Could I really be this happy with my GSSL clone Comp?

[Blackwater]

Or am I just fooling myself?

Man! I swear that strapping this thing across my 2 buss via my Hedd 192 and using just the slightest bit (2db max) of compression makes everything sound Frickin FANTASTIC! Maybe just the newness of it all but I don't think so because even in bypass ( threshold all the way off ) things seem to sparkle and jell a bit more. Damn, Wish I had done this years ago.

Chris

[idylldon]

Originally Posted by Blackwater

Or am I just fooling myself?

Man! I swear that strapping this thing across my 2 buss via my Hedd 192 and using just the slightest bit (2db max) of compression makes everything sound Frickin FANTASTIC! Maybe just the newness of it all but I don't think so because even in bypass ( threshold all the way off ) things seem to sparkle and jell a bit more. Damn, Wish I had done this years ago.

Chris

Agreed. I built two of these compressors and I couldn't be more pleased with them. Using one across the two buss seems to make everything stick together while still retaining the individual voices of each instrument and the vocalist.

I especially appreciate the selectable frequencies in the sidechain and the ability to bypass those and put an external source into it.

Cheers,
--
Don

[thermos]

Yeah, totally awesome. I love mine too (even in bypass). The only thing is it does seem to shrink the stereo image a bit on the bus (more than others), because its basically a mono compressor I guess. One of these days I'm gonna buy another board and put it in.

[Labs]

[QUOTE=thermos;1452830 because its basically a mono compressor I guess. [/QUOTE]

I dont understand that part? Could you elaborate?

Gustav

[thermos]

I think a real ssl comp or any stereo comp has 2 boards in it basically (so they could actually do dual mono if you wanted them to a la the Smart stuff), but this design is like a simplified design that kind of sums the 2 channels in a way. So for instance, if the left channel spikes real hard, it will clamp down the right side differently than a true stereo design. At least this is the way I understand it, I could be phrasing it wrong.

So I usually keep it off the 2 bus, (I really prefer dual mono for the width factor), but for drum bus its totally insane.

[idylldon]

Originally Posted by thermos

Yeah, totally awesome. I love mine too (even in bypass). The only thing is it does seem to shrink the stereo image a bit on the bus (more than others), because its basically a mono compressor I guess. One of these days I'm gonna buy another board and put it in.

From Gyraf's site (boldface added by me):

The compressor is cloned from our good old SSL4044E desk, dating back from '85. The SSL mixbus compressor is an integral part of the mixer's main quad fader and autofade system - cards 82E26 and 82E27, and as you can see if you compare these to my schematic, a series of changes have been made for rehousing the circuit. The main changes concerns the electronically balanced input and output and the removal of unneeded components regarding the autofade and main fader circuits. Another change is that the sidechain is common to both VCA's, making better tracking abilities - your mix wont' "tilt" so easy when you're compressing heavily. We did things like that to the SSL in the old days. This might seem like a big change, but actually the sonics are preserved very close to the original, and tracking errors are canceled.

I can't say that I've ever heard mine "shrink the stereo image" at all, but I don't hit it hard so perhaps that's the reason. I agree, though, that it's killer on the drum buss.

Cheers,
--
Don

[dokushoka]

That is merely for the detector. If anything, the GSSL is awesome at getting width from a mix as it really evenly levels things on the sides of a mix. This is actually what I like BEST about it. I mix a lot of rock where I have multiple sets of guitars panned out towards the edges of the mix and the GSSL is really my "go to" 2 mix compressor for this stuff. Its also really great on drum subs for the same reason or for bussing effects returns to it.

[thermos]

Huh, maybe I misunderstood it. I know that the "oxford" variation that people talk about has 2 boards in it, and I heard/thought it was mainly for the stereo image. For me a dual mono situation still wins for the width factor.

[Labs]

Originally Posted by thermos

I think a real ssl comp or any stereo comp has 2 boards in it basically (so they could actually do dual mono if you wanted them to a la the Smart stuff), but this design is like a simplified design that kind of sums the 2 channels in a way. So for instance, if the left channel spikes real hard, it will clamp down the right side differently than a true stereo design. At least this is the way I understand it, I could be phrasing it wrong.

I dont understand how you could do a stereo compressor without summing the sidechain, so I dont understand this. What makes stereo different from dual mono is exactly that the comps reaction is the same for both channels, no matter which side triggers it. If it isnt, your center image might travel left and right, as in dual mono. Doesnt neccesarily have to be a bad thing, but - I just dont understand why you wouldnt call the GssL true stereo. I must be missing something.



Gustav

[TornadoTed]

Couldn't be much happier with my GSSL, gets used nearly every session.

I've never had the problem of the stereo image shrinking.

[andymixer]

Anyone wants something similar PM me.

[Improv]

How much are all the parts, roughly?

[Blackwater]

Originally Posted by TornadoTed

Couldn't be much happier with my GSSL, gets used nearly every session.

I've never had the problem of the stereo image shrinking.

No complaints about the stereo image here either and I am a hard core panner. Tons of acoustic sessions here as well.

LOVE THIS THING! I Want 4 more of these for my rack!!

Chris

[jackmac]

I will second the "how much are the parts, roughly" question.

[obostic]

I built four myself and absolutely loved them. The unit is true stereo but the sidechains are summed to mono that's all.

