Thanks for doing this, could you PM me the results also please?

PM Sent

I liked #3 and guessing it is Sta-Level Single Mode. In second test prefer #3 also (BG2 600 Brit Fast Fast). If there is a third test put me down for #3 on it too!

Please PM the key, thanks!

Key sent via PM

Key please! Thanks again for doing this.

Key sent via PM

Could I get the key as well Steven?

And have you had the chance to try the BG2 in person and compare it with your Retro pieces?

I'm looking at possibly the 176 or BG2 as a main male vocal compressor..

Apologies for the delay, just saw your post.

Key sent via PM

I have heard the BG2 however, not on my own recordings or in my studio.

Bryce makes great gear.

BTW, I bought and look forward to checking out two of Hendyamps new mosfet Picassos which include his unique, high voltage mosfet preamp, his Michelangelo SS and a key part of his Pollock SS compressor. Hoping to have them in about a week.

Thanks for doing this. Maybe the key can be publicly available now, though. Otherwise, please PM me.

Great suggestion:

Key


1: HW Sta-Level Single Mode

2: HW 176 > Sta-Level Single Mode

3: HW Sta-Level Double Mode

4: SW Unisum FET Vocal

5: HW 176

This shootout reminds me of why I am not the biggest fan of the 176.
Also that the Retro Sta level lacks the air of the original which is a shame.

The software in this case sounds pretty good actually.

Despite enjoying the 176 and Sta, I must agree; after using manual volume control plus Unisum for a while, I ended up selling the 176 and Sta. I still believe them to be spectacular for anything requiring a bit of saturation but, with my current mic and pre options, I prefer the saturation and detail I get from 1) Coil 286 with 110 input transformer and 2) Coil 70.

Further, I posted this yesterday in response to a question about a new purchase, Buzz Audio SOC-M:

“I am going to leave it at this, it is the best compressor for my detailed, clear, slightly enhanced aesthetic and strong preference for perfect calibration/precise accuracy that I have ever used. For context, I have owned and enjoyed but, ultimately sold: an LA-2A, (2) FCS P4 DMS, (2) RS 124, (2) Retro 176, a Retro Sta-Level, a Neve MBP and a Locomotive 14B, probably others I have forgotten.”

Hi Steven,

I'm thinking in buying a Locomotive 14B or Chandler RS124 for male vocal quartet recording, which one do you think is better?.

Thanks,
Daniel.

That is a hard question for me as I eventually sold my RS124s and traded my hand-wired 14B for some beautiful song production. Of the two, the RS124 was a more satisfying experience, just not clean enough on acoustic material and vocals for my preference.

Among all compressors I have owned, for vocal quartet, I would easily choose my favorite compressor of all, the Buzz Audio SOC-M. My second favorite is the Buzz DBC-M. Between these two, there are perfect, complimentary differences.

Thanks for the answer Steven.

It's very difficult to find examples of the 14B, and demoing is not an option here (Chile)

Best regards,
Daniel.

The hw 176 and the sw dont sound very alike. But number 2 the hw 176 into the sta level single mode, you can feel the compression pushing your chest a bit.

CAn you get that effect with software, if you combine the Unisum Fet with another sofware compressor? Or is that the reason to spend 10 thousand (cnd) on two hw compressors, after your pre amp, for a top of the line professional sounding vocal chain?

All links severed, departing GS