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Post by lowlou on Jan 5, 2023 12:49:56 GMT -6
I pre-ordered it too, but I have remorse. Because the BAE 10DCF exists. I can't get both, I'm under the impression that it would be a bit overkill. As I understand it, the BAE comp is a mix of 33609 and 2254. That makes total sense to me. I read the 2254 is coloured and edgy, when the 33609 is a bit more polite. Thoughts on this ? I would love to get some guidance from guys here that might have used both Neve comps, or maybe someone that owns the 2254 or the Stam 33609. Stam wants me to pay 400 euros to pay for the transfos already, so I better make a decision soon. I've not used the Stam 33609, but my studio has had both the more modern AMS Neve 33609 and a vintage 'metal knob' unit (for a minute we had both side by side!). And I personally own a pair of BAE 10DCFs, plus, I freelanced for a couple years at place with some really well-maintained vintage 2254s. Here's my broad view: - the modern 33609 is the most open-sounding, with an airiness to the compression that's really great on mix buss and on drums - the metal knob 33609 is a bit thicker, and sounds more 'Neve': more colorful low mids, and a bit darker overall. compression is thick and similarly great on drums; I used it less on mix buss (though to be fair, in general I prefer VCA or mu compression on mix, in that order). - the 10DCF is a bit more sonically in the class-a 2254 family. more 'box tone' than the newer 33609. adds a nice thickness, but not aggressively so. the compression itself feels more 'gooey' than a 33609. I really like it on drum busses, bass guitars, and vocals. the metering is pointless, btw. ignore it. I LOVE (LOVE!!!!) the sc hpf and especially the control of attack times. that adds MASSIVELY to its versatility. - 2254 is the king of box tone. it just sounds awesome. the compression is gooey, like the 10DC, though to be honest, I never quite got along with the compression as well as I did with the above boxes. it's not as 'snappy' as I generally like. but the tone of the box is just so damn cool; I'd often find my best results just *barely* tickling the gain reduction, but using the box tone for some extra 'sauce'. The Stam box is really cool looking. Love the option for the two 'knob' versions. I imagine you won't be disappointed in the least. Thanks a lot for sharing your experience and knowledge  . |
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Post by sentientsound on Feb 5, 2024 17:14:29 GMT -6
Really curious to hear more from anyone with the mkII.
What does the vintage/modern selector actually change? Output section only?
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Post by kcatthedog on Feb 5, 2024 17:54:47 GMT -6
From stam in other thread:
“It's exactly the same as the MK1 in terms of performance, components and transformers, however, we have added a Dry/Wet blend control as well as a Modern /Metal Knob selector.
When selecting the Metal Knob the unit behaves like the classic 33609 with it's peculiar thick and velvet top end. When selecting Modern the unit has the frequency response of the modern 33609JD which is more suitable for modern productions.“
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Post by phdamage on Feb 5, 2024 18:06:21 GMT -6
Love mine and it has mostly lived on my mix bus since I got it. I mostly use metal knob. The modern sounds maybe a smidge brighter and a little less thick? I dunno. The metal knob just feels right to me.
I do wish it had a HPF though it does really make me reign that in before I hit it.
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Post by Johnkenn on Feb 5, 2024 18:51:21 GMT -6
Wish I had mine  |
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Post by kcatthedog on Feb 5, 2024 19:52:14 GMT -6
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Post by stam on Feb 6, 2024 7:18:39 GMT -6
Love mine and it has mostly lived on my mix bus since I got it. I mostly use metal knob. The modern sounds maybe a smidge brighter and a little less thick? I dunno. The metal knob just feels right to me. I do wish it had a HPF though it does really make me reign that in before I hit it. That could be added but only in stereo , I don't think I have enough room on the faceplate with the extra features for 2 more switches Would a stereo HPF work for you? |
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Post by Johnkenn on Feb 6, 2024 9:51:04 GMT -6
Stereo HP is all I’d want.
