Crane Song STC-8 vs API 2500

[Synthnerd]

Will be doing dance music/electronic.

After getting much helpful info from engineers on this board I think I've narrowed it down to these as my first comp for dance music mastering. Haven't decided on an EQ but will probably go with something clean like millenia nseq2 FF or gml 8200.

I know these are both capable and it's subjective, however I need to decide on one as my 1st.

Only one comp will be bought due to budget. Other compression will be ITB.

Who wins?
(I know, get them both! standard GS answer)

[kjg]

stc8 + cheap sidechain eq

[Riccardo]

api 2500 as a mastering compressor?

API 2500, how ?

api 2500 for mastering

Cranesong STC 8 tricks?

API 2500 for mastering?

Mastering Compressors

Your favourite compressor for mastering and why?

Mastering compressor beside my tube tech

taking the plunge - compressors

Crane Song STC-8 Shape

for STC8 users: where in the chain?

Api 2500 vs Crane vs ES8

Cranesong STC 8 tricks?

STC-8 vs. STC-8/H vs. STC-8/M

[Riccardo]

As we are looking at two very different compressors it would be much more interesting if you got both in for testing and then let us know which one you choose and why, as well as how you initially came to select those two.

[Franco]

I own the API and bought it because it's probably the least expensive "high-end" compressor that you can also use for mastering. I really like that I can get a "clean" sound or a "dirty" sound and really like the flexibility of the release. A lot of times I wish it had a "2.5" and "3.5" ratio setting though, which means that sometimes the fixed 2:1 and 3:1 don't work for whatever it is I'm working with and that's when I'll use another compressor (usually my UAD Bus Comp).

If I had the dough, I would also get the STC-8 because that has a more flexible knee control than the 2500's 3 modes.

edit: I also have the Waves API bundle because I thought that I could use the API on something like the drum bus and use the real deal on the mix bus. The plugin is close but not good enough in my opinion to substitute the HW. Just pointing this out for those who may be interested in the 2500 and think you can demo the Waves version and make a decision; the Waves version I find emulates the behavior to a degree, but there IS a reason why the HW version is 2 grand & change, IMO.

[finetuner]

The STC is a wonderful compressor, but i must say i'm starting to miss a ratio control lately. The shape control doesn't replace it...

[twwalsh]

Originally Posted by Franco

I own the API and bought it because it's probably the least expensive "high-end" compressor that you can also use for mastering. I really like that I can get a "clean" sound or a "dirty" sound and really like the flexibility of the release. A lot of times I wish it had a "2.5" and "3.5" ratio setting though, which means that sometimes the fixed 2:1 and 3:1 don't work for whatever it is I'm working with and that's when I'll use another compressor (usually my UAD Bus Comp).

If I had the dough, I would also get the STC-8 because that has a more flexible knee control than the 2500's 3 modes.

edit: I also have the Waves API bundle because I thought that I could use the API on something like the drum bus and use the real deal on the mix bus. The plugin is close but not good enough in my opinion to substitute the HW. Just pointing this out for those who may be interested in the 2500 and think you can demo the Waves version and make a decision; the Waves version I find emulates the behavior to a degree, but there IS a reason why the HW version is 2 grand & change, IMO.

i have owned both the 2500 and an stc-8. i much prefer the 2500. with the crane song, i really didn't like not being able to set the ratio, attack and release to absolute values. it's just all voodoo.

the 2500 is a solid, dependable compressor. i love having a 1.5:1 ratio...i use it way more than 2:1. it's got built in sidechain options that the crane song didn't have. it has feedback and feedforward modes, and transformers.

i like the waves 2500 plugin pretty well, but i don't think it sounds remotely like the hardware.

[the unik]

Sure that you cannot go wrong buying the API 2500 !

This thing can keep all the drums punch even with huge amount of gain reduction..It also have several colors, and can be treated badly or gently as you like ! Though I never had a stc 8, I suppose it's a very transparent unit, and maybe "less" appropriate for dance, electro music style...givin' less "vibe" to ITB stuff..

Also for a "cheaper" mastering compressor, it has less noisefloor than my Manley vari mu, wich I bought double the price ! I mean this is a real Mastering compressor, no problem.

