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Post by svart on Dec 5, 2013 13:09:02 GMT -6
So I'm thinking yet again of a 33609 build. I once started my own layout and such but I'm not sure if I want to go through all that trouble these days.
I see that there aren't many pcbs and things available anymore either, though.
The other option is modding a set of the Golden Age Comp-54 compressors. These look like decent starting points at least. I can see that the transformers probably need changing and the caps throughout need changing over to polystyrene to be more like the original. I may try to find a cheap set and go that route.
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Post by tonycamphd on Dec 5, 2013 19:39:09 GMT -6
I say 2 thumbs up! would love to see you do this... Might be a great way to get into that thing without having to pay that huge Neve price tag?
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Post by svart on Dec 6, 2013 9:13:17 GMT -6
I think the question is now, do I want to spend the time and energy doing a layout of a "real" 33609 or buying some clones and modifying them?
Doing the real one would allow me to have the limiter option as well. The GAP comp-54s do not have the limiters.
I think in either case, I'm spending a good amount of money. it's just a matter of time and energy.
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Post by tonycamphd on Dec 6, 2013 10:49:11 GMT -6
is there any room in/on the clone for additional satellite pcb? with your mad skills, maybe you could add the limiter circuit? That might be the easiest way to get all the way there utilizing the clone, who cares how it looks...imo.
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Post by svart on Dec 6, 2013 12:39:59 GMT -6
yeah it looks like there is plenty of room. The main issue is really, what version of 33609 the GAP clones are. It looks by this picture that it's either an early version or a hybrid since the newer versions used opamp drivers: media.soundonsound.com/sos/apr11/images/GA_Comp54_02.jpg |
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Post by svart on Dec 6, 2013 12:50:57 GMT -6
The other thing is that I see that a number of the schematics I've found are different from each other, especially as folks try to modify newer schematics to have the BA283 output section. I might need to study this a bit more.
I guess I answered my own questions.. It looks like the GAP is based on the hybrid 2254/33609 w/o limiter sidechain schematic that is floating around the internet. Since the limiter portion of the sidechain is pretty much a secondary section, it should be able to be added to a GAP compressor pretty easily.
Now I just have to decide if I want to make or buy something.
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Post by Guitar on Dec 8, 2013 0:20:51 GMT -6
make a kit! haha
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Post by tonycamphd on Dec 8, 2013 11:50:46 GMT -6
that is funny from the standpoint of "do it for me!", and i agree 8) Truth is though, if svart made a kit, it'd be a have to have IMO |
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Post by svart on Dec 9, 2013 16:18:05 GMT -6
So yeah, it looks like the limiter sidechain is pretty much separate from the compression sidechain. Looks like it would be easy to add without too much work. The only problem is there is no room on the front panel for all the switches.
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Post by tonycamphd on Dec 9, 2013 17:45:05 GMT -6
So yeah, it looks like the limiter sidechain is pretty much separate from the compression sidechain. Looks like it would be easy to add without too much work. The only problem is there is no room on the front panel for all the switches. with a new front panel, could you relocate via wire leads and compress(no pun intended 8) the real-estate of the knobs together to make room for the extra knobs/switches? You'd have to go through the hassle of a front panel designer session at the very least though..... I'd love to watch this come together. |
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Post by svart on Dec 9, 2013 22:09:40 GMT -6
I did a schematic capture for the 2254/33609 hybrid, but with the limiter and a few changes to bring back some of the original features, like taking the sidechain signal from just before the BA283 circuit instead of after.
Damn it's a lot of parts and a lot of calibration/setup is needed. I'm not sure I'm willing to put in the time to do a layout and stuff just yet, although the GAP comp54 route would definitely cost more money but probably take a lot less time.
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Post by dandeurloo on Dec 10, 2013 11:39:15 GMT -6
I have a pair of the comp 54's modded. They aren't bad. They need the limiter section. Mine had good styrene caps stock in most of it. Really easy to swap out the old transformers with new ones. I think I have before and after files some where.
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Post by svart on Dec 10, 2013 12:14:00 GMT -6
Interesting. Most of the internal pictures I've seen have standard mylar caps in all places where styrene should go. The few youtube vids I've seen generally show that these are a little darker sounding than the real 2254. You have any idea if that is the case with yours?
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Post by dandeurloo on Dec 10, 2013 18:41:11 GMT -6
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Post by dandeurloo on Dec 16, 2013 12:21:59 GMT -6
Any thoughts on the transformer upgrades?
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Post by svart on Dec 16, 2013 13:18:09 GMT -6
sorry, haven't listened yet. Spent all weekend doing a video shoot and today at work has been too busy to listen.
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Post by svart on Dec 16, 2013 13:21:59 GMT -6
Took a quick listen. with my earbuds, I don't hear much difference at all. The stock might be a little flabby, but it's not a huge difference at all IMHO.
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Post by Guitar on Dec 16, 2013 20:13:28 GMT -6
Nice clips.
I hear the stock transformers as being a little brighter, and the Carnhills a little fuller in the mids and bass with a smoother top.
I like the Carnhills better on the acoustic and bass by a good margin. But I think I prefer the stock on the drum clip, the hats come across better. I think the settings must be different too on your clips, the stock drum clip sounds pump-ier, in a nice way.
What do you end up using these on?
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Post by tonycamphd on Dec 16, 2013 22:43:33 GMT -6
Any thoughts on the transformer upgrades? my shit is so torn apart right now, i cant even listen sigh... |
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Post by dandeurloo on Dec 17, 2013 12:24:14 GMT -6
They are the same exact settings. The level is a little different between them. The level difference is from the transformers.
I wish I would have recorded the difference between running the bass & drums at the same time into the stock and modded versions. That showed the biggest difference in favor of the modded versions. IMO the mod was well worth it and very easy if you have a good solder sucker. It takes just mins.
I would really love to have the limiter section added to these. I would even make new cases for them if that was needed to make them fit.
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Post by Guitar on Dec 17, 2013 14:25:39 GMT -6
I've gotta say, I'm pretty impressed with this compressor, and the price. Might add it to my list. A pair would be extra nice.
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