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Post by phdamage on Feb 6, 2024 11:01:34 GMT -6
Love mine and it has mostly lived on my mix bus since I got it. I mostly use metal knob. The modern sounds maybe a smidge brighter and a little less thick? I dunno. The metal knob just feels right to me. I do wish it had a HPF though it does really make me reign that in before I hit it. That could be added but only in stereo , I don't think I have enough room on the faceplate with the extra features for 2 more switches Would a stereo HPF work for you? Josh, it certainly would, but I'm probably just gonna stick with the MKII. it sounds amazing and I'm not dying without the HPF. just food for thought if you were looking for possible revisions for future units. |
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Post by sentientsound on Feb 21, 2024 10:38:25 GMT -6
Love mine and it has mostly lived on my mix bus since I got it. I mostly use metal knob. The modern sounds maybe a smidge brighter and a little less thick? I dunno. The metal knob just feels right to me. I do wish it had a HPF though it does really make me reign that in before I hit it. That could be added but only in stereo , I don't think I have enough room on the faceplate with the extra features for 2 more switches Would a stereo HPF work for you? A stereo HPF for the sidechain would be great. But the Neve originals and the Stam demos I've heard on YouTube already do "the things" I'd choose that box for. I pre-ordered a MkII in early Feb, are those still expected to ship out soon Josh? Thanks! |
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Post by Johnkenn on Feb 21, 2024 10:52:23 GMT -6
That could be added but only in stereo , I don't think I have enough room on the faceplate with the extra features for 2 more switches Would a stereo HPF work for you? A stereo HPF for the sidechain would be great. But the Neve originals and the Stam demos I've heard on YouTube already do "the things" I'd choose that box for. I pre-ordered a MkII in early Feb, are those still expected to ship out soon Josh? Thanks! Uh. Like this February? |
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Post by kcatthedog on Feb 21, 2024 11:14:41 GMT -6
I think the recent fires and the office closure, have delayed things about a month ? I have seen recent Facebook references to the 1178 and the 4k mkiii being completed and shipped and a reference to the 76ADG’s being built over the next month or so m.
maybe the 33609 Mk iii design is easy to do, but seems to me they’re pretty busy, catching up !
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Post by Shadowk on Feb 21, 2024 11:59:08 GMT -6
I’m sure the UAD version isn’t particularly great but I’ve struggled to see it’s attraction as a compressor. What are you guys using this legendary diode compressor for? Drum bus? Mix bus? Tracking (what)? Thanks I've had a Rev C 33609 for a long time, it doesn't IMO sound that much like the Shelford's bridge diode based upon the 2254 which I couldn't really get along with. In short the 33609 shines when you don't have a lot of mojo equipment and you're in need of spicing things up, I've used it on mixbus, drums, piano, backing vocals etc. and it sounds great on everything, a real utility comp. It's not a "shrinker" either the compressor retains or increases spacial depth, also it's not that hard to use IMO and difficult to get bad results unless you push it.
The API 2500 is another legendary utility compressor, however this thing is not easy to use. Unless you're an EE or you've spent a week with your head buried in a manual then the chances are someone will entirely misunderstand this compressor. For example do you know what the difference is between feedback & feedforward? (Voltage taken from input vs. output), how that affects things, overshoot etc?. Anyway, once you've geeked up IME the API is more flexible than the 33609 but if you smash drums with the Neve it does give a certain interesting saturated sound that I do quite enjoy.
So my API arrives on Thursday, although I've had one before and guess which one is going on the master? None of them, I use an SSL G-Bus comp  .. What I'm going to use these for is anything to do with VSTI's like drum bus or synth bus because as compressors they are both betterizer's and that's where I need them the most.
Oh and one last thing, these are two of the best compressors ever IMO and none of the emulations I've ever come across do them justice.
