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R/E/P => R/E/P Archives => Brad Blackwood => Topic started by: bblackwood on February 09, 2011, 06:49:35 PM

Title: School me on the latest-greatest plugins...
Post by: bblackwood on February 09, 2011, 06:49:35 PM
Every year or so I look around at what the plugin world has to offer and while I still haven't found any normal processors (EQ or compressor) that are better than my analog counterparts, they're always getting better. That said, the market is so flooded with products now I've no idea where to begin looking for the 'good stuff' to try out.

So those that are more plugin savvy, tell me what you love and why - everything from the standard EQ/compressors to the more creative stuff (like the Sonnex Suppressor, for example) is welcomed...

Hit me!
Title: Re: School me on the latest-greatest plugins...
Post by: domc on February 09, 2011, 09:02:43 PM
http://www.fabfilter.com/products/pro-l.php
I really like this - simple tweaks for different sounds.

http://www.uaudio.com/store/special-processing/studer-a800-t ape-recorder.html
UAD 2 platform I aslo love - and this one is fun every now and then.
and of course
http://www.uaudio.com/store/equalizers/manley-massive-passiv e.html

Other than that I dont tend to use many plugins these day.  I have been playing with Gclip a bit lately as well.
http://www.gvst.co.uk/gclip.htm


Title: Re: School me on the latest-greatest plugins...
Post by: Bonati on February 09, 2011, 09:18:39 PM
I actually bought one last year - a stereo width + elliptical equalizer plugin I use for cutting purposes:

http://www.sonalksis.com/stereotools.htm

Occasional use in CD mastering sessions, but mostly cutting. I only use the width + EE features, none of the other stuff.
Title: Re: School me on the latest-greatest plugins...
Post by: mcsnare on February 09, 2011, 09:36:09 PM
I can tell you one thing: think about upgrading to Seq 10 or 11. They are both very stable (as in never crashed on me), and Seq 7 doesn't handle plugs very well. You'll have all kind of headaches opening sessions that worked fine before you closed it.
When I started using more plugins was when I went to a separate computer to only handle that. An instance of Wavelab on live input, or whatever they call it now in WL6.
If I'd had Seq 10 or 11 then, I probably wouldn't have done the second computer. As a side benefit the plugins you get with Seq 11 are pretty rad.

Dave
Title: Re: School me on the latest-greatest plugins...
Post by: bblackwood on February 09, 2011, 09:51:50 PM
mcsnare wrote on Wed, 09 February 2011 20:36

I can tell you one thing: think about upgrading to Seq 10 or 11. They are both very stable (as in never crashed on me), and Seq 7 doesn't handle plugs very well. You'll have all kind of headaches opening sessions that worked fine before you closed it.
When I started using more plugins was when I went to a separate computer to only handle that. An instance of Wavelab on live input, or whatever they call it now in WL6.
If I'd had Seq 10 or 11 then, I probably wouldn't have done the second computer. As a side benefit the plugins you get with Seq 11 are pretty rad.

Dave

I was hoping you'd weigh in, and that's great advice - I've been thinking about moving into the latest version for a while now...
Title: Re: School me on the latest-greatest plugins...
Post by: masterhse on February 09, 2011, 09:56:44 PM
The Sonnex Suppressor is very nice though I favor the Weiss DS-1 more often. The  Suppressor tends to be more fidgety but has a nice interface for finding a problem. In general I use the Suppressor when I just want to de-ess a vocal in an M/S configuration and use the Weiss for overall duties.

The Crane Song stuff is always nice I have to give Heat a try, but both this and Phoenix are Pro Tools only so I don't think that these will work for you. Likewise I like the McDSP limiters, but again PT only.

Of course now that PT 9 is native, ah nevermind ...

There's a boatload of different limiters.  A lot of folks like PSP Xenon, the Sonnox limiter can be a good aggressive sounding limiter. Not really new, but if you haven't checked 'em out worthy of a trial.
Title: Re: School me on the latest-greatest plugins...
Post by: bleen on February 09, 2011, 11:06:58 PM
masterhse wrote on Wed, 09 February 2011 18:56

 Likewise I like the McDSP limiters, but again PT only.


Au contraire! The McDSP stuff is now also running as AudioUnits:

http://www.mcdsp.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=a rticle&id=662&Itemid=100025

Not that that really helps Brad, but just for the sake of clarity....
Title: Re: School me on the latest-greatest plugins...
Post by: domc on February 10, 2011, 12:58:44 AM
I just got my copies of the sonnox stuff - have not played with them yet.
Title: Re: School me on the latest-greatest plugins...
Post by: Viitalahde on February 10, 2011, 01:48:52 AM
I use relatively little plugins, EQ and limiting, mostly.

The Sonoris EQ's (SMEQ and Parallel EQ) look cool, I need to order them.. Actually I might just order them right now.

Voxengo Elephant has been my to-go limiter for a good while. But the new version is now too damned complicated for my taste! It sounds better than ever, but all the tweakability puts me off a little.

DomC's recommendation on the Fabfilter Pro-L is right on. Much simpler, and seems to match the way I usually "handle" transients prior digital limiting. Pro-L might become my new to-go limiter, and it also seems to complement the Elephant well.

Other plugins, although not the latest: Spitfish gets regular use here, I just like it. GClip from time to time.

That's about it, really.
Title: Re: School me on the latest-greatest plugins...
Post by: lowland on February 10, 2011, 03:50:43 AM
+3 on the Fabfilter Pro-L limiter which I bought recently. For me as well as the sound its simple set-and-forget-ness is a winner - you can tweak if you wish, though.

Algorithmix Blue PEQ is an older favourite and supports my analogue EQ well; I've tried others but have stayed with Blue as it's unfussy. Would like to investigate the Sonoris EQs.
Title: Re: School me on the latest-greatest plugins...
Post by: Thomas W. Bethel on February 10, 2011, 06:38:58 AM
Fabfilter Pro-Q. Pro-C and Pro-L. Surprised . Also PSP Xenon Surprised

Not really a plug in but Wavelab 7 seems to handle plug-ins well.

I almost don't use any of my Waves stuff anymore. There are sooooooo many good plug-ins that just work and sound, IMHO, better.

We are running the latest Samplitude and it has some wonderful plug-ins.

Voxengo's plug-ins have always been a good value for the money.

Biggest thrill in software plug-ins has to be the latest version of RX by Izotope. IMHO it is the BEST software when it comes to noise reduction and being able to get rid of problems without affecting the sound of the material.

I still prefer my Weiss EQ and dbx Quantum for most mastering chores but plug-ins are becoming really good

I will check out what others have suggested.
Title: Re: School me on the latest-greatest plugins...
Post by: SafeandSound on February 10, 2011, 06:47:31 AM
I have used RX for 3 years now, it's great.

Voxengo always has it's place for DSP with character of it's own.

There is no point in cutting of your nose to spite your face when it comes to DSP, be open minded, just listen and get happy.
Title: Re: School me on the latest-greatest plugins...
Post by: ThomasE on February 10, 2011, 07:39:58 AM
I find EQuality from DMGAudio to be very good, both sound- and usability-wise. I really like the "Analogue Phase" mode for those wide, low-q adjustments that I for some reason find hard to get right when using 'standard' min-phase digital EQ:s. The Auto-listen feature is great too!

+1 on Izotope RX2 and Voxengo Elephant.
Title: Re: School me on the latest-greatest plugins...
Post by: masterhse on February 10, 2011, 08:21:16 AM
bleen wrote on Wed, 09 February 2011 23:06

masterhse wrote on Wed, 09 February 2011 18:56

 Likewise I like the McDSP limiters, but again PT only.


Au contraire! The McDSP stuff is now also running as AudioUnits:

  http://www.mcdsp.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=a rticle&id=662&Itemid=100025

Not that that really helps Brad, but just for the sake of clarity....


Cool! The page also says that a Windows version will be available in Q1, so not too far off.
Title: Re: School me on the latest-greatest plugins...
Post by: Jerry Tubb on February 10, 2011, 09:38:44 AM
Lemme see, I'll echo what Tom V and others have posted;

Sonnox SuprEsser for DeEssing

Flux Epure II for ITB EQ

Crane Song Phoenix for some analog color

PSP Xenon as a limiter

That's about it, and I rarely use plug-ins, they don't have the Mojo of real analog processing.

JT

p.s. And of course Sonic NoNoise II, but it's not really a plug-in.
Title: Re: School me on the latest-greatest plugins...
Post by: Ed Littman on February 10, 2011, 10:39:07 AM
Hey Brad,
I'm glad you didn't phrase the thread title. "Whats the best mastering plugin" that would be ironic  Laughing

Although not new I've been happy for a while with the

Sonnex Limiter(Note: ads .5db of gain even when the enhance is at 0%)  

Sonnex Transmod (helps retain the snare on loud mixes)

Algorithmix red eq. transparent

Spitfish. fee & easy (sometimes glitchy & limits the output by almost a quarter db) But sounds good Very Happy  

Very rarely for unruly vocal resonances I'll use the
Waves LPMB (multiband)

Thats about all the plugs I use.

Ed
Title: Re: School me on the latest-greatest plugins...
Post by: MASSIVE Mastering on February 10, 2011, 12:08:38 PM
Quote:

As a side benefit the plugins you get with Seq 11 are pretty rad.

Gotta say (assuming the plugs are basically the same upgrades in Samp Pro), they just keep getting better and better.  I hardly touch the UAD anymore.  I've got a few "dig me out of a ditch" plugs - SpitFish - along with Voxengo's Soniformer (holy crap, you want a "I can actually make this mix work" plug, you have to try Soniformer), a few things here and there.  Even the new Restoration bundle is fantastic (almost stopped using RX also).  That new EQ (EQ116) should be the stock channel/object EQ...  

I'm tossing around the idea of the new Slate plugs though...  Some trusted ears have been impressed and I've heard some fairly impressive work come out of them.  
Title: Re: School me on the latest-greatest plugins...
Post by: OTR-jkl on February 10, 2011, 12:46:06 PM
I've been using PSP Xenon for quite some time - but less and less as I get more and more into analog processing!! Good limiter IMO.

