Im finally narrowing down my mix-buss comp options and am looking at the following SSL route:
1. X Logic - $3600
2. Smart C1 - $2400
3. Vintage fxg384 - ~$4000
I tried the Dramastic and its not for me. Something on the SSL grab I like.
The solution is affected also my the following:
1. I do Bruno Mars style pop mostly
2. Mixing is done on an RCA console which sounds like a vintage API
3. I have a vintage 33609 that I love the depth of, that i would like to use possibly in series with the SSL for a light touch
Would love to get your thoughts. I'm open to some other suggestions or combinations. I'm considering a VacRac for tube or tube eq.
Thanks!

You can get a used X logic for between $2200 and $2500. That's the route I went and I'm pleased, though I've never used a gray face.
A lot of people think the Red 3 is the pinnacle of vca bus comps. Rnd master bus is something to consider in your price range. It is more open than the ssl and sounds amazing, though it's a departure from the ones you list.

Thanks 808! Yes I will check that out but fairly set on SSL sound. I have tried the red and it was nice (if i didnt have another comp, I'd settle with that), but I do infact like the sheen of SSL and its grab - it almost keeps the groove going.

I was using a API 2500 which I love. Got the IGS Audio S- Type for the drum bus and wound up using it on 2-bus. All the vibe of the SSL4000 is was using at Henson's Mix Room with clear modern definition. Summing 32 Channels from Pro Tools API 8200's.
S-Type 500 - IGS Audio

I'd take a look at the Stam Audio Sa4000. Might be worth a glance.

Thanks guys. Anyone with experience in both C1 and new X logic buss comp?

I have a couple of SSL buss comps (4k console and G384) and a C1 & C2
I tend to use the G384 most followed by the C1

Also have a Red 3 and as 808KickDrum said that's a really nice option as well
Own a 2500 but never tried it on the mix buss

I was never a big fan of the Smart so I sold it. Have you tried the TK one yet?
That's my fav for grab and punch.

Check this.

https://gearspace.com/board/new-prod...-590-00-a.html

OT: But on the, one of the best SSL Xlogic bus comp there is one xlr sidechain. How does this work exactly? I will send stereo Hipassed audio from phones out TRS 1/4-> XLR key input. Does my signal gets converted to mono or does it remain stereo and it will react to the louder signal?

IJ Research Mixbuzz1 or Serpent sb4001

You can only send a mono signal to the single channel key input. The side chains for each compressor channel react the same. What you do is send a summed, highpassed mono signal to the key.

The TK Audio BC1-S is definitely worth checking out and adding to your list.

War

"Vintage" SSL bus comps (FX384, "Silver" post-2003) have a mono sum sidechain, "Modern" SSL bus comps (Duality, X-Rack, 500-Series) have stereo side-chains with loudest signal triggering gain reduction.

Smart = crunchy
SSL = snappy

Demo both, use your ears, take your pick :-)

In what ways does the mono summed side chain effect compression vs stereo summed side chain?

How does this affect the sound / stereo image?

What was the motivation for changing the side chain?

What side chain do the SSL duende/ UAD/ Waves plugs model?

Thanks in advance! I googled and searched to get a few answers but would rather hear from the company who make these products instead.

Thanks Jim for chiming in. Appreciate it.
I'm not looking at the 500 series but considering XLogic. Does this have a stereo side chain?
Also with the older fxg384, grey face, is there a way to distinguish which ones have the gold can VCAs? Year? Serial?
Thanks!!

SSL XLogic G Series Stereo Compressor | eBay

i'm strongly thinking of buying it. But it seems to be different than the current xlogic models as you look at the screw holes. The new models have thinner screw holes, or like a little dip where the screw is. Hard to explain, not my native lang.

Is there any difference in these, besides the screw hole?

One minor difference is that the older ones have a power switch on the back. The new ones don't.

I am most certainly biased, but you could try the VECA.

by Munson & Fletcher


MS Balance

The MS BALANCE does not affect the signal path directly, but the side chain signal is split to M/S. This lets you control the relative weight of M (mid) to S (side) that is pushed into the detection circuit for stereo compression triggering.


Gustav

Yes, but to the OP, some that have the recessed screw holes like you show in the photo may also have a switch on the back, depending on when it was built.

My dream is for Smart to add the hi-pass filter to the C1 rack. I love the dual mono function, sometimes uncoupling the channels help the stereo image from folding in, and it makes it more useful as a tracking compressor. But, built in hi-pass would really help the low end from triggering the compressor too much.