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Post by sentientsound on Feb 21, 2024 12:58:08 GMT -6
A stereo HPF for the sidechain would be great. But the Neve originals and the Stam demos I've heard on YouTube already do "the things" I'd choose that box for. I pre-ordered a MkII in early Feb, are those still expected to ship out soon Josh? Thanks! Uh. Like this February? Yea just ~3 weeks ago...the webshop still says next batch is Feb 2024. I didn't hear about the fires until this week though, that's awful. Glad the Stam crew reported they're alright, just curious how delayed production schedules are. This is my first rack gear order from Stam, maybe I'm a overly optimistic hah! ...although we got in-stock items from them (the fantastic 87T mic) to Asia within a week. |
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Post by enlav on Feb 21, 2024 14:02:23 GMT -6
I think the recent fires and the office closure, have delayed things about a month ? I got an email from Josh stating something similar regarding their SA2A+. I can't imagine the headache that natural disasters cause with logistics and operations. |
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Post by Johnkenn on Feb 21, 2024 14:23:47 GMT -6
Yea just ~3 weeks ago...the webshop still says next batch is Feb 2024. I didn't hear about the fires until this week though, that's awful. Glad the Stam crew reported they're alright, just curious how delayed production schedules are. This is my first rack gear order from Stam, maybe I'm a overly optimistic hah! ...although we got in-stock items from them (the fantastic 87T mic) to Asia within a week. I'd plan for not-February. Don't mean that in a bad way, just feel like I should caution you to lower your expectations for delivery time. |
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Post by thehightenor on Feb 22, 2024 2:46:59 GMT -6
I’m sure the UAD version isn’t particularly great but I’ve struggled to see it’s attraction as a compressor. What are you guys using this legendary diode compressor for? Drum bus? Mix bus? Tracking (what)? Thanks I've had a Rev C 33609 for a long time, it doesn't IMO sound that much like the Shelford's bridge diode based upon the 2254 which I couldn't really get along with. In short the 33609 shines when you don't have a lot of mojo equipment and you're in need of spicing things up, I've used it on mixbus, drums, piano, backing vocals etc. and it sounds great on everything, a real utility comp. It's not a "shrinker" either the compressor retains or increases spacial depth, also it's not that hard to use IMO and difficult to get bad results unless you push it.
The API 2500 is another legendary utility compressor, however this thing is not easy to use. Unless you're an EE or you've spent a week with your head buried in a manual then the chances are someone will entirely misunderstand this compressor. For example do you know what the difference is between feedback & feedforward? (Voltage taken from input vs. output), how that affects things, overshoot etc?. Anyway, once you've geeked up IME the API is more flexible than the 33609 but if you smash drums with the Neve it does give a certain interesting saturated sound that I do quite enjoy.
So my API arrives on Thursday, although I've had one before and guess which one is going on the master? None of them, I use an SSL G-Bus comp .. What I'm going to use these for is anything to do with VSTI's like drum bus or synth bus because as compressors they are both betterizer's and that's where I need them the most.
Oh and one last thing, these are two of the best compressors ever IMO and none of the emulations I've ever come across do them justice.
Thank you. I’ve got the UA 2500 emulation, which by all accounts is meant to be quite good. I think due to my focus being more a singer songwriter arranger that I tend towards easy to use hardware tube compressors and SSL style VCA’s. That said, I did work out how the 2500 works it’s just that API sound doesn’t really suite my genre of music. Is the Chandler Zener Limiter something you’ve tried? They’re very popular and I presume along the lines of a 33609? |
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Post by kcatthedog on Feb 22, 2024 3:45:14 GMT -6
@ Height. If you are experimenting with plugs, the Softtube Chandler zener/limiter new combo plug is well worth the demo! Find the 33609 user comments valuable and distressing! I had ordered a stam, as it was one of my fav UA plugs, but I then cancelled stam order due to delays and financial pressure: still hear it whispering sweet everything’s though! and then there is Stam’s new combo neve/api comp in development, that’s intriguing! |
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Post by Shadowk on Feb 22, 2024 4:31:31 GMT -6
Thank you. I’ve got the UA 2500 emulation, which by all accounts is meant to be quite good. I think due to my focus being more a singer songwriter arranger that I tend towards easy to use hardware tube compressors and SSL style VCA’s. That said, I did work out how the 2500 works it’s just that API sound doesn’t really suite my genre of music. Is the Chandler Zener Limiter something you’ve tried? They’re very popular and I presume along the lines of a 33609? Meant to be, I have the plugin too , IME the actual API hardware works with just about anything. It can do everything from soft touch compression to forward, smacky crushing. The only issue with it that I've heard of in the field (I discussed this with KMR as well) is no matter even if it's in bypass the 2500 asserts its own sound. Personally I think for a master 2bus it can be a bit much sometimes.