I've recently been testing the FabFilter EQ. First impression is that it is a pretty smooth EQ. I'll be testing their Comp & Limiter as well.

I've been on Samp v9 Pro for a while but just upgraded to v11 Pro. I encourage you to upgrade also, Brad. I'm liking v11 more than v9 for mostly functionality reasons plus it seems to be quite stable in Win7.
Title: Re: School me on the latest-greatest plugins...
Post by: biigniick on February 10, 2011, 11:10:19 PM
+1 again for the PSP Xenon  Smile  it's all but replaced the hardware L2. . . i auditioned several limiters on my way to purchasing the Xenon and i liked it the best

Jerry Tubb wrote on Thu, 10 February 2011 08:38


Flux Epure II



+1 for the Flux Epure II   Cool  my go to digital eq (with cool and easy MS configuration inside the plug)

- nick
Title: Re: School me on the latest-greatest plugins...
Post by: Dave Davis on February 11, 2011, 08:24:55 AM
I'm with the crowd generally... PSP Xenon has replaces Waves L1/2/3 software, and we long ago sold off the L2 hardware. No contest. I have Ozone 4, which is a good limiter for the things Xenon isn't so hot at, and offers multiband capability. I've found Vintage Warmer 2 to be a very useful multiband loudness tool, in small doses ahead of the main program limiter, in fat mode, for a little extra gas.

I dig PHP mastercomp, and MH Channelstrip comp, but more often use MIOcomp (not quite plug in since you need an MIO to run it).

EQ wise, I still use the old SonicStudio EQs a lot, especially for broad strokes (high pass, broad shelf-like bells), but rely on PSP Master Q and MIOEQ for other stuff. Quartet DynEQ solves many problems that require surgical eq. PSP Neon in NON linear phase mode is also quite nice. And of course the Algorithmix EQs can't be beat, even in hardware, at what each color does respectively. We have a Sontec so, well, you know... sometimes hard to stay outta the analog dirt.... Wink

RX is indeed amazing. I've had it for awhile, and it's all but replaced NoNoise and Sonnox over here. It's faster/better than all other options, not by a little. Truly amazing.

When I'm working in a room with UAD I've found myself delighted by options there - very solid performers that behave like the hardware (a mix room I use has LA4s and we had LA2As at my old job, and the UAD models are so close it's scary - even the BAD things are there). I think UAD has closed the gap between models and hardware in many areas. And high end digital (Weiss, +DSP in MIOs, etc), we can do things analog never could.

Platform matters with plugs. For example PT HD STILL chops every plug back to 24 bits in TDM at the intersection, which artificially limits quality. Sadie, Sonic, WL7 (and I suspect Sequioa) will hand off however many bits the plug spits out. The best plug is only as good as it's host.

-d-
Title: Re: School me on the latest-greatest plugins...
Post by: Geoff Emerick de Fake on February 11, 2011, 08:25:46 AM
masterhse wrote on Wed, 09 February 2011 20:56

The Sonnex Suppressor is very nice though I favor the Weiss DS-1 more often. The  Suppressor tends to be more fidgety but has a nice interface for finding a problem. In general I use the Suppressor when I just want to de-ess a vocal in an M/S configuration and use the Weiss for overall duties.
I really wanted to love Suppresser, but found out it just wouldn't live with Samp 10.
I'be downloaded the demo version of Brainworx DynEQ. Works like a charm! It pinpoints a snare or a kick or a sibillant in a busy mix.
I don't care much for plug-ins that do what analog already does. I'm generally more inclined towards plug-ins that do things only digital can do.
For that, I must admit that Waves DeBreath is pretty unique, but I haven't ordered it because I think it is not enough user-friendly.

Title: Re: School me on the latest-greatest plugins...
Post by: Greg Reierson on February 11, 2011, 11:26:12 AM
Geoff Emerick de Fake wrote on Fri, 11 February 2011 07:25

I really wanted to love Suppresser, but found out it just wouldn't live with Samp 10.


I had the same problem with Wavelab 6. The sound is great but it was very buggy and I had to ditch it.

Other plugs I use:

Voxengo Elephant 3
Voxengo R8Brain Pro
Sonoris EQ (the old one, don't like the GUI of the new one)
dB Audioware De-Esser (best I've found besides Suppresser)
RX is on my list.

I've been trying to do more work ITB to get a feel for it but almost always go back to the analog chain. Maybe some day...


GR
Title: Re: School me on the latest-greatest plugins...
Post by: Viitalahde on February 11, 2011, 12:20:15 PM
Greg Reierson wrote on Fri, 11 February 2011 18:26

dB Audioware De-Esser (best I've found besides Suppresser)


I've managed to completely miss this! Thanks - I'll put it to test.
Title: Re: School me on the latest-greatest plugins...
Post by: Allen Corneau on February 11, 2011, 02:09:03 PM
Someone help me out here...

Someone had posted recently about an EQ plug-in that had the ability to switch individual bands between stereo, split mono, or M/S.

I've searched all the names that I can think of but I haven't found it yet. What was that plug-in?
Title: Re: School me on the latest-greatest plugins...
Post by: Greg Reierson on February 11, 2011, 02:34:42 PM
Allen Corneau wrote on Fri, 11 February 2011 13:09

Someone had posted recently about an EQ plug-in that had the ability to switch individual bands between stereo, split mono, or M/S.


The Sonoris EQ can do all of that.


GR
Title: Re: School me on the latest-greatest plugins...
Post by: Allen Corneau on February 11, 2011, 10:46:43 PM
Greg Reierson wrote on Fri, 11 February 2011 13:34


The Sonoris EQ can do all of that.

GR



Bingo! That's the one I was thinking about.

Thanks Greg.
Title: Re: School me on the latest-greatest plugins...
Post by: bblackwood on February 11, 2011, 11:10:36 PM
Def some good things to check out here, thanks. As soon as I move to Seq 11, I'm going to run some of these through their paces...

Keep 'em coming!
Title: Re: School me on the latest-greatest plugins...
Post by: Alécio Costa - Brazil on February 12, 2011, 12:22:39 AM
Brad, I would recommend you the following:

PSP Xenon ( new version soon..)
PSP Neon HR ( it does M-S and Stereo EQ)
PSP Master Q ( Stereo Eq  with Sat)

TC Electronic MD3 Suite ( includes Brickwall Limiter II)
I Just use the limiter instance.

I use this stuff along with my analog chain ( Crane and Pendulum stuff).
Title: Re: School me on the latest-greatest plugins...
Post by: aivoryuk on February 12, 2011, 07:16:32 AM
I guess Brad it depends what you are after.

You're not renowned for being a colour guy (unless things have changed), so I would probably steer clear of most of the emulations that are around.

I'm sure you have seen the threads that claim that the minimum phase  Eq plugins all sound the same which I am not even going to get into that.

I think everyone looks for different elements in a plugin, usability, graphic interface etc

I look for a solid gain structure, you would be surprised how this varies from plugin to plugin. You may try an Eq and you will hear the tonal difference but things sound a bit unstable and a bit nervous.

The ones I tend to use are the following

TG Mastering Eq _ this is not an emulation and I believe only uses the filter curves of the Eq.

Fabfilter Pro-L

Sonoris Parallel Eq - You only need small amounts to make a big difference

Gclip (free) - The way I use it is rather than boost the input level I reduce the clipping effect and then apply the make up gain with the Pro-L. I really like the results

Spitfish (free) - I know you ahve already used this.

Hope this helps
Title: Re: School me on the latest-greatest plugins...
Post by: subvertbeats on February 12, 2011, 07:54:39 AM
mcsnare wrote on Thu, 10 February 2011 02:36

I can tell you one thing: think about upgrading to Seq 10 or 11. They are both very stable (as in never crashed on me), and Seq 7 doesn't handle plugs very well. You'll have all kind of headaches opening sessions that worked fine before you closed it.
When I started using more plugins was when I went to a separate computer to only handle that. An instance of Wavelab on live input, or whatever they call it now in WL6.
If I'd had Seq 10 or 11 then, I probably wouldn't have done the second computer. As a side benefit the plugins you get with Seq 11 are pretty rad.

Dave


+ 1 on this. Loving v11.

Eq116 i8s pretty nice too.

As for other plugins - the Fabfilter Pro-L is getting love here too.
Still using BX-Digital v2 for most corrective work ITB before going out to the chain, though Ive heard EQuality too and its really excellent, just not quite excellent enough to justify buying given the other EQs I have at my disposal.
Title: Re: School me on the latest-greatest plugins...
Post by: bblackwood on February 12, 2011, 08:01:42 AM
aivoryuk wrote on Sat, 12 February 2011 06:16

I guess Brad it depends what you are after.

You're not renowned for being a colour guy (unless things have changed), so I would probably steer clear of most of the emulations that are around.

Yah, that's not changed - just interested in seeing what everyone is using. So far I have several things I want to check out that I'm not sure I would have found without asking so this thread has been very useful.

Quote:

Hope this helps


Very much so, thanks!
Title: Re: School me on the latest-greatest plugins...
Post by: Patrik T on February 12, 2011, 08:15:26 AM
subvertbeats wrote on Sat, 12 February 2011 13:54

Still using BX-Digital v2 for most corrective work ITB before going out to the chain,


I have completely abandoned this philosophy the better the analog side have grown. I get a feeling that people who commonly correct before an analog chain have analog gear that maybe ain't too suited for the purpose of mastering.

Brad, I would happily observe your observations with whatever you trial-run later on.


Best Regards
Patrik
Title: Re: School me on the latest-greatest plugins...
Post by: 24-96 Mastering on February 12, 2011, 09:44:20 AM
Patrik T wrote on Sat, 12 February 2011 14:15

subvertbeats wrote on Sat, 12 February 2011 13:54

Still using BX-Digital v2 for most corrective work ITB before going out to the chain,


I have completely abandoned this philosophy the better the analog side have grown. I get a feeling that people who commonly correct before an analog chain have analog gear that maybe ain't too suited for the purpose of mastering.



