Stam Audio is the clear winner here for me. It has a more 3D sound, more frequency range and punchyness. I think it doesn't glue too much all the instruments that it's good to me.
Thanks for the review. I bought the Warm Bus Comp, couldn’t wait 2 years for the Stam and I’m in the UK so the Audioscape wasn’t an option. But would agree the Stam sounds the best of the 3. A quick tip when doing this type audio comparison, just loop the exact same section of audio and compare the models. Having the section without the drums at beginning of each section resets your brain each time you switch models and you effectively forget what the previous model sounds like. Oh and also you need let us hear the original so it’s clear what each unit is doing to the sound. But thanks for taking the time.
Thanks for the feedback! I definitely appreciate it. I totally understand what you mean. I will keep that in mind for future reviews. The main reason I did the loops the way I did is because I wanted people to hear the distinct way each compressor handles the low end. So, especially at the 12:10 mark, this is when the bass drops in. I wanted to make sure each unit was active at the exact moment the bass came in. Now, looking back at everything, I do realize the drums never start right at the beginning of any of the loops! So, I definitely appreciate you bringing that up. And yes, I'll include the original mix in future videos so people can hear what each unit is doing to the sound. Thanks again!
I live in Chile. Wrote to Stam Audio to ask if I can pick up one directly in their store. They told me to buy by their web site and to put in the line as everyone else....short story, I went for the Warm...it is good enough for me, at least to have some fun during the quarentine.
I have now owned all 3. Started with the Warm, which was pretty good. Then I upgraded to the AudioScape, even better. Then I got a chance to try the Stam, and that was the winner for me.
Audioscape - smooth and transparent with no character Warm - sounds great with lots of character but sounds a bit grainy Stam - Neve-like character on tap with a very smooth sound To me the Stam just sounds in a class of it’s own.
I find the Audioscape and the Stam Audio kind similar, the most different of the three is the Warm, that I hear that is making a mess in the mid-lows, and has this metalic feel in the highs. But I think the difference between the first two is that the Stam is giving more this “glue” effect, and I really liked what it does to the audio when you engaged the transformers!
Hi Vicente. Thanks for the feedback. I agree about the "glue" effect with the Stam. And yes, the transformers really do something quite nice to the audio!
Ah, are you basing that distinction over internet sound? I had AS snd Warm and Stam mki, I wouldn’t characterize the Warm in person as having a ringing sound but would expect an apparent sonic difference based in the different transformers as they would be wound differently and the different “THAT”, replicas: those two likely being the big different sonic factors ?
Thanks for making this. The ranking of 1 through 5 was extremely helpful with clarifying the differences in how they rank with bass tightness and stereo image between units and transformer engaged or absent.
This video would’ve been a lot more useful I think if you had trimmed the audio clips so that really long intro that wasn’t triggering the compressor at all didn’t delay us hearing the compressors in action. That delay makes it a bit more difficult to do side-by-side comparisons while the compressors are actually doing their thing. I also wish you would have used something that has real instruments on it instead of nothing with samples. Samples already have so much processing in them it’s really tough to get a relevant representation of what each box is doing....Just my two cents from a 30 year veteran full-time audio professional...
Appreciate the feedback. I'll keep that in mind regarding the intro for future videos. Ironically, I tend to use real instruments in all my songs, but this one in particular I had only used virtual instruments. It still does a great job at showcasing the compression characteristics of each unit with this mix. Just a heads up, though, none of these are "samples" in that sense. They are virtual instruments where I removed all processing on each instrument and within each channel strip and I wrote each individual part of the song. Lots of producers and musicians are using nothing but virtual instruments in a lot of their songs, so I'm sure this has been really helpful for a lot of people. I will, however, be using more mixes that have real instruments in them in my future videos. Thanks again for watching!
Virtual instruments are processed when turned into virtual instruments. I know this because my commercial recording studio has built lots of sample packs for top software companies and we process every single instrument we send out to our clients. Every single one has compression and EQ and sometimes reverb built-in. That was sort of my point. sorry I wasn’t more clear about that. I know it takes a lot of effort to do these videos and I certainly appreciate your efforts. And you are right a lot of people are using nothing but virtual instruments these days especially for pop music.
Stam Audio throws things back and starts over, and I do like a perfectionist designing my gear. Worth waiting for although 2 years is not the typical wait time, 3-4 months is. Plus with the option to pay in full ahead of time for a significant discount is nice too.
Am I the only one here that hears this tune and feels like they want to assemble a crew and commit and Ocean's style heist? Great comparison. Just ordered the Audioscape!
It's subtle but the Stam wins for me as well. The main thing i paid attention to was the smothering effect in the center. With the warm audio and Audioscape, the center image kind of "folded in" a little bit. With the Stam, it glued it like the others but stayed a lot more transparent. And i can subtely tell that with the Stam the sub lows stays in tact without the transformer. With the warm audio i didn't really feel the sub low on the drum section until you engaged the transformer. So in that case, no right or wrong but just something i noticed. Maybe that's a good thing as far as tonely giving you a few different responses.
Very informative, thank you! Stam continues to knock it out of the park. That said, I would use all of them in a heartbeat. The transformers make a massive difference though.
In general with my purchases for outboard, as a semi professional, learning and working in the studio, ive gone from Warm, to wanting Stam (the turn around time is a big turn off), to thankfully discovering Wesaudio. If you haven't heard of them they win the VCA game IMO. Full digital integration and recall with complete analog signal path. Their Stereo VCA heavy weight is the NG bus Comp. i own an API2500 as well and outside of drums which is where i find the API can't be beat, the NG bus comp is my fav.
Thank you for this review. I really enjoyed the stam with the neve style transformer as well. Curious if you would put this before the Neve MBP in your chain. I love the MBP but it is not a glue compressor and it leaves me wanting something before it to tighten it all up. Thank you 👍
Sorry for really late replay. I do have this before the Neve MBP in my chain. MBP is last before going into my Apogee Symphony I/O Mk II 16x16 Special Edition.
Thanks, Johnny. Yes, the Carnhill transformers are awesome. They really do provide some great power. I love how they tighten up the low end and adds in harmonics to round everything out. Some great energy overall!
