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Post by rowmat on Jul 5, 2016 12:02:36 GMT -6
Nah! It was bigger than that!  |
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Post by rowmat on Jul 5, 2016 12:11:46 GMT -6
No, but maybe Randge can comment. The Locomotive doesn't have the heft and weight of the Sta,RS-124 or the BG-2. It's a less colorful compressor and would be a fine call if that is what you're shooting for. For my dollar, I want some serious 1940's weight or complete transparent compression, depending on what I am doing. The RS-124 can do both but you have to be conservative when hitting it for a less colorful sound. The BG-2 is a fat tank of a comp that reminds me of my vintage RCA gear. Love it if I need to give a vocal some forwardness and command of the track. It also kills when using no compression and adding a bit of distortion to bass via the input and backing off the output. If you only hit it a couple db, it can be pretty invisible, too. The next comp on my list to get however, is the Charter Oak SCL-1. I need a comp that can clamp down and not really change the tone of what I am using it on. It will be good to follow a comp that is more colorful to get a few more db of compression at mix stage without taking the color too far. Thanks for that. Colourful, big, forward etc. is what I'm looking for. I have ultra clean options covered already by the Aphex Expressors (mainly used as fast peak limiters) and also the 1176, LA2A, LA3A flavours more-or-less covered with the WA76, JLM LA500A and WA2A. The Sta Level or maybe the RS124 or BG-2 sounds like what I'm after. |
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Post by joseph on Jul 5, 2016 16:01:14 GMT -6
No, but maybe Randge can comment. The Locomotive doesn't have the heft and weight of the Sta,RS-124 or the BG-2. It's a less colorful compressor and would be a fine call if that is what you're shooting for. For my dollar, I want some serious 1940's weight or complete transparent compression, depending on what I am doing. The RS-124 can do both but you have to be conservative when hitting it for a less colorful sound. The BG-2 is a fat tank of a comp that reminds me of my vintage RCA gear. Love it if I need to give a vocal some forwardness and command of the track. It also kills when using no compression and adding a bit of distortion to bass via the input and backing off the output. If you only hit it a couple db, it can be pretty invisible, too. The next comp on my list to get however, is the Charter Oak SCL-1. I need a comp that can clamp down and not really change the tone of what I am using it on. It will be good to follow a comp that is more colorful to get a few more db of compression at mix stage without taking the color too far. What do you think of RS124 on mono room/FOK (with stereo overheads processed differently) or mono overhead (with or without stereo rooms), or mono/parallel drum bus? I saw Roundbadge was liking 2 on drums and master bus, but wouldn't massaging a mono percussion source be pretty classic? A compressor that can do a fair amount of GR with a vibey but elegant character, not crunchy like an 1176. RS124 with superfuse also seems like better choice for this than 176 or Sta. |
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Post by rowmat on Jul 5, 2016 17:02:32 GMT -6
I was wondering about the 'Superfuse' setting on the RS124.
Does that take it into the Sta Level zone or is it something altogether different?
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Post by Randge on Jul 5, 2016 17:41:12 GMT -6
The super fuse is an altogether different sound. More mid forward grind and punch which works great on some vocals depending on style. The RS-124 would make an excellent comp for room mics.
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Post by rowmat on Jul 5, 2016 17:47:50 GMT -6
It's altogether a different sound. More mid forward grind and punch which works great on some vocals depending on style. The RS-124 would make an excellent comp for room mics. My main priority is vocals but I think the Sta Level is probably where I'm heading. |
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Post by Randge on Jul 5, 2016 19:23:38 GMT -6
For a lot of vocals, the STA can be heavy handed unless you are just kissing it. Just tell the wife you really need both!  |
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Post by roundbadge on Jul 5, 2016 23:32:05 GMT -6
I sold my Sta level after using the 124 and BG2.
sounded really wooly by comparison.especially on electric bass.
the Chandler and Highland units are in the same playing field but are different and both amazing.
my goal is to have a pair of 124's and one Highland unit within the next few months.which 7-11's to rob.. hmmm..
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Post by Martin John Butler on Jul 6, 2016 9:06:58 GMT -6
If you guys could buy only one compressor, which one would you choose?
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Post by joseph on Jul 6, 2016 9:38:01 GMT -6
Does the RS124 bypass the signal when off?
None of the reviews nor the manual address this.
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Post by Ward on Jul 6, 2016 9:39:59 GMT -6
If you guys could buy only one compressor, which one would you choose? ONLY ONE?? Pure heresy!! How about only one compressor and only one limiter? Compressor: CL1b (new tubes make a HUGE difference). Limiter: 1176 blue stripe. (granted I'm using a clone but my clone is identical and I have owned the real thing and have enough experience to know it's right). |
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Post by matt on Jul 6, 2016 9:47:04 GMT -6
I'm still in love with my STA. The 6386 tube option is definitely worth it (thanks JK!). I use it on vox and haven't touched the settings for at least 6 months. Now, training my vocalist about mic technique, that's another topic. But the STA is a big difference maker imo, it tames a performance in a very euphonic way. As roundbadge says though, it can get wooly if pushed hard.
