Best Analog 2 Bus Compressor for price range

[derekmoffat]

Hey guys,
I want to get a really nice stereo compressor for my mastering. My budget is $1800 max. I mostly deal with metal and hardcore but I do have some pop punk, electronica, & acoustic clients as well.

I was looking at the Rolls Music Super Stereo $1800
http://www.mercenary.com/romusy755sus.html

and the Chameleon Labs 7720 $500
http://www.sweetwater.com/store/detail/7720/
^that's really a steal if it can stand up to the big boys. anyone ever use this?? Wonder if it's worth getting or better than ITB comps.

I really want something that is going to provide some rich warmth, depth, and really glue the mix. Something that is really great on the drum bus as well would be a plus. I'm just not a fan of ITB bus compression.

Thanks guys!

 

[JeffTD]

The 7720 with upgraded transformers is supposedly a GSSL clone, from what I've read.

 

[greyskull]

If you can use a soldering iron, make a gssl

 

[ArthurD]

Go for this:
http://www.mercenary.com/tkabc1.html

Although, it is super transparent.

 

[C-Martin]

I have the 7720 and i prefer using it over the wave's ssl bus comp. I havn't used the waves in a while since i got it but i don't think the 7720 stock is a clone of the ssl, it's more on the clean side but offers the same functionality plus the built in filter, which i find quite useful. If you'd like, you can send me one of your mixes and i'll run it through it so you can judge for yourself and compare it to the plugin you use.

Another unit i would recommend is the JDK R22, especially if your on a budget and are looking for a quality peace of gear. It is a great comp that doesn't seem to be known much. It also is a vca stereo compressor but you can also run it as dual mono which makes it more versatile. I love using it on snare, drum groups or while tracking. It doesn't have attack or release controls but i don't feel it needs it. It automatically adjust itself depending on the signal you feed it with and how the ratio and threshold controls are set. I believe the attack varies between 10 to 40ms and release between 50 to 300ms which is usually what i go for when compressing drums.

If you absolutely want an ssl bus comp then i would say give the Prime Analog 4000E a try. I thought about grabbing one myself since they are pretty affordable at 950 euro but i'm pretty content with the 7720 for now.

 

[C-Martin]

The 7720 with upgraded transformers is supposedly a GSSL clone, from what I've read.

Yup, JLM does the mods if you can't do it yourself. I've been wanting to give it a try.

 

[JeffTD]

Yup, JLM does the mods if you can't do it yourself. I've been wanting to give it a try.

My only problem is that I can't find any information whatsoever about the mods he does, and I'm not about to buy a comp to ship to Australia and back when I could outright build a GSSL clone for way cheaper. Any clue on where to find schems/parts lists?

 

[C-Martin]

My only problem is that I can't find any information whatsoever about the mods he does, and I'm not about to buy a comp to ship to Australia and back when I could outright build a GSSL clone for way cheaper. Any clue on where to find schems/parts lists?

Nope, i too have looked but the only thing i could find was a picture of the innards on some forum but i can't find it again. I'm kind of surprised this info is so hard to find, i figured people would be all over this mod.

 

[BLUElightCory]

Check out the Daking FET III. It's effing ridiculous. You cannot make it sound bad.

 

[arv_foh]

I'm probably gonna buy one of these in the near future

http://www.prime-analog.com/PRIME-4000E-Solid-State-Mixbus-Compressor

 

[Sacha]

That's a hefty budget, I'd look used too, lots of people trying to unload shit cheap after the holidays...you could look for a Smart those seem to be very well regarded for instance.

 

[derekmoffat]

Thanks everyone for the suggestions! I really appreciate it.
That Daking looks sick Cory!! Just a little more than I want to spend right now. (Love your work by the way!)
I've also heard really great things about the BC-1 and the PrimeAudio, but I think I'm ultimately going to get the 7720.
I've read probably a hundred user reviews on it and I've came to the conclusion that it's really clean sounding, most preferred on the drum bus or master bus, sounds like an SSL without the coloration I guess, and the price is outstanding. I only wish I could use it in dual mono but I can still use it as a single mono which is great for my needs as well. I wish it would add that coloration but I'm fine with it just giving me some solid OTB compression.
I couldn't find much information about the JLM mod but I'm assuming since they're located in Australia that shipping here from WI and back and the price of the mod would probably be just as much as if I went and got the PrimeAudio or JDK or more.. but it doesn't hurt to ask.
Should be purchasing mine by the end of the week!