As for Chandler, I've only recently entered their realm with the TG Opto, however on the Chandler site they say it's a "relative of the TG1 & Zener". Anyway I think some just associate opto's with 2A's but IME most aren't like that, this TG is fast, clean (but not boring), high fidelity, minimal artefact and anything that goes through it just sounds better. Sometimes I like my compressors to roll off HF a bit but one could argue the EQ approach. To wrap up the Chandler is one of my favourite compressors and I've got quite a few, if the Opto is anything to go by I'd get a demo of the Zener without thinking about it if I were looking to swap out the SSL G-Bus comp.
Just to note though, what it's not in any way is an LA-2A or "retro" style compressor. It doesn't do dark & mushy and personally I'm very happy about that..
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Post by thehightenor on Feb 23, 2024 2:37:48 GMT -6
Thank you. I’ve got the UA 2500 emulation, which by all accounts is meant to be quite good. I think due to my focus being more a singer songwriter arranger that I tend towards easy to use hardware tube compressors and SSL style VCA’s. That said, I did work out how the 2500 works it’s just that API sound doesn’t really suite my genre of music. Is the Chandler Zener Limiter something you’ve tried? They’re very popular and I presume along the lines of a 33609? Meant to be, I have the plugin too , IME the actual API hardware works with just about anything. It can do everything from soft touch compression to forward, smacky crushing. The only issue with it that I've heard of in the field (I discussed this with KMR as well) is no matter even if it's in bypass the 2500 asserts its own sound. Personally I think for a master 2bus it can be a bit much sometimes.
As for Chandler, I've only recently entered their realm with the TG Opto, however on the Chandler site they say it's a "relative of the TG1 & Zener". Anyway I think some just associate opto's with 2A's but IME most aren't like that, this TG is fast, clean (but not boring), high fidelity, minimal artefact and anything that goes through it just sounds better. Sometimes I like my compressors to roll off HF a bit but one could argue the EQ approach. To wrap up the Chandler is one of my favourite compressors and I've got quite a few, if the Opto is anything to go by I'd get a demo of the Zener without thinking about it if I were looking to swap out the SSL G-Bus comp.
Just to note though, what it's not in any way is an LA-2A or "retro" style compressor. It doesn't do dark & mushy and personally I'm very happy about that..
I have an AS Opto, Retro STA Level, Thermionic Phoenix MP and none of them sound dark or mushy - in fact the exact opposite. For really clean I have a Millennia Opto compressor and that sounds very musical in its action and there’s a choice of no colouration (passive shunt) solid state or tube paths my only criticism is it can be a bit slow. Probably the best of all of them for tracking is the Phoenix - it’s amazing on anything! I think my preference is for vari MU over Opto but I do use my opto comps a fair bit. When I get the money to buy a Lynx or Burl multichannel ADA and can mix hybrid I’d like to get a couple of 1176 flavours. I’m not keen tracking with an 1176 but I think they’re great in a mix - so currently I’m making do with plug-ins. |
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Post by Shadowk on Feb 23, 2024 4:26:37 GMT -6
I have an AS Opto, Retro STA Level, Thermionic Phoenix MP and none of them sound dark or mushy - in fact the exact opposite. For really clean I have a Millennia Opto compressor and that sounds very musical in its action and there’s a choice of no colouration (passive shunt) solid state or tube paths my only criticism is it can be a bit slow. Probably the best of all of them for tracking is the Phoenix - it’s amazing on anything! I think my preference is for vari MU over Opto but I do use my opto comps a fair bit. I've had 4 LA-2A's including two originals, with every one of them the more compression I added the darker and mushier they got. It's literally the reason why I bought them, when in it's sweetspot let's say 5 - 7dB GR it rounds things off just enough but still keeps things nicely defined. It isn't going to do 15dB's worth of crushing comp and retain its composure, the Chandler Opto will. This is an extreme example of course but the point is said Chandler can do a crazy amounts of compression without affecting much. Also when I say "retro" I mean vintage, not Retro instruments. Some Vari-Mu's can get pretty dark as well..