If I didn't own a STA, I'd get an RS124, no doubt about it. Two of them, actually.
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Post by spock on Jul 6, 2016 10:20:52 GMT -6
Does the RS124 bypass the signal when off? None of the reviews nor the manual address this. True to the original, no bypass. Shameless I know... lol, though considering you're looking to do vocals... https://www.instagram.com/p/BHTGYHTDYuI |
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Post by ChaseUTB on Jul 6, 2016 21:31:31 GMT -6
Does the RS124 bypass the signal when off? None of the reviews nor the manual address this. True to the original, no bypass. Shameless I know... lol, though considering you're looking to do vocals... https://www.instagram.com/p/BHTGYHTDYuI Instagram, Twitter, Snapchat, together have to have more users than FB by now lol. Idk, I don't think it's fair to limit a "giveaway" to one social media platform only. Most would have posted a vid on YT/ SC/ Periscope and IG, as well as a post to their IG page with your original giveaway post tagging you and your IG page, and their friends, which then posts automatically to Twitter for most users. Why not spread the word and make the giveaway available to whomever? |
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Post by spock on Jul 6, 2016 22:34:04 GMT -6
ChaseUTB I'm sorry to confuse, my post of that pic was referencing Maserati's quote in the pic regarding his use of his RS124s on vocals, not the giveaway drawing.
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Post by Johnkenn on Jul 7, 2016 10:30:22 GMT -6
Instagram, Twitter, Snapchat, together have to have more users than FB by now lol. Idk, I don't think it's fair to limit a "giveaway" to one social media platform only. Most would have posted a vid on YT/ SC/ Periscope and IG, as well as a post to their IG page with your original giveaway post tagging you and your IG page, and their friends, which then posts automatically to Twitter for most users. Why not spread the word and make the giveaway available to whomever? Well, they are GIVING something away, so they are allowed to set the parameters. lol |
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Post by thehightenor on Jul 9, 2016 13:24:23 GMT -6
Only heard the Highland at your place. Sounded great. The 124 is a monster too. The Sta seems to really add heft on the bottom. I'm just spit balling here, but like 250 and below. The 124 seems to add tone a little higher up the freq spectrum than that. The one negative I would say about the Sta (although I think it's what makes it sound like it does) are the amount of tubes and tube health. That can really change the tone. (Just saying that in general- I know you know that randy) The one I have right now sounds fantastic - maybe it's the 6386 - don't know. But all this could be said about most tube units. John, if I add a 6386 in the spare socket provided do I need to remove any valves (after unplugging the unit of course!) or does the 6386 run in parallel with the standard valve configuration.
I'm still loving mine, I would of never considered one had I not read some of your very enthusiastic posts on GS a few years back, definitely the best bit of kit I've bought for my vocals, having a tenor voice I really benefit from the extra weight the unit adds low down.
Do you think the Retro STA Level covers the LA2A (WA2A) territory? I was thinking of trying a WA2A but I'm now thinking the STA Level has that "tube comp" sound covered.
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Post by EmRR on Jul 9, 2016 13:53:09 GMT -6
An LA-2A and a StaLevel are very different things, one an optical comp with a tube amp and the other a variable gain tube amp that can be subjected to varying attack/release/ratio constraints.
You should remove the other set of valves for it to act correctly, but of course there are reports of people running them in parallel for yet another effect. I don't know if you can zero the meter with all 3 gain reduction tubes in there, might not be able to. A good 6386 can be hard to find and can wear quickly if you leave the unit on frequently, especially with no signal passing through (maximum current flow).
It seems the era of people modifying vintage tube comps to be super flexible is dying, with everyone wanting some new product instead, but many of these new products simply replicate the function of the originals without adding anything new. You can take something like a Gates SA-39 and easily modify it to act like a StaLevel, while still retaining the limiter aspect the Sta lacks. But then also, no one seems to want to bother with 7-8RU mono equipment anymore either.
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Post by Martin John Butler on Jul 9, 2016 13:55:44 GMT -6
I don't have hands on experience with the Sta or an LA2A heightener, but from all I've heard of them, I'd say they do cover similar territory, at least in the main vocal context.
I'd probably choose the Sta of the two. I feel the LA2A has more of a "sound". A good sound, for sure, but more noticeable to me. The Sta can be quite transparent, vocals sit perfectly, yet you don't know it there. Range mentioned earlier that the Sta adds some weight, but most tracks I've heard with it just sound great,without an obvious grip on the vocal.
Cowboycoalminer will know, he's worked with both a lot I believe.