The Audioscape has a much wider soundstage. sounds more precise w the transients. Easy to hear if you listen in a treated room with professional setup fwiw. Cheers
If I were to buy one, I would go with Audio-Scape because, like them, I'm based in Florida and I like that all the components are made in USA. Plus, they are really awesome and friendly guys! But if I'm being honest, I do prefer the low end of the STAM as well with the Carnhill transformer engaged. You can really hear it in the bass of the second track. While the Warm Audio and the Audio-Scape still have a little bumpy attack on each bass note, the STAM really smoothes everything out and makes everything tight and clear. Thanks for this great comparison, Steve!! Very professional!
Hi Sam. Thanks for your feedback! I appreciate your kind words. The guys at Audioscape are great. Totally agree. Overall, it's a fantastic unit! Yes, the way the Stam smooths out the low end with the transformer engaged is truly remarkable. It's what won me over after doing the entire review.
Excellent, thorough video. I started a couple of years ago with the Warm Audio. I definitely liked it but it had a faulty button so I returned it and decided to spend more and get a Heritage Audio Sucessor. Loved the Successor. Read a lot about the AudioScape gear and decided to sell my Successor to get the AudioScape and help fund an IGS Stereo EQ. My AudioScape & IGS RB500 have been great. Fast forward a year or so and I learn about Stam Audio's SA4000 MK2 Buss Compressor (500 Series SSL 4K replica). This 500 Series Stam does not have a Mix Blend feature and I don't think it has the special Transformers. It was shipped to me within a few days (Thanks Joshua). I am presently doing a comparison between the AudioScape and Stam Audio.
Thank you! And that’s awesome. I don’t have any 500 Series gear, because I know if I end up getting a chassis…I’ll need to spend a bunch of money to fill all the slots lol. I’m sure the Stam SA4000-5 MK2 is amazing. I don’t use the mix blend knob on my rack version as much, because I love the sound of the compression! Let me know how you like it!
@@wisetoneproductions I slotted up the SA4000-5 mkII just a couple days ago and it's absolutely UH-MAZING. Those dbx golden trashcan vcas put a little bit more girth in the tone to my ears. And to the OP, I am using a Successor as well and it's not great on everything - but it KILLS on the right source material.
Haha appreciate your opinion. It provides folks who tend to use more virtual instruments an idea of how the compressor works. Many others have found the review very useful. In future videos I'll definitely be using music that has examples of real instruments.
I always prefer Stamaudio more than other brands for saturation, grit, punch and fatness but I always prefer the Audioscape gears when it's tube situations. but if you like the og sound of ssl gcomp, none of these brands will satisfy you.
When people fawn over the "real" SSL, are we talking current production SSL or G384?, current is surface mount right, and presumably 2180/81 IC's rather than gold can VCA's? I have both the AudioScape and the Stam. The build of the Stam is insane, I got the API mod, so, apples and oranged in terms of comparison. The AudioScape is excellent, cleaner more hifi tone and does neuter the lows a bit, which is part of the SSL steez as far as im concerned (whole deal of following it with EQP's). I love both mine, both used on everything i do.
CJ, I wish more people were wise to this part of the conversation. An SSL is not an SSL is not an SSL. And while the VCA alone is not going to be the sole determining factor, I've found the THAT 218x VCA's aren't "the ssl sound" I want. I posted this on another forum, but the TL;DR is that I spent several years working in a multi-studio complex that had two SSL 4k rooms. They took one of the older E series desks and gave it a thorough refurb, pulling the dbx202 black cans. The other one stayed as is. And while the updated console spec'd better, I much preferred the one with the old circuits. Just a better rock and roll board. Temperamental as all fuck, but that's kind of the price of admission with those beasts.
Oh, and the Stam with the 202c reproductions is a KILLER comp. I get that Solid State Logic don't want to look backwards and commission reproductions of 45 year old technology. Although.... that '4k' button they're putting on their new QuadBusPLUS! comp kind of cracks me up since the circuit is BASED on a 4k console center section.
I have the warm audio unit. It's cool but I think it's too aggressive. I'd much rather the Stam or Audioscape. Honestly I'm thinking of selling the warm audio.
@JamesJones-th3ml You make it sound so easy. There is a reason SSL and Neve cost what they do. I agree with you to an extent, but you can't deny the ease in which you can achieve your sound with the more expensive units. That doesn't mean expensive is always better, but in many cases it is. I have the SSL Bus Compressor also and let me tell you, it is MUCH easier to get the sound I'm looking for with the SSL than with the Warm unit.
@@natcoziay Wish I had a Neve or SSL to compare to some of these cheaper units. I am learning that You tube does some sort of compression that may affect the tone in here so I really don't like comparisons if the tone is messed with to start with LOL. But sure If the compressor is too aggressive back off the input level maybe. Thats all I meant really. if the settings don't get ya there maybe it's the input levels. That seems to affect analog units pretty much completely. There is a sweet spot they don't tell ya about LOL I guess you would call it Gain staging BUT they have videos of that in here that people claim isn't worth the time in the box LOL BUT you still need to hit it right. I think I just got the biggest Monstrous mix I ever got today LOL honestly. I am working hybrid for the first time so the last couple months have been a learning curve. I mixed in the box for what 20 years now man. Just for my own music. Don't have the band anymore BUT I do write every day it seems.
Fair comment but you have the price difference, with the stam being at 1/3 more expensive? If you reanalyzed by price performance ratio, would Warm with transformer be #1? If budget and availability are critical decision making factors, your order would change right ? If sonics are #1, then your order stands.? Thx, great shoot out video!
Hi Matthew. Thanks! Good points. I still would put the Stam as number 1. But you make a fair point...if someone was basing their decision 100% on budget...they may be more inclined to go for the Warm. It’s still a solid unit regardless of price.
That LTL Silver Bullet in the background...you have good taste :) Stam is the clear winner for me. Image collapses the least, I like what the Carnhills do to the low end.
Hi Dev. You have good eyes! The LTL Silver Bullet is a beast. Love what it does as well to all my tracks and mixes 😎. I agree...the Carnhills are fantastic.
