The SA-4000+. Three legends. One unit.
Over the past five years, we have received a growing number of requests for a cleaner VCA bus compressor inspired by later-generation G-series designs such as the 384 and 9000 based XLogic.
At Stam Audio, our philosophy has always been to offer maximum flexibility and versatility within a single unit—while remaining faithful to original circuits and component values—rather than releasing multiple products based on the same core topology. With this in mind, instead of introducing a standalone SA-384, we chose to expand our existing platform. The result is the new SA-4000+, now featuring an additional Modern (“M”) mode that precisely replicates the FX384 compressor from the late 90’s.
In Modern mode, the traditional SA-202C gold cans used in the gain reduction are replaced by four THAT 2180CL VCAs, as found in the original FX384 units from the late 90’s, as well as later XLogic designs and their derivatives, including C1/C2-style compressors. This configuration delivers an exceptionally clean and transparent response, with a flat frequency curve, solid low-end, and extended high-frequency detail. At unity gain, total harmonic distortion is as low as 0.002%, allowing the compressor to “glue” mixes together without adding coloration—ideal for modern production where preserving the integrity of the source is essential.
With this addition, the SA-4000+ now spans three decades of compression character:
E Series (1970s) – aggressive and punchy
Based on an exact replica of the E Series console from 1979, we designed the SA4000 MK3 with not two but four SA-202C cans, two in the gain reduction circuit and two on the sidechain of the unit. While in theory this should not affect the audio path, the outcome was remarkable, the kick drum and snare, as well as the mid frequencies popped out like we had never heard before on a 4K, making it the ideal and perfect drum bus compressor.
G Series (1980s) – smooth and musical
An exact replica of the G series center section introduced in 1987. The 4000 G console, is legendary for creating what engineers call “The Glue.” It is arguably the most famous master bus compressor in recording history. Unlike the E series it retained the 202C gold cans on the gain reduction circuit but used VCA chips on the sidechain.
Modern / 384 (1990s) – clean and transparent
Based on the late 90’s FX384 compressor with VCA THAT chips on both the gain reduction and sidechain. This unit has been favored for its flat frequency response and extremely low harmonic distortion for modern productions.
New Features
We have also expanded the control set with highly requested features, including slower attack times of 30 ms and 50 ms, particularly suited for bass-heavy material and mastering applications. Additional release options and a 6:1 ratio further increase the unit’s versatility. Completing the package is the new Stereo Width control, adjustable from 50% to 200%, allowing precise manipulation of the stereo image and adding a refined final touch to any mix.
Our Philosophy
At Stam, we do many things differently, and one of them is that our ears are the ultimate decision makers. We spend thousands of hours listening to every component and circuit change despite science and engineering telling us that it should bear no difference in the tone of a unit. More frequently than not our theoretical knowledge is proven wrong.
The SA-202C is an identical and fully discrete reproduction of the original VCA cans used on every single desk from the 80’s. They impart a unique coloration and rich harmonic distortion, which led these desks to be recognized for two things: glue and character. Each Stam Audio SA-202C is built in the same old fashion as the original, with a complex system to hand match the very same transistors and values. A full day is spent just building matched pairs.
Further enhance the SA-4000+ with new Optional Mods
We now offer 3 optional Mods. All pricing for Mods includes parts and labor and can be activated with the transformer button.
1) British Mod
The “British” mod adds two Carnhill output transformers together with two BA283 output cards, which are used on the output section of the classic 1073 preamps and channel strips; making it the perfect way to add low-end and effortlessly warm up a mix.
The British MOD is 500 USD
2) American Mod
The “American” mod adds two SA-25 opamps (an exact replica of the original 2520 op amp) with 2 Steel 2503 transformers to the signal, making it the perfect way to add punch to your drum buss; giving you the famous American sound.
The American MOD is 500 USD
3) Fairchild Mod
The Fairchild MK2 MOD adds two larger US-made HS-52 replica output transformers as used on the Fairchild 670 and 660 on the output stage, along with four 6BA6 tubes, which are alspo used on the StamChild 670; turning your 4K into a Tube VCA compressor with rich harmonics and beefy low-end.
The Fairchild mod is 800 USD
The ultimate cure for “digititis”
While plugins have come a long way and are incredibly useful, there’s a reason the top engineers still have analog gear in their racks. And some of the biggest gains to be made if you’re mixing “in the box” is to use quality hardware on your master buss.
When you strap the SA-4000+ Stereo Buss Compressor over your master buss, your mix will instantly glue together and sound more cohesive. Small adjustments will bring more punch, tightness, power, and size to your mix…all without sacrificing clarity. Simply put, your mixes will sound like a record should!
Legendary on the mix bus. Magic on the drum bus. It’s one of those rare pieces that just makes things sound better regardless of the musical style.
100% satisfaction guarantee – if you don’t love your SA-4000+ we’ll refund you
If you’ve worked on a classic SSL G Series or E Series desk and strapped the Buss Comp across your mix, we’re extremely confident the SA4000+ will put a big smile on your face every time you use it. However, if you’ve never touched either of the originals before, as gear lovers ourselves, we understand that the only way to really know if this compressor is for you, is to put it through its paces. That’s why the SA4000+ Stereo Buss Compressor comes with a 30 day money back guarantee. This allows you to get it into your rack and see how it impacts your recordings. If you love it (and we think you will!), great…keep the unit and create amazing music with it. If not, no problems. Just send it back to us and we’ll fully refund your purchase.
Maximilian –
I received my SA4000 MK3 and my God what a unit. Very well packaged and clean looking. Knobs rock solid.
