weak joe studio compressor

[FUZZZZzzzz]

I'm looking at some studio compressors to build for my homestudio and stumbled upon this website:
http://mnats.net/what_compressor.html

The search function did not give me any more relevant info, but I was wondering if anyone has build one and could share his or her opinion. I know its a cheap one to build

[peterc]

Very nice compressor, has that typically glassy optical comp sound.

Might lack a bit of midrange but it is a good comp.

Peter

[FUZZZZzzzz]

Thank you for the fast reply, Peter! What do you use it for? instrument wise..

[cathexis]

I've made a vero layout with an integrated INA217 mic preamp, that I planned to build over the weekend. If it works I'll report back...

[FUZZZZzzzz]

A vero layout will save me a lot of time.. i was thinking about building two units so I can use them stereo as well.. thanks for the reply!

[noisette]

Hi, I build it and it´s nice, but I like the Forssel opto better,(http://audio.kubarth.com/fredopto/index.html)
because the weak joe is feedforward and that is not the best solution for opto comps.
The Forssell is a mixture of feedforward/-backward, much more linear response. Also the sidechain seems better to me.
You could of course make the ratio resistor (R24 here) a pot with the wiper feeding the sc. So you could dial in weird or subtle, as you like...
I did that and found it quite useful as a control.

I would also advocate a clean mix pot.

The sidechain filter of the weak joe is something really useful for *every* compressor and much better than the 1-pole hp usually seen even on hitech audio stuff,
but that´s just my opinion.

I didn´t try a stereo version though, but apparently there will be problems with the optocells not being mathed resulting in the stereo image shifting around.
So you COULD match them but it´s expensive, bothersome and inaccurate.
Another way is using a M/S processing...
http://www.proaudiodesignforum.com/forum/php/viewtopic.php?f=6&t=112

I say try one of them two!

[FUZZZZzzzz]

 Thank you noisette.. did not see that link before. maybe I should build them both.. not many components..  the input metering leds seem like a cool feature too..

[noisette]

Treasure chest
http://groupdiy.com/index.php?topic=16375.20

I´m still planning to make a good sounding make-up amp,  basic side chain and then put vtl5c1-10 on a rotary switch
(with the voltage divider resistance adjustable) because I´m nuts for opto response!

[Mbas974]

Are you sure that design (Forstell comp) is for guitar  ?

[noisette]

I´m sure it is not for guitar...especially.
Are you sure the OP needs a stereo compressor for guitar?

I use it with guitar, bass, synth frequently though and it is wonderful for that!

[cathexis]

My Weak Joe is pretty much finished and on a first quick test really does sound rather good, the controls have a nice range, and the gain reduction LED can easily be used to run an analog VU-meter. I'll report back with some pics soon.
Then I guess I'll have to try the Forsell one as well... Looks real good!