My analog gear must not be suited for the purpose of mastering then...


or I prefer to not limit myself by following any 'philosophy' and just use whatever is needed... ;)
Title: Re: School me on the latest-greatest plugins...
Post by: Greg Reierson on February 12, 2011, 10:09:42 AM
Patrik T wrote on Sat, 12 February 2011 07:15

I get a feeling that people who commonly correct before an analog chain have analog gear that maybe ain't too suited for the purpose of mastering.



Fixing problems ITB before hitting the analog chain is normal here. My best HP/LP/notch filter, de-esser, de-noiser, de-clicker, etc. are all plugs.


GR
Title: Re: School me on the latest-greatest plugins...
Post by: Patrik T on February 12, 2011, 10:13:33 AM
24-96 Mastering wrote on Sat, 12 February 2011 15:44

My analog gear must not be suited for the purpose of mastering then...

or I prefer to not limit myself by following any 'philosophy' and just use whatever is needed... Wink


Just realized my comments could come across as offensive and that was not the intention. Let's rephrase:

If someone corrects things prior to an analog chain, is that to make the source fit the analog chain better or is it for the sake of the source? How can one tell, really?

In my opinion, that kind of pre-processing should without doubts do only good to the source even if you took the analog chain away. Otherwise the ME is curing himself for what he's got available or what he's doing. Is that really mastering client audio?

Again: not trying to stir things up, but this I do find extremely interesting. And sorry if it's OT.


Best Regards
Patrik
Title: Re: School me on the latest-greatest plugins...
Post by: Jerry Tubb on February 12, 2011, 10:46:24 AM
Patrik T wrote on Sat, 12 February 2011 09:13

24-96 Mastering wrote on Sat, 12 February 2011 15:44

My analog gear must not be suited for the purpose of mastering then...

or I prefer to not limit myself by following any 'philosophy' and just use whatever is needed... Wink


Just realized my comments could come across as offensive and that was not the intention. Let's rephrase:

If someone corrects things prior to an analog chain, is that to make the source fit the analog chain better or is it for the sake of the source? How can one tell, really?

In my opinion, that kind of pre-processing should without doubts do only good to the source if you took the analog chain away. Otherwise the ME is curing himself for what he's got available or what he's doing. Is that really mastering client audio?

Again: not trying to stir things up, but this I do find extremely interesting. And sorry if it's OT.

Best Regards
Patrik


Hey Patrik, I think your comment is out to lunch....

It's actually Both, for the sake of the source and to fit the analog path, all for the greater good of the project.

I often do a fair amount of digital adjustment to mixes before I hit my analog chain, why not(?) they're tools to be used in their most effective place.

My Z-Sys EQ gets tons of work just before the analog path. Level adjustments, corrective EQ, occasional M/S tweaks. Could easily use the Flux EQ itb on the source for the same purpose.

Often use the Sonnox SuprEsser for de-essing on the source material, perhaps even a dash of CS Phoenix for some color, etc...

Then optimized, passing thru the analog chain can be even sweeter.

JT
Title: Re: School me on the latest-greatest plugins...
Post by: Macc on February 12, 2011, 11:22:25 AM
Jerry Tubb wrote on Sat, 12 February 2011 15:46


Hey Patrik, I think your comment is out to lunch....

It's actually Both, for the sake of the source and to fit the analog path, all for the greater good of the project.



Nicely put... both bits Very Happy


BTW - thanks also for the dB-S De-esser recommendation, going to give that a go too Smile

EDIT: Just realised it is the same dB responsible for the legendary dB Pro-Comp! Man, that takes me back. Happy memories.
Title: Re: School me on the latest-greatest plugins...
Post by: 24-96 Mastering on February 12, 2011, 12:31:07 PM
Patrik T wrote on Sat, 12 February 2011 16:13


Just realized my comments could come across as offensive and that was not the intention.


No offense taken!

Quote:


Let's rephrase:

If someone corrects things prior to an analog chain, is that to make the source fit the analog chain better or is it for the sake of the source? How can one tell, really?

In my opinion, that kind of pre-processing should without doubts do only good to the source even if you took the analog chain away. Otherwise the ME is curing himself for what he's got available or what he's doing. Is that really mastering client audio?


Is anyone's basic chain so colouring by default that they need to actively compensate for it? I hope not. I certainly wouldn't assume that to be the case.

Maybe you understood the term "corrective EQing" to mean some sort of 'system EQ'?


Anyway, If I engage a processor, it's because it does what I want it to do, with the source in mind. Whether that processor is analog, digital, pre or post the loop, whatever.

I personally often use digital EQ or corrective processors because they provide functionality that the analog counterparts simply don't have. Most often that'll be pre the analog chain simply because then it sits before compression. But not to somehow "pre-compensate the analog chain".
Title: Re: School me on the latest-greatest plugins...
Post by: masterhse on February 12, 2011, 12:48:14 PM
Also in some cases automating a process (even something as simple as gain to reduce/increase dynamics) before the analog chain is more easily done digitally.
Title: Re: School me on the latest-greatest plugins...
Post by: tweakman on February 12, 2011, 01:30:11 PM

- Algorithmix Red/Blue EQs pre DA
(I only wish they could do M/S)
I've tried many others which didn't like. One that's very good and dirt cheap is EQuality by DMG.  Less than 10 time the price of the Algos.

-Voxengo Elephant 3.xx (complicated but sounds good)

-Amuniton (Samplitude Pro/Seqoia 10)
Very compicated.. but once you get around you can get a great sound out of it.
I recently had a difficult project and had to try different limiters. I hadn't used Amunition much and I was very surprised with the result. I only used the limiter/clip part and not the 2 compressors. Also had to tweak the extended preferences tab to fine tune the response.

- Waves Linear Multi Band  - for problem mixes used either in compression or expander mode..

On good mixes I mostly use the analog chain..
On Really bad mixes . . . whatever it takes . . .

Title: Re: School me on the latest-greatest plugins...
Post by: zenmastering on February 12, 2011, 06:52:22 PM
tweakman wrote on Sat, 12 February 2011 10:30


- Algorithmix Red/Blue EQs pre DA
(I only wish they could do M/S)



The Algo plug-ins come with three 'helper' plug-ins that are for this purpose: 'LR to MS' 'Gain' and 'MS to LR'. Just strap them around the dual-mono version of the Algo plug and you're off to the races.

I also like Elephant as a limiter, but usually for more aggressive or finishing up 'must be LOUD' projects. I prefer the Flux 'Pure Limiter II' for most things, as it seems to create the least amount of tonal change of any limiter plug-in that I have tried. FWIW, I'm not a fan of the Xenon limiter at all.

For some interesting dynamic-control uses, the Flux Solera can be really good. You can zoom in on a portion of the dynamic curve and apply compression/expansion to just that range. Sorta like the 'Ambience' function on the DBX Quantum or DXP on the TC 6000.

Graemme
Title: Re: School me on the latest-greatest plugins...
Post by: Peter Beckmann on February 12, 2011, 07:22:50 PM
Greg Reierson wrote on Sat, 12 February 2011 15:09



Fixing problems ITB before hitting the analog chain is normal here. My best HP/LP/notch filter, de-esser, de-noiser, de-clicker, etc. are all plugs.

GR


Exactly the same here. If there's something that needs fixing with a digital tool, it gets done ITB before the analogue loop.

The only  plugins to add to the list others have mentioned:
As well as Sonnox I occasionally use the Massey De-Esser, and I'm still using the MDW Massenburg eq, though I'm keen now to try Epure. I often use the Massenburg in M/S and I use Massey tools for MS encode/decoding

Peter
Title: Re: School me on the latest-greatest plugins...
Post by: tweakman on February 12, 2011, 11:53:06 PM
zenmastering wrote on Sat, 12 February 2011 23:52

tweakman wrote on Sat, 12 February 2011 10:30


- Algorithmix Red/Blue EQs pre DA
(I only wish they could do M/S)



The Algo plug-ins come with three 'helper' plug-ins that are for this purpose: 'LR to MS' 'Gain' and 'MS to LR'. Just strap them around the dual-mono version of the Algo plug and you're off to the races.



 You're right. Thanks for the tip.
I think those "helper" plugs are DirectX only and I've used them in VST since the beginning.
Does anyone know  if there are drawbacks using DirectX ?

cheers
Title: Re: School me on the latest-greatest plugins...
Post by: d101 on February 13, 2011, 02:32:58 AM
Very effective plug-in is the free SonicEQ.
Title: Re: School me on the latest-greatest plugins...
Post by: Jerry Tubb on February 13, 2011, 11:00:19 AM
d101 wrote on Sun, 13 February 2011 01:32

Very effective plug-in is the free SonicEQ.


Yes it is, we've got it on both PTHD and Sonic rigs.

Love that groovy blue color as well.

JT
Title: Re: School me on the latest-greatest plugins...
Post by: Bender Mastering on February 13, 2011, 11:43:27 AM
You should also demo the Softube stuff, mostly the Passive-Active Pack.

And you should also try out the DSM from Pro Audio DSP (Paul Frindle's new company). It's a problem solver!
Title: Re: School me on the latest-greatest plugins...
Post by: eightyeightkeys on February 13, 2011, 01:24:03 PM
zenmastering wrote on Sat, 12 February 2011 18:52

..... FWIW, I'm not a fan of the Xenon limiter at all.

Graemme


Just curious Graemme, why you're not a fan of the Xenon limiter....I'm working with the demo right at the moment and liking it very much.
Title: Re: School me on the latest-greatest plugins...
Post by: twelfthandvine on February 13, 2011, 09:13:35 PM
I have always been a Paul Frindle fan.

So, as well as the Sonnox products already mentioned, maybe have a look at the DSM from his ProAudio DSP.  You will probably need to ignore the pre sets.

Dr MS from Mathijs Indesteege aka Matthew Lane can be powerful and useful in a corrective or focusing context.  It is much more than a simple MS matrix code.

