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Post by Martin John Butler on Jan 14, 2017 0:00:13 GMT -6
I have some coupons from getting a new Apollo and satellite. I already got the Manley VoxBox with coupons, because I sold my preamp and needed something for vocals until I get another one. But I need suggestions because of the deadlines.
I now have until Sunday at 11:59 PM to spend $125, Jan.31 to spend $50, Feb. 4, to spend $100, and until Feb.13 to spend $100.
I should use at least two coupons worth $175 by Sunday evening, and maybe save $200 to spend by Feb. 4th. unless I see two things I want now, and just get it over with. Right now, nothing’s on sale. I wish I could extend my coupons until there’s a sale, but that’s how UAD works all this out I suppose. I guess I can add a few dollars if there's something I want.
So, I have to decide on at least one plug by Sunday. Although I have lots of choices, so far I feel I'm not thrilled by any EQ I have, including the Elysia and all the Waves EQ's, I wish UAD had a great Vocal Correction plug like Melodyne, and maybe, the Shadow Hills might be fun. It's almost ironic, because I'm moving toward using less and less plugs. I plan to have an all analogue mix bus by the end of the year, and prefer to track through hardware. Still, plugs come in handy and can really add something if used intelligently. But I want to make the most of the situation and get something I might actually like and use.
I have the Waves Mercury Bundle, (see below)
I also have the Relab 480XL, Bricasti Impulses, Poor Plate, Slates VBC, and a huge bunch of cool saturation plugs, the UBK Clariphonic, and other asst. effects plugs.
This is my UAD collection to date:
1176 Classic Limiter Collection
Ampex® ATR-102 Mastering Tape Recorder
EMT® 140 Classic Plate Reverberator
Fairchild Plug-In for UAD-2
FATSO™ Jr./Sr. Tape Sim. & Compressor
Helios™ Type 69 EQ
Manley VOXBOX Channel Strip
Manley® Massive Passive EQ
Ocean Way Studios
Oxide Tape Recorder
Precision Enhancer Hz
Precision Mix Rack Collection
Pultec EQP-1A
Pultec Passive EQ Collection
Pultec Pro EQ Legacy
Raw Plug-In for UAD-2
RealVerb Pro Custom Room Modeler
Roland Dimension D Plug-In for UAD-2
Softube Amp Room Half-Stack Plug-In for UAD-2
Softube Bass Amp Room 8x10 Plug-In for UAD-2
Studio D Chorus
Teletronix® LA-2A Legacy Classic Leveling Amplifier
Teletronix® LA-2A Leveler Collection
UA 610-B Tube Preamp and EQ Plug-In for UAD-2
Thanks guys.
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Post by donr on Jan 14, 2017 0:11:33 GMT -6
The Manley Vari-Mu for UAD usually makes everything sound better. I also like the dbx 160, you should have one of those on whatever platform you use. I use the Littlelabs phase align tool every once in a while.
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Post by Martin John Butler on Jan 14, 2017 0:16:50 GMT -6
Thanks Don. In the Slate VBC, they have SSL, Focusrite and Vari-Mu compressors, so I kind of have the MU covered, but I'll take a look at UAD's. I've never used a phase alignment tool, but that seems like it would be a good thing for me to learn more about. Apple's Logic's compressors are really killer, and I use their DBX emulation all the time. I had the original hardware DBX's, and the Logic emulation has some of the vibe.
