Weiss DS1 (Mk III) vrs. Cranesong STC-8

[Tube World]

If you had to have one transparent mastering compressor in your studio, which one of these two would you pick the STC-8 or Weiss and why? Ibis was typed in error
Thanks

[Strut78]

Originally Posted by Tube World

If you had to have one transparent mastering compressor in your studio, which one of these two would you pick and why?
Thanks

I am assuming you are referring to the Crane Song STC-8 Compressor and not the IBIS EQ?

I think the STC-8 is an awesome Comp and extremely versatile but I haven't had the opportunity to use the Weiss. I have heard nothing but praise for the Weiss but I think it is a different comp altogether and is regularly used for de-essing duties. Would love to get my hands on one

[manman]

I will definetely chooose Weiss DS1 (Mk III)

I had both look up video on youtube

YouTube - UberKontrol Alex Salganik & Alexey Zharov mastering techno 2010 NY

Basically with weiss you can do ultra transparent compression.

Crane song will give you analog flavor and also its very sensitive to settings.

Im thinking instead of crane song i ll get Shadow Hills mastering compressor.

it'll do more job than cranesong.

For ultra digital compression go with wiess, for more analog sound i would go to shadow hills or api 2500. but not the cranesong.

On top of that i measured Cranesong on the analyzer and it gives you about 10% of extra analog distortion which you may not need. Distortion kicks in at about -2-3db of gain reduction.

[Adam Dempsey]

Weiss for the more surgical problem fixing.
Cranesong for broadband, subtle, "solidifying" stereo comp.

Originally Posted by manman

On top of that i measured Cranesong on the analyzer and it gives you about 10% of extra analog distortion which you may not need. Distortion kicks in at about -2-3db of gain reduction.

In which mode? I've not heard this, although I never go near 2-3dB gain reduction – that's a lot on a mix.

[gregor z]

Originally Posted by manman

On top of that i measured Cranesong on the analyzer and it gives you about 10% of extra analog distortion which you may not need. Distortion kicks in at about -2-3db of gain reduction.

10% of extra analog distortion compared to what?

I use CS STC 8H daily, reaching 2-3 dbs of compression on some mixes and I never encountered such a distortion, even if the release is extremely fast....in any mode....

Can you explain what was measured and how?

Otherwise...I never used Weiss so I can't compare....but my opinion is that STC 8 works great on techno...but has to be set very precisely to get the best results..I have additional HPF/EQ inserted in its side-chain inputs for additional control...essential for bass heavy music.

G

[MattGray]

Haven't tried the CS STC-8 but own the Weiss DS-1 MKIII... it's a very versatile deep box & capable of many, many things which the CS STC-8 simply couldn't do. I think they're both 2 different things though so it's hard to say one would be better over the other.

Maybe Bob Katz could chime in here, he used to have both & as I remember it, sold the STC-8 for a set of Trakkers because he thought the STC-8 compression was similar to the Weiss DS-1 (clean). Not sure if he still has the Trakkers but he still has a Weiss DS-1 (if not 2?) & now an API 2500 (I got mine first

I find that the Weiss DS-1 MkIII & an API 2500 gives you heaps of options. The DS-1 for clean compression, de-essing, frequency dependant compression, parallel compression & much more. The API 2500 will give you a nice tonal character & vibier sounding compression options which is probably more coloured than an STC-8. I love having both but there was still room for one more compressor.. the Phoenix.. but now we're getting a little OT.

[manman]

Can you explain what was measured and how?

its very easy:

1. Download Y Store - DSSF3
2. Run Tone generator at around 120 Hz
3. Start compressing signal at -2-3 db and/or at different settings.
4. At at Spectral analyzer: you should see extra[may be 3] harmonics are rising up at around -60db in relative proportion to your Sine wave signal.
5. Those extra harmonics is added distortion


PS: all this is my personal opinion im not a pro lol

[finetuner]

As i see mastering as an optimizing & problem-solving service primarily and sweetening secondary, i'd go for the Weiss for versatility and transparency.

While the STC may be known as one of the cleanest analog comps, there's still some coloring which isn't always desirable.

I own both and used them in conjunction often. But after adding another relatively clean analog comp recently, the STC gets used way less.

[masteringhouse]

I'm in total agreement with Peter. If you have both, you will use both for different types of processing possibly together in the same chain. Every comp has its functional advantages/disadvantages and sound. For versatility the Weiss wins, for sound, it depends.