Smart c2 vs Api 2500

[PrinsJan]

Need a grabby, aggressive, ssl style compressor, with very fast release.
Also need sidechain, to keep the low end out of the compressor and it has to work for mastering. I only do dance music and I allready have a Thermionic Culture Phoenix compressor.

At the end, there now 2 compressors, to choose from. Api 2500 and Alan Smart c2. First I was not a fan of the C2, because it eats low end, but now with those sidechain cables, it will suite the bill.

Some questions:

Is the release of API 2500 as fast as the c2 ??
c2 is dual mono, API 2500 (not??), this is important, because I never like compressors in a linked mode. How's API dealing with is ?
I know there are some sidechain built into the API, also for the low end, and at what frequency ?

What would you choose ?

[philosi]

The C2 eats lo end? Not in my experience... Remember, when you are a/b-ing the compressed/non compressed signals, you have to level match... Even a fraction of a db difference and the first thing your ears tell you is "wow there goes the lo end". Especially if you are monitoring loud. Although I don't have the API 2500, I will say that the C2 is a fantastic 2buss compressor. And the 909 kick loves the C2.

The quad compressor in our SSL 4000 does seem to eat the Fidelity a little.... just a little, but enough so there is a trade off... cool "ssl compressor sound" vs full bandwidth. The C2 cures this problem... pre VCA out of the SSL right into the C2 (and 3 or 4 other things depending on the day....) and you have "that sound" and more.

The C2 is a full bandwidth, supercharged sounding version of the Quad compressor.

[Zuewi]

If you search for a SSL Type Comp i'd have a look also at the X-Logic G Series Compressor or the older SSL FX-G384.

[inlinenl]

Jan, GML2030 & GML8900 ... curious ... well you know the C2 with side-chain cables ...

[PrinsJan]

Originally Posted by inlinenl

Jan, GML2030 & GML8900 ... curious ... well you know the C2 with side-chain cables ...

Hmmm GML2030 looks awesome too, maybe I have to check TFpro p38 also (ssl mode 1)....

Still searching for the release times on the API 2500 compare to C2

[da goose]

This might be interesting for you:
GSSL 4000 Buss compressor - eBay, Studio en digital recording, Studio- en live-apparatuur, Muziek en -instrumenten. (Eindtijd 10-apr-08 21:29:35 CEST)

If the link doesn't work just search for GSSL 4000 on ebay

[Rick Sutton]

I own both and I really don't know for a fact which has faster release but my impression is that the C2 is just a little faster.

[Ben F]

How about one of these YouTube - Elysia Mpressor at AES Vienna 2007

[narcoman]

Try the Rollmusic super stereo. Does the C2 thing but just seems to breathe more . Very nice.

[PrinsJan]

Originally Posted by narcoman

Try the Rollmusic super stereo. Does the C2 thing but just seems to breathe more . Very nice.

The dual button is for switch linked and unlinked signal ? It's the rollmusic a mastering unit ? A lot cheaper then the C2

[philosi]

I didn't think the Smart C2 was considered an expensive compressor.

[Strobian]

The 2500 has an option to run the compressor in a 0% or unlinked mode. Its not dual mono. It actually has the ability to run in unlinked, 50% 60% 70% etc to 100% linked. I think these compressors are different. The 2500 is the most flexible. Release times start at .05 - 2ms. also mastering detented knobs standard.

[dhiltonlittle]

the smart c2 is an awesome compressor. with the sidechain active and also unlinking it gives you lots of great options. you should really check it out with the side chain enabled if you're only issue with it is that you thought it was eating your low end. i just picked up the api 2500 a few weeks ago after putting it off for for a year! i love it. it is very flexable and offers some things the smart can not do. it cann't however touch the smart at what it does best.

[narcoman]

Originally Posted by PrinsJan

The dual button is for switch linked and unlinked signal ? It's the rollmusic a mastering unit ? A lot cheaper then the C2

I prefer it to the C2. I wouldnt say the C2 or the Rollmusic are "mastering" compressor (although you use what you want i guess). More a useful 2 buss unit.

[Mr Phil]

Originally Posted by narcoman

I wouldnt say the C2 or the Rollmusic are "mastering" compressor (although you use what you want i guess). More a useful 2 buss unit.

That is exactly why I love the C2 in my mastering chain. It does wonders for most ITB mixes I get in, glues and smooths...

[Strobian]

Originally Posted by PrinsJan

I know there are some sidechain built into the API, also for the low end, and at what frequency ?

What would you choose ?

Don't forget that there are also "thrust circuits" on the 2500. These modes can give you a super round low end, even compression, without messing around with sidechain cables. I think you just have to point and shoot. I went with the 2500. One day I will most likely have both.

[PrinsJan]

Originally Posted by Strobian

Don't forget that there are also "thrust circuits" on the 2500. These modes can give you a super round low end, even compression, without messing around with sidechain cables. I think you just have to point and shoot. I went with the 2500. One day I will most likely have both.

But has it the same grap as a c2 (you have to get fast release) ?
The API site is a little modest to give information and in the Nederlands are API's hard to find. To is hard to compare :(

[Strobian]

Originally Posted by PrinsJan

But has it the same grap as a c2 (you have to get fast release) ?
The API site is a little modest to give information and in the Nederlands are API's hard to find. To is hard to compare :(

I am sure the 2500 is not grabbing "the same" or even sounds the same. How much different is up to the ear I guess, they are both highly regarded units. The 2500 works well, I use it for dance music, and I never have a problem with it eating lows or highs, in most cases I feel like I can get more wanted low end with the compressor. I use it mainly as a mix bus compressor, as well as drum bus on somethings. It glues very well, and you can adjust minor tones of the mixes quite nicely. I find that some of these units you just have to buy and try them. The 2500 has so many ways you can run it, that it takes a little time to really see how versatile it is.

