For discussion about setting up your studio and advice on the gear and equipment within it.
By changeling Wed Jun 10, 2015 10:00 am
jibber wrote:Do you have a link where you got it from (pic doesn't work at my work computer)? It's something i might do in the future, real SSL comp is expensive as hell! :)

The PCBs are available from PCBGrinder:
https://pcbgrinder.com/index.php?route= ... duct_id=51

Mod boards are available from Expat Audio:
http://groupdiy.com/index.php?topic=35660.0

A panel is available here (you still need the rest of the case):
http://groupdiy.com/index.php?topic=35422.0
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By Elias Wed Jun 10, 2015 11:38 am
What changeling said. You can either buy a full kit from pcb grinder, where you only need a case and a toroid or just the pcb and search all the parts yourself. And you should definitely order the turbo board from expataudio.
http://www.expataudio.myshopify.com/collections/gssl-modifications/products/gssl-turbo-pcb
It is really easy to assemble and makes a hell of a difference. But finish the normal unit first and get it to work, than install the turbo mod.
It's a really fun and rewarding project. If you need any help, there is a great gssl help thread on groupdiy.com and you can ask me. But the folks over at groupdiy are far more experienced :lol:
But if you take your time and are carefull you can't really mess anything up.

Edit: concerning the case, I can only recommend Frank. http://www.frontpanels.de/ you can either order a premade case from him or design your own one and he makes it for you. Great quality and price!
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By jibber Wed Jun 10, 2015 11:51 am
Thanks very much to both of you! So how much money are we talking more or less, everything combined?

And do any of you know if there are finished clones available somewhere? I **** up my soldering iron and would also need to get a multi-meter to build something myself... decisions decisions... :D
By changeling Wed Jun 10, 2015 1:18 pm
It's pretty cheap as there are normally no transformers (other than the PSU one, of course). 300-400 € I would say with a case. I've seen ready made clones from 600 € upwards but don't recall the manufacturers.

You can get the more advanced SB4001 as a 500 series module here:
http://serpentaudio.com/index.php?optio ... &Itemid=29

The SB4000 is a clone that included the turbo function (which is essentially just a second sidechain filter) and some other mods. PCBs, etc. are also available from Serpent Audio:
http://serpentaudio.com/index.php?optio ... &Itemid=29
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By Elias Wed Jun 10, 2015 5:30 pm
Yeah, mine was also around 450 euros I think but the knobs I have cost quite a bit and I had to order a second meter because I broke the first one-.- so you can get it cheaper if you're carefull and you don't care about the look of the unit that much.
I would advise against buying a finished one unless you know that the builder has good skills...
You should really do it yourself. Buy a new solder station, it will come in handy in other situations too. You don't need a top of the line station or multi meter. I bought a digital station with variable temperature for 70 Euro and had no problems. And the multi meter was even cheaper I think but it more than sufficed.
But be warned, if you start doing this stuff, than this will most likely not be your last project! It's quite addictive... :D
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By jibber Wed Jun 10, 2015 7:01 pm
I'm already confused with all the different versions and mods i can order. The building part i'm not so scared about... but what exactly to order, what mods, which case... do i have to think of all the details? What if i order too much from one part, forget another... argh! I just wish there was a complete package with these builds... "Here's our DIY SSL G Series Bus Compressor Kit, all you need included, hit the order button, 499.-"... that would be so nice and simple. :D
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By Coz Fri Jul 31, 2015 2:41 am
Controllers ALWAYS end up needing to be put slap bang in front of the computer. It's annoying, but also makes you feel like you're piloting the space shuttle at the same time. :mrgreen:

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By jibber Mon Aug 24, 2015 11:08 am
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By jibber Tue Aug 25, 2015 12:00 pm
I know it seems overkill, but people who hear this monitor setup understand my decision in a matter of seconds. These will serve me well for decades to come.

My 70 year old mom: "It almost makes you cry it sounds so nice." (listening to Pavarotti).
My 80 year old dad: "Even with hearing aids, i can still tell if something sounds exceptionally good. I'm certain i've never heard speakers that sound like this in all of my life.".
Friend: "It's probably the closest thing to having the band play live in your room.".

Now waiting for carpets to be cleaned (bought some used that smelled like an old lady) and curtains to be made for the big windows... to improve room acoustics a little (sounds good already, but room reverb has always been a problem in my flat).
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By dabmeister Wed Sep 02, 2015 4:46 pm
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Been sitting on this joint for a little over a year now. Have a few rom cards from when I owned the original R8. Still, IMO, it's a good go to drum machine if you want something different.