@Wise Tone Productions I noticed you have a LTLL silver bullet I’m hearing a lot of positive things about it .They released the mk2 I’m very interested in buying one but I’m thinking that it might better to go 500 series with capi & aml 1084 because i don’t see any shootout videos I’m wondering what would be the better option
@marcus aaron the Silver Bullet is a wonderful device. I actually ended up getting the Silver Bullet MK2 and sold the MK1. Believe it or not...the MK2 somehow sounds even better! I waited a few months due to high demand, but it was totally worth it. I highly recommend it. I don't have any 500 series gear, but I have seen lots of interesting 500 series stuff that makes me want to get a chassis haha. But...I know if I do that...it will be another rabbit hole that forces me to fill every freaking slot with a new piece of gear...and I honestly don't need anything else right now. I need to make some new videos soon. I have a new studio since shooting this video...and have lots of new gear to review :)
@@wisetoneproductions thanks for the reply I greatly appreciate it. So basically it would be no need for 500 series gear & at the price of getting capi pre& eqs & aml pres & eqs which for 1ch of each plus chassis would put me in $2800 + shipping in the same neighborhood price wise as the silver bullet which would give me 2 ch of api Neve I’m definitely eying the void version mk2 might sell my ssl fusion & buy audioscape 76D for vocals I’ve seen that comp in a few studios & ssl g buss stereo comp to complete my lil set up. I would love to get the Stam comp that u have in this vid but I’m hearing a pain to get those bad boys
10:0610:3311:5311:26 i think warm audio is great, the build quality, components etc, but they always seem to be beat buy something else of course audioscape is sold out lol the transformer makes a difference but not enough like audioscape
The warm audio piece sounds broken? Metallic distorted especially in the mids. I like the wet/dry feature on the Stam Audio piece but there’s no way I would buy from them with the stories I read. They should be arrested for theft. I’d have to hear the Audioscape in person on my own material but their a safer bet based off my experience. I have an Allen Smart C2 but wouldn’t mind getting another SSL style compressor. Thanks for the video and all the detailed information.
Hi Steve. Appreciate the feedback! I was originally hesitant to buy from Stam when I first learned about them, but they have come a long way my friend. A lot of the stories you hear or read about online are mainly just people who aren't patient to wait for a piece of gear. It does take a long time...but definitely worth the wait! I've heard good things about the Smart C2, but totally agree it wouldn't hurt to have another SSL style compressor in the rack!
@@joshuastam7704 Viejo vas a tener que aguantar esos ataques, ya que le estás volando la raja a toda tu competencia jajaja, obvio que la envidia y los malos comentarios de a poco irán incrementando. Tengo el SA4000. Saludos desde Arica.
A lot of golden ears around here , why doing not a blind test ? can you hear the quality difference ? every compressor has it's own character and that's it, it's just a matter of taste not a matter of quality. Keep going on making great music :)
Gotta love those golden ears. Do a blind test and I bet hardly anyone would be able to tell the difference. Hell just close your eyes while listening and tell me how big of a difference there is. It's laughable how people can truly pick out such subtle nuances when it's not even there, while thier eyes are glued to a screen telling you exactly when the units are switched. Merely listening to a test like this and just SEEING when this or that unit is being switched can trick your brain into thinking there is a difference. It's also not rare for there to be a blind shootout over on the geraspace forum where it's hardware vs software and some of the guys with decades of experience who have worked on major releases can't even tell you which is which. With where the tech currently is and with what is accessible for even home recoding folks, the difference become merely splitting hairs once you have some basic, solid equipment and solid plugins to fill the gap. Anything beyond that has everything to do with experience, and the mix.
Definitely a good point. A blind test will certainly remove any bias towards one unit. And yes, I agree...it's truly a matter of taste. Great music can be made using even the cheapest of compressors and other gear.
You definitely make very solid points. I've learned over the years that I simply prefer the workflow of using analog gear during mixing and mastering. I find that I'm able to dial in the sound I'm going for in my head much quicker and it's a more enjoyable process. I tend to close my eyes while turning the knobs until it sounds just right. I always found when using plugins that it took me longer to get things to sound how I'd like...and I also was using my eyes a lot more than my ears. Having said that, plugins have come a long way and you can absolutely do excellent work with them. I still use EQ plugins for precise, subtractive cuts on a track-by-track basis...I find it's easier to eliminate anything I don't want in the mix.
Hi! Good demo man!!! Dou you think that the stam gives some analog taste with the transformer mode to a mix ITB, maybe emuling a little like using a Suming? Thanks a lot!!!
Thanks! The transformer mode is amazing. Really adds some nice deep bass and oomph to the mix. I haven’t compared to a summing unit...but it has a great sound regardless!
Stam takes 1 to 2 years to actually receive the unit.. My SA 4000 mk 1 had issues, Stam refunded me in full after some back and forth. I was never fully impressed w/ the bus comp, I spent hours trying diff settings and program material. Didn’t handle low end well ( rap, r n b, pop music) Was built well except for all the knobs being different lengths off the chassis. I didn’t feel like it was truly enhancing anything, compression seemed more audible than what the GR meter reflected. Idk maybe the vu is calibrated differently. I hear ppl bash warm audio products sound a lot. Then they follow up w/ “ I never used a real x y or z “ so I try to stay out of that. My wa76 sounds great to me and adds something a UAD mk2 doesn’t if that’s what the vocal needs. My wa76 can also be pretty transparent as well. I have used a 76 once but was in my engineering infancy. Audioscape seems to be building quite a rep for themself! I have never A to B one of these vs a real Gfx384 or console so I can’t say which is most authentic. Your monitoring is not ideal esp w the HS80M, one being in a corner & it seems your room isn’t acoustically treated. Can’t judge/ mix what u can’t hear! Thanks for the great comparison video!
Thanks for your feedback! I'm going to eventually upgrade my monitors for sure...but I'll likely keep the Yamahas as a second pair since I'm so used to their sound. My room is temporary and I agree definitely not ideal or 100% acoustically treated. However, my mixes are translating very well. I'm making it work for now haha. I'll be custom building my new studio in the next year once we move. Looking forward to that for sure!
I have been waiting for my Stam SA 23A+ for over 2 years now. This is a unit they don't even make any more but they have assured me that they will make an exception for me since I've waited so long. They gave me a shipping date of February 2021 for my unit. Hopefully it is worth it.
I've heard good things about Heritage Audio. Are you referring to the Successor? If so, that's not a VCA compressor like the 3 units I reviewed. The Successor uses diode-bridge based compression. I'm sure it sounds fantastic as an option on the stereo buss, though.
@@wisetoneproductions I know, but since I had the Warm Audio Buss Comp and wasn't happy with it and sold it. I would like to hear them two in a test. Thanks
yeah ive bought a bunch of warm stuff over the years, as someone whos trying to get professional while learning, it makes sense at the price point but once you get used to the build quality and your ear adjusts to their counterparts, i must say ive fallen out of love with warm. Ive also had to return two items just so far (out of admittedly 8 products). That being said i wrote warm via facebook. they were quick, decisive, considerate and friendly, and im not facing stam audio turn around times. I went with the Wes Audio NG bus comp in the end. fucking tank of a unit.
