Tag: bus

Stam Audio SA4000 mk2 Compressor Review

Hello, I’m Jooyoung Kim, an audio engineer and music producer.

Today, I’d like to share my thoughts after using the SA4000 mk2 compressor for a couple of months.

  • Appearance

The back panel is equipped with XLR connectors throughout, and the sidechain input is a stereo unbalanced connection via XLR.

The exterior is quite standard for rack equipment, with a solid and heavy build. It’s a 1U unit and features a British Mod, noticeable by the two red Carnhill transformers on the right side.

The unit is relatively deep, so I had to connect a right-angled power cable to mount it properly.

For the sidechain, I used my Send Return TRS to TS cable, converting the TRS to XLR to create an unbalanced stereo XLR to TS cable.

  • Usage

The left side shows the frequency response without the transformers, and the right side shows it with the transformers.

The difference isn’t drastic; the transformers slightly reduce the low frequencies and overall volume.

In terms of harmonics, there isn’t a significant difference except for the volume change. Again, the left side is without the transformers, and the right side is with them.

I examined the Ratio settings for any peculiarities and found that the Knee is slightly softer. The primary difference with and without transformers seems to be the volume.

In practical use, I noticed:

  1. The high frequencies are considerably tamed, making it suitable for use as a bus compressor on harsh hi-hats.
  2. Recording with the transformers engaged reduces the high frequencies, which isn’t to my taste.
  3. When gain-matched, the version with the transformers engaged sounds slightly more pronounced.

These are the main points I’ve gathered.

Among the SSL clone compressor plugins I’m familiar with, I’ve never encountered one with this specific frequency response. It has a unique character.

In particular, I find it effective with BFD drums, where overheads or hi-hats often have excessive high frequencies. Using this compressor effectively tames those troublesome areas. It would also work well on a master bus for retro-style tracks, preserving that vintage feel.

  • Conclusion

Using hardware can be cumbersome. You need to prepare recall sheets for future mix adjustments, carefully manage equipment routing, and more. Despite these hassles, hardware is employed to capture its unique color and character.

This compressor, with its distinct features, has become a regular part of my setup. I’m using it frequently.

However, I don’t want to suggest that hardware is inherently superior. Both plugins and hardware are merely tools. As long as they suit your purpose and deliver the desired tone, it doesn’t matter whether it’s a plugin or hardware.

In that sense, I’m very keen on getting a tube preamp. I’ve been eyeing Oz Design, but it’s a little-known brand, so reselling might be challenging.

That’s all for today. See you in the next post!

I’m always open to reviewing hardware products! If you’d like me to review a product, please feel free to reach out at joe1346@naver.com.

Dangerous 2Bus Review

This article was written on August 9, 2023.

Hello? This is engineer and singer-songwriter Jooyoung Kim.

Today I’m going to review the old Dangerous 2Bus that I purchased a few months ago. Well, shall we begin?

  • Appearance

The highlight is the slightly old-fashioned purple color. It’s a little more dull purple than the product photo above, but it reminded me of the Evangelion animation.

Each channel is grouped in stereo, and when you press the mono button, you can use each of the two linked channels in mono.

Additionally, there is a function that can increase 6dB for each channel through the 6dB button. The final volume can be adjusted with the front step knob.

There are two outputs at the back, Main and Monitor, which can be used for different input sources.

REM/EXP is a terminal that expands the channel by connecting an additional Dangerous summing mixer via a D-Sub cable. A separate external power source is used for power.

  • Measurement

Basically, this is the frequency response graph that can be seen when the In Out volume is adjusted.

If the volume is low,

the frequency response appears like this. You can see that the low range is slightly emphasized and the high range is cut.

It’s a simple drum sound with BFD3 and guitar with bass and power chords. The sound is deteriorated because it’s Sound Cloud, but it would be good to see how it changes.

Harmonic distortion was almost non-existent.

The basic noise floor was also small.

​Another feature is that if you use the stereo channel without pressing the mono button, the sound is reduced by about 6dB. That’s why I thought they made a 6dB button.

This time, I gained some understanding of the equipment while using it in the mix, and it has its pros and cons. I like it, but I think it might not be good for people who like a lot of high-pitched sounds.

Still, it seems to be worth the price of a used product.

I hope you enjoy my review.
See you again in the next article..:)

I’m always open to reviewing hardware products! If you’d like me to review a product, please feel free to reach out at joe1346@naver.com.