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anonymous 21 February 2005

I'm considering these two units for compressors (both)

Manley Vari Mu
CRane Song STC-8

both of these brands have a plain version and a mastering version with dedented knobs and better steps,,,

although the Vari MU is only -4 to +4 on master version

I'm not a mastering engineer, i plan to use these to track and mix, along with my UAD-1 full plugin set,

other then the costs, are there advantages for me to pick the mastering units over the plain ones

I appreciate the input,

SI

Comments

Massive Mastering Mon, 02/21/2005 - 12:32

It all comes down to the ability to recall settings - With me, it's a must.

And you've hit on my two favorite compressors - I use both - I have the mastering edition Vari-Mu and my STC-8M should be here any day. I'm using a standard STC-8 in the mean time and it's driving me nuts not being able to "click" into and recall a setting. Never realized exactly how important it was to me until I didn't have it, you know?

On the VM input level, if you're using it for tracking and mixing, I don't think you're going to have a problem... There's never a shortage of level control on the way to the unit, right? Most units (including the STC) don't even have an input trim.

It (the input control) does come in handy for "driving" it nicely though...

That's a helluva pair to step into - Way to pick 'em. 8-) The STC has an amazing transparency to it, but has the ability to get a little "gluey" if you want it. Not "Vari-mu gluey" (which I can hardly get enough of) but enough to make a difference when you need it. And the presets (?!?) seem very well implemented and handy (from my limited use of them) if you need to get it in the ballpark quickly.

Don't forget to post pictures! 8)

anonymous Mon, 02/21/2005 - 13:16

Hey guys, thanks for the feedback

I was dicussing this elsewhere, and on the Manley, the mastering version isn't as wide on input for more flexability to track and mix,

another arguement , was that with detented pots, you are stuck wit the steps provided vrs, dialing in based on the result you need with other standard pots,,

either way , i'm sure both units will do me fine as 1st pieces of comp gear

prob will go Vari Mu standard , and the Crane STC 8 /H with detended output knobs

I'll keep you posted

thanks again
SI

anonymous Tue, 02/22/2005 - 01:55

Sanity Inn wrote: Thanks for the link Amm looks cool

SI

Ammitsbøl and I probably being a bit biased (both owning the Gyraf Gyratec X Vari Mu), I'd like to say that I tested the Manley Vari-Mu against the Gyratec X, and preferred the Gyratec X (which I then subsequently bought).

It is one sexy piece of gear, and my favourite piece.

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