New 'ultimate' SSL buss comp clone ;-)

[SSLtech]

[quote author="khstudio"]I'll tell ya, this version of this comp is the **** :thumb: [/quote]

See what I mean? -Not to decry or put down the Gyraf version though: they're both very cool options.

[quote author="khstudio"]what about the OUTPUT? - Should pin 3 be grounded or lifted?[/quote]

Lifted. You'll lose 6dB of signal level though. No option unless you wanted to put the THAT output driver circuit in...

Keith

 

[khstudio]

Thanks Keith :green: I thought so.

I had an idea :idea:

I was thinking about a multi poll switch so I could choose between 2 different pairs of "MAIN" VCA's. It looks like I'd need a 7 pole switch to do it (or seperate ones)

Since I have 2 complete boards + supply's loaded (one side only) I though it would be cool to be able to choose between my 202XT's & the newer 218x's for a different color... what do you think?

Thanks

 

[Sleeper]

hey all,
still wondering if someone can check out the oxford/gyraf mode switch diagram and the sidechain filter add on above.
I'm going to start wiring boards together this later tonight. It would be a big up if someone could take a look.
Thanks
Kelly

edit.
I was worried this would fall off the page and it did.
here it is again.

Quote:
Omit 1 of the 47K side chain mix resistors on each board.

and

Quote:
To have the option of Gyraf style detection lift one leg of the 47K resistor on the slave main pcb, on the side that feeds the 100pF capacitor and pin 1 of the side chain VCA. Connect it with a piece of wire to the pole of a spdt switch. Connect one throw of the switch to feed the slave side chain (where you lifted the 47K from), which is Oxford mode. Solder the other throw of the switch to the summing point on the master main pcb (the hole next to the 47K summing resistor where it feeds the detector). This is Gyraf mode.

 

[khstudio]

[quote author="Sleeper"]hey all,
still wondering if someone can check out the oxford/gyraf mode switch diagram and the sidechain filter add on above.
I'm going to start wiring boards together this later tonight. It would be a big up if someone could take a look.
Thanks
Kelly[/quote]

Greg was suppossed to post about how to connect the sidechain boards with this mod but I think he's really busy. I was holding off until I heard from him because I'm not sure or I'd help you.

The MAIN problem is - that Steffen/Greg's "sidechain board" has the summing on the card itself, not the MAIN GSSL PCB.

 

[Sleeper]

MAIN problem is - that Steffen/Greg's "sidechain board" has the summing on the card itself,

Aye.
those are the 20k resistors on the drawing.
referring to the drawing.
the red X are the 47k resistors removed for ultimate ssl.
the green Xs are removed from the ssl board when you use the sidechain board.
the purple Xs are sidechain board summing resistors that I figure should be removed to get the configuration back to ultimate ssl setup.

This all makes sense and should work if I've read everything carefully and correctly.

where it says cut/break you shouldn't have to actually cut any traces, just wire to the correct removed 47k resistor pads.

ok, time to stop talking about this and go hook it up.
Later
Kelly

 

[khstudio]

I think you're on the right track by removing one of them BUT... the value of the un-removed resistor "MAY" need to be changed to work "Properly"... Greg wasn't sure.

Let us know if/how it works.

BTW, I'm assuming you got your Ultra SSL comp up & running?
I haven't been following the whole thread in detail lately... if not you should do that first. Good Luck :thumb:

Kevin

 

[Sleeper]

yeah thats the plan get it running first...
I always forget how long all the interconnect wiring takes.
halfway there now, and I just quit for the night...I'll keep updating.

I've been wondering about the effect the 20k will have in place of the 47k.
I'm a bit of an optimist and definately not an electrical engineer, but
I'm thinking the buffer amp could negate any ill effects since it has a trimmer in there to play with the levels that get fed through to the VCA. there's also a 47k on the output of the sidechain amp so reflected impedence IN to the VCA won't be any different than what it's seeing in the standard setup. The ultimate ssl also has a single 47k going into the VCA whereas the Gyraf has 2- 47ks summing on the IN so I reckon a little variation doesn't really effect performance too much.

Keep on truckin.
Kelly

 

[Purusha]

Anyway, just wanted to mention that possible batch of SSL cases with the screened switching option between the Gyraf and Oxford is offered here

Keith, thanks for this nice addition. I can't wait to build one :thumb:

 

[Purusha]

What kind of rotary switch will be OK to switch between the two MODs?

 

[Greg]

I've received some questions regarding the HPF in this Oxford version. This was originally implemented because I (and other I assume) felt the Gyraf version triggered to much on the low frequency content.

How does this one respond? Is the HPF necesarry? If it is not, I think it'd be better to leave it out.

I'm going to replace my stolen SSL with this version... probably this summer.

 

[Sleeper]

hi Perusha,
at least according to my plan-
the mods switch is just a SPDT switch.

if you plan on implementing the sidechain board mod including the thrust filters thats a 2P8T.

