mixing with SSL bus compression

[vaesion]

Im about to buy the ssl 4000 bundle and experiment with mixing with the bus compressor on.
Ive never mixed like that so its a lil confusing to me how to start. Im gona be mixing rnb and rap.
When i have a kik snare and vocal goin, about how much bus compression should be goin on?
are these guys slammin it on the way out or are they using it lightly?
any advice on this?

from what i understand they mix the whole song with the bus compressor on.,

I just dont know what average range of reduction the pros are putting on thier over all song as they mix:(

Any common settings or reduction level?

B
thanks

[84K]

I like (with a real SSL)

4:1 Ratio
Auto Release
10ms or 30ms attack
NO Gain Make Up
keep it dancing between 2-4 db of compression

That is where I start.

I just got the plugin... I am playing with it now... It is quite similar (do not have the SSL running next to it though...)

[lawrence_o]

With a real SSL:

4:1, 10ms or 30ms attack or sometimes around 22, 23 O' Clock. Release on fully counter-clockwise or almost fully counter clock-wise.

I also keep it around 2 to 4 db compression

But I don't mix while it's on although I punch it in now and then to hear what it gives.

I do use make-up to send it as loud as possible to the Prism ADDA without having clips. When I'm doing dance kinda stuff, I put on the limiters on the Prism tracks and let it go in the red now and then ( which is where the limiters kick in ) and I get awesome results that way.

I am curious about the verification between the plug-in and the real thing. I don't have confidence in the SSL bundle given the artefacts that Waves plugins generate as someone posted around here, seen what the L2 and L3 doe? Terrible!

Please let us know the results.

Regards
lawrence

[pigpen]

Originally Posted by 84K

I like (with a real SSL)

4:1 Ratio
Auto Release
10ms or 30ms attack
NO Gain Make Up
keep it dancing between 2-4 db of compression

That is where I start.

I just got the plugin... I am playing with it now... It is quite similar (do not have the SSL running next to it though...)

Yea I want to hear about the comparisons as well Mr 84!

[bpatural]

84k has the same settings as me, they're a good place to start...sometimes it's fun to take the release to .3 if the dynamics of the song won't hit it too hard...gives the mix a nice bite.
-brian

[peter893]

why are you guys using attack time so slow ? 10ms - 30ms isn't that really slow.
Can you guys explain the reason for using slower attack times ?

I thought 1 to 2ms was a good starting point.

thanks

Peter

[James Lugo]

We have a real C2. Love it!

Starting point:
3:1
Auto
30 ms
2- 4 db compression

Similair to some other posters.

[tonymite]

we have a fake ... with original circuit .. and parts .... we love it .... sounds like a modified alesis 3630 ... we still dont have a housing for it ... PCB and related parts ... power supply ... XLR connectors ... and sumfuk cabels.

if i turn the unit around the right angle ... i get minimal hum .... and when i'm done ... I pack it up back into its bubble wrap standard sized evelope ... and whack it into my metal (fire proof) filing cabinet.

Then I re-connect the IEC cabel back into my un-used E-MU EX4T ( is that the right model ??? it;s been so long since i seen it).

[tonymite]

Originally Posted by tonymite

we have a fake ... with original circuit .. and parts .... we love it .... sounds like a modified alesis 3630 ... we still dont have a housing for it ... PCB and related parts ... power supply ... XLR connectors ... and sumfuk cabels.

if i turn the unit around the right angle ... i get minimal hum .... and when i'm done ... I pack it up back into its bubble wrap standard sized evelope ... and whack it into my metal (fire proof) filing cabinet.

Then I re-connect the IEC cabel back into my un-used E-MU EX4T ( is that the right model ??? it;s been so long since i seen it).

I usually like to use my ears to judge the settings - as opposed to asking people on gearslutz -
as I have more important issuse to deal with in life - SUCH AS ... WHETHER TO CHOOSE GATORADE AS OPPOSED TO COKE OR BIG M - at the service station when I go to fill up refined fossil fuel.
and who the phuk really needs a taxi meter ??? - I really don't understand how audio can be so visual ???

[84K]

Originally Posted by pigpen

Yea I want to hear about the comparisons as well Mr 84!

Well, I am impressed with the plugin... but unlike everyone else (it seams from what I've read), I am more impressed with the E Series EQ then the G Buss Compressor.

