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Post by Martin John Butler on Jan 14, 2017 22:01:49 GMT -6
Well, I just popped for the AKG BX-20. All things considered, it made the most sense. I had $175 in coupons ending tomorrow, and the AKG was $200. Although I have plenty of excellent reverbs, I'm sometimes looking for a vibey sound and I rarely find it with plate reverbs, so this reverb really adds a new dimension to my choices. Thanks so much for recommending it guys, I would definitely have overlooked it otherwise.
If they're kind enough to switch me over from the VoxBox to the Vari-Mu, I'll be really pleased. I have so many compressors, it seems that it could be my way of using them that falls short, not necessarily the plugin, but the Vari-Mu was just that little bit more polished than the Apple compressors, (really good, but noisy) and the Klanghelm, the Slate VBC, the Cakewalk CA2A, the LA2A plugs, or any of the superstar engineer plugs.
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Post by jeremygillespie on Jan 14, 2017 22:12:28 GMT -6
I did the demo on the Shaddow Hills mastering comp. It may have just been the material I was mixing that I was testing the demo on, but after about 2 hours of messing with the thing, I was totally fine not spending any money or time with it.
Have any of you guys used it with great results?
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Post by ragan on Jan 14, 2017 22:22:25 GMT -6
I did the demo on the Shaddow Hills mastering comp. It may have just been the material I was mixing that I was testing the demo on, but after about 2 hours of messing with the thing, I was totally fine not spending any money or time with it. Have any of you guys used it with great results? I like it quite a bit myself. Never really use it anywhere but the 2 bus though.
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Post by Martin John Butler on Jan 14, 2017 22:35:18 GMT -6
I remember the comparison with the real thing made the Shadow Hills plug seem anemic. I still want one great 2 bus compressor though. The Waves L series are good, the L2 is my go to currently, the Slate FG-X I bought is just way too edgy, no matter how hard Slate defends it, he promised a Mk.II version for free to MKI buyers in 2014, and it's still not here. I have all those Waves plugs, Logic's compressors, had the A.O.M., and I'm still not really happy.
Down the road, I want the Stam SSL.
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Post by ChaseUTB on Jan 15, 2017 0:54:28 GMT -6
I remember the comparison with the real thing made the Shadow Hills plug seem anemic. I still want one great 2 bus compressor though. The Waves L series are good, the L2 is my go to currently, the Slate FG-X I bought is just way too edgy, no matter how hard Slate defends it, he promised a Mk.II version for free to MKI buyers in 2014, and it's still not here. I have all those Waves plugs, Logic's compressors, had the A.O.M., and I'm still not really happy. Down the road, I want the Stam SSL. Maybe you can sell off some of the older plugins you don't like or use often or at all...
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Post by Martin John Butler on Jan 15, 2017 8:25:50 GMT -6
Thanks Chase, there might be some I can sell, UAD doesn't allow that though. It's an unusual policy when compared to any other general purchase in the U.S. Technically, I think you buy the right to use a plugin for life, but you don't own it, so that prevents people from selling what they don't own. I think that's an unfair interpretation of the law. Once you buy a thing, it's supposed to be yours to do with as you please. I would love to trade a few UAD plugs now and then.
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Post by kcatthedog on Jan 15, 2017 8:41:12 GMT -6
Ua does allow you to sell your puchased plugs but only all or none but it doesn't charge a transfer fee.
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Post by Martin John Butler on Jan 15, 2017 9:31:26 GMT -6
Thanks kcat. That's certainly good news, but it would be much nicer if we could at least sell plugs the way other companies allow. I haven't used a few of their plugs in years, that others might value.
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Post by ragan on Jan 15, 2017 10:20:26 GMT -6
You also have to sell the WITH a device. You can't sell them just as licenses.
But there was just some discussion on this and someone from UA confirmed they would now let you just sell some (attached to a device of course) and not just all or none.
Didn't you post about that, Matt?
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Post by Martin John Butler on Jan 15, 2017 12:05:10 GMT -6
Now that I have the quad satellite, I will most likely get a better interface one day, and it would be good to know if I can include a few plugs, but keep those I use.