Testing this all out very soon. If we finish up as planned I'll have a bit more diy time tonight...
Kelly

 

[khstudio]

[quote author="Greg"]I've received some questions regarding the HPF in this Oxford version. This was originally implemented because I (and other I assume) felt the Gyraf version triggered to much on the low frequency content.

How does this one respond? Is the HPF necesarry? If it is not, I think it'd be better to leave it out.

I'm going to replace my stolen SSL with this version... probably this summer.[/quote]

That is an interesting point :idea:

I don't think this version is as sensitive the more I think about it... still may be a cool option but I think I'll be leaving mine alone.

I've already installed a switch for it & will probably use that hole for a VCA "Type" control. Somehow I'm going to make a switch to go from 202XT's to 218x's.

 

[Purusha]

if you plan on implementing the sidechain board mod including the thrust filters thats a 2P8T.

I do plan to use dual filters. So 2x1x12 switch should work...

I've already installed a switch for it & will probably use that hole for a VCA "Type" control. Somehow I'm going to make a switch to go from 202XT's to 218x's.

I wouldn't be too excited about this option. I have both VCAs in my G-SSLs and can't hear any difference at all.

 

[khstudio]

I have to disagree on the "Sound" of different VCA's... but that's cool :wink:

You may be right... it may NOT be drastic enough for all that work & it does sound GREAT as is.

Kevin

 

[Jonkan]

Has anyone tried this version of the ssl comp who has also tried the pico comp with true power summing sidechain? Im thinking of building something for my 2bus, and would like opinions on which compressor might be better suited for that, and my needs.

I have concluded that the stock gssl might not be the ticket for me, as there doesnt seem to be many people enjoying it as a program material compressor due to it widening the signal stereo image somewhat.

Both the ultimate ssl and the pico seems better suited for the task, because of the difference in the way they handles the sidechain detection (both compressors sidechain summing are phase and polarity insensitive, which doesnt result in the afforementioned widening i guess)

Im worried that the pico might be too smooth for me though. I actually like a little color and "grab" on my 2bus as i mostly mix rock/indie music.

What do u think? Oh and btw, is there anyone planning on doing dedicated pcbs for the ultimate gssl?

/J

 

[Greg]

Jonkan:

I find Jakob's version very useful on my 2-buss in certain applications.

I do not have an Oxford version, so I have not done an A/B comparison.

 

[Jonkan]

Interesting.

I have heard lots of people complaining and saying that its better suited for drumsubs and the like and not really for twobus. I sometimes feel that my mixes are too wide/spacey/not anchored enough to begin with, and would like something that doesnt further accent that, but keeps the mix more centered and solid.

But since i havent heard the gssl myself except for some short clips others has posted, its quite pointless to make alot of assumptions based on loose rumours i guess. It would be interesting to hear a comparison between the oxford and århus modes (and perhaps even a pico with true power sum) so that i might get a better idea on the differences. Perhaps with the source included for comparison.

I just need some input which can make me make a better guess on what to build. I can barely afford this expensive hobby at all, otherwise i would just say: lets build one of everything (or two :green: ).

Perhaps the ssl with both modes would be my best bet here?

Btw, has anyone tried the waves ssl4000 buscomp plugin?
I tried it briefly but found that it got the living crap kicked out of it by the voxengo marquis comp for 2bus use. The waves sounded flat and lifeless in comparison to the marquis. Is the gssl alot better or very similar? Because otherwise the flavor im looking for may not be ssl at all. Which could be good to know before i go ahead and build one :green:

experiences?
/J

 

[khstudio]

I have tried & use the Waves SSL Plugin & I like it.
It definitly reminds me of the units I've built & it's funny but the "controls" respond & sound the same. It DOES work & is cool.

You can NOT overuse these things... -4dB is about the most you want to compress on a MIX Buss >>> 4:1 for ROCK & 2:1 General - Attack = 10 or 30, Release = Auto.

Also, you aren't going to get the sound your after (in the computer) by JUST using the SSL... you should get the SSL just touching your mix (-4 dB reduction), then a little make-up gain (don't go over ZERO), then a little L2 or UA Precision Limiter to bring your volumes up. You can EQ before or after the SSL... I'd probably do it before but whatever, depends on the mix.

Even though I've built BOTH versions I will still use the plug without a problem when it's needed or works. There is NO one magic box that will fix your mix. Everytime I build somthing new I tell myself, this is going to be the **** & make it all come together :? ********... they're all cool in the right spot in the right hands & on the right mix.

BTW, I like my GSSL better on the Drums & the Ultra SSL on the mix buss.

good luck.

 

[Jonkan]

I never go over 3dB gainreduction on the 2bus so thats not the issue. I always use the same settings as you recommended aswell... Thats what sounded best with the waves ssl 4000 to me.

Still. The marquis comp just sounds way better, every time for me.


I usually use it in clean mode 1-3dB reduction, and in parallell that I adjust to taste (usually about 25-30% of the original signal mixed in)
/j

 

[khstudio]

Cool, Never tried the marquis comp.