Don't get me wrong, I am VERY impressed with the G Buss Comp! The G Comp is the best ITB buss compressor that I have heard. I did a quick shootout between the software and hardware G Compressor, and I could plainly hear a difference in dimension. BUT THAT'S OK. The plugin aint bad!!! I could mix with it. No problem. It's the first ITB buss compressor that I actually like!!!

The EQ is really cool. It has that SSL bite. A big thumbsup for my DAW world. I can't say a bad word about the SSL bundle. My new favorite DAW EQ and Buss Compressor. I like it. A lot. It does not replace my want and love for SSL's and other great large format consoles, but its nice to hear a few new plugins that have a little hair on 'em stike

[beubbo]

Originally Posted by 84K

Don't get me wrong, I am VERY impressed with the G Buss Comp! The G Comp is the best ITB buss compressor that I have heard. I did a quick shootout between the software and hardware G Compressor, and I could plainly hear a difference in dimension. BUT THAT'S OK. The plugin aint bad!!! I could mix with it. No problem. It's the first ITB buss compressor that I actually like!!!

Hi 84K,

Does the URS 1980 compressor sound that bad compared to G Comp ? Is it miles away from G Comp or rather just a little behind ?

Thanks

[84K]

Originally Posted by beubbo

Hi 84K,

Does the URS 1980 compressor sound that bad compared to G Comp ? Is it miles away from G Comp or rather just a little behind ?

Thanks

Hey Beubbo,

We tried the URS last year and we did not buy it. I wasn't impressed. So, I do not have it handy to compare and it was too long ago for me to make any vallid comparison. FWIW, I will say, the Waves EQ beats out the URS S-Series by a mile.

Where are the SSL rooms in Philly?

I'd like to do a direct comparison if possible.

[84K]

Originally Posted by no ssl yet

Where are the SSL rooms in Philly?

I'd like to do a direct comparison if possible.

I thought you are in New Orleans??? Why would you come to Philly to check out an SSL? If you moved here or you're out here visiting, PM me and we can go get a drink sometime. thumbsup Well, regardless, Indre is open to public clients and they have a 4048. I mainly work out of a private facility. When I work in other studios, it is usually in NYC.

[desol]

To..let..the...transients..thru.
Punch.......so..to.speak.

Originally Posted by peter893

why are you guys using attack time so slow ? 10ms - 30ms isn't that really slow.
Can you guys explain the reason for using slower attack times ?

I thought 1 to 2ms was a good starting point.

thanks

Peter

[pigpen]

Originally Posted by beubbo

Hi 84K,

Does the URS 1980 compressor sound that bad compared to G Comp ? Is it miles away from G Comp or rather just a little behind ?

Thanks

I'm not 84K, hell I don't have a real G comp, but the URS is not very good to me.
The Waves plug is pretty damn cool. I use outboard buss comps, but I could see myself using this plug for that sound.

FWIW, I did compare it to the NEW setting on my API 2500 which is supposed to be similar to a 384/Smart comp and it was pretty close. Top end was lacking a bit, but if I did not have the 2500 to compare it to, I would be loving it!

[beubbo]

Originally Posted by pigpen

I'm not 84K, hell I don't have a real G comp, but the URS is not very good to me.
The Waves plug is pretty damn cool. I use outboard buss comps, but I could see myself using this plug for that sound.

FWIW, I did compare it to the NEW setting on my API 2500 which is supposed to be similar to a 384/Smart comp and it was pretty close. Top end was lacking a bit, but if I did not have the 2500 to compare it to, I would be loving it!

Hi PigPen & 84K,

Thanks to both of you !

PigPen, just a last OT question... well, 2 and a half in fact :

1. you were talking only for the 1980 comp, right ? So, did you feel the same about the 1970 comp ?

2. do you think that both 1970 & 1980 could do a better job on individual tracks ?

ok guys, I'm done. back to the topic now....


Thanks again.

[Matt Smith]

Originally Posted by peter893

why are you guys using attack time so slow ? 10ms - 30ms isn't that really slow.
Can you guys explain the reason for using slower attack times ?

I thought 1 to 2ms was a good starting point.

That's way too quick to let the attack of the drums through, IMO. I too usually go around 30 ms with a quick or auto release.

Matt

[TonyBelmont]

Originally Posted by peter893

why are you guys using attack time so slow ? 10ms - 30ms isn't that really slow.
Can you guys explain the reason for using slower attack times ?

I thought 1 to 2ms was a good starting point.

thanks

Peter

Peter, you are right...

