Attention Pendulum OCL-2 users

[ears7]

I've had a Pendulum OCL-2 for several years and finally got around to using the side chain insert section. Musician, producer, engineer, Jim Nordstrom built the inserts for me for a reasonable fee. He made 2 pairs-- high pass 159Hz and 338Hz.

I plugged in the 338Hz pair expecting to hear a subtle difference (as I have with other compressors' side chain filters) but what I heard in the OCL-2 was more of a transformation. The low end became bigger, more powerful and distinct, rhythms tightened up, and everything just seemed to have more zest. I hate to use this phrase, but it was like putting the compressor on steroids... without any loss of smoothness, or musicality. The 159Hz inserts were just as effective in their own way. I am kicking myself for not having done this sooner. It's an entirely new compressor now.

ears7

[Waltz Mastering]

Is there one frequency you find yourself using a bit more than the other?

Do you know the slope of the cut off?

[ears7]

I find myself using the 338Hz filter a little more, but both hi-pass frequencies are excellent.

I believe the slope of the roll off is 6dB per octave.

These are the specs that Greg Gualtieri (from Pendulum) sent me:

"The input impedance of the sidechain ring input is 10Kohms. The equation is defined for R in ohms, C in Farads. Typical caps are in microfarads, or 1x 10 to the-6 Farads.

So, if you connect a 0.1 microfarad (uF) cap across the tip and ring of a stereo plug, you get a 6dB per octave rolloff at 159Hz. For a 0.05uF (two 0.1uF caps in series), you get 318Hz. And so on. No resistors needed. The smaller the cap, the higher the rolloff frequency. The audio quality of the cap doesn't matter, since it's in the sidechain."

Originally Posted by Waltz Mastering

Is there one frequency you find yourself using a bit more than the other?

Do you know the slope of the cut off?

[Waltz Mastering]

Thanks, I was thinking about which frequencies would work best for HP on a vari mu and subtle is not what I'm after because you can always just turn them off. The higher frequencies seem like they would give you a little more of dramatic result so it's good to hear it works well for the OCL-2.

[balanceman]

something like this?
Digi-Key - P4910-ND (EPCOS Inc - B37987M1104K000)

[Brad Blackwood]

I had my tech build this for my OCL-2:



I find it quite useful.

[Alécio Costa]

Brad´s side chain is far from 338 Hz.

Is there a reason to use 338hz? Isn´t it too high?

Just wondering.
Thanks for the tips.

[Stereophonic]

Originally Posted by ears7

I've had a Pendulum OCL-2 for several years and finally got around to using the side chain insert section. Musician, producer, engineer, Jim Nordstrom built the inserts for me for a reasonable fee. He made 2 pairs-- high pass 159Hz and 338Hz.

I plugged in the 338Hz pair expecting to hear a subtle difference (as I have with other compressors' side chain filters) but what I heard in the OCL-2 was more of a transformation. The low end became bigger, more powerful and distinct, rhythms tightened up, and everything just seemed to have more zest. I hate to use this phrase, but it was like putting the compressor on steroids... without any loss of smoothness, or musicality. The 159Hz inserts were just as effective in their own way. I am kicking myself for not having done this sooner. It's an entirely new compressor now.

ears7

I absolutely agree!!! But why fixed filters? I'm hooked on using an old Eq. I love it so much I fantasize of having a passive eq attached to it! There is no limit to the possibilities.

[Stereophonic]

Originally Posted by Brad Blackwood

I had my tech build this for my OCL-2:
I find it quite useful.

Brad, do you filter the SC on the STC-8 as well?

[Brad Blackwood]

Originally Posted by Stereophonic

Brad, do you filter the SC on the STC-8 as well?

No, just the OCL-2.

[ears7]

Brad, your sidechain selector looks handy.

Stereophonic.. also great idea having an EQ control the sidechain.

Before my sidechain inserts I was using the OCL2 on about 1/3 of my projects, now it will likely be used on about 2/3.

I'm finding the combination of the Chandler LTD-2's and the Pendulum OCL-2 to be remarkable.

[ears7]

I'm not sure about the technical components. I had my inserts built.

Originally Posted by balanceman

something like this?
Digi-Key - P4910-ND (EPCOS Inc - B37987M1104K000)

[rici]

would this also work with the quartet? (within the link cable?)
i have 2 of them and i have the feeling that sometimes they cut the basses a bit.

