API or other comp

[volodia]

I'm looking for a stereo(dual mono,not just for the mix bus) comp at the moment .For some reason I don't click on the Manley vari-mu that I just tried.I love the fairman TMC but too xpensive.The pendulum is not distributed over here.I like the 33609 but I don't know if the new models sound like the original(Fletcher says no on another thread/forum).I just saw the API 2500 .Does anyone know it?How would you describe the character of a cranesong STC8.Thanks for any input.I already have RNC,Distressor,1176,TLA C1

 

[RecorderMan]

Alan Smart (SSL) ?

 

[Kev]

As far as i know the 33609 is still the same unit. It has a high price tag.

If you are handy with a soldering iron.
There I go with the DIY again.

check this,
http://gyraf.dk/gyraf2/gy_pd/gy_pd.htm

look for the SSL clone.
A simple I/O with VCA style of compressor that will stereo track well. It sits fair and square on the same side of the fence as the Alam Smart.

 

[coldsnow]

I really love the Avalon 2044. It just makes everything sound so much better that goes through it, warmer, fuller. That being said I have the Crane song trakker and love it as well.

 

[wiggy]

Ditto Alan Samrt.... tis da $*^t!

So flexible, fast or slow and just great!!!!

Luv it till i die and u can do so much with it!.. ahve been using it on overheads recently with great results..

Waitng with baited breath for your ripp off KEV!!!

Manley gear for me is either yes or no affair and unfortunately as i put on my flame proof suit... most of the times its No... overpriced IMHO for the returns. I recently sold my variable MU which so many cream their jeans over and thought of it as a bit too nice and boring. I come from the old school where flavour and colour are big part of my pallette.. so polite and mundane get a msaller portion of my pallete.. all things being equal the massive passive is freaking awesome tube EQ... 100% better than the pultecs they make which are equally boring and i sold with my variable MU...

Avalon is a bit too polite too i found the attack release times to constricitve in a lot of case. however the 747 in series after teh AL Smart C2 is an awseom combo for level and dyanamic control plus the graphic type gorgeous EQ of the 747 allows you to put the 'icing on tha cake'.

Have a brief fiddle with the Cranesong STC8 and was impressed..!!!

Buzz audio SC2.2 was greatf ro tracking and mixing but not a specific 2-bus compressor.

Would also luv to get my hands on the API job but there are none her in australia

PEACE
Wiggy

 

[Kev]

Yep,

The CraneSong STC8 seems to impress all who hear it.

And for those that own it, it seems to displace their old favorite bus comp to the second position in the rack.

That's got to be saying something.

Just a thought,
Get two more RNC's and an active three way Cross over and set up a multi band (three) Comp/limiter.

 

[coldsnow]

QUOTE
"Avalon is a bit too polite too i found the attack release times to constricitve in a lot of case. however the 747 in series after teh AL Smart C2 is an awseom combo for level and dyanamic control plus the graphic type gorgeous EQ of the 747 allows you to put the 'icing on tha cake'."
I have the 747 as well and the eq is very nice icing on the cake thing. But the 747 and the 2044 are not similar in the least, except for there looks. The 2044 can be a very aggressive compressor and strong if you want it to be, where I find the 747 to be somewhat layed back and better for adding a certain tone to a single source.

 

[Kurt Foster]

UREI 1178, a stereo version of the 1176 (slightly different circut). Not quite a dual mono, you can run dual mono signal through it but there's only one attack release and ratio control for both channels. Killer across the bus (if you go for that kind of thing). Bob Clearmountian loves 'em. Great on vocals. Try one.. you'll like it. Fats

 

[Kev]

1178 is a very different circuit to a pair of 1176's ..... but they are both FET based.

Even so there is a small but loyal band of 1178 lovers out there.

 

[volodia]

Thank all for your input.What I'm gonna do is get a new 33609J for evaluation and I'm very exited about the SSL clone DIY (thanks for the link Kev) that I'll have built by my tech guy (I'm not good enough at soldering).

 

[RecorderMan]

Wow Kev...you're a monster.

I'm goin' to build me an SSL compressor...........wahooo!!!!!! :roll: :tu: :tu:

 

[Kev]

It's funny how SSL can get people interested !

Just in case you don't aready know,
There are a few other gems out there so go check Group DIY . I think I have links to most of the best clones out there and more in development. The 33609 has been a discussion point for some time but I have too many other projects and hope to get back to this one later in the year.

If there is something I have missed please tell.

 

[e-cue]

My results on the API comp on my 2 mix sucked. Major disappointment. Cool on Bac Vocals, just not my stereo bus. I prefer the Varimu (the thing that works for me is not to take off more than 2 DB). If I hit the VariMu had, my low end gets pillowey (is that even a word?!) The SSL quad is #2, and the 33609 is #3 for me. If I don't get it by then, my lower intestine starts making nervious "water cooler" sounds like bubbles being released.

 

[jo]

I've been through this 2-bus thing a few months ago. I checked out the STC 8 and the Smart. The STC 8 was very, very impressive. The limiter was amazing.
But at the end I bought the Smart, because it was the sound for me. I think, it sounds very Clearmountainlike (and I have lots of respect for this guy and his work).
The Avalon (747)after the Smart works really good - for me too!
1178 is tha $*^t for almost everything

PS
I'm sure I'll buy the STC 8 sooner or later though.

PPS In Germany is a distributor for Pendulum - ask 'em whether they can distribute to France. It's all EU.

 

[hollywood_steve]

I'd like to steer the conversation back towards the API 2500. Although I have heard a handful of negative comments, they have not been very specific as to what they didn't like. I'm a huge API fan; their gear is always mentioned as being in the same league as Neve, yet their module prices are just a fraction of a comparable Neve unit. (I know that they are not the same thing, and that you can't directly compare apples and oranges; but you can get a pair of API mic preamps and a pair of their EQ modules for the price of a single Neve preamp/EQ module.)

I have been very impressed with every API unit that I have ever had a chance to use and I look forward to filling my studio with many of their new or vintage modules. (but like any top quality product, there isn't much of a discount when buying used, these modules hold their value very well.)

Anyway, the 2500 compressor seems like a well designed piece of equipment, but I haven't run across any in my studio travels. So I would really like to read a detailed review and it doesn't need to be in a glossy magazine. A comprehensive review in one of the forums would provide just as much info as any print article.

(Maybe they'll be giving them away at AES.....)

steve
lex125@pacbell.net

 

[Kev]

The API 2500,

give me a hint VCA, FET or what ??? ....does it use the API op-amp you all luv so much? 2520/990 thingy.

 

[Eric Bazilian]

Check out the Daking compressors. You can strap two together with a single 1/4" cable for stereo, and the price is most attractive. I was using an Audio & Design Compex for years until this came along. Very similar compression character (but much more variable) with a far cleaner signal path.

 

[RecorderMan]

Originally posted by Eric Bazilian:
Check out the Daking compressors. You can strap two together with a single 1/4" cable for stereo, and the price is most attractive. I was using an Audio & Design Compex for years until this came along. Very similar compression character (but much more variable) with a far cleaner signal path.

great to know....i've always likes using the compex when there was one around (mostly for vocals)