500 series Opto... Stam or Audioscape?

Got a pair of the Audioscapes here.

I was honestly underwhelmed by them at first. They were nice on bass but didn't do the thing I was used to with original units on guitars and vocals. The Audioscapes seemed cleaner and grabbier. THEN I discovered if instead of using the COMP knob you use the stereo link knob to get more compression, it behaves more like I was used to with vintage units. Maybe its in my head, but I swear it introduces more mid harmonics and compresses in a less grabby manner. Placebo or not, I like them quite a bit more now.

Also, to be fair, I was informed by a tech friend who worked with me at the studio that had 3 vintage units that none of them were stock. Also, the comp/limit knob switch was on the back, deep in a rack, so I have no idea if I was using them in LIMIT mode or not. It just sounded good when I patched in, so I didn't ask questions!

The Brute/Tree Audio whatever its called now and the Serpent Chimera (probably the best sounding of the bunch, IMO) are other options. I was set on a Chimera until I figured I could get 2x Audioscapes for a little more than one Chimera.

Thanks for the replies. Yes I agree, just from what I heard on Youtube, it seemed a bit grabby but it looks like the stereo link knob and the HF knob give that added flexibility for tweaking the units behavior to the source. I have heard great things about the Serpent stuff but I plan plan on getting two opto units to run in stereo so the price on the Audioscapes or Stams sits better with me.

Thanks for the link - will check it out!

I would suggest you go with the AS as mine are sold out for a good 5 months

I am sure you can't go wrong with either

Not sure why you would rule out the Buzz Audio Essence for 500 series Opto - it's really really nice too. But they are "double-wide" in the 500 series format, so maybe that is a drawback.

I'm starting to sound like a Buzz Audio fan-boy (maybe I just should admit it) - but the SOC-20 (essentially same controls as the Essence, very very similar circuitry from what I can tell) has turned out to be my most versatile opto for that reason (variable attack, release, etc.), the only one that is similar in my rack is the one in the Aurora Audio GTQC / GTC2. These have a bit more color (a color I do really like) while the Buzz can be nearly invisible if you want it to be (in a very good way). I'd love to try the Serpent Chimera too, but I have zero doubts about the Essence in 500 series format. Haven't had a chance to try the Stam or Audioscape options as of yet.

After seeing so much love for the Serpent Audio (Shadow audio back then) Sa3a on RGO I bought one on Reverb (it was a DIY) that was sold "as-is" and non-functioning - if I can finally find some time to debug it and get it going, I've heard that it's similar to the Chimera, I'll post my opinions about it with some comparison to the Buzz (as well as Aurora Audio and Manley Optos) units I have.

And welcome to RGO!
-Chris

I haven't tried the Leviathan, but as far as I am aware it is also designed/built by Tim Farrant (Buzz Audio). One key difference is the amplifiers, as far as I understand - the Essence uses his fully-differential design which gives you near double the voltage swing for the same 500 series supply voltages, which is an advantage from the electronics standpoint. I can't comment on the sonics between the two and would love to try the Leviathan myself (and am quite happy to support Atlas Pro Audio / Nathan).

APA Leviathan is excellent and one space per unit. Great for acoustic guitar and more. I have not tried it on vocals.
The Buzz Essence is also amazing - smooth almost like a Tube Tech Cl1b. Definitely great on vocals. 2 spaces per unit.
I would use the Essence more for vocals and the APA Leviathan more for instruments, but someone may love the APA Leviathan on vocals.
I have not tried the Audioscape 3a, but I bet it is great.  

It is a fairly simple and fun build, if you feel like going that route.

I like mine a lot for tracking. But I swapped the chickenhead knobs for round ones. I find them easier to fine tune, especially doing the pull for attack time without bumping the setting.