The SA4000 MK3 blew my mind within one minute of using it. The G-series mode is incredibly glassy and pristine. The E-series is super punchy and exciting.
Drums come forward and the bass gels perfectly into the mix. I’ll probably stop using a multi-band compressor on the master bus now since this comp does much more for my mix than any compressor plugin ever could.
STUdio 99 –
Unit received! At a first glance, this piece of gear looks like and feels like a beast. Solid, heavy, 14 inches deep, great quality feel on all components including knobs. And then you turn it on and the pleasure continues, your song becomes whole – it becomes music. Cohesiveness, saturation, mid punch (i took the API mod) its all there. I’ve tested it on my mixbus for now with a Drawmer 1974 stereo parametric EQ, great tools, great sound. Thx Josh and STam, you killed it!
david.siau –
Finally it came and after listening I realized that this is a dream come true ,it slaps you in the face like Mike Tyson
got he 2520 mod and it sounds pristine ,just the treshold reaction is little to fast sometimes i would like bit less the minimum +15 on the E compressor around 3-4 dB more treshold so it dont compress @+15.
but soundwise you get 5 stars from me and build quality also 5 .
cant wait for me other gear to arrive
Thanks Josh
Cadet Bertrand –
The product is just as I heard it on video in the Mk1 version. The compression is really effective without distorting the sound. I tested drastic compressions with a 15 dB reduction without losing the soul of the track. It’s really impressive and flexible.
I was looking for the sound of a G compression that I appreciate in a UAD or SSL plugin, but the SA4000 takes me much further.
On the UAD plugin, the highs are closed and I end up losing as much as I gain in presence and audio rendering quality.
With the SA4000, I have this presence but the rendering is relatively transparent because I keep the treble information and the sound remains clean without that slight blur found on plug-ins. I can hear the slight high-frequency saturation, but it blends in perfectly with the music. I’m finding it all to my advantage, and I think I’ll find it hard to imagine working without the SA4000!
Although I was aiming for an SA4000G, I’m delighted to be able to benefit from the SA4000E, which is a little more closed in the treble, but here again, the rendering has nothing to do with the plug-ins. The punch and presence just grab you. The choice is perfect, depending on the nature of the sound.
With the Fairchild mod, the sound opens up towards depth for a + 3d sound, with attenuated treble and light saturation. It’s a magical combination.
Juliano –
Hello,
My name is Juliano.
I would like to know if there is any SA-4000 available for immediate delivery (Brazil), and what is the price? If not, what is the expected arrival date?
See you later.
Cedric –
I have been loving the SA-4000MK3. This is my first venture into a hybrid mixing set up and I am super impressed with the Stam Bus Compressor. It glues the sound together so well and really improves the stereo image. It feels reminiscent to pro mixes I hear that are mixed on vintage consoles. It is warm and punchy and tight. I compared every software bus compressor I have and nothing comes close to the Stam!
Robert Babicz –
i am really blown away but the sound of this unit, I got the one with the API mod , and its reallllllllllly good. it seems I need to have more STAM gear.
Daniel Fluet –
I mainly work on punk/metal and let me say that this compressor is just as great on the mix bus as it is on the drum bus, i love it on everything i use! I have the API mod in mine and theres a certain warmth that appears when you engage the transformer! Its amazing have the E, G and API mod all in one!! You cannot go wrong with this compressor!
Great job to Josh and the team!!
John Douglass –
Great build and unique feature and it sounds DEADLY!
Steven F. –
I have the original SA 4000 unit from the first (?) batch. I’m a happy user from day one. This thing even on my tracking vocals sometimes with my custom settings, but first of all helped me to archive that glue sound what I wasn’t find with only in the box expreiences. I waited a year for the making of, and all worth it, it levelled up my overall sound and studio. Thankful forever, Joshua!
Mike flanary –
Such a solid unit! Great diversity of tones throughout the different settings. I’ve mainly used this compressor on drums and it lives on my mix bus. It’s excellent!!!!
Darius Timmer –
The unit works like a charm and I am happy with both mods. By default I like the E with British Output better but that’s because I am more of a Neve lover than an API lover in general. The API feels clean and open, especially in combination with the G series but then again it goes to a LOT of colour if you combine the E series with the British output! However I have used all 2×3 modes of the input/output already and am happy with all. Mostly using it on master or drum buss atm though it does wonders on a guitar or vocal too.
James Park –
I can not recommend the SA-4000 MK3 enough. I am a FOH engineer and this is my go to 2 bus compressor. Having to mix a number of genres from rock to contemporary religious music, the unit gives me the tonal options to choose what transformers to best suit the music at hand. In standard fashion this unit can bring your life to life and although it does help “glue” the mix together, for me it just gives the music the tonality it needs to bring it up to the next level. I have well over 150k dollars in compressors alone and I might have to say for the dollar this is the most useful compressor you could buy. If i were coming up in the audio industry again this would be my first compressor without a doubt
Steve Kneprath –
Absolutely love the 4K+ ! Use the Neve mod mostly for master mix bus, but also use the API mod when using on the drum bus. But honestly, it lives on the mix bus on every mix. I have also taken it out and used it at FOH on my master bus. Thanks for making a great product.
Christian Joseph Busch –
The SA-4000 MK3 is an absolute beast! I love the E-Series Comp on my mix bus. It feels instantly glued and punchy! Exactly what I need on my rock/metal mixes! Also a hell of a compressor on my drum bus.
The built quality is solid and everything feels high standard!
Also the ordering process was fast and easy! Thank you Josh for your fast replies and your overall support!
I’m from Germany and I received my unit within one month!
Thank you Josh and the team for your great work!
I will definitely order more units from you guys!