@@seantomalty3062 Wow sad to hear that. I've never had an issue with any of my Warm Audio gear except for a bulb that went out and they send me two for free.
honestly much mooe refreshing than hearing the typical generic elevator dad-rock songs most people on here use to demonstrate gear. This actually sounds kinda cool, kinda reminds me of Amon Tobin
Can't really hear a difference. I was listening while doing some other things and not paying attention. This video came up next, I didn't chose it LOL It all sounded like the same signal LOL Something to remember. If something cost more, it doesn't mean it is actually better and both cinamag and Carnhill transformers are workable!!! I think they are both well rounded Transformers So maybe that's why I couldnt hear a difference in an accidental Blind test I just had LOL I seriously thought it was somebody playing the same thing over and over LMAO I have 2 sets of speakers. I tried both man. Sometimes we listen with our eyes LMAO Wider? HAHAHA They all sounded the same LOL
@nicefish10 these are not samples. I composed the entire song. I don't use samples. I actually hate samples. I also removed all processing. I think what you mean to say is use real instruments rather than using MIDI instruments. I will absolutely be using other songs with real instruments in future videos. For the sake of this comparison I simply used a song I had already completed over a decade ago. The comparison has been extremely helpful for many as you can see based on the comments. Some people tend to make more electronic music, so I'm sure this helps them more than others who are used to working with real instruments. Appreciate the feedback. I actually just looked back and you had commented on this 7 months ago! I appreciate you explaining that virtual instruments are processed when being created.
the video is nice but , please make sure you have the original SSL there to start with and to compare , it's difficult to say with one sounds the best ! it's taste what counts here
Wow, well id really like to hear a shootout between the RN Portico MBP vs the Stam 4000 and other comps you also have plus how/why you use the Silver Bullet in your mix chains. Im thinking of buying the MBP and wondering where the Silver Bullet fits in? In addition to the Rupert Neve MBP, what EQ units do you use on the Master Bus ?
I definitely have it on my list to make more videos in 2023...and likely some more compressor shootouts...as well as some videos showcasing some of my favorite analog EQs. The Neve MBP is an absolute workhorse. It's one of my favorite pieces of gear that I've ever purchased...and I will never sell it. The Silver Bullet I have is the MK2 (sold the MK1 to upgrade to the MK2)...and I have to say...it's somehow even better than the original! I use it for some console-like mojo to the overall mix. The broad EQ on the unit is also very nice. And the Tight, Vintage, and Aspect Ratio buttons all add some magic as well. Other EQs I use on the Master Bus: Hendyamps Michelangelo (for broad strokes and sweetening...amazing unit with a beautiful tube vibe) Handcrafted Labs Thermos (for more precise cuts and boosts...and it also has HPF and can do Mid/Side as well) Louder than Liftoff Silver Bullet MK2 (I use the bax EQ on the unit mainly for subtle, broad sweetening. Even with using the Michelangelo...I still find the EQ on the SB MK2 still adds something nice!)
Stam Audio is the clear winner here for me. It has a more 3D sound, more frequency range and punchyness. I think it doesn't glue too much all the instruments that it's good to me.
The Stam is definitely a more aggressive sounding bus comp. Thanks for this! Definitely helps make my decision
Thanks for the review. I bought the Warm Bus Comp, couldn’t wait 2 years for the Stam and I’m in the UK so the Audioscape wasn’t an option. But would agree the Stam sounds the best of the 3.
A quick tip when doing this type audio comparison, just loop the exact same section of audio and compare the models. Having the section without the drums at beginning of each section resets your brain each time you switch models and you effectively forget what the previous model sounds like.
Oh and also you need let us hear the original so it’s clear what each unit is doing to the sound. But thanks for taking the time.
Thanks for the feedback! I definitely appreciate it. I totally understand what you mean. I will keep that in mind for future reviews.
The main reason I did the loops the way I did is because I wanted people to hear the distinct way each compressor handles the low end. So, especially at the 12:10 mark, this is when the bass drops in. I wanted to make sure each unit was active at the exact moment the bass came in.
Now, looking back at everything, I do realize the drums never start right at the beginning of any of the loops! So, I definitely appreciate you bringing that up. And yes, I'll include the original mix in future videos so people can hear what each unit is doing to the sound.
Thanks again!
I live in Chile. Wrote to Stam Audio to ask if I can pick up one directly in their store. They told me to buy by their web site and to put in the line as everyone else....short story, I went for the Warm...it is good enough for me, at least to have some fun during the quarentine.
Helpful Hint - we ship anywhere in the world (and have! I think we have units on every continent now hahaha) Thanks!
I have now owned all 3. Started with the Warm, which was pretty good. Then I upgraded to the AudioScape, even better. Then I got a chance to try the Stam, and that was the winner for me.
Absolutely! All good units. But the Stam is the only one still in my studio haha
Audioscape - smooth and transparent with no character
Warm - sounds great with lots of character but sounds a bit grainy
Stam - Neve-like character on tap with a very smooth sound
To me the Stam just sounds in a class of it’s own.
For sure!
I find the Audioscape and the Stam Audio kind similar, the most different of the three is the Warm, that I hear that is making a mess in the mid-lows, and has this metalic feel in the highs. But I think the difference between the first two is that the Stam is giving more this “glue” effect, and I really liked what it does to the audio when you engaged the transformers!
Hi Vicente. Thanks for the feedback. I agree about the "glue" effect with the Stam. And yes, the transformers really do something quite nice to the audio!
Ah, are you basing that distinction over internet sound? I had AS snd Warm and Stam mki, I wouldn’t characterize the Warm in person as having a ringing sound but would expect an apparent sonic difference based in the different transformers as they would be wound differently and the different “THAT”, replicas: those two likely being the big different sonic factors ?
Thanks for making this. The ranking of 1 through 5 was extremely helpful with clarifying the differences in how they rank with bass tightness and stereo image between units and transformer engaged or absent.
Thanks! Appreciate the feedback. Glad you enjoyed the video.