Have fun.



Title: Re: School me on the latest-greatest plugins...
Post by: OTR-jkl on February 13, 2011, 09:42:51 PM
Couldn't find where to d/l it. Do you have a link...?
JL
Title: Re: School me on the latest-greatest plugins...
Post by: twelfthandvine on February 13, 2011, 10:44:40 PM
OTR-jkl wrote on Mon, 14 February 2011 12:42

Couldn't find where to d/l it. Do you have a link...?
JL


Was this for me?

If so:

DSM is here:  http://www.proaudiodsp.com/products/dsm/

DrMS is here:  http://www.mathewlane.com/DrMSdownload.html

Best regards,

Paul
Title: Re: School me on the latest-greatest plugins...
Post by: Matt_G on February 14, 2011, 07:42:54 AM
Patrik T wrote on Sat, 12 February 2011 23:15

I get a feeling that people who commonly correct before an analog chain have analog gear that maybe ain't too suited for the purpose of mastering.


Not sure that I'd agree wit that statement entirely. I have a reasonable amount of analog mastering gear & a number of these pieces are considered among the best however quite often I find 'digital' more useful or less intrusive for correcting issues than using their analog counterparts as they can be dialled in more accurately with finer precision. Especially EQ bell cuts... Though I do find that shelves & HPF's for tilting a mix can be less intrusive on the Sontec or REQ 2.2. As for dynamic correction the Weiss DS-1 Mk3 & Flux Alchemist are also very useful 'transparent' corrective tools for pre-analog chain processing when needed.

Generally speaking, I find the strength of analog lies more in the 'enhancing' camp rather than the corrective one imo.

Hybrid processing is discovering best of both worlds...

 

 
Title: Re: School me on the latest-greatest plugins...
Post by: Andrew Hamilton on February 14, 2011, 08:32:19 AM
Only analog gear is well-suited for the purpose of mastering (i.e., disk cutting) from analog sources.   Analog to Digital conversion before processing can work. But the best sounding lacquers are cut without a digital delay.  

For CD premastering, if there is to be load in from tape, or other analog source, it would behoove the premastering engineer to determine if the analog gear should or shouldn't be used to tweak the transfer, on a case by case basis, prior to Analog to Digital conversion.  When there are no tones, the tape should be tweaked by ear, which means possibly even using Sontecs and Pultecs and Davelizers, after first calibrating to MRL or equivalent.

Fortunately, most premastering auditoria are fairly neutral in terms of acoustics, so parametric equalization there shouldn't make things less "portable," even though Bob Ohlsson made a very wise comment recently about the tendency for signal processing to make a recording more idiosyncratic with the acoustics of the production suite, rather than more portable (to other auditoria).

If the mix is already digital, and the end product is to be a CD premaster, digital eq can sometimes seem to be more surgical (as in, less intrusive on parts of the signal that don't want alteration - due to the resolution of the switches, as Matt G implied).    Also, there may be more gained by eq'ing in the track's native domain, rather than in taking a hit in clarity for the mojo of analog, since a round-trip signal-jacking would be required.  

However, there is no low-level chaotic interaction with digital circuits, other than that old phantom, Dither .   The settings are mostly static.   There's no interaction with reluctance, hysteresis, memristance, thermionics, coil and magnetic saturation, and the infinite subtleties of the depletion zone of a transistor and its effect on the sheen of a track.  At best, computing mimics this, with predictable results Wink

Listeners tend to want the sound to be right, rather than exact. You do the math. (;




Andrew

www.serifsound.com
Title: Re: School me on the latest-greatest plugins...
Post by: Geoff Emerick de Fake on February 14, 2011, 10:29:10 AM
Andrew Hamilton wrote on Mon, 14 February 2011 07:32

Only analog gear is well-suited for the purpose of mastering from analog sources.
Sounds very purist to me. The next step is if it was recorded with tubes it's gotta be mastered with tubes...
I think the right question is what processing is needed, EQ, compression, stereo image manipulation, frequency-conscious dynamics... and then one has to determine in his own arsenal which tools he thinks are the best suited for the task before him.
If I think I need to do de-clicking, de-noising or de-clipping on an analog source, I won't have a second of hesitation to go digital and use tools that work only in the digital domain.
Do you know a good analog denoiser or declicker? Me neither...
Title: Re: School me on the latest-greatest plugins...
Post by: Andrew Hamilton on February 14, 2011, 12:42:07 PM
Geoff Emerick de Fake wrote on Mon, 14 February 2011 10:29

Andrew Hamilton wrote on Mon, 14 February 2011 07:32

Only analog gear is well-suited for the purpose of mastering from analog sources.
Sounds very purist to me. The next step is if it was recorded with tubes it's gotta be mastered with tubes...
I think the right question is what processing is needed, EQ, compression, stereo image manipulation, frequency-conscious dynamics... and then one has to determine in his own arsenal which tools he thinks are the best suited for the task before him.
If I think I need to do de-clicking, de-noising or de-clipping on an analog source, I won't have a second of hesitation to go digital and use tools that work only in the digital domain.
Do you know a good analog denoiser or declicker? Me neither...



In this case you are invoking a signal conversion or two's layer of coloration in order to remove something that shouldn't have been there, in the first place.   There may be exceptions to this maxim as concerns other services, such as restoration - which is not straight pre-mastering.  But no one wanted a computer until they were invented, though many historically and economically significant masters were cut without a hitch - all analog.

Cheers,
    Andrew



Title: Re: School me on the latest-greatest plugins...
Post by: Andrew Hamilton on February 14, 2011, 01:02:58 PM
I might add - in case it was unclear - that for CD premastering, I often employ signal processing in both domains, as Matt G and others have described,  even if the source was digital.  However, the extent of the dsp is segment gain, fades, NoNoise, RX, and the obligatory brick wall limiter.  



Andrew
Title: Re: School me on the latest-greatest plugins...
Post by: Geoff Emerick de Fake on February 14, 2011, 02:16:12 PM
Andrew Hamilton wrote on Mon, 14 February 2011 11:42

Geoff Emerick de Fake wrote on Mon, 14 February 2011 10:29

Andrew Hamilton wrote on Mon, 14 February 2011 07:32

Only analog gear is well-suited for the purpose of mastering from analog sources.
Sounds very purist to me. The next step is if it was recorded with tubes it's gotta be mastered with tubes...
I think the right question is what processing is needed, EQ, compression, stereo image manipulation, frequency-conscious dynamics... and then one has to determine in his own arsenal which tools he thinks are the best suited for the task before him.
If I think I need to do de-clicking, de-noising or de-clipping on an analog source, I won't have a second of hesitation to go digital and use tools that work only in the digital domain.
Do you know a good analog denoiser or declicker? Me neither...



In this case you are invoking a signal conversion or two's layer of coloration in order to remove something that shouldn't have been there, in the first place.   There may be exceptions to this maxim as concerns other services, such as restoration - which is not straight pre-mastering.  But no one wanted a computer until they were invented, though many historically and economically significant masters were cut without a hitch - all analog.

Cheers,
    Andrew




Not only restoration. All-analog recordings have a significant level of tape noise that can very effectively be minimised by proper de-noising. It's then a matter of choice between a better noise figure and whatever effects this double conversion imparts. Personally, I find tape noise bothering and the effects of conversion are inaudible for me. I've found out it's the case of many record-buying persons.
I agree, many analog records were produced and mastered without any digital equipment, and some are excellent and don't lack in terms of quality. This is not the case for a certain number, that would probably benefit from some kind of processing that can only be reasonably done in digital.
Ragards,
Geoff
Title: Re: School me on the latest-greatest plugins...
Post by: Jerry Tubb on February 14, 2011, 02:38:37 PM
I don't mind a little tape noise, makes me feel warm and fuzzy.

Much less distracting than the negative effects of vibe sucking noise reduction.

To each his own.

JT
Title: Re: School me on the latest-greatest plugins...
Post by: Andrew Hamilton on February 14, 2011, 03:01:38 PM
I do recommend proper de-coding of Dolby- or dbx- or other- NR-encoded tapes, which offer breathtaking results, if so desired, at 30 ips, using Dolby SR.  I find the level of remaining hiss to be quite benign. Of course it never bothered me much with pro width track formats and speeds, anyway, since I had occasion to multi-track to micro-cassette once or twice, using the rather low-fi, Fostex 4-track, with mixer.   You can repair the capstan belt with a small rubber band.  

15 ips 1/4" 2-track with no NR can sound great, as-is, to me, given the right recording techniques and 2-track mastering.  

If a singer is allowed to mask her voice with the telephone eq, I find the A 80, set open wide, to be ample on most material.  (;

I am not against LPCM, by a long shot.  I just thought that if no harm was to befall the master tape (on its way to disk (not CD)), it ought to be processed entirely in its own domain, such as is done at Salt Mastering, quite frankly.  


Also, this does not preclude we premastering-only rooms.  I think a premastering session in one room, followed by global eq mastering in another would be just right, since the mastering engineer wouldn't need to have 8 channels of everything, and incumbent acoustic deflections, just to deliver a custom (pre)mastered lacquer.  


Also, digital delay aint a deal-breaker for cutting pop and rock.   Although I kvetched that it sounded different from my digital premaster (big surprise?), it was largely because it sounded better on the bottom while being softer on top, once on vinyl, when our e-pal, Dietrich Schoenemann cut a well-received master for our mutual client, last year.  My one recourse to defend my CD's lack of head bump-like contouring was to point out that I had not wanted any more processing done.  (:  

It did give me more encouragement in bass exploration, though, for both media.

Andrew
Title: Re: School me on the latest-greatest plugins...
Post by: zenmastering on February 14, 2011, 04:29:49 PM
Hi Dave,

I can 'hear it working' even at the relatively little amount that I use it (3dB or less). With the Elephant or Flux Pure Limiter, I hear way less of the sound of the plug, especially with the Flux. I own the Xenon, but haven't used it for quite a while.