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Post by Martin John Butler on Jan 14, 2017 0:19:58 GMT -6
Here's what's in the Waves bundle IR1Impulses Acoustics.net Impulses Aphex AX.bundle API-550.bundle API-560.bundle API-2500.bundle AudioTrack.bundle C1.bundle C4.bundle C6.bundle C360.bundle Center.bundle CLA Bass.bundle CLA Drums.bundle CLA Effects.bundle CLA Guitars.bundle CLA Unplugged.bundle CLA Vocals.bundle CLA-2A.bundle CLA-3A.bundle CLA-76.bundle DeBreath.bundle DeEsser.bundle DLA.bundle Doppler.bundle Dorrough Surround 5.0.bundle Dorrough Surround 5.1.bundle Dorrough.bundle Doubler.bundle EddieKramer BA.bundle EddieKramer DR.bundle EddieKramer FX.bundle EddieKramer GT.bundle EddieKramer VC.bundle Enigma.bundle GTR GTRAmp.bundle GTRStomp.bundle GTRToolRack.bundle GTRTuner.bundle H-Comp.bundle H-Delay.bundle IDR.bundle IR-1.bundle IR-360.bundle IR-L.bundle IR1Impulses V2 JJP-Bass.bundle JJP-Cymb-Perc.bundle JJP-Drums.bundle JJP-Guitars.bundle JJP-Strings-Keys.bundle JJP-Vocals.bundle KingsMic.bundle KramerHLS.bundle KramerPIE.bundle L1.bundle L2.bundle L3 Multi.bundle L3 Ultra.bundle L3-16 FilterBanks L3-16.bundle L3-LL Multi.bundle L3-LL Ultra.bundle L360.bundle LFE360.bundle LinEQ.bundle LinMB.bundle LoAir.bundle Maserati ACG.bundle Maserati B72.bundle Maserati DRM.bundle Maserati GRP.bundle Maserati GTi.bundle Maserati HMX.bundle Maserati VX1.bundle MaxxBass.bundle MaxxVolume.bundle MetaFlanger.bundle MondoMod.bundle Morphoder Synths Morphoder.bundle MV2.bundle MV360.bundle OKBrighter.bundle OKDriver.bundle OKFilter.bundle OKLouder.bundle OKPhatter.bundle OKPressure.bundle OKWetter.bundle PAZ.bundle PS22.bundle PuigChild.bundle PuigTec.bundle Q-Clone presets Q-Clone.bundle Q10.bundle R360.bundle RBass.bundle RChannel.bundle RComp.bundle RDeEsser.bundle RenAxx.bundle REQ.bundle RVerb.bundle RVox.bundle S1.bundle S360.bundle Setup Libraries SoundShifter.bundle SSLChannel.bundle SSLComp.bundle SSLEQ.bundle SuperTap.bundle TransX.bundle TrueVerb.bundle UltraPitch.bundle UM.bundle VComp.bundle VEQ3.bundle VEQ4.bundle Vocal Rider.bundle W43.bundle WavesGTR WavesLib_9.0.framework WavesTune.bundle WNS.bundle X-Click.bundle X-Crackle.bundle X-Hum.bundle X-Noise.bundle Z-Noise.bundle ArtistDLLV9 Bass Rider.bundle H-EQ.bundle InPhase LT.bundle InPhase.bundle KramerTape.bundle Plug-In Settings - new location WLM.bundle ArtistDLLV8 ArtistLib 8.0.framework Documents GTRSolo GTRSoloLib 8.0.framework GTRSoloToolRack.bundle KramerMPX.bundle MultiRack.bundle MultiRackLib 8.0.framework StompsLib 8.0.framework Video Sound Suite Impulses WavesLib 8.0.framework WavesTune LT.bundle
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Post by ragan on Jan 14, 2017 0:26:43 GMT -6
If you're leaning EQ, demo the Harrison 32C. My love of the UAD version made me buy the Great River hardware version and then another one. My favorite EQ. Also, as per Don's suggestion, FWIW, the Slate FG-Mu is kind of a weird hybrid they coded up. Something between a Fairchild and a Vari-Mu. But it has a weird baked in hi mid boost. I never dug it. The UAD Vari-Mu is cool. For a plugin Could you sell your coupons to someone else? I know what you really want is hardware.
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Post by ChaseUTB on Jan 14, 2017 3:54:27 GMT -6
Martin John Butler
New Neve 1073 for preamp and eq Akg bx20 spring reverb API 2500 compressor 🏋️ EMT 250 reverb Fender tweed amp La3a Zener limiter Ams rmx 16 reverb
No Manley vari mu, you have Fairchild, you should have dbx 160 from waves in your Mercury if wup often. The Akg reverb is sweet on vox and guitar UAD exclusive. Same with AMS reverb, as well as 250 EMT, all amazing and not many plugs out there like them quality or model wise.
The New API 2500 and Zener limiter have been raged on by so many, nearly every user who has taken them for a spin! Grab the 1073 mk2 for alternative flavor to vox box. Or maybe 88rs mk2 ( I think 1073 prob more " mojo " Also you play lots of guitar so the fender tweed amp.
I would spend all the coupons at once and email them to try and get an xtra $50 coupon added to your purchase. They are going to send you a $50 as soon you order $150-200 plugs anyway 🤣😱😭 hope this helps
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Post by kcatthedog on Jan 14, 2017 6:24:10 GMT -6
Remember UA typically has Feb. sale, like last year was mastering, so no harm holding off for your latter coupons !
