The PSP Vintage warmer is great for drum buss. Adds balls. The Sonalksis suite is gentle (read - analog-like) and is great for adding a few dB's.
Some of the emulations in Focusrite Liquid Mix are usable - especially the API EQ and the SSL master comp.
Be well - P
Bill_Urick wrote on Mon, 15 September 2008 23:39 |
Knastratt wrote on Mon, 15 September 2008 02:26 | The PSP Vintage warmer is great for drum buss. Adds balls. The Sonalksis suite is gentle (read - analog-like) and is great for adding a few dB's.
Some of the emulations in Focusrite Liquid Mix are usable - especially the API EQ and the SSL master comp.
Be well - P
Thanks.
Another plug for the plug Magneto! Had another Nuendo guy tell me about it and didn't really put it to play for several months after. Big mistake...once I did use it, I found all kinds of application. It's nice to find a good toy in the Cracker Jack box every now and then!
Blas
EchoBoy
Worth checking out, is the Massey TD5 delay plugin. I've yet to find a software delay that sounds as good and is as fun to use.
Analog? I'd say it comes pretty damn close to my ears, but I don't have too much experience with hardware stuff. I have used the Fulltone Tube Tape Echo and various stompbox analogue delays, and while the Massey doesn't sound 'just like' them in, I'd say it holds its own, and you can definately hear a similar character. It has a nice tape warble in vintage mode, and it'll freakout with feedback like a tape delay if you want it to. It even adds hiss to the signal (not a problem with proper gain staging).
Driving the input knob can dirty things up nicely, if you're after a grittier, tube-drive type of sound.
It also has a "Modern" mode, which gives you a nice clean delayed signal, and eliminates the tape hiss. Much less warble too.
There's also a bit of an "EQ" in the form of a "Dark, Normal, Bright" switch, so you can make further adjustments.
I've had great success with it on just about every possible source. My favorite thing to do lately, is to take a mono sum of a drum kit, and delay it by around 30ms, add some dirt to it in vintage mode, and blend it subtly with the dry drums. Gives the effect of a distant room mic with lots of character. And.. It's spectacular on vocals.
Highly recommended.
I was going to listen to the Eiosis air EQ demo but I noticed that it requires a "Syncrosoft dongle" whereas I am using the ilok dongle. Does this mean I have to buy another dongle?
Does anyone like the Eventide 910? plug?
I don't know if you need the dongle for the demo (I don't think you do), but you do with the full version. They have pricing that includes a dongle as well.
Phoinex and Echoboy get my vote.
UAD plugs here.
Yes the UAD Plate 140 is nice, and probably fits the thread category.
Also, the Tritone Digital boys have a couple that can be very nice, though very annoyingly they require installation of the Pluggo platform.
I'd say some of the Audio Damage plugs have a non-digital sound too.
In the "fun VST" sub-category I'd also put the Bootsie plugs...
http://www.kvraudio.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=217522&hig hlight=bootsie
http://www.kvraudio.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=206363
http://www.kvraudio.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=202790
...a few of which are quite nice and all of which are, remarkably, free. Tessla, a distortion plug, actually has to be driven into the red to work properly, a novel dynamic for any plugin I'm aware of.
Cheers.
Ashermusic wrote on Mon, 22 September 2008 08:04 | UAD plugs here.
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Hi Jay,
I'm going to be upgrading my system to ProTools HD, Logic Pro, and I want to get some feedback on the UAD plugins, to see if I buy them, and get to use them on the next big mix, which is an about a month and a half from now.
A friend of mine, Dan Marnien, used these a few years ago, and swore by them. I have yet to use them, but am interested in their new faster CPU card.
Are you on the UAD-1 ? And how do you rate their plugins?
Thanks,
Nick
Nick Sevilla wrote on Tue, 23 September 2008 21:11 |
Ashermusic wrote on Mon, 22 September 2008 08:04 | UAD plugs here.
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Hi Jay,
I'm going to be upgrading my system to ProTools HD, Logic Pro, and I want to get some feedback on the UAD plugins, to see if I buy them, and get to use them on the next big mix, which is an about a month and a half from now.