I know of people who like it and get it to work for them, so it's just a preference thing.

Cheers,

Graemme

eightyeightkeys wrote on Sun, 13 February 2011 10:24

zenmastering wrote on Sat, 12 February 2011 18:52

..... FWIW, I'm not a fan of the Xenon limiter at all.

Graemme


Just curious Graemme, why you're not a fan of the Xenon limiter....I'm working with the demo right at the moment and liking it very much.


Title: Re: School me on the latest-greatest plugins...
Post by: Geoff Emerick de Fake on February 14, 2011, 05:23:57 PM
Jerry Tubb wrote on Mon, 14 February 2011 13:38

I don't mind a little tape noise, makes me feel warm and fuzzy.

Much less distracting than the negative effects of vibe sucking noise reduction.
Certainly true for DynEx or DNR. I have daily experience of a digital DeNoiser that doesn't suck any "vibe"; on the contrary, the absence of noise makes the notes stand more intense and lively. Nothing distractive there. Because you've had bad experience with noise reduction is not a good reason to dismiss them all. Once again, you're throwing the proverbial baby.
Title: Re: School me on the latest-greatest plugins...
Post by: Jerry Tubb on February 15, 2011, 12:52:16 AM
Geoff Emerick de Fake wrote on Mon, 14 February 2011 16:23

Once again, you're throwing the proverbial baby.


Hahaha, no, just blanket comments implying that tape noise is a bad thing.

Sonic NoNoise can be very effective when used properly.

Often it's still a toss up whether to use NR, or keep all the ambience & live with a little natural tape noise.

Cheers, JT
Title: Re: School me on the latest-greatest plugins...
Post by: Geoff Emerick de Fake on February 15, 2011, 03:01:16 AM
Jerry Tubb wrote on Mon, 14 February 2011 23:52

 Often it's still a toss up whether to use NR, or keep all the ambience & live with a little natural tape noise.

Cheers, JT
I use Samplitude's DeNoiser; like NoNoise, it works by sampling a portion of what you want to get rid of, but it offers much more possibilities of tuning. I use it to remove hiss and/or hum. I never loose the ambience; on the contrary, removing noise makes background information more defined. NoNoise is in some ways a thing of the past, they haven't caught up with new developments. Still ok for standard restoration.
Regards,
Geoff
Title: Re: School me on the latest-greatest plugins...
Post by: Table Of Tone on February 15, 2011, 08:18:03 AM
The problem is that younger clients are just not used to hearing tape hiss so they instantly see it as a negative thing!

The best thing I've found for tackling hiss is the SpectralDeHiss Expert VPI.
Title: Re: School me on the latest-greatest plugins...
Post by: Dave Davis on February 15, 2011, 08:29:43 AM
Andrew Hamilton wrote on Mon, 14 February 2011 17:42

But no one wanted a computer until they were invented, though many historically and economically significant masters were cut without a hitch - all analog.



Whuuuuu?  You're not serious, here right? If so, speak for yourself. I absolutely, positively wanted a computer before I'd ever seen a small, personal one and I definitely wasn't alone. Most engineers in the late 70s were aware of digital audio and it's potential benefits for recording. Most of those folks realized a computer, whether or not disguised as an appliance, was the way to get there.  Obviously virtually every classic cut prior to 1980 was unhindered by a lack of DSP, so no argument there. But even there I've heard many reissues that benefitted from specific DSP to address certain issues better or more transparently than the analog processes available at the time of creation. In short, DSP can make some older recordings more pleasant to listen to, even if they were successful initially. Fans can pick often their poison, choosing the new or old versions.

My "pro" audio experiences began in 1978, when I worked for a fairly well-off band doing live sound and a little recording with the gear of my choice. By the time I entered the industry, "computers" were already in wide use as automation controllers, often hidden as dedicated DSP in analog-looking boxes. Crappy digital delay lines were all the rage when they appeared a few years later.  While I was always impatient and disappointed by the early digital devices, like many I went gaga over the first Synclavier I saw in the mid 80s. Throughout this era the dream of using DSP for eq, compression and limiting was thriving. It wasn't only the prophets who desired computer-based control for this all-digital processor (we sort of had it with midi, eh?). After a couple months using ADATs, most people pined for computers to eliminate the unreliable transports and visualize the tracks. The concept of "clothesline" gain control existed before the capability to do it, thanks to early computer midi sequencers. But alas, the drives were too small, RAM too pricey. Still my first DAW, PT1/Deck, pushed the envelope and made me dream of still more things I wanted that had not yet been invented.

When I started mastering professionally in the mid 90s, again I was pretty impatient with the pace of progress... There were plugs I liked back then, but they took tons of DSP the computers lacked. But by this point there were unique digital processes emerging already, especially in the area of limiters, able to do things analog couldn't (full-fidelity look-ahead). Multi-band compression is a process introduced tangentially in the analog era, that flowered and matured in DSP (to be re-introduced to analog in the 21st century). Many engineers I knew could imagine, describe and pine for tools like ReNOVAtor which hadn't been invented yet. Again, the need preceded the tools.

Many engineers clearly imagined and anticipated general purpose computing appliances able to handle audio. Don't take my word for it, talk to Glenn Meadows (calling Glenn! Come in, Glenn!!) or ask Jay Petach. There were few anti-digital luddites in the pre-PC era damning computers but plenty of vision and excitement in anticipation. In fact I think you have in backwards: MOST engineers desired something a lot like a modern DAW, in an admittedly sci-fi/HAL kind of way (we grew up with Captain Kirk and Spock on TV). When I was in elementary school, my friends and I played a "space game" where an etchasketch was something essentially like an iPad - a general purpose computer to talk to our "ship", conjure images and sounds, etc... so in the mid 60s even CHILDREN imagined computers doing all kinds of tasks (many since realized)!

Mastering engineers in particular dreamed of devices like modern digital limiters, surgical EQs, and variable band-pass options. No one pined for noise in that era, as some kind of desireable benefit; it was viewed as a necessary evil to be minimized and avoided at all costs, not vaunted (we never dreamed we'd be injecting it intentionally as "dither"). Lathes were among the first audio devices to benefit from computerization, and once CDs became common, that trend accelerated to the point where we got the first DAWs. As a profession we're at the leading edge of the shift, with few foot draggers.

I'm glad our profession's been slow to ditch great sounding analog, and that we embrace whatever works. We're lucky because most mastering gear is well-built and designed, so it never didn't sound good. We get it! But most idea taken to extremes get worse. We've all seen some sketchy practices, executed with janky old gear, being sold as some sort of "classic" fashion plate. Likewise many modern plugs fit that notion even better than worn out DBX 163s - a retro gui, atop some ugly algos with lots of injected noise isn't charming or classic, just noisy and ugly (T-RACKS!).

I'm not saying plugs are better or analog is worse. Actually both are pretty great these days in mastering. I'm saying that many engineers anticipated and dreamed of DAWs long before personal computing was a reality. In fact, thanks to positive experiences with console automation, cutting computers, and digitally-controlled analog stages in the 70s, most engineers had been exposed to the benefits. Since audio was becoming more modular in the pre-PC era (breaking "out of the box" of giant holistic consoles to specialized outboard processors), we were jonesing for computers and DAWs at work before accountants ever heard of Visicalc.

"No one wanted a computer until they were invented" is bunk, at least in audio. Even out here in the Ohio Valley hills many engineers wanted computers.
Title: Re: School me on the latest-greatest plugins...
Post by: masterhse on February 15, 2011, 11:03:00 AM
Table Of Tone wrote on Tue, 15 February 2011 08:18

The problem is that younger clients are just not used to hearing tape hiss so they instantly see it as a negative thing!



Is there a plug-in to give uncompressed audio the sound of mp3s at different bit rates?
Title: Re: School me on the latest-greatest plugins...
Post by: Andrew Hamilton on February 15, 2011, 12:10:44 PM
Dave Davis wrote on Tue, 15 February 2011 08:29

Andrew Hamilton wrote on Mon, 14 February 2011 17:42

But no one wanted a computer until they were invented, though many historically and economically significant masters were cut without a hitch - all analog.



Whuuuuu?  You're not serious, here right? If so, speak for yourself.  I absolutely, positively wanted a computer before I'd ever seen a small, personal one and I definitely wasn't alone.


I'll try to limit my comments to my own conjecture, rather than speaking on behalf of the list, or other premastering studios:

You may have wished for a computer, Mr. Davis, but I still maintain that you never actually _wanted_ one in order to sound so good.  Smile  

The only-analog work of our betters (from Rudy to Tubby) speaks for itself, and had one never got around to marrying the video game to the 24-track, although we'd be way more busy tweakin', I wonder if our work hasn't suffered for all the d'illusions of conveniences, portability, and the cut, copy, paste, at the click of a mouse, world...  


Most of what is great about music recording technology and history did not "want" (absolutely require; need; have a lack of...) digital fixing to be stunning and worth buying.   You could live, record, ... and even have fun, without personal processing of the computer type.  

It's also worth considering again how the vague performance of the analog disk copies in the field was an automagic copy-protection device.  (;

Dave Davis wrote on Tue, 15 February 2011 08:29

Most engineers in the late 70s were aware of digital audio and its potential benefits for recording. Most of those folks realized a computer, whether or not disguised as an appliance, was the way to get there.  Obviously virtually every classic cut prior to 1980 was unhindered by a lack of DSP, so no argument there.



Thank you.   They were able to release some records which still get airplay, today, without having invoked a plugin or object editor.   No offense to dsp.  Just saying.   Engineers want conveniences, but they also want results.  If you like the way your plugins sound compared to your Sontec, I encourage you not to jack the signal just out of habit.  

But if you are mastering an lp from tape, and you have the choice of going preview head to Compudisk, or program head (only) to A/D converter (on your way to Compudisk), you'd know that more processing is going on than absolutely has to, were you to go with the digital delay.  

Dave Davis wrote on Tue, 15 February 2011 08:29

 But even there I've heard many reissues that benefitted from specific DSP to address certain issues better or more transparently than the analog processes available at the time of creation.


