Mix Buss Compressors....the Hardware Kind

Resonant Alien · Post by **Resonant Alien** » Wed Aug 23, 2006 7:04 am

I am considering buying a hardware mix buss compressor to use (sparingly) during mixdown. My setup would be running out of DP via an RME Fireface into the comp and then into an Alesis Masterlink.

I am considering the API 2500, the SSL X-Logic G-Series, or a Manley Variable mu. I like the price of the API ($2500 compared to $3500 for the others) but I have never heard it in person. I don't really want to spend over $3500 (which is why I'm not considering a Neve 33609)

I know the SSL G Compressor is "THE" buss compressor of the last 15 years or so, but I wonder how the API compares.

Anyone have any opinions?

Thanks,
RA

KarlSutton · Post by **KarlSutton** » Wed Aug 23, 2006 12:32 pm

The only one I tried once was the vari-mu & I thought it sounded great. Made the track big & fat. Would love to be shopping for something like that, enjoy!

BradLyons · Post by **BradLyons** » Wed Aug 23, 2006 2:56 pm

There is nothing like mix-buss compression, one reason why SSL consoles were so famous for this years ago....okay, still are. In my own personal studio, I do not run through an external compressor but I do run through either an ADL600 or a TPA200B to just warm it up a little more and get that natural tube compression. But over the years, I have used many options and have learned that what might sound good on a track may not be as suitable in your mix. As far as what is available today, I feel there are (3) that are truly GREAT for this application. In no particular order....

-MANLEY VARI-MU

This is a very subtle, yet "pushy" compressor that doesn't overly color your mix. You can really push this thing without killing the top end as much as other compressors, although you can still do that. The VariMu preserves the audio quality, gives you a punchy bottom-end but doesn't completely change your sound. It's a standard in many studios, you'll find this for mastering and mixdown more than any other use.

- GML 8900

If you have the dough ($5500), oh wow! This is ultra transparent, no coloration and you don't hear "pumping" unless you completely messed up your mix. The keys to the 8900 is your mix is changing, right? Well compression will change your mix, it should be the other way around. The GML8900 is one of the best at preserving the mix, but bringing everything together more even. You just have to hear it, it's an amazing tool!!

-G Series Compressor (Xlogic) from SSL

Okay, I feel the SSL 4000 was the best console they ever made for mixing IMHO. Basically, this is that...or that is this.... grrrrr anyway, my goodness this thing rocks! Very punchy, yet open. You have some nice analog warmth, but not a tube sound either. It's musical, harmonics shine through.

Okay if you want to be a on a "budget" but still be using high-end gear, the 2-1176 will certainly work HOWEVER the issue here is.... the more you push it, the more the sound changes (see above about the GML8900). So as you have harder transients, the sound will change. That can be annoying, but also useful too.

Resonant Alien · Post by **Resonant Alien** » Wed Aug 23, 2006 5:03 pm

Hey Brad...Thanks for the info, very interesting. Do you have any experience with the API 2500? Where does it stack with the others you mention?

BradLyons · Post by **BradLyons** » Wed Aug 23, 2006 5:25 pm

Yes, a friend of a friend has one..... it was certainly very good to say the least. But personally, I wasn't that into it. But it's probably because I've never been a big fan of API, I've always chosen the SSL in the past on their consoles. That is what SSL is known for most, it's the most sought after plugin model out there for bus compression.

Hmmmmmmm Maybe I can talk someone into letting me take home some of this gear, do some samples, and let ya'll hear for ya'lls self

oldguitars · Post by **oldguitars** » Wed Aug 23, 2006 5:50 pm

I personally loved the API. It has a "thing" while still being a very flexible unit. To me, if you do pop/rock, the api is the way to go. Don't get me wrong, the others mentioned are amazing, but the api has the classic sound that look for.

ed belknap · Post by **ed belknap** » Thu Aug 31, 2006 1:30 pm

BradLyons wrote:But personally, I wasn't that into it. But it's probably because I've never been a big fan of API

...or because Sweetwater doesn't carry API!

m2 · Post by m2 » Thu Aug 31, 2006 1:55 pm

I agree with Brad's assessment above. Personally I have a Manley Variable-Mu and I would not get caught dead doing mixes without it. I record throught it all time as well. Vocals, guitars, BASS, perc you name it. It's been in my rig for years and with all the software, consoles and crap it's still one of the best sounding pieces that I have, and unlike a lot of the stuff we have to contend with - it won't crash you computer. LOL

BradLyons · Post by **BradLyons** » Thu Aug 31, 2006 5:24 pm

Ed,

It's true, we're not a dealer. But I'm sorry, that has absolutely NO relevance to the reason. For your information, we don't carry DaKing but I love their stuff! We only recently became an SSL dealer, but I've always been a fan of their products. There are high profile products we carry here that frankly I can't stand to us. So unless you HEAR the exact reason come from me directly, it's not an accurate statement.