A friend of mine, Dan Marnien, used these a few years ago, and swore by them. I have yet to use them, but am interested in their new faster CPU card.
Are you on the UAD-1 ? And how do you rate their plugins?
Thanks,
Nick
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If you do a search here on PSW you will find a lot of threads praising and discussing the UAD-1 plug-ins. IMNSFHO they are the reason that makes it possible for me to mix ITB. They make all the difference.
I wish someone would make an analog summing box plug-in.
That would rock!
Massey?
Bill_Urick wrote on Wed, 24 September 2008 13:05 | I wish someone would make an analog summing box plug-in.
That would rock!
Massey?
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Ahem, there actually is one. Sort of. Havent heard it though.
HTTP://www.tcelectronic.com/DSoundVL2.asp
Cheers - P
Knastratt wrote on Wed, 24 September 2008 18:30 |
Bill_Urick wrote on Wed, 24 September 2008 13:05 | I wish someone would make an analog summing box plug-in.
That would rock!
Massey?
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Ahem, there actually is one. Sort of. Havent heard it though.
HTTP://www.tcelectronic.com/DSoundVL2.asp
Cheers - P
Tomas Danko wrote on Thu, 25 September 2008 06:18 |
Knastratt wrote on Wed, 24 September 2008 18:30 |
Bill_Urick wrote on Wed, 24 September 2008 13:05 | I wish someone would make an analog summing box plug-in.
That would rock!
Massey?
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Ahem, there actually is one. Sort of. Havent heard it though.
HTTP://www.tcelectronic.com/DSoundVL2.asp
Cheers - P
Nick Sevilla wrote on Tue, 23 September 2008 21:11 |
Ashermusic wrote on Mon, 22 September 2008 08:04 | UAD plugs here.
|
Hi Jay,
I'm going to be upgrading my system to ProTools HD, Logic Pro, and I want to get some feedback on the UAD plugins, to see if I buy them, and get to use them on the next big mix, which is an about a month and a half from now.
A friend of mine, Dan Marnien, used these a few years ago, and swore by them. I have yet to use them, but am interested in their new faster CPU card.
Are you on the UAD-1 ? And how do you rate their plugins?
Thanks,
Nick
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i have both a UAD-2 Duo and a UAD-1. I think they are among the best sounding native plug-ins available, although the Duende's SSL and Waves are also quite good. Also, UA is the kind of company that i wish to support. Great people.
The bottom line is that you would have to pry mine from my cold dead hands.
Bill_Urick wrote on Thu, 25 September 2008 22:44 |
Tomas Danko wrote on Thu, 25 September 2008 06:18 |
Knastratt wrote on Wed, 24 September 2008 18:30 |
Bill_Urick wrote on Wed, 24 September 2008 13:05 | I wish someone would make an analog summing box plug-in.
That would rock!
Massey?
|
Ahem, there actually is one. Sort of. Havent heard it though.
HTTP://www.tcelectronic.com/DSoundVL2.asp
Cheers - P
Ryan Slowey wrote on Fri, 19 September 2008 09:28 | Worth checking out, is the Massey TD5 delay plugin. I've yet to find a software delay that sounds as good and is as fun to use...Highly recommended.
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Absolutely! It's one of the only delay plugins I like to actually hear in the mix. And the only one I don't have to EQ the crap out of to make it useable. But it seems most people here like the Massey stuff. They're all pretty great... and "almost analog".
Tomas Danko wrote on Fri, 26 September 2008 03:56 |
Bill_Urick wrote on Thu, 25 September 2008 22:44 |
Tomas Danko wrote on Thu, 25 September 2008 06:18 |
Knastratt wrote on Wed, 24 September 2008 18:30 |
Bill_Urick wrote on Wed, 24 September 2008 13:05 | I wish someone would make an analog summing box plug-in.
That would rock!
Massey?
|
Ahem, there actually is one. Sort of. Havent heard it though.
HTTP://www.tcelectronic.com/DSoundVL2.asp
Cheers - P
I'm working on this plugin right now. I'll call it the "clientizer". Available on all platforms. Its a clean stereo 1 db boost on whatever you put it on. Just A/B it for the client. They'll be amazed. You'll be on the way to being to next Phil Spector. 20 USD. Per license.
