Hi,
I was wondering what you guys think about buying a FX G384 vs a modern SSL XLogic version, a smart C2 or even one of the newer Stam clones. Primary use would be the mix bus.
Are the old SSL FX G384 much different and are they still easily serviced.
Cheers.
Solid State Logic FX G384 Buss Compressor VS Modern or Clones
Solid State Logic FX G384 Buss Compressor VS Modern or Clones
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- Guest
Re: Solid State Logic FX G384 Buss Compressor VS Modern or Clones
anyone have any experience with these variations.
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- Guest
Re: Solid State Logic FX G384 Buss Compressor VS Modern or Clones
I do use an SSL bus comp regularly, but plug-in only. Maybe others are similar.
Not much help, but thought you deserved a reply!
Not much help, but thought you deserved a reply!
Last edited by The Elf on Wed Apr 15, 2020 1:23 pm, edited 1 time in total.
An Eagle for an Emperor, A Kestrel for a Knave.
Re: Solid State Logic FX G384 Buss Compressor VS Modern or Clones
Thanks Elf,
What plugin are you using then?
What plugin are you using then?
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- Guest
Re: Solid State Logic FX G384 Buss Compressor VS Modern or Clones
If you see a 384, buy it. It's a fantastic sounding compressor and offers something that the modern clones don't, because the chip is not available now. The new replacement THAT CORP product is cleaner sounding.
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- Jack Ruston
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Re: Solid State Logic FX G384 Buss Compressor VS Modern or Clones
Hi Jack, do you mean buy it if its got the dbx chip, or were the old that chips also good.
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- Guest
Re: Solid State Logic FX G384 Buss Compressor VS Modern or Clones
If I recall correctly, didn't they use eight of those early DBX VCA chips in parallel for each channel in an effort to get the distortion figures down? 
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- Hugh Robjohns
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Technical Editor, Sound On Sound...
(But generally posting my own personal views and not necessarily those of SOS, the company or the magazine!)
In my world, things get less strange when I read the manual...
(But generally posting my own personal views and not necessarily those of SOS, the company or the magazine!)
In my world, things get less strange when I read the manual...
Re: Solid State Logic FX G384 Buss Compressor VS Modern or Clones
Ah yeah I'm likely muddled up between DBX and THAT, but the point being that it sounds quite different from the 'G' and the current clones. HOWEVER, you can get your hands on fully discrete clones of the E desk compressor which are worth a look.
What would I do if I were you? I'd use a plug in. Why? Because although it's not perhaps as good objectively speaking, it's vastly cheaper, and you start to have a chance to actually pay it off and make it earn you money. If you spend 2k on a bus compressor, can you ever claim that it has made so much difference to your result, on its own, that you've earned more than 2k from its ownership? Uhm....
What would I do if I were you? I'd use a plug in. Why? Because although it's not perhaps as good objectively speaking, it's vastly cheaper, and you start to have a chance to actually pay it off and make it earn you money. If you spend 2k on a bus compressor, can you ever claim that it has made so much difference to your result, on its own, that you've earned more than 2k from its ownership? Uhm....
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- Jack Ruston
Frequent Poster -
Posts: 3847 Joined: Wed Dec 21, 2005 12:00 am
Contact:
Re: Solid State Logic FX G384 Buss Compressor VS Modern or Clones
Thanks for the replies guys.
I have heard that the first 384 was considered better sounding than modern versions but its is really not clear if that refers only to the one with DBX VCAs, and the Early THAT chips.
There were two variation of THAT chips used, between 1998 and 2001.
Apparently the new XLogic ones should not be much different to the latter day 384s. Hence I don't want to spend a lot of money buying and old compressor if it's nothing I can't buy new today with possibly more reliability.
The only reason I am asking is that I know someone selling an 384 and I have to decide on if I will take it from him or not. I am waiting for internal photos to try and see what inside it.
Fair point about the plugins. It is hard to argue with that.
I have heard that the first 384 was considered better sounding than modern versions but its is really not clear if that refers only to the one with DBX VCAs, and the Early THAT chips.
There were two variation of THAT chips used, between 1998 and 2001.
Apparently the new XLogic ones should not be much different to the latter day 384s. Hence I don't want to spend a lot of money buying and old compressor if it's nothing I can't buy new today with possibly more reliability.
The only reason I am asking is that I know someone selling an 384 and I have to decide on if I will take it from him or not. I am waiting for internal photos to try and see what inside it.
Fair point about the plugins. It is hard to argue with that.
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- Guest