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Post by ChaseUTB on Jul 9, 2016 14:54:46 GMT -6
Instagram, Twitter, Snapchat, together have to have more users than FB by now lol. Idk, I don't think it's fair to limit a "giveaway" to one social media platform only. Most would have posted a vid on YT/ SC/ Periscope and IG, as well as a post to their IG page with your original giveaway post tagging you and your IG page, and their friends, which then posts automatically to Twitter for most users. Why not spread the word and make the giveaway available to whomever? Well, they are GIVING something away, so they are allowed to set the parameters. lol I want to win one dam it  I'm not trying to start anything i was merely stating that a giveaway limited to one avenue limits the total reach of said giveaway! More people would have learned about this company had they opened the "giveaway" to more social media outlets, which in return would yield more eyes on Chandler LTD, and more potential buyers. If this was strictly a pro audio thing, it would revolve around a forum, or pro audio website like Sweetwater, but since it's a Facebook giveaway, they are trying to target a bigger audience/ crowd than just us audio ppl Anybody want to enter on my behalf we can split custody the rs124 hehe |
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Post by thehightenor on Jul 10, 2016 4:55:13 GMT -6
I don't have hands on experience with the Sta or an LA2A heightener, but from all I've heard of them, I'd say they do cover similar territory, at least in the main vocal context. I'd probably choose the Sta of the two. I feel the LA2A has more of a "sound". A good sound, for sure, but more noticeable to me. The Sta can be quite transparent, vocals sit perfectly, yet you don't know it there. Range mentioned earlier that the Sta adds some weight, but most tracks I've heard with it just sound great,without an obvious grip on the vocal. Cowboycoalminer will know, he's worked with both a lot I believe. I guess as I've already got a STA for vocals I was thinking an LA2A (WA2A) would maybe be good for bass etc.
I'm just a bit worried about using the STA on everything, I really want some variation in my tracking compressors and currently I have two. Retro STA level and a Millennia STT-1.
I'm keen to experiment with the 1176 in LA2A thing on vocals as an alternative to the STA and the Warm Audio compressors make that prospect at least reasonably affordable to dabble in.
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Post by thehightenor on Jul 10, 2016 4:58:03 GMT -6
An LA-2A and a StaLevel are very different things, one an optical comp with a tube amp and the other a variable gain tube amp that can be subjected to varying attack/release/ratio constraints. You should remove the other set of valves for it to act correctly, but of course there are reports of people running them in parallel for yet another effect. I don't know if you can zero the meter with all 3 gain reduction tubes in there, might not be able to. A good 6386 can be hard to find and can wear quickly if you leave the unit on frequently, especially with no signal passing through (maximum current flow). It seems the era of people modifying vintage tube comps to be super flexible is dying, with everyone wanting some new product instead, but many of these new products simply replicate the function of the originals without adding anything new. You can take something like a Gates SA-39 and easily modify it to act like a StaLevel, while still retaining the limiter aspect the Sta lacks. But then also, no one seems to want to bother with 7-8RU mono equipment anymore either. Thanks for the info, it's always good to get some expert advice.
The only 6386 I'm likely to get in the UK is the JJ new production version, and I have no way of knowing how good it is before buying it.
Perhaps I will just stick with the stock valves.
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Post by EmRR on Jul 10, 2016 8:56:12 GMT -6
There are plenty of complaints about the JJ, and there are also plenty of complaints about weak/bad NOS originals. I have about 10 originals to sample from, and a new pair of JJ's in a stereo Collins 26U beat all of them hands down. Having said that, I've not made an exhaustive hunt for great 6386's. At the time I was hunting them, there was no JJ and originals were approaching $200 apiece in good USED condition.
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Post by wiz on Jul 10, 2016 14:35:54 GMT -6
I don't have hands on experience with the Sta or an LA2A heightener, but from all I've heard of them, I'd say they do cover similar territory, at least in the main vocal context. I'd probably choose the Sta of the two. I feel the LA2A has more of a "sound". A good sound, for sure, but more noticeable to me. The Sta can be quite transparent, vocals sit perfectly, yet you don't know it there. Range mentioned earlier that the Sta adds some weight, but most tracks I've heard with it just sound great,without an obvious grip on the vocal. Cowboycoalminer will know, he's worked with both a lot I believe. I guess as I've already got a STA for vocals I was thinking an LA2A (WA2A) would maybe be good for bass etc.
I'm just a bit worried about using the STA on everything, I really want some variation in my tracking compressors and currently I have two. Retro STA level and a Millennia STT-1.
I'm keen to experiment with the 1176 in LA2A thing on vocals as an alternative to the STA and the Warm Audio compressors make that prospect at least reasonably affordable to dabble in.
The 1176 into LA2A thing is very cool. The STA LA2A and 1176 couldnt sound more different from each other. All three are great... the 76 and LA give you two very different bass characters as well. Add a DBX comp to those 3 and you have a pretty wide pallet to paint with cheers Wiz |
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Post by thehightenor on Jul 11, 2016 14:39:22 GMT -6
There are plenty of complaints about the JJ, and there are also plenty of complaints about weak/bad NOS originals. I have about 10 originals to sample from, and a new pair of JJ's in a stereo Collins 26U beat all of them hands down. Having said that, I've not made an exhaustive hunt for great 6386's. At the time I was hunting them, there was no JJ and originals were approaching $200 apiece in good USED condition. Interesting!
I will keep the JJ 6386 on my radar.
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I'm not trying to start anything 
