Recently I found the SSL documentation that explains how to calibrate the compressor... After I calibrated the 82E10 cards using the method written in the alignment procedure, I found it to not give the best SSL compressor sound..and when compressing signals 3-4 db there would that noticable gain difference between compressor channel in and out.. ( this always bothered me cause after compressing 3-4 db I would loose a little signal strenght)
So I decided to listen very carefully on my mastering system, and tune the gain trim marked (0dbm) on the 82E10 circuit board.
I found a really sweet spot just a little off from were the factory calibration ends up being.... Not only does the compressor sound so much more natural, but I can use it on any instrument with much better results.... The fog went completely away, and now the compressor sounds like it has more headroom, and much more neutreal and in phase.. The depth of field is amazing, especially on room mics.. cymbals never sounded so clear.. Tom- toms are to die for.. I also notice when I calibrate it my way, there is not very much audible level reduction when using 3-4 db of compression..maybe 1 db !!
I do noticce after calibrating the 82E10 card to my ears, I do loose some compressor gain reduction , and I need to increase the threshold say from 2 oclock to 3 oclock to get the same amount compression.. But the compressor sounds so much better this way..
