can s.o. tell, if NE570 is less noisy than CA3080 in VCA ?

[puretube]

anyone experienced in comparing these (or LM13700) ?

TNX

[Tubebass]

Haven't compared them but I have a Korg compressor (Ross clone with a 13600) and that puppy is dead quiet.

[Mark Hammer]

I made the first PAiA/Anderton dual limiter that appeared as a project in Modern Recording some 20 years ago.  The audio path was essentially a 570 and nothing else.  No transistors or other op-amps  on the way out or in.  I suppose that is as direct a test of noise levels as one could get.  I don't have it any more, and the article and schem (with specs) is in a binder at home, but I recall that noise levels were so-so.  Something like a 60db S/N ratio, although I'm sure you realize that knowing what input signal level that refers to is critical and missing information.  In contrast, the 3080-based Anderton Volume pedal retrofit is spec'd at about 70db S/N.

On the other hand, it is worth considering that the limiter was using the two sections in compressor mode only (i.e., boost with momentary sidechain-directed gain-reduction), so one is listening to noise at the output from boosting thermal noise at the input.  I have no idea what it does when used as a VCA.

[Mark Hammer]

I should also point out that the penalty in terms of signal handling (if one uses a 3080) might be greater than the noise penalty in using a 570 or 571.  I'm sure Jim Patchell would suggest using a 3280 and being done with it.  (http://www.oldcrows.net/~patchell/archives/archives.html) Much better signal-handling than a 3080.

[puretube]

Hey Mark: thanx for the Patchell link: interesting!

I need some "gain-cells" for a project, using them as var. resistors,
and want to use the opportunity of the built-in "env.-followers";

For the rest, I usually think the 13700 to be ok for me -
it`s the low pin-count which the 570/71 offer including
the rectifier section, that intrigues me,
just don`t wanna trade that for higher noise figures than what is
possible with 13700s.

BTW.: the Philips counterpart NE5517 has been discontinued in Feb.`04.