[ears7]

I thought 338Hz might be too high as well (certainly not the norm in sidechain for compression), but it actually sounds quite full and musical on certain material.

Maybe I'll post some samples...

Originally Posted by Alécio Costa

Brad´s side chain is far from 338 Hz.

Is there a reason to use 338hz? Isn´t it too high?

Just wondering.
Thanks for the tips.

[Waltz Mastering]

Originally Posted by rici

would this also work with the quartet? (within the link cable?)
i have 2 of them and i have the feeling that sometimes they cut the basses a bit.

Quartet's are mainly designed and used for front end, but if you were running broadband material through a pair of these, you could talk to a tech about installing a HP filter for the opto comp section.

[studjo]

hmm why not use the EQ section of the Quartet in the side chain of the comp? - I actually have to check if it's possible - I might start using the EQ again )))

Jo

[Waltz Mastering]

I don't think the Quartet has a side chain input, the Quartet II mercenary edition has the side chain built in.

[janek 68]

Can anybody post a diagram for this connection? I mean stereo plug + capacitor - it seems easy but i always had problems with such simple things

[rici]

Originally Posted by Waltz Mastering

I don't think the Quartet has a side chain input, the Quartet II mercenary edition has the side chain built in.

no, it has not. i guessed the stereo link input could be miss-used for that.
but the more i think over that ...

[bob katz]

Originally Posted by janek 68

Can anybody post a diagram for this connection? I mean stereo plug + capacitor - it seems easy but i always had problems with such simple things

Put a .1 uF (100 nF) cap between tip and ring. That simple. It will even fit inside the chassis of a 1/4" TRS male plug. Now I'm referring to the OCL-2 in case the question was referring to another unit!

BK

[janek 68]

Originally Posted by bob katz

Put a .1 uF (100 nF) cap between tip and ring. That simple. It will even fit inside the chassis of a 1/4" TRS male plug. Now I'm referring to the OCL-2 in case the question was referring to another unit!

BK

Thank You Bob , ears7 have mentioned stereo plug - that`s why i asked about it - stereo plug has "ground" and two "channels" so it confused me.I`ll try , we`ll see.

[ears7]

The specs I listed were quoted directly from Greg Gualtieri at Pendulum.

The plugs I had built are TRS stereo.

ears7

Originally Posted by janek 68

Thank You Bob , ears7 have mentioned stereo plug - that`s why i asked about it - stereo plug has "ground" and two "channels" so it confused me.I`ll try , we`ll see.

[janek 68]

It works/really well.Especially for snare.

[balanceman]

finally got a DBX graphic EQ to leave hooked up to the sidechain.
I've been goofing with it for a little while today.
super happy!

between the EQ's sliders, 6/12DB gain range switch and HPF option, I have been able to get a variety of new tones out of the box.

in fact, it was rare that I used the OCL before. it seemed very picky about what it liked to work with.

it really seems like a team player now!

I also tried to emulate the "loud" thrust option from the API 2500 by pushing up the treble on the EQ along with a bass cut-> super good results.

so, there you go.

[Alécio Costa]

What amazes me is if keeping the SC always centered towards 338 HZ )( Put a .1 uF (100 nF) will do the trick for every musical style and sources...

Still prefer Brad´s version.

[thermos]

I just wanted to add to this, I had something built similar to Brad's selectable unit. Pretty darn cool. It does so much more than just filter out the bass. The OCL has a way of velvetizing the air freqs, which is great sometimes but not always I think. Putting the HP in line helps retain that air stuff.

The only negative I've found in my chain is that with certain mid heavy material, engaging the filter can make stuff a little strident in the high mid area for some reason. Anyone else? Could just be my chain.

And thanks Brad for sharing the info for your sidechain rackspace on your forum. I love the internet!

[can-love]

i really wanna try the pendulum peak limiter

[can-love]

but i really like the ocl, not a whole lotta expereince with it but it seemed useful

[Glenn Bucci]

I have found high pass filters for two bus compressors very helpful. I have used them on the Manley MU, DW Fearn VT-7, and my own Avalon 747. It really adds more options to the mixes, making them a lot more flexible.