You ranked them 100% like I did. I thought first I was imagining, but hey, I guess I'm born for this, haha
This video would’ve been a lot more useful I think if you had trimmed the audio clips so that really long intro that wasn’t triggering the compressor at all didn’t delay us hearing the compressors in action. That delay makes it a bit more difficult to do side-by-side comparisons while the compressors are actually doing their thing. I also wish you would have used something that has real instruments on it instead of nothing with samples. Samples already have so much processing in them it’s really tough to get a relevant representation of what each box is doing....Just my two cents from a 30 year veteran full-time audio professional...
Appreciate the feedback. I'll keep that in mind regarding the intro for future videos. Ironically, I tend to use real instruments in all my songs, but this one in particular I had only used virtual instruments. It still does a great job at showcasing the compression characteristics of each unit with this mix. Just a heads up, though, none of these are "samples" in that sense. They are virtual instruments where I removed all processing on each instrument and within each channel strip and I wrote each individual part of the song. Lots of producers and musicians are using nothing but virtual instruments in a lot of their songs, so I'm sure this has been really helpful for a lot of people. I will, however, be using more mixes that have real instruments in them in my future videos. Thanks again for watching!
Virtual instruments are processed when turned into virtual instruments. I know this because my commercial recording studio has built lots of sample packs for top software companies and we process every single instrument we send out to our clients. Every single one has compression and EQ and sometimes reverb built-in. That was sort of my point. sorry I wasn’t more clear about that. I know it takes a lot of effort to do these videos and I certainly appreciate your efforts. And you are right a lot of people are using nothing but virtual instruments these days especially for pop music.
Good to know. Appreciate the additional information!
Stam Audio throws things back and starts over, and I do like a perfectionist designing my gear. Worth waiting for although 2 years is not the typical wait time, 3-4 months is. Plus with the option to pay in full ahead of time for a significant discount is nice too.
Am I the only one here that hears this tune and feels like they want to assemble a crew and commit and Ocean's style heist? Great comparison. Just ordered the Audioscape!
Haha awesome comment! Nice! Enjoy the Audioscape. It's a great unit!
The manufacturers can’t use “SSL” and “Neve” in their language for copyright reasons. As a customer you can dude lol no need for the secrecy 😊
Hahaha I realized that after finishing the video. Not sure why I was being so careful hahah
The Stam was the best! Made the music actually sound like a record and killed a lot of the digital harshness
It's subtle but the Stam wins for me as well. The main thing i paid attention to was the smothering effect in the center. With the warm audio and Audioscape, the center image kind of "folded in" a little bit. With the Stam, it glued it like the others but stayed a lot more transparent. And i can subtely tell that with the Stam the sub lows stays in tact without the transformer. With the warm audio i didn't really feel the sub low on the drum section until you engaged the transformer. So in that case, no right or wrong but just something i noticed. Maybe that's a good thing as far as tonely giving you a few different responses.
I can tell that the warm audio sounds most accurate to the original ssl bus compressor. I have both of em here to test.
Listened in a treated room on big focal studio monitors, differences are subtle but Stam has most definition and punchiness
Appreciate your feedback!
You can tell which one he kept by which unit had all the screws put in, in the rack.. ;)
So true! 😂😂😂
True story!
Very informative, thank you! Stam continues to knock it out of the park. That said, I would use all of them in a heartbeat. The transformers make a massive difference though.
You're welcome! Appreciate the feedback. I agree, all are very useful. Yup, the transformers do make a big difference!
In general with my purchases for outboard, as a semi professional, learning and working in the studio, ive gone from Warm, to wanting Stam (the turn around time is a big turn off), to thankfully discovering Wesaudio. If you haven't heard of them they win the VCA game IMO. Full digital integration and recall with complete analog signal path. Their Stereo VCA heavy weight is the NG bus Comp. i own an API2500 as well and outside of drums which is where i find the API can't be beat, the NG bus comp is my fav.
I have heard great things about Wesaudio. I will need to check them out!
My premetheus lives on the 2bus
I like the ‘thrashy’ more phaatter sound of the Warm for the music I’m doing.
Yes, the Stam was tighter and cleaner. I would have picked that one too.
Thanks, Martin! The Stam is a great unit for sure.
My favorite was the Stam without transformers engaged
Thank you for this review. I really enjoyed the stam with the neve style transformer as well. Curious if you would put this before the Neve MBP in your chain. I love the MBP but it is not a glue compressor and it leaves me wanting something before it to tighten it all up. Thank you 👍
Sorry for really late replay. I do have this before the Neve MBP in my chain. MBP is last before going into my Apogee Symphony I/O Mk II 16x16 Special Edition.
really really surprised...the power of the stamaudio with the canhill transformer it awesome, for me it would be the best option
Thanks, Johnny. Yes, the Carnhill transformers are awesome. They really do provide some great power. I love how they tighten up the low end and adds in harmonics to round everything out. Some great energy overall!
Thank you, for me #1 Stam without transformer and #2 Warm with transformer
Hi Arturo. Solid choice for sure!
The Audioscape has a much wider soundstage. sounds more precise w the transients. Easy to hear if you listen in a treated room with professional setup fwiw. Cheers
exactly the clarity was surprising then when the beat came in all u can hear is the wider soundstage
Stam audio all the way
If I were to buy one, I would go with Audio-Scape because, like them, I'm based in Florida and I like that all the components are made in USA. Plus, they are really awesome and friendly guys! But if I'm being honest, I do prefer the low end of the STAM as well with the Carnhill transformer engaged. You can really hear it in the bass of the second track. While the Warm Audio and the Audio-Scape still have a little bumpy attack on each bass note, the STAM really smoothes everything out and makes everything tight and clear. Thanks for this great comparison, Steve!! Very professional!
Hi Sam. Thanks for your feedback! I appreciate your kind words. The guys at Audioscape are great. Totally agree. Overall, it's a fantastic unit! Yes, the way the Stam smooths out the low end with the transformer engaged is truly remarkable. It's what won me over after doing the entire review.
Wise Tone Productions 🙏🏻🙂
Are you selling that stam???
I will never sell the Stam! I ended up selling the Audioscape and returned the Warm Audio lol
@@wisetoneproductions Your name says it all... you Really are Wise!
@@wisetoneproductions I got the Stam it's such a beautiful piece of Gear.
Excellent, thorough video. I started a couple of years ago with the Warm Audio. I definitely liked it but it had a faulty button so I returned it and decided to spend more and get a Heritage Audio Sucessor. Loved the Successor.
