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Post by sozocaps on Jul 26, 2013 9:20:38 GMT -6
Whats the difference between these two, where is each one strong, and what one is more versatile ?
Thanks!
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Post by sozocaps on Jul 26, 2013 9:21:57 GMT -6
I kinda understand the technical differences from the website. I'm talking personality in use.
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Post by tonycamphd on Jul 26, 2013 10:08:05 GMT -6
The drip sta-level is on my DIY list, i would guess the tube punch and smooth tube hd would be the big diffs? would love to hear from guys who havem both...the 176 is the 1176's right sozo?
edit, no, it's the 176 :/
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Post by dandeurloo on Jul 26, 2013 12:22:13 GMT -6
We had a 176 for a few years and never used it. We even sent it back to retro for repair because it sounded strange. They said they fixed something but it still was lame so we sold it. The DIY LA 2A killed it. Maybe we had a funky one but the Retro 176 isn't on my list at all. Looks cool but you still need to use it. haha
I have heard fantastic things from guys who have built the Drip 176 and Sta Level's. I have also like the Retro Sta Level a lot. I haven't had a chance to compare any of them to each other but I am guessing all the Sta Level versions sound pretty great.
I have a Drip BA 6A coming very soon and I am hoping that I love it!
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Post by Johnkenn on Jul 26, 2013 13:39:11 GMT -6
That's the first time I've ever heard that, Dan! I tend to like the Sta-Level - more color.
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Post by Ward on Jul 26, 2013 13:49:26 GMT -6
One should understand the topographic, functional and auditory differences of LA2a, La3a, LA4, 1176, CL1b and Sta-Level to be able to evaluate how the clones compare.
[*]An LA2A is a smoother.
[*]The LA3a is more of a grinder.
[*]The LA4 is a crusher.
[*]The 1176 can be a brick wall.
[*]A Sta-Level is more like a fader rider going through a lot of color.
[*]A CL1b is a smoother and colorer.
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Post by dandeurloo on Jul 26, 2013 18:17:37 GMT -6
That's the first time I've ever heard that, Dan! I tend to like the Sta-Level - more color. I know. That is why I wonder if it was busted but we sent it in and it still sounded lame. It was pretty to look at but just lame. The only thing we ever used it on was the Side Snare mic. That is a pricey compressor for that single use. haha The Sta Level sounds great in general. Retro, Drip or Vintage! |
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Post by cowboycoalminer on Jul 27, 2013 0:08:12 GMT -6
I would characterize my Sta Level as a compressor for dummies. Impossible to make sound bad. There is a sweet spot as is the case for any compressor but its so easy to find. Let your ears be your guide. It can also squash things but it's a different kind of squash. Very smooth character across the board from lite compression to heavy. It's simply an amazing tool. Ward mentioned fader rides above and that's a good description. It's like an LA2A with a brain.
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Deleted
Deleted Member
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Post by Deleted on Jul 27, 2013 3:31:45 GMT -6
We had a 176 for a few years and never used it. We even sent it back to retro for repair because it sounded strange. They said they fixed something but it still was lame so we sold it. The DIY LA 2A killed it. Maybe we had a funky one but the Retro 176 isn't on my list at all. Looks cool but you still need to use it. haha I have heard fantastic things from guys who have built the Drip 176 and Sta Level's. I have also like the Retro Sta Level a lot. I haven't had a chance to compare any of them to each other but I am guessing all the Sta Level versions sound pretty great. I have a Drip BA 6A coming very soon and I am hoping that I love it! Mine sounded off and I was considering selling until I completely changed all the valves. Now it sounds absolutely fantastic!!! Johnkenn note: Sorry! I'm not use to being an admin and sometimes I click edit instead of reply...just didn't want you to think I edited anything in your post... |
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Post by dubrichie on Jul 27, 2013 6:47:11 GMT -6
What attack and release settings do you guys like the best on the STA-LEVEL for vocals?
For tracking?
For mixing?
I always track vox with an MC-77 (1176) and then various combos of other compressors when mixing.
My STA-LEVEL has been out of order for ages (for shame!) and I have just bought a full set of replacement valves to get her back in action, which means that I will be digging into her again shortly.