I love a good restoration.  
 
If the job is a contemporary release, however, there are plenty of good ways to avoid objectionable amounts of hiss in the analog domain.  Faster, wider, and Dolby are three possibilities.


Dave Davis wrote on Tue, 15 February 2011 08:29

In short, DSP can make some older recordings more pleasant to listen to, even if they were successful initially. Fans can pick often their poison, choosing the new or old versions.


But, if it ain't broken, don't remaster it.  };

Dave Davis wrote on Tue, 15 February 2011 08:29


My "pro" audio experiences began in 1978, when I worked for a fairly well-off band doing live sound and a little recording with the gear of my choice. By the time I entered the industry, "computers" were already in wide use as automation controllers, often hidden as dedicated DSP in analog-looking boxes. Crappy digital delay lines were all the rage when they appeared a few years later.  While I was always impatient and disappointed by the early digital devices, like many I went gaga over the first Synclavier I saw in the mid 80s. Throughout this era the dream of using DSP for eq, compression and limiting was thriving. It wasn't only the prophets who desired computer-based control for this all-digital processor (we sort of had it with midi, eh?). After a couple months using ADATs, most people pined for computers to eliminate the unreliable transports and visualize the tracks. The concept of "clothesline" gain control existed before the capability to do it, thanks to early computer midi sequencers. But alas, the drives were too small, RAM too pricey. Still my first DAW, PT1/Deck, pushed the envelope and made me dream of still more things I wanted that had not yet been invented.


I'm certainly not against computer control of a lathe.

I like releases that are only available on digital audio, but I wonder sometimes how they'd have sounded (only) analog.  

Dave Davis wrote on Tue, 15 February 2011 08:29

...
When I started mastering professionally in the mid 90s, again I was pretty impatient with the pace of progress... There were plugs I liked back then, but they took tons of DSP the computers lacked. But by this point there were unique digital processes emerging already, especially in the area of limiters, able to do things analog couldn't (full-fidelity look-ahead). Multi-band compression is a process introduced tangentially in the analog era, that flowered and matured in DSP (to be re-introduced to analog in the 21st century). Many engineers I knew could imagine, describe and pine for tools like ReNOVAtor which hadn't been invented yet. Again, the need preceded the tools.



We can't always get what we feel we need.  But if we try, sometimes, we just might find... We get what we don't "want."
Laughing    


Dave Davis wrote on Tue, 15 February 2011 08:29

...
Many engineers clearly imagined and anticipated general purpose computing appliances able to handle audio. Don't take my word for it, talk to Glenn Meadows (calling Glenn! Come in, Glenn!!) or ask Jay Petach. There were few anti-digital luddites in the pre-PC era damning computers but plenty of vision and excitement in anticipation. In fact I think you have in backwards: MOST engineers desired something a lot like a modern DAW, in an admittedly sci-fi/HAL kind of way (we grew up with Captain Kirk and Spock on TV). When I was in elementary school, my friends and I played a "space game" where an etchasketch was something essentially like an iPad - a general purpose computer to talk to our "ship", conjure images and sounds, etc... so in the mid 60s even CHILDREN imagined computers doing all kinds of tasks (many since realized)!



If we were wanting to make an LP, and we had bothered to record to reels, I'd probably only want the job done once, and, if possible, I'd like to hear it without signal jacking through digital.  If it were already digital, I'd recommend a Weiss EQ, possibly, before conversion.  Maybe an Algorithmix plugin would work.  I've even drawn in the Samplitude FFT eq with success, once.  But, in this case, we'd already have begun digital, so further processing needs only more bits for accuracy, provided the code is robust, and of course, as DC will concur, a DAC which is absolutely immune to transmission jitter.  (L:


Dave Davis wrote on Tue, 15 February 2011 08:29


Mastering engineers in particular dreamed of devices like modern digital limiters, surgical EQs, and variable band-pass options. No one pined for noise in that era, as some kind of desireable benefit; it was viewed as a necessary evil to be minimized and avoided at all costs, not vaunted (we never dreamed we'd be injecting it intentionally as "dither"). Lathes were among the first audio devices to benefit from computerization, and once CDs became common, that trend accelerated to the point where we got the first DAWs. As a profession we're at the leading edge of the shift, with few foot draggers.

I'm glad our profession's been slow to ditch great sounding analog, and that we embrace whatever works. We're lucky because most mastering gear is well-built and designed, so it never didn't sound good. We get it! But most idea taken to extremes get worse. We've all seen some sketchy practices, executed with janky old gear, being sold as some sort of "classic" fashion plate. Likewise many modern plugs fit that notion even better than worn out DBX 163s - a retro gui, atop some ugly algos with lots of injected noise isn't charming or classic, just noisy and ugly (T-RACKS!).

I'm not saying plugs are better or analog is worse. Actually both are pretty great these days in mastering. I'm saying that many engineers anticipated and dreamed of DAWs long before personal computing was a reality. In fact, thanks to positive experiences with console automation, cutting computers, and digitally-controlled analog stages in the 70s, most engineers had been exposed to the benefits. Since audio was becoming more modular in the pre-PC era (breaking "out of the box" of giant holistic consoles to specialized outboard processors), we were jonesing for computers and DAWs at work before accountants ever heard of Visicalc.

"No one wanted a computer until they were invented" is bunk, at least in audio. Even out here in the Ohio Valley hills many engineers wanted computers.


They didn't want computers to punch Jelly Roll Morton's player piano rolls, at the Vocalstyle Music Company, here in Cincinnati.  They didn't want computers to record James Brown at King.  They didn't really want computers when the Ohio Players recorded at Shad O'Shea's Counterpart Studio, either, even if they not only used a computer to pitch the lathe - but even if they used a digital delay to achieve that feed (rather than a twin-repro tape machine) - it _could_ have been done all analog.
Even if they were salivating for silicon, no one ended up having wanted a computer - until it was invented.




Andrew



Title: Re: School me on the latest-greatest plugins...
Post by: Jerry Tubb on February 15, 2011, 12:11:18 PM
Table Of Tone wrote on Tue, 15 February 2011 07:18

The problem is that younger clients are just not used to hearing tape hiss so they instantly see it as a negative thing!


Actually the younger clients, at least here in Tejas, are the ones who have been requesting the most analog tape layback mastering from us!

They grew up with digital, so when they hear tape on the ATR, they generally dig it, "noise" and all.

JT
Title: Re: School me on the latest-greatest plugins...
Post by: Jerry Tubb on February 15, 2011, 12:27:46 PM
Geoff Emerick de Fake wrote on Tue, 15 February 2011 02:01

Jerry Tubb wrote on Mon, 14 February 2011 23:52

 Often it's still a toss up whether to use NR, or keep all the ambience & live with a little natural tape noise.

Cheers, JT
I use Samplitude's DeNoiser; like NoNoise, it works by sampling a portion of what you want to get rid of, but it offers much more possibilities of tuning. I use it to remove hiss and/or hum. I never loose the ambience; on the contrary, removing noise makes background information more defined. NoNoise is in some ways a thing of the past, they haven't caught up with new developments. Still ok for standard restoration.
Regards,
Geoff


Can't speak to your Samplitude DeNoiser, no doubt it's good stuff. I wouldn't be so quick to dismiss Sonic NoNoise II, the newer version in sB, is reported to have even more clarity than the original, and their declicking tools are amazing. We also use iZotope RX suite of tools with good results. In general  Requests for broadband noise reduction are rare for us, even with remastering jobs. I guess it's just a different mind-set.

Yes, we've done many BBNR jobs where the improvement was amazing, (not our first rodeo bro'), but we always compare the new version with the original, often the original is just better, unprocessed. That said, a little corrective EQ can often make big improvements in noisy audio, so there are different approaches.

BTW "loose" is actually spelled "lose". Loose is like a pair of baggy pants that don't fit.

JT
Title: Re: School me on the latest-greatest plugins...
Post by: Geoff Emerick de Fake on February 15, 2011, 01:03:28 PM
Thanks for the orthographic correction!
I don't know, it may be some kind of generation gap. I have started recording in the early 70's and always been frustrated with tape noise and distortion. I had a 20 years hiatus, fortunately avoided all the PCM501/16bit-digital/ADAT/DAT/SoundTools saga and started a new era with a proper DAW. For me it is clear as day that I won't go back. I understand that those who have gone through the whole spiel have probably had so many depressing moments their opinion is mitigated.
Title: Re: School me on the latest-greatest plugins...
Post by: bruno putzeys on February 15, 2011, 03:33:26 PM
I'm trying to work out why, when someone asks "what's the best plugin around" the discussion has to turn into an analogue vs digital debate. The positions are clear, the heels are dug, there's no point in elaborating or restating. I, for one, was following the thread to hear whether there are some particularly smooth and unobtrusive compressors around in plug-in form. Not just brick-wall limiters but compressors one would use to good artistic effect.
Title: Re: School me on the latest-greatest plugins...
Post by: bblackwood on February 15, 2011, 04:29:12 PM
bruno putzeys wrote on Tue, 15 February 2011 14:33

I'm trying to work out why, when someone asks "what's the best plugin around" the discussion has to turn into an analogue vs digital debate. The positions are clear, the heels are dug, there's no point in elaborating or restating. I, for one, was following the thread to hear whether there are some particularly smooth and unobtrusive compressors around in plug-in form. Not just brick-wall limiters but compressors one would use to good artistic effect.

Yah, I was thinking the same thing, Bruno.

Guys, start the analog vs digital debate in another thread - I'm genuinely interested in finding some new things to try out once I get Seq11 here and installed.
Title: Re: School me on the latest-greatest plugins...
Post by: Adam Dempsey on February 15, 2011, 05:35:12 PM
Dave Davis wrote on Wed, 16 February 2011 00:29

When I was in elementary school, my friends and I played a "space game" where an etchasketch was something essentially like an iPad - a general purpose computer to talk to our "ship", conjure images and sounds, etc... so in the mid 60s even CHILDREN imagined computers doing all kinds of tasks (many since realized)!