Read a lot about the AudioScape gear and decided to sell my Successor to get the AudioScape and help fund an IGS Stereo EQ. My AudioScape & IGS RB500 have been great. Fast forward a year or so and I learn about Stam Audio's SA4000 MK2 Buss Compressor (500 Series SSL 4K replica). This 500 Series Stam does not have a Mix Blend feature and I don't think it has the special Transformers. It was shipped to me within a few days (Thanks Joshua).
I am presently doing a comparison between the AudioScape and Stam Audio.
Thank you! And that’s awesome. I don’t have any 500 Series gear, because I know if I end up getting a chassis…I’ll need to spend a bunch of money to fill all the slots lol. I’m sure the Stam SA4000-5 MK2 is amazing. I don’t use the mix blend knob on my rack version as much, because I love the sound of the compression! Let me know how you like it!
@@wisetoneproductions I slotted up the SA4000-5 mkII just a couple days ago and it's absolutely UH-MAZING. Those dbx golden trashcan vcas put a little bit more girth in the tone to my ears. And to the OP, I am using a Successor as well and it's not great on everything - but it KILLS on the right source material.
@@judsonsnell that's awesome to hear! Stam makes amazing gear. I need to make a new video soon to review the SA-609. It's another absolute gem!
Thank you for showing this.
Hi Khari. Thank you! Glad you enjoyed the video.
Thanks so much for this video man!! This is AMAZING!!! ;-) ❤❤❤
Appreciate the feedback! Keep making great gear!
@@wisetoneproductions oF COURSE! Thanks again! ;--)
I thank you for the great video comparing these amazing units !. I personally found the warm audio to be my favorite but they all sound great!.
Thank you but jeez!! The music for the examples doesn’t work!
Haha appreciate your opinion. It provides folks who tend to use more virtual instruments an idea of how the compressor works. Many others have found the review very useful. In future videos I'll definitely be using music that has examples of real instruments.
I like the Warm most
It’s a surprisingly good unit, especially for the price!
I always prefer Stamaudio more than other brands for saturation, grit, punch and fatness but I always prefer the Audioscape gears when it's tube situations.
but if you like the og sound of ssl gcomp, none of these brands will satisfy you.
how come? The SA-4000 uses the same discrete VCA'S as the original SSL consoles. What is different?
Can you put Carnhill transformers in the warm audio?
If the transformer has the same specs as the one it's replacing, it's probably possible. The carnhill does have a really unique flavor to it!
When people fawn over the "real" SSL, are we talking current production SSL or G384?, current is surface mount right, and presumably 2180/81 IC's rather than gold can VCA's?
I have both the AudioScape and the Stam. The build of the Stam is insane, I got the API mod, so, apples and oranged in terms of comparison. The AudioScape is excellent, cleaner more hifi tone and does neuter the lows a bit, which is part of the SSL steez as far as im concerned (whole deal of following it with EQP's).
I love both mine, both used on everything i do.
CJ, I wish more people were wise to this part of the conversation. An SSL is not an SSL is not an SSL. And while the VCA alone is not going to be the sole determining factor, I've found the THAT 218x VCA's aren't "the ssl sound" I want. I posted this on another forum, but the TL;DR is that I spent several years working in a multi-studio complex that had two SSL 4k rooms. They took one of the older E series desks and gave it a thorough refurb, pulling the dbx202 black cans. The other one stayed as is. And while the updated console spec'd better, I much preferred the one with the old circuits. Just a better rock and roll board. Temperamental as all fuck, but that's kind of the price of admission with those beasts.
Oh, and the Stam with the 202c reproductions is a KILLER comp. I get that Solid State Logic don't want to look backwards and commission reproductions of 45 year old technology. Although.... that '4k' button they're putting on their new QuadBusPLUS! comp kind of cracks me up since the circuit is BASED on a 4k console center section.
I have the warm audio unit. It's cool but I think it's too aggressive. I'd much rather the Stam or Audioscape. Honestly I'm thinking of selling the warm audio.
Make it less aggressive with the settings SIMPLE...
@JamesJones-th3ml You make it sound so easy. There is a reason SSL and Neve cost what they do. I agree with you to an extent, but you can't deny the ease in which you can achieve your sound with the more expensive units. That doesn't mean expensive is always better, but in many cases it is. I have the SSL Bus Compressor also and let me tell you, it is MUCH easier to get the sound I'm looking for with the SSL than with the Warm unit.
@@natcoziay Wish I had a Neve or SSL to compare to some of these cheaper units. I am learning that You tube does some sort of compression that may affect the tone in here so I really don't like comparisons if the tone is messed with to start with LOL. But sure If the compressor is too aggressive back off the input level maybe. Thats all I meant really. if the settings don't get ya there maybe it's the input levels. That seems to affect analog units pretty much completely. There is a sweet spot they don't tell ya about LOL I guess you would call it Gain staging BUT they have videos of that in here that people claim isn't worth the time in the box LOL BUT you still need to hit it right. I think I just got the biggest Monstrous mix I ever got today LOL honestly. I am working hybrid for the first time so the last couple months have been a learning curve. I mixed in the box for what 20 years now man. Just for my own music. Don't have the band anymore BUT I do write every day it seems.
Fair comment but you have the price difference, with the stam being at 1/3 more expensive?
If you reanalyzed by price performance ratio, would Warm with transformer be #1?
If budget and availability are critical decision making factors, your order would change right ? If sonics are #1, then your order stands.? Thx, great shoot out video!
Hi Matthew. Thanks! Good points. I still would put the Stam as number 1. But you make a fair point...if someone was basing their decision 100% on budget...they may be more inclined to go for the Warm. It’s still a solid unit regardless of price.
@@wisetoneproductions They are all good: that's the problem ! :)
Just for fun you could have thrown the Acustica plugin buss compressors, there are a few and I believe they'd all hold their own in this shootout
I was trying to keep it to just analog for this shootout...but definitely could be fun to compare to that as well!
That LTL Silver Bullet in the background...you have good taste :) Stam is the clear winner for me. Image collapses the least, I like what the Carnhills do to the low end.
Hi Dev. You have good eyes! The LTL Silver Bullet is a beast. Love what it does as well to all my tracks and mixes 😎. I agree...the Carnhills are fantastic.