I don't know what all these other guys are smoking, but IMO 10-30ms is way to slow for the SSL...

Every single time I walk into a major facility, I always look at the console and I've never seen anyone use these slow attack times on the consoles... Most of the time it's the third or fourth setting which is 1ms and 3ms respectively...

But, I guess rules are meant to be broken.

[84K]

regarding the slower attack....

Use the 1-3ms attack and then listen to your mix after the ME hits it with an L2... Let the song breath. The faster attack, the less you can make your rides punch. Usually, the mixers who I see using the faster attack times are the ones who do less fader riding anyway. Not my bag. I like a big open mix The faster the attack kills the air in the song. 30ms is plenty fast. It's a personal pref I guess.

[pigpen]

Originally Posted by beubbo

Hi PigPen & 84K,

Thanks to both of you !

PigPen, just a last OT question... well, 2 and a half in fact :

1. you were talking only for the 1980 comp, right ? So, did you feel the same about the 1970 comp ?

2. do you think that both 1970 & 1980 could do a better job on individual tracks ?

ok guys, I'm done. back to the topic now....


Thanks again.

The 70s comp is much more useable on indi tracks in my eyes. The 80 is just too "grabby" for lack of a better word. Although the 80 on snare can be cool, the new Waves plugs smoke it there too....

And I agree with 84 on the Eq's as well...Probably going to sell my URS eqs too....

[Phantom Void]

Originally Posted by TonyBelmont

Peter, you are right...

I don't know what all these other guys are smoking, but IMO 10-30ms is way to slow for the SSL...

Every single time I walk into a major facility, I always look at the console and I've never seen anyone use these slow attack times on the consoles... Most of the time it's the third or fourth setting which is 1ms and 3ms respectively...

But, I guess rules are meant to be broken.

I agree with the faster attack times. I got mine SSL for about a month ago and started out with the 10-30ms settings and auto release. But, it didn´t sound quite right....the attack was to slow. After playing with the attack times for a while, I decided to leave it on 1ms and auto release. It sounds good and punchy to me. I mix with the SSL from the beginning.

/Alberto

[beyarecords]

threshold: set so hovering between 1 - 4 db compression
make up: 0
attack: 10. Anything faster than that takes out too much transient information for my liking, but use whatever the track needs.
release: auto
ratio: 4:1

[beubbo]

[QUOTE=pigpen]...Although the 80 on snare can be cool, the new Waves plugs smoke it there too....QUOTE]

Hi PigPen,

Were you still talking about the G-Comp or the one from E-Channel ?

It seems that many guys on GC dislike the Waves's channel's compressor... I dunno !?

Does it make sense to use (abuse !) the G-Comp on individual tracks too ? (provided there's also a mono version of this plug, of course)

Thanks again

[peter893]

Thanks guys.

I do understand the reasoning for "slower" attack times (10 -30ms). Punchy really summed it up.
But don't you run into pumping problems more often ?

I found slower attack times useful on tracks for adding punch to individual instruments but on the master I think im looking for more of a leveling and thickening of my mix, no ?

Interested in more views on this.

also, In my immature ear I do think that the Waves SLL buss comp is much more transparent than either URS comps 1980 or 1970.
The SSL are really a nice little set of Plugs.

Peter

[thethrillfactor]

Another one for the "slow" school here:

Slowest attack

Auto release

4:1

No makeup gain.

[jacob]

Originally Posted by thethrillfactor

Another one for the "slow" school here:

Slowest attack

Auto release

4:1

No makeup gain.

I see some of you dont use any make up gain. Why? If the mix needs more level why not use it?

jacob

[thethrillfactor]

Originally Posted by jacob

I see some of you dont use any make up gain. Why? If the mix needs more level why not use it?

jacob

The makeup amp on the SSL Buss compressor can make the mix edgy and small.

If you got your levels in the sweet spot you should have more than enough throw on the Master Fader.

[PhonoquO]

considering the amount of limiting that gets done to records now days, preserving a little more of the attack by making it slower is wise for mixdown in my mind. Personally 10ms is a good starting point, and then adjust as the track progresses.

[Musiclab]

4:1 is too hard for me , I'm a 2:1 kind of guy, you have alot more latitude with attack
time at 2:1 than 4:1, at least for me. I generally go faster like 3 or 1. But how hard you hit it, has alot to do with it sounding right, especially with the plug I would think
since I've yet to hear a plug nail the hardware.