A.J. wrote on Fri, 26 September 2008 19:00 |
Ryan Slowey wrote on Fri, 19 September 2008 09:28 | Worth checking out, is the Massey TD5 delay plugin. I've yet to find a software delay that sounds as good and is as fun to use...Highly recommended.
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Absolutely! It's one of the only delay plugins I like to actually hear in the mix. And the only one I don't have to EQ the crap out of to make it useable. But it seems most people here like the Massey stuff. They're all pretty great... and "almost analog".
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Too bad they're not VST !
From his web site : Q. Are you going to port these plug-ins to AU, VST, DirectX, etc!?? A. I would love to support all the platforms. But, maintaining and debugging so many variations would be a significant on-going commitment that could compromise my current support and maintenance obligations. So, for the time being, I plan to focus on the current offerings and my existing customers.
Doh !
Thanks Jay, for the reply.
I am awaiting word as to the compatibility of the UAD-2 Nevana128 card, which is what I'll be adding to my ProTools HD rig.
As soon as that is declared compatible, I'm getting it.
Cheers
meverylame wrote on Fri, 26 September 2008 23:13 | I'm working on this plugin right now. I'll call it the "clientizer". Available on all platforms. Its a clean stereo 1 db boost on whatever you put it on. Just A/B it for the client. They'll be amazed. You'll be on the way to being to next Phil Spector. 20 USD. Per license.
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I'll be happy to beta test this for you, if you like.
Thanks Jay (Ashermusic),
I was informed that the card I want to buy, the UAD-2 Nevana 128 (the Quad core one) is not yet compatible with ProTools HD.
So i will have to wait , but I will buy it as soon as it is running under PTHD, as this is the system I will be running at home from now on.
I still like Logic Pro 8 better for mixing...
Meanwhile, I do want to tell people about the Waves Vintage Classic Bundle.
I've used these, and got to compare them recently at a friend's house, who has the API Lunchbox with all the different modules, and some Neve rackmounted EQs, including the 1073 and the 1081s.
We compared the demos to the real ones he has. They were VERY close. Yes, they are emulations, and as such they are not identical, but we were able t get them close enough to within an acceptable range that we were happy with.
So +1 to Waves and their Neve and API clones. We did not get to compare the SSL, as we did not have one handy
Cheers
I'd have to agree. The Waves API, Neve, Fairchild / Pultec, SSL emulations all quite good. They have some of that character that comes from actual knobs.
Quote: | Occasionally, there is a plug in that makes me think I'm working in the other realm. No, they aren't the same and I'm not talking simply GUI emulations I'm talking about funky, usually inexpensive plugs that do things I miss from the world of tape.
The first one is Dischord 2 by Audio Damage.
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I bought this plug-in about a year ago based on Fibes recommendation. I can attest to its "analog" sound, usability, and general awesomeness. It's probably my favorite plug-in when it comes to modulation effects (for which I generally almost always favor outboard). There aren't many bases it can't cover in this regard.
Quote: | The Waves API, Neve, Fairchild / Pultec, SSL emulations all quite good. They have some of that character that comes from actual knobs.
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I swore off of all Waves plug-ins many years ago. The API and SSL suites really changed my mind. The API eq's are very "life-like" and can do some amazing things when boosted, although I don't find them useful for cutting. I think the SSL comp emulations are among the best compression plugs out there.
-Lance
Well now, how about an ADT plugin?
VST (unfortunately for the PT users), though there is an AU version, and NO GUI! But it DOES have adjustable ADT pan, wow %, wow frequency, flutter %, flutter frequency, and the option to choose (separately) between sine and triangle waveforms for both the wow and flutter.
http://www.vacuumsound.de/plugins.html
I've just been playing with it for a few minutes, but it seems kinda great.
Oh yeah, it's free. God bless VST.
Cheers.
Acusticaudio Nebula 3 Pro + AlexB's console emulations ()http://www.alessandroboschi.eu/html/en/alexb.htm)
Run the RND5088 (Guess what preamp that is ) on all samples (maybe several times)prior to any other prosessing, and find yourself eq'ing and prosessing less later, and it certainly adds a sparkle!