1) Stam
2) Warm
3)A.Scape
@Wise Tone Productions I noticed you have a LTLL silver bullet I’m hearing a lot of positive things about it .They released the mk2 I’m very interested in buying one but I’m thinking that it might better to go 500 series with capi & aml 1084 because i don’t see any shootout videos I’m wondering what would be the better option
@marcus aaron the Silver Bullet is a wonderful device. I actually ended up getting the Silver Bullet MK2 and sold the MK1. Believe it or not...the MK2 somehow sounds even better! I waited a few months due to high demand, but it was totally worth it. I highly recommend it. I don't have any 500 series gear, but I have seen lots of interesting 500 series stuff that makes me want to get a chassis haha. But...I know if I do that...it will be another rabbit hole that forces me to fill every freaking slot with a new piece of gear...and I honestly don't need anything else right now. I need to make some new videos soon. I have a new studio since shooting this video...and have lots of new gear to review :)
@@wisetoneproductions thanks for the reply I greatly appreciate it. So basically it would be no need for 500 series gear & at the price of getting capi pre& eqs & aml pres & eqs which for 1ch of each plus chassis would put me in $2800 + shipping in the same neighborhood price wise as the silver bullet which would give me 2 ch of api Neve I’m definitely eying the void version mk2 might sell my ssl fusion & buy audioscape 76D for vocals I’ve seen that comp in a few studios & ssl g buss stereo comp to complete my lil set up. I would love to get the Stam comp that u have in this vid but I’m hearing a pain to get those bad boys
@@badmusic504 The SB2 is an amazing unit, it makes everything sound better! I have a G comp on the inserts... love it.
10:06 10:33 11:53 11:26 i think warm audio is great, the build quality, components etc, but they always seem to be beat buy something else of course audioscape is sold out lol the transformer makes a difference but not enough like audioscape
Good points!
The warm audio piece sounds broken? Metallic distorted especially in the mids. I like the wet/dry feature on the Stam Audio piece but there’s no way I would buy from them with the stories I read. They should be arrested for theft. I’d have to hear the Audioscape in person on my own material but their a safer bet based off my experience. I have an Allen Smart C2 but wouldn’t mind getting another SSL style compressor. Thanks for the video and all the detailed information.
Hi Steve. Appreciate the feedback! I was originally hesitant to buy from Stam when I first learned about them, but they have come a long way my friend. A lot of the stories you hear or read about online are mainly just people who aren't patient to wait for a piece of gear. It does take a long time...but definitely worth the wait! I've heard good things about the Smart C2, but totally agree it wouldn't hurt to have another SSL style compressor in the rack!
Wise Tone Productions
Agreed,
I have a small home studio set up check out one of my videos up here on UA-cam if you get a chance.
Thanks
Steve
I should be arrested for theft? Who did I steal from? Please let me know, I will turn myself in immediately....
@@joshuastam7704 Viejo vas a tener que aguantar esos ataques, ya que le estás volando la raja a toda tu competencia jajaja, obvio que la envidia y los malos comentarios de a poco irán incrementando. Tengo el SA4000. Saludos desde Arica.
@@erichzann3414 Gracias Erich!!
Warm Audio has a FAT tone for sure. Love it.
A lot of golden ears around here , why doing not a blind test ? can you hear the quality difference ? every compressor has it's own character and that's it, it's just a matter of taste not a matter of quality. Keep going on making great music :)
Gotta love those golden ears. Do a blind test and I bet hardly anyone would be able to tell the difference. Hell just close your eyes while listening and tell me how big of a difference there is. It's laughable how people can truly pick out such subtle nuances when it's not even there, while thier eyes are glued to a screen telling you exactly when the units are switched. Merely listening to a test like this and just SEEING when this or that unit is being switched can trick your brain into thinking there is a difference. It's also not rare for there to be a blind shootout over on the geraspace forum where it's hardware vs software and some of the guys with decades of experience who have worked on major releases can't even tell you which is which. With where the tech currently is and with what is accessible for even home recoding folks, the difference become merely splitting hairs once you have some basic, solid equipment and solid plugins to fill the gap. Anything beyond that has everything to do with experience, and the mix.
Definitely a good point. A blind test will certainly remove any bias towards one unit. And yes, I agree...it's truly a matter of taste. Great music can be made using even the cheapest of compressors and other gear.
You definitely make very solid points. I've learned over the years that I simply prefer the workflow of using analog gear during mixing and mastering. I find that I'm able to dial in the sound I'm going for in my head much quicker and it's a more enjoyable process. I tend to close my eyes while turning the knobs until it sounds just right. I always found when using plugins that it took me longer to get things to sound how I'd like...and I also was using my eyes a lot more than my ears. Having said that, plugins have come a long way and you can absolutely do excellent work with them. I still use EQ plugins for precise, subtractive cuts on a track-by-track basis...I find it's easier to eliminate anything I don't want in the mix.
Great vídeo, for hip-hop/rap which Will the BEST option?
I would say definitely the Stam. Has best low end with the transformer option :)
@@wisetoneproductions thanks
Personally I don’t want transformers in my bus comp I have more granular control elsewhere
Great video!! How can I contact you?
Hi Acoustic Cross! Thanks for the kind words. You can get in touch with me at steve@wisetoneproductions.com
Hi! Good demo man!!! Dou you think that the stam gives some analog taste with the transformer mode to a mix ITB, maybe emuling a little like using a Suming?
Thanks a lot!!!
Thanks! The transformer mode is amazing. Really adds some nice deep bass and oomph to the mix. I haven’t compared to a summing unit...but it has a great sound regardless!
@@wisetoneproductions Oh!! Thans for answering!!! Keep rockin on!!
Absolutely! Apologies for the long time it took to respond!
Stam Audio SA4000 MK2
Stam takes 1 to 2 years to actually receive the unit.. My SA 4000 mk 1 had issues, Stam refunded me in full after some back and forth. I was never fully impressed w/ the bus comp, I spent hours trying diff settings and program material. Didn’t handle low end well ( rap, r n b, pop music) Was built well except for all the knobs being different lengths off the chassis.
I didn’t feel like it was truly enhancing anything, compression seemed more audible than what the GR meter reflected. Idk maybe the vu is calibrated differently.
I hear ppl bash warm audio products sound a lot. Then they follow up w/ “ I never used a real x y or z “ so I try to stay out of that. My wa76 sounds great to me and adds something a UAD mk2 doesn’t if that’s what the vocal needs. My wa76 can also be pretty transparent as well. I have used a 76 once but was in my engineering infancy.
Audioscape seems to be building quite a rep for themself! I have never A to B one of these vs a real Gfx384 or console so I can’t say which is most authentic.
