AFFORDABLE BOUTIQUE AUDIO FROM DAYTONA FLORIDA
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I recently had an opportunity to compare the AudioScape Bus Comp to the latest from SSL, the Bus+. How did the AudioScape do in this Samson vs Goliath smackdown? Read on and find out.
The newly relocated/enlarged AudioScape factory is only an hour North of my home base in Florida. When I purchased a Bus Comp from them it arrived very quickly.
OUT OF THE BOX
This was my first taste of AudioScape product so I gave it a good going over physically. The metal work is all nice with no sharp edges, the unit has a quality feel. The paint and screen printing all looks good. Around back metal Neutrik jacks provide balanced inputs and outputs. An inbuilt power supply connects to the outside world with a removable IEC style power cord.
HOW DOES IT SOUND
The AudioScape Bus Comp has a proper SSL-style console compressor sound (G Comp version). The controls on the AudioScape Bus Comp basically mirror those on the original SSL rack mount hardware which is not currently manufactured. I tried the AudioScape on several different stereo bus groups and it never disappoints sonically. Advancing the Threshold control knob dials up a healthy amount of compression. AudioScape includes a printed card which details some suggested settings that get your mix "glued" together very quickly.
MIXDOWN: AUDIO SCAPE Bus Comp VS SSL BUS+
In actual use I preferred the AudioScape Bus Comp to the SSL Bus+ for several important reasons. The AudioScape Bus Comp is easy to setup and provides a shortcut to great sound using the simple controls provided (was simplicity the reason the original was so successful). The Bus+ has a lot more control options but it requires careful adjustment to end up at virtually the same effect (actually I always felt like the signal was overly processed using the Bus+, no matter how much I tweaked it). The AudioScape is a 1U single rack space, the SSL Bus+ takes up twice the real estate at 2U. The AudioScape is hand made here in the USA, the SSL Bus+ is mass produced in China. Perhaps the biggest feature comparison is the price, the SSL Bus+ is almost $2000 more to buy than the AudioScape.
If the small number of controls on the AudioScape Bus Comp is of any alarm to you consider how many active knobs an LA2a has, two; Input and Output. The Audio Scape has the correct mix of controls to capture the classic mix-glue effect. If what you're wanting is an SSL style Bus Compressor to smooth out your mixes, the AudioScape Bus Comp delivers handmade quality and the vaunted sound for a bargain price.
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| AudioScape Bus Comp |
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| SSL Bus+ |
AudioScape LIKES
- Great audio, delivers classic SSL style compression and sound quality
- Single rack space, self contained (not 500 lunchbox)
- Classic bus comp control set
- Affordably priced for handmade boutique quality
DISLIKES
Only 3-ratio options provided
EPILOGUE
It's easy to over-do-it when using any bus compression. Having a proper hardware unit can help you deliver a polished sound that plays more cohesively, without crushing the life out of it. The Bus Comp from AudioScape is affordably priced and offers the same (or better sound) when compared to much more expensive stereo bus compressors.
Good Music To You!
©2023 Mark King It's not ok to copy or quote without written permission. Thank You.