And so cheap!
I like the Bomb Factory Essential Tuner
it works just like a hand held guitar tuner, it's free, it's accurate
and it's just about the only plug in I can honestly say I can't instantly tell from the analogue version
[quote title=meverylame wrote on Sat, 27 September 2008 13:13]I'm working on this plugin right now. I'll call it the "clientizer". Available on all platforms. Its a clean stereo 1 db boost on whatever you put it on. Just A/B it for the client. They'll be amazed. You'll be on the way to being to next Phil Spector. 20 USD. Per license. [/quote
Does that mean after a few years using the "clientizer" i'll end up bald and in jail?
Chris, It's well laid and in jail.
xj
Empty Planet wrote on Tue, 07 October 2008 02:16 | Well now, how about an ADT plugin?
VST (unfortunately for the PT users), though there is an AU version, and NO GUI! But it DOES have adjustable ADT pan, wow %, wow frequency, flutter %, flutter frequency, and the option to choose (separately) between sine and triangle waveforms for both the wow and flutter.
http://www.vacuumsound.de/plugins.html
I've just been playing with it for a few minutes, but it seems kinda great.
Oh yeah, it's free. God bless VST.
Cheers.
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Thansk for the tip, i look forward to trying this.
Plugins sound "analog" the same way that HDTV looks "real".....
zmix wrote on Thu, 02 July 2009 06:45 | Plugins sound "analog" the same way that HDTV looks "real".....
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Good analogy, Chuck.
That said, just as I cannot have the actors or sports players in my living room so I have HDTV, I will use the UAD plugs.
Yeah Chuck, hence the "almost" in the thread title. For me the GUI isn't what gets me in familiar territory with emulations, it's the things that happen when you tweak it. There have been a few plugs that do what I consider a decent job but unfortunately none of them are EQs or Compressors.
Now let's make a thread about what plug-in does a better job than a medium quality analog box. I'd rather have a Protools eq than a berhinger eq.
Ashermusic wrote on Mon, 29 June 2009 17:17 |
Empty Planet wrote on Tue, 07 October 2008 02:16 | Well now, how about an ADT plugin?
VST (unfortunately for the PT users), though there is an AU version, and NO GUI! But it DOES have adjustable ADT pan, wow %, wow frequency, flutter %, flutter frequency, and the option to choose (separately) between sine and triangle waveforms for both the wow and flutter.
http://www.vacuumsound.de/plugins.html
I've just been playing with it for a few minutes, but it seems kinda great.
Oh yeah, it's free. God bless VST.
Cheers.
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Thansk for the tip, i look forward to trying this.
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Wow, this is a really nice sounding plug-in that I will use a lot. I have paid money for lesser.
Thanks again.
Eric H. wrote on Mon, 06 July 2009 19:00 | Now let's make a thread about what plug-in does a better job than a medium quality analog box. I'd rather have a Protools eq than a berhinger eq.
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You've obviously never actually compared them, have you. Fess up.
Well, i have and there is clearly no debate. Some analog boxes kill your signal the moment you put it in. That's my experience with some lo Q midas, soundcraft, mackie, beringher and others i don't remember.
this would make a GREAT new ad campaign
"the new ______ EQ Plug IN: Better than cheap, crappy analogue!"
this is what it's come to
How good was the first triode audio amp?
Improvement comes to all technologies. There's been significant improvement in DSP already.
Eric H. wrote on Sat, 11 July 2009 22:37 | Well, i have and there is clearly no debate. Some analog boxes kill your signal the moment you put it in. That's my experience with some lo Q midas, soundcraft, mackie, beringher and others i don't remember.
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You do realise that many of the well-liked classic analogue EQs have lower Q than a lot of the cheap modern ones?
I'm sorry i was lazy. by lo Q, i meant low quality.
I do think that some plugs-ins, especially for eq (precise or not) and peak limiting can sound better in the box than with low to mid quality analog processors. I'd better have good digital processing than medium analog processing. I'd better have medium analog processing than medium digital processing (anyone remembers the O2R eq and reverbs...). I also think very Good digital processing can be as good as good analog processing. I still think a lot of it as to do with budget and interfacing.