[idylldon]

Originally Posted by Improv

How much are all the parts, roughly?

Go here: Prodigy Professional :: View topic - META - SSL Clone posts

The second and third link down are listings of parts and costs. I don't think either one includes the circuit boards, but they're readily available from a couple of guys in the Black Market section of the forum. Check out the stickies at the top of that forum and look for Gustav. He's the first one and he sells the boards for 14 Euros. You'll also need a case and most folks get those from Parmetal, and they run about $50.00 shipped for a 1U enclosure. There's also a guy selling the adjustable sidechain boards, which can be seen in the photo below right next to the main PCB.

I've built two of these compressors and have under $300.00 in each one, but I used old cases that I restored and also used older vintage meters that I had in the garage.

Here's a couple of shots of my "Retro" SSL:





Since these photos were taken, I have laser engraved and painted the front panel for the controls.

Cheers,
--
Don

[Jack Ruston]

I think what is being refered to is that using dual mono compressors on the mix bus tends to sound 'wider' than using true stereo where the dynamic differences L to R are 'managed' by the compressor. A lot of people who own compressors that allow some stereo linking choose to leave them unlinked or 'partially' linked when available eg API 2500.

J

[True North]

Originally Posted by Blackwater

Man! I swear that strapping this thing across my 2 buss via my Hedd 192 and using just the slightest bit (2db max) of compression makes everything sound Frickin FANTASTIC!

Chris

Originally Posted by idylldon

Agreed. I built two of these compressors and I couldn't be more pleased with them.
--
Don

I am a little confused - is this something that you built or bought off the shelf ?

[John Peacock]

Originally Posted by True North

I am a little confused - is this something that you built or bought off the shelf ?

Built with a PCB. All other parts are then ordered/sourced. It's a DIY.

[John Peacock]

Originally Posted by idylldon

Since these photos were taken, I have laser engraved and painted the front panel for the controls.

Well, I think it's time to take another picture and post that up there for us. We'd like to see you results.

-Jp

[idylldon]

Originally Posted by John Peacock

Well, I think it's time to take another picture and post that up there for us. We'd like to see you results.

-Jp

Yeah, I'll have to do that at some point. Basically, you cover the panel with a special tape, laser engrave the markings through the tape (which then becomes a stencil of sorts), and apply the paint color of your choosing. Let the paint dry, peel off the tape, and apply a clear top coat if you'd like. Pretty easy to do.

I just noticed that I hadn't put the ICs and VCAs in their sockets when those pics were taken. Oh, well, imagine that they're in there.

Cheers,
--
Don

[Brad McGowan]

I bullt one of the GSSL's too. I used the cases made by Purusha on groupdiy to save myself the trouble of getting the front panel engraved and having to drill out the holes and cutouts. My unit has the sidechain board as well. I pimped mine out with Wima caps, LT1357 and National 6172 (I think that's the number) opamps, Black Gate caps, and Cinemag output transformers. I used the THAT 2180A VCA's too. I think mine totalled about $550 or so. But it's definitely possible to build one for around $350-$400.

Brad

[Dan]

Ok, so who can build one to go in a lunchbox now?

[matta]

Originally Posted by Dan

Ok, so who can build one to go in a lunchbox now?

It is in the works (well something similar) but a partnering company thumbsup

Matt

[matta]

Oh and since we are sharing, here is my take on on the GSSL.

I used Jakob's Main and Control board with a fair few mods including a dedicated off board PSU, LED metering, ungraded signal path, 1% metal films resistors, Rubycon Long Life, Long ESR Lytic Caps and Epcos/Panasonic polyesters all star grounded for 'extra quiet' goodness







This ended up costing $600 with the custom metal work, quality parts, most of which were imported, which increased the costs a fair bit.

Cheers

Matt

[rawdigits]

Man this just looks awesome!! I want one too!



Have been thinking about one for the drumbuss.

[matta]

Originally Posted by rawdigits

Man this just looks awesome!! I want one too!

Have been thinking about one for the drumbuss.

It makes a great Buss Comp and Drum Buss, kinda why I built it as it fills a need in my rack, I have an LA-2A, 1176 and this guy rounds it out as far as having a slection, Valve Opto, FET and now VCA, plus being stereo helps on a stereo material like drums and busses.

Build one! You will love it thumbsup

Matt

[rawdigits]

Originally Posted by matta

It makes a great Buss Comp and Drum Buss, kinda why I built it as it fills a need in my rack, I have an LA-2A, 1176 and this guy rounds it out as far as having a slection, Valve Opto, FET and now VCA, plus being stereo helps on a stereo material like drums and busses.

Build one! You will love it thumbsup

Matt

Hi Matt


What do you think about a stereo 1176 across the drumbuss? How would you describe the characteristics of this unit against the GSSL?

My thoughts were : For the drumbuss a VCA one : GSSL or stereo 1176 and for the 2 buss maybe a Mercenary 1968 with tubes (for the tubey stuff, not lot of compression).



Im doing electronis music here. Samples and hardwaresynths here.


Greets


Christian

[picksail]

Andy's units are the sh*t!!!

I've used it on every mix since he produced the first one.

Killer stuff.

Closest thing to the original Quad Compressor in the 4000 than even the G384.

[andymixer]

Wow, so many incquires. I'm gonna do my best to get pictures up of my collection tommorow. Lots of killer stuff coming!