Dave Kutch only swear by this compressor :

The Mastering Palace

[Lagerfeldt]

I couldn't live without my STC-8/M for mastering dance music (or other music).

The "lack" of a ratio control is not a problem, on the contrary it's how the compressor was designed - for a reason. It's unlike any other compressor and can be very musical and tight without unwanted pumping.

I'd suggest getting a STC-8 and using it in combo with a more traditional plug-in compressor, or perhaps the very flexible Flux Solera II compressor.

The API 2500 is more of a "trick" compressor in my opinion, and not so easy to set precisely for mastering unless you modify the controls. But why don't you get both and buy the one you prefer. Mind you, it'll take more than a few weeks before you get to know the details of each machine.

I have the STC-8/M(astering) version but I wouldn't hesitate getting the regular or /H version instead to save some dough.

[twwalsh]

i feel like the STC-8 is useful if you already have a traditional "mixing" buss compressor. while many mixes are overcompressed, a lot of records actually need the mixes finished with "mix compression". the STC-8 is a good mastering compressor, meaning it's good for putting the final touches on mixes that already have the "macro dynamics" and "vibe" just right.

i feel like the 2500 is a great "mix buss" compressor AND has some "mastering compressor" qualities, really bridging that gap. a good _FIRST_ mastering compressor.

[alcopop]

I have used both , like both , but would take the Cranesong any day of the week for mastering . It can be very transparent or colorful . It can do a lot of reduction without any significant negative artifacts if the client wants loud. It's also a very very fast comp and for me would find its was across a broad range of styles a lot quicker than the API.

For me the API shines mostly on aggressive music .

[Fabio]

I don't know Api comp but I will not mix or master something without a Cranesong stc8!
From jazz to metal it always shines!

[Darius van H]

I own both and find the API much more useful. To me the STC-8 is kinda boring and could easily be replaced with a plugin..........i'm trying to sell it if anyone's interested.

Obviously this is NOT how many others feel so i'll take cover now!

[alcopop]

Originally Posted by Darius van H

I own both and find the API much more useful. To me the STC-8 is kinda boring and could easily be replaced with a plugin..........i'm trying to sell it if anyone's interested.

Obviously this is NOT how many others feel so i'll take cover now!

I'll buy it if you throw in that very comfy looking couch at the back of your room


On a serious note :
I find the STC-8 can get nicely colored when you are in KI mode using quicker releases times .

[Alécio Costa]

"To me the STC-8 is kinda boring and could easily be replaced with a plugin..."

Darius....which plug-in would you go for?Seems you are a fan of more colored gear.. Am I wrong?

[hernanperez2000]

Both compressors are excellent¡¡¡¡¡. They are very different too¡¡¡. in my experience if you need a mix compressor i prefers API 2500. help my mixes a lot¡¡¡¡ For mastering stc-8 is my favorite¡¡¡¡.

[Lagerfeldt]

Originally Posted by Darius van H

To me the STC-8 is kinda boring and could easily be replaced with a plugin..........i'm trying to sell it if anyone's interested.

Obviously this is NOT how many others feel so i'll take cover now!

Puleeeeease, you can not be serious.

Anyway, starting ducking I'm throwing a nuke your way.

[twwalsh]

i'd agree with the general statement "it's kinda boring"

[24-96 Mastering]

Originally Posted by twwalsh

i'd agree with the general statement "it's kinda boring"

Again and again, I'm genuinely amazed that many call the STC-8 clean / clinical / boring.

Set mode to Ki (internally jumpered to the milder version), long attack, short to medium release, high shape and you have a low end bounce / drum punch monster with a great colour (so great that I occasionally find myself EQing it out again

I like the API2500 too, had one here for a while, but always felt it didn't give me anything I couldn't get from the STC-8. In my intuitive understanding, the STC-8 just always sounded a touch more elegant than the 2500 when I set them both to do the same task. (I may of course have had a lean towards the STC-8; I knew the unit better and the 2500 was the contender for a space in my rack.)

Either way, you can't go wrong with either of them. They will both do the job well. But do yourself a favour and demo both of them, at the same time, for at least two weeks.

A comparison I'd like to do is have Vertigo up next to the STC-8...

[space2012]

Originally Posted by Synthnerd

Will be doing dance music/electronic.