By the way, has anyone tried to replace the mouse with a graphic tablet? i have a small one and begin to find it pretty cool for general use as a digital finger (if i may say so..)
Eric H. wrote on Sat, 18 July 2009 20:04 |
I do think that some plugs-ins, especially for eq (precise or not) and peak limiting can sound better in the box than with low to mid quality analog processors.
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true
Eric H. wrote on Sat, 18 July 2009 20:04 |
I also think very Good digital processing can be as good as good analog processing.
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not
Great digital is better than broken analog
The new Waves CLA plug ins sound closer to analog than anything I have heard from any software. They actually sound like part of the original signal, and not layered on top like most plug ins I have heard. There is also a certain forward sound that software usually does not usually impart to the signal that I have not heard before. The modeling technology of 2009 is getting pretty dang good. Looking forward in hearing the UAD Manley VariMu as well.
Glenn Bucci wrote on Mon, 20 July 2009 20:23 | The new Waves CLA plug ins sound closer to analog than anything I have heard from any software. They actually sound like part of the original signal, and not layered on top like most plug ins I have heard. There is also a certain forward sound that software usually does not usually impart to the signal that I have not heard before. The modeling technology of 2009 is getting pretty dang good. Looking forward in hearing the UAD Manley VariMu as well.
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I might be wrong here, but isn't Waves CLA just a bunch of impulse responses for their convolution EQ plug-in, in a clever package?
Tomas Danko wrote on Mon, 20 July 2009 18:34 |
I might be wrong here, but isn't Waves CLA just a bunch of impulse responses for their convolution EQ plug-in, in a clever package?
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When I interviewed Waves when I did the Waves SSL review for EQ, they told me that they are getting better results with modeling over convolution when it came to EQ's and compressors.
Glenn Bucci wrote on Tue, 21 July 2009 01:34 |
Tomas Danko wrote on Mon, 20 July 2009 18:34 |
I might be wrong here, but isn't Waves CLA just a bunch of impulse responses for their convolution EQ plug-in, in a clever package?
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When I interviewed Waves when I did the Waves SSL review for EQ, they told me that they are getting better results with modeling over convolution when it came to EQ's and compressors.
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Please forgive a Swedish guy, but to be totally certain about what you meant was it that their modeling technology (i.e. not convolution) worked better for EQ and compression in comparison to their convolution technology?
Yes, that's what he means. (I think!)
seedyunderbelly.com wrote on Sun, 19 July 2009 20:03 | Great digital is better than broken analog
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Amen to that!
I use the Waves Classic Collection because of that very problem.
I can mix and remix all day, and not worry about two things :
Broken gear.
High temperatures in the control room.
Cheers,
Nick
Glenn Bucci wrote on Mon, 20 July 2009 20:34 | When I interviewed Waves when I did the Waves SSL review for EQ, they told me that they are getting better results with modeling over convolution when it came to EQ's and compressors.
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I don't think this quote is accurate. I measured 35 dB of null between my SSL hardware and the Waves SSL, but about 89dB of null between my hardware and a convolved IR of it.
I am certain that the "better" results they are referring to are only quantified in sales figures...
The UAD stuff has been mentioned many times.
In the way of EQ their 1073 always amazed me for its faithfullness to the target sound.
I just spent some time auditioning the new trident A-range EQ. The HW unit employs inductors rather than caps to shape the frequency response. The Great River EQ does the same and produces some of the same character: very solid and smooth. No woofiness.
The Trident is just a bit edgy/forward in a good way (somewhat API-ish). I've never even seen a trident console in person (although we've all heard some of the classic releases produced on it). However, the smoothness and tone of this one has got me singing the praises of UAD once again (analog-like or not).
Kendrix wrote on Mon, 30 November 2009 15:59 | The UAD stuff has been mentioned many times.
In the way of EQ their 1073 always amazed me for its faithfullness to the target sound.