So, gimme the juice on your settings for vocals!
Thanks,
All the best,
Richie.
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Post by Johnkenn on Jul 27, 2013 8:08:20 GMT -6
Usually attack: double, release: 2 o'clock
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Post by cowboycoalminer on Jul 27, 2013 8:47:20 GMT -6
Usually attack: double, release: 2 o'clock Same here. |
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Post by Johnkenn on Jul 27, 2013 8:48:56 GMT -6
On bass, I'll usually go single and then slow the release down.
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Post by Johnkenn on Jul 27, 2013 10:16:21 GMT -6
We had a 176 for a few years and never used it. We even sent it back to retro for repair because it sounded strange. They said they fixed something but it still was lame so we sold it. The DIY LA 2A killed it. Maybe we had a funky one but the Retro 176 isn't on my list at all. Looks cool but you still need to use it. haha I have heard fantastic things from guys who have built the Drip 176 and Sta Level's. I have also like the Retro Sta Level a lot. I haven't had a chance to compare any of them to each other but I am guessing all the Sta Level versions sound pretty great. I have a Drip BA 6A coming very soon and I am hoping that I love it! Mine sounded off and I was considering selling until I completely changed all the valves. Now it sounds absolutely fantastic!!! Johnkenn note: Sorry! I'm not use to being an admin and sometimes I click edit instead of reply...just didn't want you to think I edited anything in your post... They come with pretty decent NOS brands...What did you change to? I took out the 6BJ6's and added a NOS RCA 6386 in the Sta...and it does sound a little better IMHO. As far as the 176, I've only used it for a short period of time, but my immediate impression was that I liked what the Sta did better. Of course, they aren't particularly intended for the same use - I was just using it on vox...but I hear big guys raving about the 176 for vox all the time. I would venture to say that maybe I just didn't know what the hell I was doing  |
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Post by littlesicily on Jul 27, 2013 16:41:05 GMT -6
I prefer the STA... I have the Retro and love the big goo sound. The Retro 176 was cool but more hi-fi sounding to me.
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Post by Johnkenn on Jul 28, 2013 13:17:17 GMT -6
Hey rolffz - you guys have any original Gates? |
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rolffz
Full Member
"skrizziks"
Posts: 38 
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Post by rolffz on Jul 30, 2013 9:19:16 GMT -6
We do not have one...officially I think we might have one that's a parts box. Don't mark my word on that because I have never laid eyes on it.
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Post by Johnkenn on Jul 30, 2013 9:34:48 GMT -6
Not much need for a Gates when you've got 15 Fairchilds laying around...
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rolffz
Full Member
"skrizziks"
Posts: 38
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Post by rolffz on Jul 30, 2013 12:54:52 GMT -6
I promise, they are not 'laying around' as they are healthy and well fed. We do have the the Retro Instruments StaLevel and 176 available... |
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Post by littlesicily on Jul 30, 2013 12:56:02 GMT -6
Reid Shippen has both the Gates and Retro STA, I believe.
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Post by dandeurloo on Jul 30, 2013 12:58:14 GMT -6
Reid Shippen has both the Gates and Retro STA, I believe. Along with everything else in the gear world! |
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Post by littlesicily on Jul 30, 2013 13:05:33 GMT -6
Reid Shippen has both the Gates and Retro STA, I believe. Along with everything else in the gear world! haha...well, there's a lot of truth to that. His room is not only filled with the coolest gear, he has gear spread out around town at other places, too. |
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Post by Johnkenn on Jul 30, 2013 13:57:15 GMT -6
What's his take on the Gates vs. Retro...I don't really care if the RI sounds like the Gates...but just wonder if there are some nerds somewhere that say, "The Gates sounds soooo much better"...
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Post by littlesicily on Jul 30, 2013 14:47:02 GMT -6
I asked him about it and he said neither was any better.
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Post by littlesicily on Jul 30, 2013 14:48:46 GMT -6
I have zero complaints with the Retro STA, it's quiet and reliable and Phil is very helpful. I think the only reason I'd be templet to get a Gates is if I wanted to say I had the original. And that's not reason enough for me.
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