Have you tried their 500 Series C1LA version? It has HPF and they claim it's exactly a C1 with added features

I haven't yet, but it's an interesting unit. I'd love to try one out sometime, although there is something weird about running a whole mix through a 500 series compressor for me. I don't know why, but if Smart didn't have to make any compromises because of the power supply limitations it would be on my short list to buy, although I do like have separate controls for dual mono for tracking.

If you want a 19" Rack Smart C1 with hi pass ask to have it modded as many have. Though again this is the very First SSL Bus Comp Design and it's 2,4,10 as per SSL though the C1-LA is not only better in the fact it has 1.5 and T2 (Times x 2 and divisional ratios for Attack and Rekease settings etc) which ultimately gives you the C1 sound (More Balls and less Sheen compared to the C2) though it has Inserts and DC linking and or Sidechain coupling for Stereo, as many state they prefer the C1/2 not linked a wider in soundstage in dual mono etc.
I'd get all the units and Shoot 'Em Out on the Mix Buss, this is really the only way to find if the Xlogic might suit you better. The fact that Smart units are Hand Built without Chinese or CNC type plug and jump punch circuitry to me equals to literally Boutique manufacturing. As for the GFX384 and its Gokd Cans....you need to pop the lid, though the difference from DBX into THAT VCA's was a huge move in terms of stability, image, and possibly some extraneous noise leaking from those parallel DBX Gold Cans! Good luck CJ as it seems you're doing homework on Everything. And your not afraid to RTFM or go into product details etc. The Vertigi might also be a VCA comp to look into.

Don't forget to listen to the Gyraf units:

SSL Clone construction page

Thanks guys... looks like I am still leaning towards the new SSL, subject to some thoughts from Jim if available. Thanks in advance!

Someone else mentioned the tk audio, I definitely recommend checking one out. I've used both versions of the smart which are great. I haven't a/b side by side but the tk audio works great in that style. I also love the hpf. The blend knob is a great idea although I have to admit I've not used it other than just checking it out for a minute when I first got it.

+1 on TK-Audio's version - but also Munson&Fletcher's recent unit (that incorporates MS functionality) is certainly worth a listen..

Jakob E.

I was working with RED3(last rev.) about 5 years,it was great.Then I deside to sell it and get SSl Bus compressor module for Mynx.
I never regret that I did sell RED3,for my taste SSL Buss Comp is better choice.
RED 3 was more noisy then SSl about 10 db.
This is not big deal,but the sound of SSL is classic,try that:

Attack 0.3 ms ,
Release AUTO,
Ratio 2:1
Gain reduction 2-3 db,
that is monster loudness box for RMS and it is still very good sounding.I do have
Shadow hills Dual Vandergraph and it can not do that.

By the way, Shadow hills Dual Vandergraph in some materials is better.
That's way I have both.
SSL is more hifi
Shadow hills is more thick ,more warm in the highs.There is IRON.
I am happy to have these both units.

Hey,

im looking for a "snappy", "punchy" VCA comp (preferably for my 500 rack). Mainly for the drum bus. I often read about the api2500 and the ssl g comp (style) having those characteristics but I have not had the chance to get my hands on one of them yet. Hopefully I will try them out soon. Anyway I am interested in some experienced guys´ opinion before.

Im not looking for a extremely versatile solution as I am buying it for a project studio which is need-oriented and not commercial. So I need it especially for one application, or better said, for one special type of sound I´m quite obsessed with atm

Instead of using 10000 words to describe that sound I will give you a few examples. Please don´t get me wrong telling me the obvious. I know there are a lot of factors and influences causing that sound and I am sure a comp won´t get me there by itself. Also, the songs are quite different. But one thing they have in common: It is that "soft" but really "punchy" Drumsound. I am hearing that drum bus compression being a huge part of that sound making the drumkit breath as a whole. Please interpret those examples only as a communication-"tool" to describe what I mean and not as a "I wanna sound like...".

1. Oceansize - Frames Album (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nJ2Oj26-0Zs)
2. RHCP - Turn it Again (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=icjDPI1KbDg)
3. Karnivool - Goliath (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sDKsosOvVmw)
4. The Mars Volta - Goliath (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j4uJFGDdcBo)

So, do you think a ssl-g-comp could contribute to that sound. If so (and back to topic), which of the ssl style comps are recommended? Anyone tried out the new mk2 Version of the G-Bus 500-Series with HP? Or should I better go with the api2500 (which is often recommended for modern Rock-Punch-Sound, but unfortunately quite expensive at the moment here in Germany, also no 500 series).

I already have a drawmer 1968, which I like, but not for that sound. It kind of "crushes" the drums too fast. I guess a FET is not the best choice in that case...

I hope someone can share some advice and experiences. Thank you for reading/listening anyway