Whoops said:
If you want to have a red3 clone, get the schematics, study the components, draw some prototype pcb's and start a project.
That's how project starts around here
If you are looking for the easy way and buy kits, then there's a lot of options for compressor kits, in the white market and also in the web.
I dont remember ever seeing any focusrite stuff diyed, maybe there was something somewhere on the ISA stuff, but I dont remember any project
If I had the schematic I'd already have that baby drawn up and printed, stuffed and on my buss!
Problem is that it seems that is a really tough one to get. I think only one company handles Focusrites repairs, so it's likely they along with the company are the only ones to have the schematic. If anyone else has it I'm sure they are not going to post it.
My idea was to go with a GSSL and put some Lundahls on the inputs. That's what the original Red 3 had, Lundahls on the inputs. The new one's are pure SS and they do sound different, the transformer version is much much better. I think a project could be born from this if someone that had one gave us very detailed pictures inside to see kind of what's going on. I do believe it's a discrete compressor, so thats where it will sound different than a GSSL the most IMO. However, with the new OPA16XX line of chips I believe the GSSL with input TX's and some modding could get close.
The big thing about the Red 3 is how it maintains it's openness and depth when pushed hard in dense mixes. To me the SSL gets squashy and a narrow when pushed, plus the compression is definitely noticeable when it's driven hard. The Red 3 is not that way, and that's why they're coveted pieces of gear.
There are some really smart folks on here that if had a unit could run some test's and measurements and come up with a compressor very similar.
Until then, I believe I'm going to build myself a PYE buss compressor and see what can be modded or adjusted to keep itself open when pushed. It may already sound that way, but I've not heard the PYE on a mix buss yet but I've heard very good things from cats I trust on the PYE being very open and detailed when pushed. Maybe someone will see this that's one of those really smart guys and embark on a build that hasn't been done yet! Please shout from the rooftops when/if you do!
Jerome