After getting much helpful info from engineers on this board I think I've narrowed it down to these as my first comp for dance music mastering. Haven't decided on an EQ but will probably go with something clean like millenia nseq2 FF or gml 8200.

I know these are both capable and it's subjective, however I need to decide on one as my 1st.

Only one comp will be bought due to budget. Other compression will be ITB.

Who wins?
(I know, get them both! standard GS answer)

hear the gearshootouts...
http://www.gearslutz.com/board/gear-...s-audio-tests/

[hernanperez2000]

i'd agree with the statement: the STC-8 sounds a touch more elegant than the 2500.
the API shines on aggressive music¡¡¡¡¡

you cannot go wrong buying the API 2500¡¡¡¡¡

[gregor z]

Originally Posted by 24-96 Mastering

Set mode to Ki (internally jumpered to the milder version), long attack, short to medium release, high shape and you have a low end bounce / drum punch monster with a great colour (so great that I occasionally find myself EQing it out again

same experience here........85% of the time is set like that........phenomenal results on groove and punch..........never boring.....


Gregor

[mcsnare]

I've been demoing a Vertigo for a few weeks. It's phenomenally good. I had an STC-8 for years and it's a good box, but the Vertigo outshines it IMO.

Dave

[Adam Dempsey]

I prefer the STC-8 for its sound, and the Vertigo for its sound, and both for their flexibility. Here we consider them both workhorses. Sometimes I'll try each to see what suits best, but mostly by now I know pretty fast what's best for the task at hand. Some recent specific comments here.

[leaper]

Both can do subtle and hard.
The Cranesong has a huge range of variations that seem to seamlessly run into each other (probably due to no fixed ratios).
The API has moments when it won't fit something but you can wring out lots more attitude than the Cranesong if that's required (there's a direct relationship between attitude and tone color which may or may not be appropriate)
The Vertigo is lovely but not on my personal wish list.

[disco judas]

Originally Posted by twwalsh

i'd agree with the general statement "it's kinda boring"

+1 , I think I sell mine soon

[ISedlacek]

Originally Posted by Alécio Costa

"To me the STC-8 is kinda boring and could easily be replaced with a plugin..."

The same here ... I bought it because I heard so many comments about it and then was a bit disappointed ... Sounded quite boring and non-interesting (tiny bit "sterile" to me). I happily sold it ... (or rather - I wanted to sell it and it was lost forever on its way to Italy by GLS courier ... fortunately they refunded the loss after some time)

[jackthebear]

Originally Posted by finetuner

The STC is a wonderful compressor, but i must say i'm starting to miss a ratio control lately. The shape control doesn't replace it...

It's not meant to......it's just different......

Just because this thing lasks a knob labelled ratio and hasn't got time increments on it's attack and release knobs doesn't make it less relevant.

One thing people need to understand is that the STC-8 has a longer learning curve that other compressors......

I remember Brad Blackwood telling this and he was correct.....

There were cases where I "discovered" some pretty kewl things about it 2 years after having it......and she gets a lot of love.....

One thing's for sure.......no matter how obtuse you get it......it's really hard to make it sound bad.....

[William Bowden]

Originally Posted by jackthebear

There were cases where I "discovered" some pretty kewl things about it 2 years after having it......and she gets a lot of love.....

Yes Tones, but do you like the STC-8 more than the Vertigo, ie which one of those two seems to make you smile more?

In my brief tussles with both units the Vertigo always seemed to have a better vibe for me, expensive yes, coloured in a way yes, but there's something about that box...

The King

[jackthebear]

Originally Posted by William Bowden

Yes Tones, but do you like the STC-8 more than the Vertigo, ie which one of those two seems to make you smile more?

In my brief tussles with both units the Vertigo always seemed to have a better vibe for me, expensive yes, coloured in a way yes, but there's something about that box...

The King

That's like aksing (nu skool) me which fist do I prefer.......

While I haven't kept strict records..... I can say with some degree of certainty that they both get fairly equal use here......no sibling rivalry as such......

The scientific methods of a coin toss or bottle spin can usually determine which one gets the nod.....

But then again we need to either toss the coin or spin the bottle to determine which of those two methods will be used to determine which method will be used....

Pretty straight forward actually.....