Your monitoring is not ideal esp w the HS80M, one being in a corner & it seems your room isn’t acoustically treated. Can’t judge/ mix what u can’t hear!
Thanks for the great comparison video!
Thanks for your feedback! I'm going to eventually upgrade my monitors for sure...but I'll likely keep the Yamahas as a second pair since I'm so used to their sound. My room is temporary and I agree definitely not ideal or 100% acoustically treated. However, my mixes are translating very well. I'm making it work for now haha. I'll be custom building my new studio in the next year once we move. Looking forward to that for sure!
You should try the MK2, different league from the MK1. I'd be happy to send you one for testing.
I have been waiting for my Stam SA 23A+ for over 2 years now. This is a unit they don't even make any more but they have assured me that they will make an exception for me since I've waited so long. They gave me a shipping date of February 2021 for my unit. Hopefully it is worth it.
@@jas8012 Still waiting on my SA-23A+ as well. Not sure if I'll ever see it.
2 years to get the gear??!! Not even Santa takes that long!
It's not that long anymore. I have a bus compressor coming I waited 4 months for.
Thanks for the video.
You're welcome! Hope it was helpful.
Very useful Man, thank you for the video
In this shootout it's Audioscape for the win with me!
It’s a great unit!
Never sleep on the Audioscape. It's an amazing processor!
I see (hear) why you waited!
Would of been nice to try test the Heritage Audio compressor, I think it would blow all these out of the water. I had the Warm Audio and sold it.
I've heard good things about Heritage Audio. Are you referring to the Successor? If so, that's not a VCA compressor like the 3 units I reviewed. The Successor uses diode-bridge based compression. I'm sure it sounds fantastic as an option on the stereo buss, though.
@@wisetoneproductions I know, but since I had the Warm Audio Buss Comp and wasn't happy with it and sold it. I would like to hear them two in a test. Thanks
Gotcha. I ended up selling the Warm Audio unit as well!
yeah ive bought a bunch of warm stuff over the years, as someone whos trying to get professional while learning, it makes sense at the price point but once you get used to the build quality and your ear adjusts to their counterparts, i must say ive fallen out of love with warm. Ive also had to return two items just so far (out of admittedly 8 products). That being said i wrote warm via facebook. they were quick, decisive, considerate and friendly, and im not facing stam audio turn around times. I went with the Wes Audio NG bus comp in the end. fucking tank of a unit.
@@seantomalty3062 Wow sad to hear that. I've never had an issue with any of my Warm Audio gear except for a bulb that went out and they send me two for free.
Is the music name “ i dont know notes names, but want to be a composer”, yes?
🤣 I wrote this piece many many years ago. I’m a guitar player, so the irony of this song is that it’s all electronic instruments.
Great video.
Thanks, Chuck!
That is a serious rack you have there! Nice gear.
Thanks!
lol the song
Not a fan of the style? I wrote this one ages ago. Very different from anything I would release today haha
honestly much mooe refreshing than hearing the typical generic elevator dad-rock songs most people on here use to demonstrate gear. This actually sounds kinda cool, kinda reminds me of Amon Tobin
Nicest guy in prison-technique@@geoffaudio
the Warm is sort of a slacker and the transformer isn't working for me.. China parts perhaps?
I actually agree. The warm to me just didn't sound as musical.
Could be for sure!
Thanks!!
Hi Erik. You're welcome!
Can't really hear a difference. I was listening while doing some other things and not paying attention. This video came up next, I didn't chose it LOL It all sounded like the same signal LOL Something to remember. If something cost more, it doesn't mean it is actually better and both cinamag and Carnhill transformers are workable!!! I think they are both well rounded Transformers So maybe that's why I couldnt hear a difference in an accidental Blind test I just had LOL I seriously thought it was somebody playing the same thing over and over LMAO I have 2 sets of speakers. I tried both man. Sometimes we listen with our eyes LMAO Wider? HAHAHA They all sounded the same LOL
Yeah....LOL....thats what Im getting, but the MK3 you can switch between SSL E or G
The warm audio sound so musical clarity detail..punchy bass mid and high frequency amazing...
For the love of all that is holy please use actual music created by Musicians instead of already processed samples. This is a useless comparison.
@nicefish10 these are not samples. I composed the entire song. I don't use samples. I actually hate samples. I also removed all processing. I think what you mean to say is use real instruments rather than using MIDI instruments. I will absolutely be using other songs with real instruments in future videos. For the sake of this comparison I simply used a song I had already completed over a decade ago. The comparison has been extremely helpful for many as you can see based on the comments. Some people tend to make more electronic music, so I'm sure this helps them more than others who are used to working with real instruments. Appreciate the feedback.
I actually just looked back and you had commented on this 7 months ago! I appreciate you explaining that virtual instruments are processed when being created.
You hang way too much on "pro" audio forums...
i feel attacked
the video is nice but , please make sure you have the original SSL there to start with and to compare , it's difficult to say with one sounds the best ! it's taste what counts here
Very good point. Ideally, I would have had the SSL to compare as well. But for what I had...I wanted to at least make this video for comparison.
Wow, well id really like to hear a shootout between the RN Portico MBP vs the Stam 4000 and other comps you also have plus how/why you use the Silver Bullet in your mix chains.
Im thinking of buying the MBP and wondering where the Silver Bullet fits in? In addition to the Rupert Neve MBP, what EQ units do you use on the Master Bus ?
I definitely have it on my list to make more videos in 2023...and likely some more compressor shootouts...as well as some videos showcasing some of my favorite analog EQs. The Neve MBP is an absolute workhorse. It's one of my favorite pieces of gear that I've ever purchased...and I will never sell it. The Silver Bullet I have is the MK2 (sold the MK1 to upgrade to the MK2)...and I have to say...it's somehow even better than the original! I use it for some console-like mojo to the overall mix. The broad EQ on the unit is also very nice. And the Tight, Vintage, and Aspect Ratio buttons all add some magic as well.
Other EQs I use on the Master Bus:
Hendyamps Michelangelo (for broad strokes and sweetening...amazing unit with a beautiful tube vibe)
Handcrafted Labs Thermos (for more precise cuts and boosts...and it also has HPF and can do Mid/Side as well)
Louder than Liftoff Silver Bullet MK2 (I use the bax EQ on the unit mainly for subtle, broad sweetening. Even with using the Michelangelo...I still find the EQ on the SB MK2 still adds something nice!)