Gates Sta-level

[dasoundjunkie]

Ok
I'm looking for opinions on this unit from people who've had it for a while, what you like what you don't ,'cause it's a chunk of money for 2.
Help a slut out!

[dasoundjunkie]

Bump!!!

[thethrillfactor]

Originally Posted by dasoundjunkie

Bump!!!

If you do a search you'll find lots of good info.

Bottomn line: If you can afford it than get it. It sounds good and it works. Gear doesn't get as good. If you are looking to buy a pair to try to run them in stereo than you are out of luck.

My tech is actually building me a custom one of kind stereo Sta-Level so i can use on a mixbuss or drumbuss but i can tell you right now the design is a little tricky to implement.

If you can only afford one than buy one.

And if you can't afford it you are fu*ked because nothing out there right now sounds like it.

[dasoundjunkie]

Actually I was interested in 2 because I read they were great for bass and vocals in particular. Anything else it's great at?
Thanx!

[Rick Sutton]

Originally Posted by dasoundjunkie

Actually I was interested in 2 because I read they were great for bass and vocals in particular. Anything else it's great at?
Thanx!

I use my pair for slide guitar, dirty elec guitar, harmonica and anything on a blues mix.
Also use them on sound effects.

[rob S]

the only problem with them is the tubes.
6386's are made from unobtanium.
i think there are two of them in each unit.

[rainsinvelvet]

I love mine and find a way to use it on just about every tracking / mixing thing I do. I wish I had two.

ERic

[Rick Sutton]

Originally Posted by rob S

the only problem with them is the tubes.
6386's are made from unobtanium.
i think there are two of them in each unit.

Yep, hard to get, but one (not two) per unit.

[Slipperman]

Loved.

For years.

Used to be the best 'bang for your buck' in all vintage compression.

Now, sadly, popular...

Ahh me. No free lunch(anymore).

SM.

PS. Can still find 6386's. Just expensive. 1 per unit. Just replaced my entire tube set in one of my Sta-Levels. That monster tube in the very back(whatever it is) is the most expensive one... twice as much as the 6386.

*** Edit PPS. Whoops. I'm on crack. The 6386 IS the most expensive in the set. Sorry.

[Tony Montana]

The Retro Instruments version is supposed to be excellent

[EleKtriKaz]

Originally Posted by Tony Montana

The Retro Instruments version is supposed to be excellent

It's very nice. We just did a head to head comparison between a vintage STA-Level and the Retro one. The vintage one definitely sounded better, but ours is a really nice one to begin with and recently serviced. The Retro has plenty of goodness though. Plus it has a few more options (3 different attack times, instead of fixed attack and clickable release times...i think 4 of them, instead of just Single or Double).

[rainsinvelvet]

Oops. I didn't realize we were talking about the original.
I have the Retro Instruments version.

Anyhow, never used the original, but I just love my "new" model.

ERic

[thethrillfactor]

Originally Posted by rob S

the only problem with them is the tubes.
6386's are made from unobtanium.
i think there are two of them in each unit.

There is only one and you could use a 5670 as a replacemrnt and it still sounds good.

The remakes that Vintage King is selling now do not come with 6386's standard but you could ask for it and they will supply it for an extra fee.

[thethrillfactor]

Originally Posted by EleKtriKaz

It's very nice. We just did a head to head comparison between a vintage STA-Level and the Retro one. The vintage one definitely sounded better, but ours is a really nice one to begin with and recently serviced. The Retro has plenty of goodness though. Plus it has a few more options (3 different attack times, instead of fixed attack and clickable release times...i think 4 of them, instead of just Single or Double).

Different power supply(solid state as opposed to a tube based one) and different transformers.

[Anderson]

I actually would like to have a few 6386 backup for my unit... any good adresses EU and/or US?

My unit was fully serviced by Luc Warniers aka "Reanimator" in Belgium a few months ago... He did a wonderful job! thumbsup

[Slipperman]

Originally Posted by Anderson

I actually would like to have a few 6386 backup for my unit... any good adresses EU and/or US?

My unit was fully serviced by Luc Warniers aka "Reanimator" in Belgium a few months ago... He did a wonderful job! thumbsup

Vacuum Tubes, Electron Tubes, Tubes, Tube Testers and Electronic Parts

I'm pretty sure 6386 was about $100 USD

SM.

[e-cue]

Originally Posted by slipperman

Vacuum Tubes, Electron Tubes, Tubes, Tube Testers and Electronic Parts

SM.

http://www.vacuumtubes.com/

[Mike H]

Originally Posted by EleKtriKaz

It's very nice. We just did a head to head comparison between a vintage STA-Level and the Retro one. The vintage one definitely sounded better, but ours is a really nice one to begin with and recently serviced. The Retro has plenty of goodness though. Plus it has a few more options (3 different attack times, instead of fixed attack and clickable release times...i think 4 of them, instead of just Single or Double).

I don't doubt that a well-maintained original that has been serviced/recapped/calibrated may sound better.

But the RI version sounds mighty friggin' good, IMHO. I first had a long discussion with Phil Moore and I was impressed with his commitment to these units. They sound great, and I find the added flexibility a big plus.

I normally don't go the reissue route, but some have worked out extremely well for me: 33609/JD, UA LA2A, RI Sta Level.

Just food for thought, if you're having trouble finding an original in good condition and getting it properly serviced.