Hi,

what is the difference between the PC4K S-Type Channel Compressor and the PC4K S-Type Bus Compressor?

thanks and cheers, drjee

This page should explains it

http://www.cakewalk.com/Products/ProChannel-Modules/PC4K-S-Type-Channel-Compressor.aspx/PC4K-S-Type-Channel-vs-Bus-Compressor

thanks!

I read all of that, but I still do not know the difference between the two compressors. Yes, the page states that the one is made for tracks and the other for busses, but I want to know actually makes the difference: does it use different algorithms? Why can't/shouldn't we simply use the bus compressor on a track? It does not seem logical. After all, both are analog modeled compressors (of the same device) ...

I don't really pay attention to the name.  I use them both on tracks and busses.  It depends on the type of compression I need.  

As mentioned somewhere in the forum, if I remembered correctly, the Bus and Channel compressor are so named.. because, either one can be used at either place, but over time, sound engineers developed a certain preference, and thus the Bus / Channel found it's way there.

I am bringing this thread back from the dead to see if anyone actually uses the PC4K channel compressor and notices a difference between it and the PC4K bus compressor. After a year or so after its release, there is still relatively little information and reviews on this compressor.
 
So it's modeled after the 4K console. I get that. But is it any better than, let's say, tossing the extremely-versatile Sonitus:FX compressor on a channel and tweaking accordingly?

I like both the channel and the bus compressor.
 
The 4K bus compressor works well (for me) on a bus to "glue" parts together, but works equally well on tracks - it's great on snares.
 
The 4K channel compressor took me longer to get my head around.  The controls are similar (the bus's ratio is less variable, but it's attack more so), but it does impart a different sound, IMO.  I have started using the 4K Channel far more recently, as I have got to know it better.  In some ways it is harder to set up, but it sounds great. 
 
I have stopped using the Sonitus compressor much, since getting, and learning how to use, the PC compressors.
 
Between the 4K channel, 4K bus, PC76, CA2a and Concrete Limiter, I can dial up most things that I need.

For me I'm not sure that I hear a difference between the two.  I thought (probably incorectly) that the meter would take up more computer resources so I've been using the PC4K S-Type Channel Compressor type on the channel's because there is more of them and the PC4K S-Type Bus Compressor on the bus's because there are less of them.
It also seems to me that I recall using a board in the day (1970's) that had the channel type built in-line on the channel's so it framiliar and is my default track setup now.
Both of them add a little "warmth" that I like.
 
Rafone