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Post by bartacusad on Jan 14, 2017 7:55:45 GMT -6
You've got to try the Chandler Zener Limiter. It's like anabolic steroids for whatever you put it on including the 2-buss.
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Post by jcoutu1 on Jan 14, 2017 8:16:00 GMT -6
Martin John Butler, if you buy something under $175, you don't have to pay out of pocket? Sounds like a good deal to me.
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Post by swurveman on Jan 14, 2017 8:49:35 GMT -6
Martin John Butler , if you buy something under $175, you don't have to pay out of pocket? Sounds like a good deal to me. In that case, I'd get the LA3A
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Post by mjheck on Jan 14, 2017 9:07:42 GMT -6
I will third the Manley Vari Mu - lovely sound, can run it as dual mono, and has a wet/dry knob.
Two boring ones I use all the time are the SPL Transient Designer and the Precision De-esser.
MJH
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Post by NoFilterChuck on Jan 14, 2017 9:24:26 GMT -6
if you don't have any, i'd recommend some UNISON plugins for tracking. the OWS plug is also sick if you don't have it. Brainworx BX Digital V3 is excellent, and they have a couple other brainworx plugins (saturators and stuff) that are amazing.
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Post by Martin John Butler on Jan 14, 2017 9:39:57 GMT -6
Thanks guys, these are great suggestions, and there's much to think about, but I'll have to figure out at least one purchase by tomorrow evening.
mjhaeck, thanks for "thirding" Don's suggestion of the Manley vari-mu. Like Ragan mentioned, I have the Waves Puigchild, (Vari-Mu), and actually use it occasionally. Still, it might be worth trying it as a demo today, just in case.
Where do you guys use the Manley Variety-mu, on the 2 bus or individual tracks?
Swurveman, I have the Waves CLA3A, the Cakewalk 2A, the CLA 2A's, UAD's 2A's, and I also have the Warm Audio WA2A, besides the Slate VBC. So, having a lot of compressors already, I'd lean toward not getting a compressor plug, but on the other hand, UAD does a top shelf job, and the 3A is a go to for many prominent top ten record producers, so I'll think on that, thanks.
Yes Jesse, these are coupons, same as cash at UAD's plug store. I already spent $299 for the Manley, and have the remaining $175 by Sunday, and $200 by Feb 4th to work with. It would be super cool if I was just starting out, but it's been pretty cool to have so much credit at UAD and hopefully, round out my collection and forget about their plugs unless they come out with some kind of game changer.
Thanks bartacusad, I'll take a look. I tried the Candler EQ, and wasn't knocked out, but then it may be I just don't like software EQ's.
Thanks Ragan, I'll look at the Harrison after I choose the first round plug.
Thanks kcat, Chase, donr,
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Post by Martin John Butler on Jan 14, 2017 9:45:34 GMT -6
Thanks Chuck, the 1073 was going to be my first choice, but then I thought that perhaps the VoxBox would be better, because it'a an all in one processor, preamp, EQ, DE-Esser and EQ in one. I hope I don't regret that. I know UAD are rather strict, but if I really wanted the 1073 over the Manley, perhaps they'd have mercy and let me switch to the 1073. Does the Unison feature really make it better?
I have the Ocean Way Studios, and consider it the only UAD plug I can't do without. After that, I use the ATR-102 on the 2 bus 90% of the time.
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Post by jeremygillespie on Jan 14, 2017 10:30:32 GMT -6
The Unison stuff is really interesting as it changes the input impedance of the mic pre. Not sure how it actually works, but when I've messed with it, between the API and Neve, the differences were pretty in your face and hard to ignore.
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Post by Martin John Butler on Jan 14, 2017 12:03:51 GMT -6
Thanks Jeremy, I may go for the 1073 in February, just to have it. In the future, I may have a 1073 style preamp, so having a UAD 1073 might come in handy if I want to stay in the same sonic ballpark, but need more mics. It's was just $199, but's $299 now, so hopefully it'll go on sale in Feb.
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Post by kcatthedog on Jan 14, 2017 12:33:21 GMT -6
Unison on the apollo actually causes the ic pre on board the apollo to exhibit the impedance load of the pre being emulated before the signal hits the converter, afterwards the rest of the UA software plug in emulation takes effect.
