! Thanks for the detailed replies and your time!!

Drew, have you directly compared the Rolls Super Stereo and the SSL or C1?

I'm wid ya on not really needing the CRUSH.

Would go for Rolls because of price but I'm a bit worried it won't have quite enuff of that SSL Thang I'm after: I've got the STC8 for a pristine buss comp... like i said, i want this for that "modern" thwack flavour that suits certain things...

thoughts on how the rolls stacks up IN THIS REGARD (not just whether it's a good comp in general).

MUCH appreciated!

The Roll sounds a little more open than the others, but still has plenty of spank. Very impressive for the dough. Very impressive.

[ripper]

Thanks everyone!

Maybe the Rolls would be good for me... i want some thwack but frankly, i'm more into open sounding mixes than choked ones.

so tony hoffer uses a c1? that must be the unit responsible for the completely overcompressed sound of his mixes on the last Belle and Sebastian album...
i could NEVER go there, personally! I want to give a spanking, not a flogging!

anyways, anyone know the skinny on this guy John Ellis from dramastic audio?... sounds interesting!

here's what he wrote to an ME friend of mine recently:


The unit you saw on the website is the prototype which we are almost sold out of. We do have a few left which are still available for sale. Currently I can only ship these to the US since they do not have the CE approval sticker. The final production models will be available next month.

We've had such a positive response from everyone who has checked it out, we decided to rename the product, add some features, as well as add color graphics to the front panel. The new product name is Obsidian.

The "Obsidian SL" will have all the same features as the SXL6000 including the TXIO as well as an additional setting on the release called Lo-Fi which is a distortion like mode. In addition, a high pass filter switch has been added which is always available, even when you are using the sidechain.


Best Regards,

John Ellis
Dramastic Audio Corp
www.DramasticAudio.com

Any info, anyone?

[GearHunter]

Originally Posted by ripper

Thanks everyone!

Maybe the Rolls would be good for me... i want some thwack but frankly, i'm more into open sounding mixes than choked ones.

so tony hoffer uses a c1? that must be the unit responsible for the completely overcompressed sound of his mixes on the last Belle and Sebastian album...
i could NEVER go there, personally! I want to give a spanking, not a flogging!

anyways, anyone know the skinny on this guy John Ellis from dramastic audio?... sounds interesting!

here's what he wrote to an ME friend of mine recently:


The unit you saw on the website is the prototype which we are almost sold out of. We do have a few left which are still available for sale. Currently I can only ship these to the US since they do not have the CE approval sticker. The final production models will be available next month.

We've had such a positive response from everyone who has checked it out, we decided to rename the product, add some features, as well as add color graphics to the front panel. The new product name is Obsidian.

The "Obsidian SL" will have all the same features as the SXL6000 including the TXIO as well as an additional setting on the release called Lo-Fi which is a distortion like mode. In addition, a high pass filter switch has been added which is always available, even when you are using the sidechain.


Best Regards,

John Ellis
Dramastic Audio Corp
www.DramasticAudio.com

Any info, anyone?

I have heard it, and I really like it. Did not know it was available yet.

[ripper]

Any thoughts on how it compares to the Rolls or SSL/C1?

Sounds like he's gone for a combo of pristine analogue parts (trannies, etc.) and SSL vibe.

Did you have impressions of it regarding the characteristics mentioned above (Thwack, etc.)?

Thanks!

btw/ doesn't look like i'll make this one as a deduction this year as it's the 30th here!
nut i'd rather get the right compressor and that might take a bit of time to work out from way down south in oz.

[Joey Walnuts]

The 755 is a good 2 buss compressor. Its is alittle too clean for my taste. It's very smooth and transparent . I returned mine.
I recently bought the Alan Smart C1, and I found it more punchy, aggressive and overall it has the tone I was looking for. (I'm using PT HD, through the DB LT.)
For the difference in price(about $350), it was well worth it.

On another note, I tried the C2. It's a great compressor obviously.
Better is relative.
I didn't care for the crush mode(I'm mostly mixing throught it), the side chain would probably would never get used, and as someone else already point out, the c1 is $500 cheaper, sounds fantastic and looks cooler.........................thumbsup

[ripper]

thanks everyone!

since i do have an stc8 for the cleen thang, think the advice of going for more flavour is good.

i dont' xpect this to be my main buss comp all the time, just for THAT flav.

guess i'll keep an ear out for a used samrt or ssl.

anyone wanna off their's ?