I just spent some time auditioning the new trident A-range EQ. The HW unit employs inductors rather than caps to shape the frequency response. The Great River EQ does the same and produces some of the same character: very solid and smooth. No woofiness.
The Trident is just a bit edgy/forward in a good way (somewhat API-ish). I've never even seen a trident console in person (although we've all heard some of the classic releases produced on it). However, the smoothness and tone of this one has got me singing the praises of UAD once again (analog-like or not).
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To build on the above.. i spent some time last night really critically listening and comparing the Trident to other EQ/Channel strip plugs including various UAD neves and the pultec.
The Trident smokes em all in many areas.
Hard consonants: These were neither accentuated nor smothered/smeared. They came through clearly and naturally. No other insert did this as well as the trident. (Input was male vox via a U195 through a GR NV)
High end: Cymbals: Cymbals can be hard to de-digitize. The Trident did this best of all. It produces a clear, natural full & pleasant crash & a smooth tail. It was neither dark nor bright. Even when I boosted the highs it didn't make me wince.
Bass: solid but not at all boomy. No low/mid haze at all. Adding a bit of 60hz gave me some of the 1073 low-down flavor and still didn't become woofy/boomy. I got the bass to sit in the mix easily.
Snare: The 1073 can do to a snare what nothing else does. However, that Neve bite is certainly not in the input signal to that extent. OTOH the trident was more natural and EQ boosts were much more pleasant sounding. This is a case of "whatever works".
Toms: The ringing tails came though very naturally. I could clearly hear what sounded like a drum skin flexing. None of the other plugs sounded nearly as clear or natural. It seems that the frequency and phase relationships come through in tact and maintain their integrity throughout the tail. The trident was a real standout in this regard.
El guitar: The subtle harmonics of a classic overdriven tone using single coils/class A amp really came through with the Trident in a way none of the other plugs could reproduce. I heard pleasant details I never heard before. Nice depth. On a solo lead the LP filter at 10 or 12K made me smile.
Male vox: The problematic low-mids were easily dealt with via the HP filter and a slight scoop at 250 leaving a smooth and just slightly forward sound. Im tempted to say it was API-ish. Testing the high end boost on vox gave the same results as on cymbals. It was smooth and not at all harsh or digital sounding.
Inserting a trident an all channels of a mix made my day. Depth was improved (in a tranny sort of way). No low-mid build up or other artifacts arose. It may not be analog but it sure didn't sound digital. The trident adds just enough character / mojo to impart a sonic signature. It ain't boring. However, it isn't particularly colored either. It walks a very fine line in that regard.
I've thought about it and I've got nothing bad to say about this plug. I am clearly infatuated. However, I think this relationship will be long term.
Ken,
I bought the plug, used it on a mix yesterday and found it to be a worthwhie addition to the stable (although I primarily use the Sonalksis, Uad Pultec and select URS plugs ITB).
It appears to act more like an analog eq in the sense that you don't have to add twice as much to get the same results.
Tomas Danko wrote on Fri, 12 September 2008 11:35 |
jetbase wrote on Fri, 12 September 2008 00:32 | Speaking of "almost analogue" plugs, probably my most used plug in over the years has been Steinberg's Magneto. I wouldn't say that it sounds like any tape machine I've used, or that it "warms up" the sound, but what I love about it is that it brings out midrange detail in mixes in a pleasing way. On individual tracks it can add a tasteful amount of subtle overdrive. One of it's strengths is not that it sounds analogue, but that it doesn't sound digital. And it's very easy to use.
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I miss Magneto a lot. I wish I could buy it as a stand-alone plug-in and use in Logic.
It did something awesome to vocals. Put them way up-front and made them sound as if the singer had been working the mic a lot harder than in reality. I have never come across another plug-in that sounds the same.
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I like it too. We track to analog, but if I have to mix a location recording I'll throw it on the kick and snare. Makes a great transient smoother. It also does cool things to acoustic guitars. I believe it's old Spectral Design code, they made some of the only plug-ins that still stand up after 10 years, like Q-Metric. The old standalone version still works on PC but probably not on Mac. There's a more refined version with additional controls but it's only availabe for the AudioCube mastering platform, requires some kind of special internal dongle.
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