In terms of compressors I've had, bought, sold or kept there's been a real smorgasbord.. Acme Opto, Chandler Opto, Tele 2A, Stam 2A, Manley Nu-Mu, Manley Vari-Mu T-bar & MS mod, IGS Tube Core, 6176, Serpent Splice, SSL Gbus, API 2500, 33609, DBX 676, FMR RNC, Warm 2A, Shelford "2254", Better Maker ML, Summit TLA-100, SSL E-Dyn (I'm not listing plugins here, this is all HW). Add all of that to the smorgasbord of interfaces, mixers, mic's and monitors it's not all that difficult to see where most of money has gone over the past 23 years ..
To some this might not be a massive list but I'm all compressor'd out mate, even though I wouldn't mind a Sta-Level I need not want nor know about any other comp out there.
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Post by guitfiddler on Feb 23, 2024 6:29:04 GMT -6
I have an AS Opto, Retro STA Level, Thermionic Phoenix MP and none of them sound dark or mushy - in fact the exact opposite. For really clean I have a Millennia Opto compressor and that sounds very musical in its action and there’s a choice of no colouration (passive shunt) solid state or tube paths my only criticism is it can be a bit slow. Probably the best of all of them for tracking is the Phoenix - it’s amazing on anything! I think my preference is for vari MU over Opto but I do use my opto comps a fair bit. I've had 4 LA-2A's including two originals, with every one of them the more compression I added the darker and mushier they got. It's literally the reason why I bought them, when in it's sweetspot let's say 5 - 7dB GR it rounds things off just enough but still keeps things nicely defined. It isn't going to do 15dB's worth of crushing comp and retain its composure, the Chandler Opto will. This is an extreme example of course but the point is said Chandler can do a crazy amounts of compression without affecting much. Also when I say "retro" I mean vintage, not Retro instruments. Some Vari-Mu's can get pretty dark as well..
In terms of compressors I've had, bought, sold or kept there's been a real smorgasbord.. Acme Opto, Chandler Opto, Tele 2A, Stam 2A, Manley Nu-Mu, Manley Vari-Mu T-bar & MS mod, IGS Tube Core, 6176, Serpent Splice, SSL Gbus, API 2500, 33609, DBX 676, FMR RNC, Warm 2A, Shelford "2254", Better Maker ML, Summit TLA-100, SSL E-Dyn (I'm not listing plugins here, this is all HW). Add all of that to the smorgasbord of interfaces, mixers, mic's and monitors it's not all that difficult to see where most of money has gone over the past 23 years ..
To some this might not be a massive list but I'm all compressor'd out mate, even though I wouldn't mind a Sta-Level I need not want nor know about any other comp out there.