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Post by Martin John Butler on Jan 14, 2017 14:43:01 GMT -6
Ugh.. I just listened to the Zener, and the Vari-Mu. I bought the VoxBox a few days ago because of the coupon deadlines. In comparing the three on a lead vocal track, the VoxBox was muted and heavy in comparison. The Zener did something lovely that made me keep listening to the track, but there were certain places in my vocal that are edgy, and the Zener actually highlighted those, instead of taming them. Perhaps that's also the thing that made the other vocal part with the Zener so attractive.
So.. then using the Vari-Mu, it killed the VoxBox for my purposes, and tames the edge the Chandler didn't. It's not perfectly tamed, (that's my fault vocally), but by a hair, it solved the problem, and I can now live with that vocal, instead of cringing every time.
I'm composing a note to UAD, asking them to please let me switch them. The pressure of the deadlines made me make a mistake. (they're not open until Monday at noon, EST time, or I'd call them.)
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Post by Johnkenn on Jan 14, 2017 14:47:05 GMT -6
Yeah, I didn't care for the Voxbox at all.
I would check out the BX20...use it on every mix.
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Post by Martin John Butler on Jan 14, 2017 15:03:52 GMT -6
Where do you use it John? Guitar, vocal,..?
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Post by Johnkenn on Jan 14, 2017 15:26:36 GMT -6
Vocals, EGs, drums, tambo - anything you want kind of ethereal
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Post by jeremygillespie on Jan 14, 2017 15:33:30 GMT -6
I'm also a big fan of the BX-20.
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Post by ChaseUTB on Jan 14, 2017 15:42:12 GMT -6
I suggested the bx 20 also
Call them and leave a message explaining your deadline and in a whim you picked the wrong plug without properly demoing.. Send an email saying just that as well. Then call back when you know they are open.
Start your demos now and have fun!
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Post by Martin John Butler on Jan 14, 2017 15:46:01 GMT -6
Thanks guys. I'll try to demo it quickly. I haven't until tomorrow evening at midnight to open $175, so the BX-20 is in the price range that I don't have to add much.
UAD traditionally doesn't exchange plugs, but I'm hoping that because I asked them so soon after getting the VoxBox, and the Vari-Mu isn't really like choosing a completely different plug, they can see how I might confuse them, and make an exception.
In my case, those coupon deadlines really put a lot of pressure on, so it's easy to make a mistake.
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Post by Martin John Butler on Jan 14, 2017 15:49:01 GMT -6
Thanks Chase. Between John, you and Jeremy, that's some experienced ears on this, and it's really helping me to pay attention and go see for myself about the BX-20 as soon as I finish lunch. I just sent UAD a customer service request email. I'll leave a message too. *update, I just looked at two well done reviews, UAD's video demo, and then Pro Tools Expert quick demo, and I'm really impressed. I already have more reverbs than I need, the Relab covers most vocals and general verb, my UAD EMT-140 or the Poor Plate cover plate reverb, I have at least 3 or 4 giveaway verbs I hardly ever look at, including the recent Bricasti files, but I've found them all lacking sometimes when I'm looking for a vibey sound. I've considered getting the Waves Abbey Road reverb, as I've been told it betters the UAD plates. The BX 20 has some really cool mojo, I really dug it on drums, and obviously, on guitar, but I'd like to try it on vocals too. Sometime I use two or three reverbs on vocals anyway. I still have around 30 hours to pick one, but I'm leaning toward the BX-20, because it's not redundant, and it doesn't actually sound like anything else for a change, so I might actually use it! I wouldn't have even thought of it if it wasn't for all your thoughtful suggestions, thanks again everyone. This short video demo video was nicely done: www.pro-tools-expert.com/home-page/2015/8/5/review-of-uad-akg-bx-20-spring-reverb-plug-inI'll hold on for a few hours, but I think 'll get the spring reverb. After that, I'll have $200 in coupon credits to use by Feb 4th, maybe they'll even send me another $50 after buying the AKG. So, in looking at UAD's plugin choices, I'm interested in these 3, Harrison EQ, Shadow Hills mastering compressor, and the 1073 preamp with EQ. My first guess is that since I have to pick only one, it's either the 1073 or the Harrison EQ. Thinking on that, if you look above at all the Waves EQ's I have, SSL's API's, VEQ's, plus all the individual EQ's in the producer bundles, and the various pultecs, I rarely use any EQ, other than a channel EQ to HPF, so it's possible I just don't like software EQ's.
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