I just tried the AKG BX-20 on a song, and I banged the hell out of it for fun. It really is a great addition to the arsenal. It has such a vibey sound without sounding like a room itself, kind of a substitute for plate reverbs in some circumstances. I'll need a little time before that honeymoon's over, but it sure is a blast to play around with. Thanks to everyone here who suggested it. It's one of the first plugs I've gotten in a long, long time, that I might actually use on a regular basis. The ATR-102, the Ocean Way and the Relab are the only plugs I can think of offhand that are on almost every project.
I anxious to see if UAD will let me correct my mistake tomorrow of getting the VoxBox instead of the Vari-Mu.
Did someone say earlier they use the Vari-Mu on the 2 bus?
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Post by mjheck on Jan 15, 2017 13:53:36 GMT -6
HI Martin,
I'm very happy you are loving the BX20. That is the best reverb they have, in my opinion. It has a density unlike most. I've been using a Nebula BX20 of late (I can't believe I allowed myself to get dragged back into that world) but prior to that, the UAD BX20 in every mix I did.
I have occasionally used the VariMu on two bus duties - mostly sparse, acoustic mixes that aren't doing a lot of compressing. I really like the wet/dry capability.
The VariMu is one of the only compressors I really liked tracking through. I find it easy to overcook some of their other comps - the Manley seems a bit more forgiving.
The 1073 is pretty lovely for tracking, but do know that it is a crazy memory hog. For not featured instruments, I end up using their legacy 1073 EQ to get the extra mileage.
MJH
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Post by Martin John Butler on Jan 15, 2017 15:56:33 GMT -6
Thanks for the input mjheck. It helps me to know how people feel about the UAD plugs, and the way they're using them.
I just got an email from UAD reminding me I still have time to "upgrade" to a 3 for $399 or 6 for $699 bundle, because i bought the new Apollo. I just spent $249 and $200 on 2 plug-ins. On UAD's website, it shows the 3 plug bundle costing $699, so I never even considered that. So, I've spent $450 on 2 plugs because I had a deadline before they expired. I certainly wouldn't have paid more for less if I'd known I could put the coupons toward a 3 for $399 or a 6 for $699 bundle.
I'm really hoping UAD has mercy and lets me hit the reset button. I can honestly say the info on the website confused me and the deadlines pressured me into making a mistake. If I can apply the plugs I've bought to a bundle, that will enable me to get all the plugs I'm interested in, and I won't have to think about this for a long time.
If only their customer service was available on Saturday's, I could have avoided these issues, ugh..
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Post by ChaseUTB on Jan 15, 2017 17:51:42 GMT -6
If UAD had customer service on Saturday plugs would start at $450 🤣😠@martin call or email kcatthedog he can help you with this stuff and with him being close to Gannon at UA, im sure he can help you get sorted as well as save your money and choose the best plugs as well as get them for the best price, kcat knows his UAD!
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Post by Martin John Butler on Jan 15, 2017 18:01:20 GMT -6
Thanks Chase. I'm in touch with him already, ;-) I know Gannon well, and if customer service refuses a workaround for me, I'll get in touch with him right away. The six plug deal would really set me up. I could have all the plugs I'll ever need, and can just forget about UAD's plugins for a while, and only pay attention to anything they come up with that might be a game changer.
To be continued..
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Post by Vincent R. on Jan 15, 2017 22:54:59 GMT -6
I love the Summit TLA-100 compressor.
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Post by Guitar on Jan 16, 2017 8:23:08 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. If you do any multi-miking of guitar cabinets, I found the Little Labs IBP to be indispensable. I have been trying some 2 and 3 mic electric guitar setups lately, and I got some results from IBP that I just wasn't getting from simple millisecond delays and polarity flipping. It was pretty quick and easy too. I think that's the one I'm going to pick up this month. I also really do like their Little Labs VOG for shaping low end heavy things from time to time. Although there is the free Bark Of Dog from Boz Digital Labs that does pretty much the same trick. As far as channel strips go I also really like the SSL from UAD, even though I don't use it all the time. I didn't see if you had that one or not.