As soon as I read that I knew that it was true...
http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/etch-a-sketch-hd-for-ipad/id3 97537481?mt=8


("I decided to leave and go to California, so I packed up my Salvador Dali print of two blindfolded dental hygienists trying to make a circle on an Etch-a-Sketch, and I headed for the highway and began hitching..." - Steven Wright).
Title: Re: School me on the latest-greatest plugins...
Post by: cass anawaty on February 15, 2011, 06:42:54 PM
bblackwood wrote on Tue, 15 February 2011 21:29



Guys, start the analog vs digital debate in another thread - I'm genuinely interested in finding some new things to try out once I get Seq11 here and installed.

That's nice to hear--I told the Magix folks at NAMM they should get you on board with a newer version.

Let me know if it works!  Just kidding...
Title: Re: School me on the latest-greatest plugins...
Post by: masterhse on February 15, 2011, 08:47:28 PM
masterhse wrote on Tue, 15 February 2011 11:03

Table Of Tone wrote on Tue, 15 February 2011 08:18

The problem is that younger clients are just not used to hearing tape hiss so they instantly see it as a negative thing!



Is there a plug-in to give uncompressed audio the sound of mp3s at different bit rates?



Why yes Tom, there is!

Just got this in an email:

http://blog.mixonline.com/mixblog/2011/02/10/meet-the-sonnox -game-changer/
Title: Re: School me on the latest-greatest plugins...
Post by: Jerry Tubb on February 16, 2011, 01:30:18 AM
bblackwood wrote on Tue, 15 February 2011 15:29

bruno putzeys wrote on Tue, 15 February 2011 14:33

I'm trying to work out why, when someone asks "what's the best plugin around" the discussion has to turn into an analogue vs digital debate. The positions are clear, the heels are dug, there's no point in elaborating or restating. I, for one, was following the thread to hear whether there are some particularly smooth and unobtrusive compressors around in plug-in form. Not just brick-wall limiters but compressors one would use to good artistic effect.

Yah, I was thinking the same thing, Bruno.

Guys, start the analog vs digital debate in another thread - I'm genuinely interested in finding some new things to try out once I get Seq11 here and installed.


Good call Brad.

I assume you're looking for plug-ins that do things that you can't do with your analog path?

Cheers, JT
Title: Re: School me on the latest-greatest plugins...
Post by: Geoff Emerick de Fake on February 16, 2011, 06:35:35 AM
bruno putzeys wrote on Tue, 15 February 2011 14:33

I'm trying to work out why, when someone asks "what's the best plugin around" the discussion has to turn into an analogue vs digital debate. The positions are clear, the heels are dug, there's no point in elaborating or restating. I, for one, was following the thread to hear whether there are some particularly smooth and unobtrusive compressors around in plug-in form. Not just brick-wall limiters but compressors one would use to good artistic effect.
No, it is not an analog vs. digital debate; I don't care about it. The real subject of this drift is: leave analog in the analog domain. I admit it's somewhat off-topic, still an interesting debate. Should we start another thread?
Title: Re: School me on the latest-greatest plugins...
Post by: masterhse on February 16, 2011, 06:45:18 AM
Jerry Tubb wrote on Wed, 16 February 2011 01:30

bblackwood wrote on Tue, 15 February 2011 15:29

bruno putzeys wrote on Tue, 15 February 2011 14:33

I'm trying to work out why, when someone asks "what's the best plugin around" the discussion has to turn into an analogue vs digital debate. The positions are clear, the heels are dug, there's no point in elaborating or restating. I, for one, was following the thread to hear whether there are some particularly smooth and unobtrusive compressors around in plug-in form. Not just brick-wall limiters but compressors one would use to good artistic effect.

Yah, I was thinking the same thing, Bruno.

Guys, start the analog vs digital debate in another thread - I'm genuinely interested in finding some new things to try out once I get Seq11 here and installed.


Good call Brad.

I assume you're looking for plug-ins that do things that you can't do with your analog path?

Cheers, JT


Yikes Jerry, that's a question that can only re-open the wounds of a digital versus analog debate Smile

If it can already be done in an analog path why recreate it with a plug?

In my experience digital emulations tend to be created to appeal to a market that either can't afford the analog counterpart or for an analog device that is no longer manufactured. There may be advantages in automation with a plug-in versus an analog device, but I'm talking strictly about sound.

Sorry Brad if I'm derailing, but I am curious if anyone has come across an emulation plug that is better than the original?

I would move this reply to another topic, but it might lose context.
Title: Re: School me on the latest-greatest plugins...
Post by: Table Of Tone on February 16, 2011, 06:45:25 AM
masterhse wrote on Tue, 15 February 2011 16:03

Table Of Tone wrote on Tue, 15 February 2011 08:18

The problem is that younger clients are just not used to hearing tape hiss so they instantly see it as a negative thing!



Is there a plug-in to give uncompressed audio the sound of mp3s at different bit rates?


I think I saw something at NAMM show from Sonnox that fits that description.
Title: Re: School me on the latest-greatest plugins...
Post by: Table Of Tone on February 16, 2011, 06:48:00 AM
Jerry Tubb wrote on Tue, 15 February 2011 17:11

Table Of Tone wrote on Tue, 15 February 2011 07:18

The problem is that younger clients are just not used to hearing tape hiss so they instantly see it as a negative thing!


Actually the younger clients, at least here in Tejas, are the ones who have been requesting the most analog tape layback mastering from us!

They grew up with digital, so when they hear tape on the ATR, they generally dig it, "noise" and all.

JT

I wish it was like that here in the UK!
Title: Re: School me on the latest-greatest plugins...
Post by: masterhse on February 16, 2011, 06:54:10 AM
Table Of Tone wrote on Wed, 16 February 2011 06:45


I think I saw something at NAMM show from Sonnox that fits that description.


Yep, Sonnox Pro-Codec plugin (see article above). I wish I had thought of it ...

Will anyone want it now that it's invented?
Title: Re: School me on the latest-greatest plugins...
Post by: bblackwood on February 16, 2011, 07:41:25 AM
Jerry Tubb wrote on Wed, 16 February 2011 00:30

I assume you're looking for plug-ins that do things that you can't do with your analog path?

Hrm, I dunno, honestly. Just looking to see what's out there. I don't really feel limited (haha) by my analog gear, but I'm open to trying out new things. Who knows? I suspect I'll end up finding things similar to the Sonnex Suppressor more useful but I'm open to any suggestions...
Title: Re: School me on the latest-greatest plugins...
Post by: OTR-jkl on February 16, 2011, 10:45:33 AM
OTR-jkl wrote on Sun, 13 February 2011 20:42

Couldn't find where to d/l it. Do you have a link...?
JL

Sorry, obviously I didn't hit the correct reply button.

I was directing this toward Jerry Tub and d101 regarding the SonicEQ...
Title: Re: School me on the latest-greatest plugins...
Post by: Jerry Tubb on February 16, 2011, 12:42:50 PM
OTR-jkl wrote on Wed, 16 February 2011 09:45

OTR-jkl wrote on Sun, 13 February 2011 20:42

Couldn't find where to d/l it. Do you have a link...?
JL

Sorry, obviously I didn't hit the correct reply button.

I was directing this toward Jerry Tub and d101 regarding the SonicEQ...


Hi Jeff!

although I resemble a tub, the claw-footed variety, my name is spelled with two b's. Not sure if that's orthographical or not, perhaps Mr. de Fake could enlighten us. : - )

But back on topic, I think the Sonic EQ is a VST thingy, Mac only?
Even more on topic, plug-in compressor seems to be in the least favored status.

Something about the Mojo of musical timing that number crunching can't  seem to replicate, it's their imperfection that makes them great, much like the recent movie Tron and the isomorphs...

Two have gotten my attention, the UAD Fairchild emulator, and one of the SSL compressors, don't remember which one. Honorable mention goes to the Flux Alchemist, but it's more complicated than any female I know, save perhaps my wife ; - ) ...including that Man/Woman audio device pic that floated around the net a few years back.

Anyone know the SSL compressor of which I speak, maybe it's Waves (almost bit my tongue off on that one), I've heard it on a handful of projects as a 2 bus comp, raised one of my eyebrows.

All in all, I think it's a good sign that our beloved moderator Brad is taking a serious look at the newer generation of plugs, perhaps even the most crusty of curmudgeonly scalliwags among us like myself should take note. DC said he also spent a fair amount of time checking out plugs recently, my retort was... Gasp, surely a sign of the apocalypse?.

I told a client the other day that I like to use any & all of the available technology if it helps the record; hi-res digital, plug-ins, tubes, transformers, tape, discrete analog, whatever sounds good.

Best regards, JT
Title: Re: School me on the latest-greatest plugins...
Post by: SafeandSound on February 16, 2011, 01:05:22 PM
The Studer A800 from UAD looks like it might be worth a try.

I trained up on a real one a long while back, glad I at least caught the back end of tape, I will not miss the line up procedure Razz
Title: Re: School me on the latest-greatest plugins...
Post by: Geoff Emerick de Fake on February 16, 2011, 01:20:14 PM
bblackwood wrote on Wed, 16 February 2011 06:41

Jerry Tubb wrote on Wed, 16 February 2011 00:30

I assume you're looking for plug-ins that do things that you can't do with your analog path?

Hrm, I dunno, honestly. Just looking to see what's out there. I don't really feel limited (haha) by my analog gear, but I'm open to trying out new things. Who knows? I suspect I'll end up finding things similar to the Sonnex Suppressor more useful but I'm open to any suggestions...
Then I think you might be interested in this one I mentioned earlier:
http://www.brainworx-music.de/en/plugins/bx_dyneq_bundle?PHP SESSID=jrlvhikffd8gbvc0l6vmgad6p1
Title: Re: School me on the latest-greatest plugins...
Post by: masterhse on February 16, 2011, 01:22:11 PM
Jerry Tubb wrote on Wed, 16 February 2011 12:42



Two have gotten my attention, the UAD Fairchild emulator, and one of the SSL compressors, don't remember which one. Honorable mention goes to the Flux Alchemist, but it's more complicated than any female I know, save perhaps my wife ; - ) ...including that Man/Woman audio device pic that floated around the net a few years back.