I have a lot of the same experience as you, and have used a ton of gear over the decades and I know exactly what you mean. Love the TG1, love the Sta-Level(John Kennedy is on his 10th one by now😆😆😆😆! Just kidding John, just had to say it!) although I love love Chandler I’ve had issues with the gear breaking down often, but I’m still a huge fan of some of Wades gear, sounds fabulous, and I’m sure to own more in the future if they are still supplying electricity to our area. We have a power plant closing down in the area and due to green energy and stupid politicians we aren’t going to have our own power anymore! So I guess I have to build my own personal power plant for the studio!!! |
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Post by Shadowk on Feb 23, 2024 6:58:39 GMT -6
I have a lot of the same experience as you, and have used a ton of gear over the decades and I know exactly what you mean. Love the TG1, love the Sta-Level(John Kennedy is on his 10th one by now😆😆😆😆! Just kidding John, just had to say it!) although I love love Chandler I’ve had issues with the gear breaking down often, but I’m still a huge fan of some of Wades gear, sounds fabulous, and I’m sure to own more in the future if they are still supplying electricity to our area. We have a power plant closing down in the area and due to green energy and stupid politicians we aren’t going to have our own power anymore! So I guess I have to build my own personal power plant for the studio!!! It's a bit like me with the 6176, I've had three now and I always come to the same conclusion then sell it. I must just like the way it looks? Fingers crossed my Opto has been fine so far.. Also wait, what now? Are they limiting power due to lower generation via wind turbines or something like a hydroelectric dam or are they just saying best of luck folks? |
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Post by Johnkenn on Feb 23, 2024 9:06:23 GMT -6
I've had 4 LA-2A's including two originals, with every one of them the more compression I added the darker and mushier they got. It's literally the reason why I bought them, when in it's sweetspot let's say 5 - 7dB GR it rounds things off just enough but still keeps things nicely defined. It isn't going to do 15dB's worth of crushing comp and retain its composure, the Chandler Opto will. This is an extreme example of course but the point is said Chandler can do a crazy amounts of compression without affecting much. Also when I say "retro" I mean vintage, not Retro instruments. Some Vari-Mu's can get pretty dark as well.. In terms of compressors I've had, bought, sold or kept there's been a real smorgasbord.. Acme Opto, Chandler Opto, Tele 2A, Stam 2A, Manley Nu-Mu, Manley Vari-Mu T-bar & MS mod, IGS Tube Core, 6176, Serpent Splice, SSL Gbus, API 2500, 33609, DBX 676, FMR RNC, Warm 2A, Shelford "2254", Better Maker ML, Summit TLA-100, SSL E-Dyn (I'm not listing plugins here, this is all HW). Add all of that to the smorgasbord of interfaces, mixers, mic's and monitors it's not all that difficult to see where most of money has gone over the past 23 years .. To some this might not be a massive list but I'm all compressor'd out mate, even though I wouldn't mind a Sta-Level I need not want nor know about any other comp out there. I have a lot of the same experience as you, and have used a ton of gear over the decades and I know exactly what you mean. Love the TG1, love the Sta-Level(John Kennedy is on his 10th one by now😆😆😆😆! Just kidding John, just had to say it!) although I love love Chandler I’ve had issues with the gear breaking down often, but I’m still a huge fan of some of Wades gear, sounds fabulous, and I’m sure to own more in the future if they are still supplying electricity to our area. We have a power plant closing down in the area and due to green energy and stupid politicians we aren’t going to have our own power anymore! So I guess I have to build my own personal power plant for the studio!!! I was literally thinking dreamingly about a sta-level when I read this. Wish I was joking. |
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Post by guitfiddler on Feb 23, 2024 10:07:37 GMT -6
I have a lot of the same experience as you, and have used a ton of gear over the decades and I know exactly what you mean. Love the TG1, love the Sta-Level(John Kennedy is on his 10th one by now😆😆😆😆! Just kidding John, just had to say it!) although I love love Chandler I’ve had issues with the gear breaking down often, but I’m still a huge fan of some of Wades gear, sounds fabulous, and I’m sure to own more in the future if they are still supplying electricity to our area. We have a power plant closing down in the area and due to green energy and stupid politicians we aren’t going to have our own power anymore! So I guess I have to build my own personal power plant for the studio!!! I was literally thinking dreamingly about a sta-level when I read this. Wish I was joking. I totally get it! I’ve done it myself several times! Sounds like you need to pony up and just do it! Nike did it! Not the best analogy, I’ll just stop there! Forgive me for I have had 4 hours of sleep in the past two days! Been very busy, need a day to rest!!! |
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.. What I'm going to use these for is anything to do with VSTI's like drum bus or synth bus because as compressors they are both betterizer's and that's where I need them the most.