[PrinsJan]

Finally found a API 2500 manual, fastest release is 0,5 and C2 at 0,1.
I'm impressed by API's manual: patented THRUST feature, and the linked switch and important, API still uses 2 compressor circuits when it is fully linked instead of other compressors which only use the one channel.

AHHHHHH now I'm more confused

Why not save or both

[dhiltonlittle]

Why not save or both [/quote]

ha! that's what i did. if it's going to be your only comp i'd check out the api. i think you may get more uses out of it. i stand by the c2 and love it but i'm really liking the 2500 alot!

[Strobian]

Originally Posted by PrinsJan

Finally found a API 2500 manual, fastest release is 0,5 and C2 at 0,1.
I'm impressed by API's manual: patented THRUST feature, and the linked switch and important, API still uses 2 compressor circuits when it is fully linked instead of other compressors which only use the one channel.

confused

Why not save or both

No the API is .05ms - 2ms

[PrinsJan]

Originally Posted by dhiltonlittle

Why not save or both

ha! that's what i did. if it's going to be your only comp i'd check out the api. i think you may get more uses out of it. i stand by the c2 and love it but i'm really liking the 2500 alot![/quote]

Allready have the Thermionic Culture The Phoenix, whick sound big, warm, rich, but sometimes lazy. That's why I need some spanking, without losing low end. thanx

[Lagerfeldt]

I don't know if it's over your budget but the Crane Song STC-8 is perfect for dance (and other music).

Just saw your gear list, you already have some Crane Song stuff so you're probably well aware of the STC-8.

The API 2500 is very cool and I know a couple of big german producers fond of it too.

[audiomichael]

Although the 2500 has a feedforward mode, and gets "kinda" SSL-ish. In this mode it's REALLY grabby. Far more than the C2 in similar settings. The API sounds best in the feedback mode, which makes the compression much more transparent. It's a great compressor, and it's inherent tone is killer.

The C2 is all attitude. Even at the most mild settings it does shaping to your sound (it's a great sound). If you're able to do parallel processing, the Crush mode is worth the price of admission alone.

[PrinsJan]

@ Strobian: you're right 'about release time.

@ Lagerfeldt: STC-8 is a little bit boring when you compare this to a pair of Trakkers. But a pair of Trakkers are over my budget or else would buy those.

@ audiomichael: the crush mode I will leave forever, if I would get the C2. The first thing I thought was: Because I heard you many good things 'about the crush, maybe nice on guitars, it sounds like a bad plug-in, but thats' only my humble opinion. In the classified section I saw an API 2500 for 1400 pound. It's hard not to buy this like a dirty little gearslut I am

[Strobian]

Originally Posted by audiomichael

Although the 2500 has a feedforward mode, and gets "kinda" SSL-ish. In this mode it's REALLY grabby. Far more than the C2 in similar settings. The API sounds best in the feedback mode, which makes the compression much more transparent. It's a great compressor, and it's inherent tone is killer.

I wouldn' say it sounds best in either mode. I find that each mode works different on different material, but usually you can get one of the two modes to really do something great on the mix. I agree though the feedback mode can be pretty juicy, where the feedforward is defo super grabby and lots of glue.

[Lagerfeldt]

Originally Posted by PrinsJan

@ Lagerfeldt: STC-8 is a little bit boring when you compare this to a pair of Trakkers. But a pair of Trakkers are over my budget or else would buy those.

Now, where's that "Ignore User" button,

I wouldn't get Trakkers over an STC-8 for mastering, never.

I think boring is very far from what the STC-8 is capable of, though it can be quite discrete and transparent it can also do less subtle coloration and pumping, if you really want it.

[MAzevedo]

Originally Posted by Lagerfeldt

Now, where's that "Ignore User" button,

I wouldn't get Trakkers over an STC-8 for mastering, never.

I think boring is very far from what the STC-8 is capable of, though it can be quite discrete and transparent it can also do less subtle coloration and pumping, if you really want it.

Gotta disagree, I have and STC-8 and a pair of Trakkers, and I get more use out of the Trakkers. I also have a bunch of other compressor options, though. If I had to hang my hat on one comp, it would be the STC-8 (and it was for a bunch of years in my old room) but for where I am now the Trakkers are great (especially run M/S with sidechain EQs).

[PrinsJan]

Originally Posted by Lagerfeldt

Now, where's that "Ignore User" button,

I wouldn't get Trakkers over an STC-8 for mastering, never.

I think boring is very far from what the STC-8 is capable of, though it can be quite discrete and transparent it can also do less subtle coloration and pumping, if you really want it.

Love u 2

I played with a pair of Trakkers and STC-8, to me the Trakkers have me more color and then STC-8, that's why I think to me it's sounds boring compare to TRakkers.
Trakkers has a lovely grap I remember, which I missed at some setting at the STC-8. Offcourse a STC-8 will for a lot of people do the job, but in my case Trakkers will suite the bill.

[dhiltonlittle]

sounds like you're more interested in the trakkers than the api or smart

why not just save and get what you want?