Anyone know the SSL compressor of which I speak, maybe it's Waves (almost bit my tongue off on that one), I've heard it on a handful of projects as a 2 bus comp, raised one of my eyebrows.




Jerry,

I have the Waves SSL collection. The bus compressor is in there along with the E/G series channels and G equalizer. I use them occasionally with stem mastering, but I haven't really found them to be much use otherwise. Duende also has these.

I heard the UAD Fairchild at a friend's studio and was also impressed.
Title: Re: School me on the latest-greatest plugins...
Post by: domc on February 16, 2011, 03:22:36 PM
If anyone wants to hear more of any of the uad plugins let me know. UA (Australian distributor) has been very good to me so happy to give back to UA. I have all plugins and happy to do some quick samples for a/b etc.
Title: Re: School me on the latest-greatest plugins...
Post by: Jerry Tubb on February 16, 2011, 04:11:31 PM
masterhse wrote on Wed, 16 February 2011 12:22

Jerry Tubb wrote on Wed, 16 February 2011 12:42



Two have gotten my attention, the UAD Fairchild emulator, and one of the SSL compressors, don't remember which one. Honorable mention goes to the Flux Alchemist, but it's more complicated than any female I know, save perhaps my wife ; - ) ...including that Man/Woman audio device pic that floated around the net a few years back.

Anyone know the SSL compressor of which I speak, maybe it's Waves (almost bit my tongue off on that one), I've heard it on a handful of projects as a 2 bus comp, raised one of my eyebrows.




Jerry,

I have the Waves SSL collection. The bus compressor is in there along with the E/G series channels and G equalizer. I use them occasionally with stem mastering, but I haven't really found them to be much use otherwise. Duende also has these.

I heard the UAD Fairchild at a friend's studio and was also impressed.


Thanks Tom! also heard good things about the API comp plug, but haven't heard it first ear.

When I hear a good analog mastering compressor like the Manley, the "aha" effect makes the hair stand up on my neck & arms!

Haven't had that sensation yet with any plug-in compressor, perhaps I need to get out more often...

Tape compression give me that tingling euphoric sensation x10!

When a plug in compressor comes along that can do that, I want to be the first in line to buy!

perhaps programmers need to go see Tron and study the isomorph character...

Cheers, JT
Title: Re: School me on the latest-greatest plugins...
Post by: Geoff Emerick de Fake on February 17, 2011, 03:00:25 AM
bblackwood wrote on Wed, 16 February 2011 06:41

Jerry Tubb wrote on Wed, 16 February 2011 00:30

I assume you're looking for plug-ins that do things that you can't do with your analog path?

Hrm, I dunno, honestly. Just looking to see what's out there. I don't really feel limited (haha) by my analog gear, but I'm open to trying out new things. Who knows? I suspect I'll end up finding things similar to the Sonnex Suppressor more useful but I'm open to any suggestions...
Well, your wishes are granted, Waves has just announced their emulation of the Aphex Exciter.  Laughing  
Title: Re: School me on the latest-greatest plugins...
Post by: Thomas W. Bethel on February 17, 2011, 06:59:39 AM
Today I cannot do lots of what I do without plug-ins. RX is something we use almost every day for various tasks. Some of the plug-in EQ and Limiter plug ins are GREAT. We have a Weiss EQ1 and and dbx Quantum that we also use on a daily basis. Most times we use a combination of plug-ins and outboard equipment to get the job done and it seems to work well for me.

With the clients we serve I have never been able to justify the racks of analog processors a lot of you have. It is not that I would not like to own them it just is fiscally something that I cannot do. This means that I have to use plug-ins to simulate what I cannot physically own. I don't think that makes me a "bad" mastering engineer just one who cannot afford to plunk down big $$$ for a lot of analog gear that our clientele will never appreciate and I cannot justify purchasing.

I think this is where a lot of people start the analog vs digital debate and where people who can afford the gear get upset when someone can "simulate" their expensive hardware for 10% of what the hardware costs. Sure it does not "exactly" replicate the feel or sound like the piece of gear it is emulating but in many cases it gets the job done for 1/10th the cost and in this economy that is important.

This is a GREAT topic and I have learned much and plan to try out some of the suggested plug-ins so keep um coming.
Title: Re: School me on the latest-greatest plugins...
Post by: subvertbeats on February 17, 2011, 07:08:06 AM
Greg Reierson wrote on Sat, 12 February 2011 15:09

subvertbeats wrote on Sat, 12 February 2011 13:54

I get a feeling that people who commonly correct before an analog chain have analog gear that maybe ain't too suited for the purpose of mastering.



Fixing problems ITB before hitting the analog chain is normal here. My best HP/LP/notch filter, de-esser, de-noiser, de-clicker, etc. are all plugs.


GR


Greg - I just want to point out that this quote that is attributed to me was not in fact made by me.

Those were Patricks words in response to my statement of using a plugin often for most corrective work before going out to the analog chain.

@ Patrick, FWIW my primary analog EQ is an MEA-2, though I still choose to do the majority of corrective work ITB.

Per Jerrys statement:

'It's actually Both, for the sake of the source and to fit the analog path, all for the greater good of the project.'
Title: Re: School me on the latest-greatest plugins...
Post by: subvertbeats on February 17, 2011, 07:16:51 AM
bblackwood wrote on Tue, 15 February 2011 21:29

I'm genuinely interested in finding some new things to try out once I get Seq11 here and installed.


Per my earlier post, do check out the built in EQ116
Title: Re: School me on the latest-greatest plugins...
Post by: Greg Reierson on February 17, 2011, 09:22:23 AM
subvertbeats wrote on Thu, 17 February 2011 06:08

Greg - I just want to point out that this quote that is attributed to me was not in fact made by me.


Sorry about that. I've edited my original post.


GR
Title: Re: School me on the latest-greatest plugins...
Post by: Viitalahde on February 17, 2011, 11:17:58 AM
Just entered the license key to the Fabfilter Pro-L. This thing is here to stay!
Title: Re: School me on the latest-greatest plugins...
Post by: OTR-jkl on February 17, 2011, 12:50:31 PM
subvertbeats wrote on Thu, 17 February 2011 06:16

bblackwood wrote on Tue, 15 February 2011 21:29

I'm genuinely interested in finding some new things to try out once I get Seq11 here and installed.


Per my earlier post, do check out the built in EQ116


Guess I should do that as well. What about the 116 do you like/dislike...?
Title: Re: School me on the latest-greatest plugins...
Post by: OTR-jkl on February 17, 2011, 12:54:30 PM
Jerry Tubb wrote on Wed, 16 February 2011 11:42

Hi Jeff!

although I resemble a tub, the claw-footed variety, my name is spelled with two b's. Not sure if that's orthographical or not, perhaps Mr. de Fake could enlighten us. : - )

Sorry, Jerry. Completely unintentional mistake...

Jerry Tubb wrote on Wed, 16 February 2011 11:42

But back on topic, I think the Sonic EQ is a VST thingy, Mac only?

Dunno. VSTs work in PCs too. I found the page and thought it said there was a VST version but I couldn't find a d/l link anywhere...
Title: Re: School me on the latest-greatest plugins...
Post by: Slip on February 23, 2011, 07:56:08 AM
Viitalahde wrote on Thu, 17 February 2011 18:17

Just entered the license key to the Fabfilter Pro-L. This thing is here to stay!


I can't even begin to tell you how happy and relieved I'm to hear this! You approve! Very Happy

I was hoping to get you onboard the early prototyping and beta testing.. and then in the autumn you decided to start building your new studio! Amazing stuff man. Very impressive and I've got to tell you.. balls of steel! Can't even imagine the amount of work that went into that.  

Looking forward to visiting you someday, once this damn snow melts. I've just recently been on the roof of our studio, clearing snow away with a 'kola' (huge shovel kind of thing) because the land lord doesn't seem to want to take care of it.

Terveisin,
Niklas

Title: Re: School me on the latest-greatest plugins...
Post by: Viitalahde on February 23, 2011, 08:29:36 AM
Slip wrote on Wed, 23 February 2011 14:56

Viitalahde wrote on Thu, 17 February 2011 18:17

Just entered the license key to the Fabfilter Pro-L. This thing is here to stay!


I can't even begin to tell you how happy and relieved I'm to hear this! You approve! Very Happy

I was hoping to get you onboard the early prototyping and beta testing.. and then in the autumn you decided to start building your new studio! Amazing stuff man. Very impressive and I've got to tell you.. balls of steel! Can't even imagine the amount of work that went into that.  

Looking forward to visiting you someday, once this damn snow melts. I've just recently been on the roof of our studio, clearing snow away with a 'kola' (huge shovel kind of thing) because the land lord doesn't seem to want to take care of it.

Terveisin,
Niklas


Hey Niklas,

I remember you sending me email about beta testing, but I probably didn't reply. Things got very tight in the autumn and I just decided to shut down everything else but building the studio and continuing with the work.

Sorry about that. Feel free to visit any time, the coffee pot is always hot here.

Nice work with the limiter. Really nice. Now start working with a de-esser/high frequency limiter, and I might not need to do a hardware equivalent.
Title: Re: School me on the latest-greatest plugins...
Post by: Macc on February 23, 2011, 08:32:27 AM
Viitalahde wrote on Wed, 23 February 2011 13:29

Now start working with a de-esser/high frequency limiter, and I might not need to do a hardware equivalent.



If one or the other of you does do this - hard or soft - then please let me know!
Title: Re: School me on the latest-greatest plugins...
Post by: urm eric on February 23, 2011, 10:51:10 AM
Title: Re: School me on the latest-greatest plugins...
Post by: Macc on February 23, 2011, 03:32:04 PM
I'd like to try it, but it is pretty expensive... Not sure how often I'd use the peak limiter either to be honest.