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Post by Martin John Butler on Jan 16, 2017 9:46:16 GMT -6
Thanks Monkeyxx. I already have the Waves SSL series, and the API series, perhaps UAD's versions are a little better, but I just haven't heard any plugin EQ yet that sounds right to me. I quickly listened to the Harrison, and thought it was a little better than the others, so I may go back and play with it a little. The user interface is far from intuitive though, so it seems like it'll take a little time to get handle on it, but I may not have that much time.
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Post by kcatthedog on Jan 16, 2017 9:55:05 GMT -6
You also have to sell the WITH a device. You can't sell them just as licenses. But there was just some discussion on this and someone from UA confirmed they would now let you just sell some (attached to a device of course) and not just all or none. Didn't you post about that, Matt? Yes a week ago and I was clearly told no.
What confirmation from UA are you referring to ?
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Post by ragan on Jan 16, 2017 10:30:36 GMT -6
You also have to sell the WITH a device. You can't sell them just as licenses. But there was just some discussion on this and someone from UA confirmed they would now let you just sell some (attached to a device of course) and not just all or none. Didn't you post about that, Matt? Yes a week ago and I was clearly told no.
What confirmation from UA are you referring to ?
Oh ok. I only read the part where you had seen someone from UA imply that if you asked CS, they would split plugs up in your account to sell with a device. I must not have come back and seen the post where they'd given you a no.
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Post by Martin John Butler on Jan 16, 2017 11:15:56 GMT -6
I've been waiting all weekend to speak with UAD customer service. If you have a problem on a Friday after 5:00 PM Pacific time, you're left waiting until 12:00 noon Monday EST. So, I've been nervous about sorting out my plug-in issues. I made a mistake, but UAD's ads weren't clear to me, so I think they might understand, once I explain.
I've been killing time, tidying up my joint for an hour anticipating the call, running over the details in my head, and only after dialing did I realize, it's a holiday, and they're closed. It now officially feels like forever before I can see if I can fix things with UAD.
The difference will be three plug-ins, one a mistake that I don't want or six of my choice, so I'm understandably anxious, ugh..
* I just sent a note to Gannon at UAD asking if I should just call first, or if he would intervene for me. Gannon's always been very cool and generous with his knowledge, so we'll see..
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Post by kcatthedog on Jan 16, 2017 11:45:22 GMT -6
ragan , the person at UA forum stated that CS had done this (split plugs across different system devices) for him, so I checked with CS and they said they do not do this, but that doesn't mean that they haven't in the past ?
@martin, UA CS can make anything happen in your account if they want to
Da da ,,da da,, da da: Your mission, Mr. Butler is to make UA want to change, this file will self destruct in 5 seconds !
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Post by drsax on Jan 16, 2017 23:09:45 GMT -6
Well, I just popped for the AKG BX-20. All things considered, it made the most sense. I had $175 in coupons ending tomorrow, and the AKG was $200. Although I have plenty of excellent reverbs, I'm sometimes looking for a vibey sound and I rarely find it with plate reverbs, so this reverb really adds a new dimension to my choices. Thanks so much for recommending it guys, I would definitely have overlooked it otherwise. If they're kind enough to switch me over from the VoxBox to the Vari-Mu, I'll be really pleased. I have so many compressors, it seems that it could be my way of using them that falls short, not necessarily the plugin, but the Vari-Mu was just that little bit more polished than the Apple compressors, (really good, but noisy) and the Klanghelm, the Slate VBC, the Cakewalk CA2A, the LA2A plugs, or any of the superstar engineer plugs. FWIW, I think the UAD Voxbox plug is stellar. I have the UAD Vari-Mu also and like it, but given the choice, I'd take the Voxbox first. Been using it while mixing and really diggin it.
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Post by stratboy on Jan 17, 2017 7:57:43 GMT -6
I use the LA3A, dbx 160 and Brainworks bx_eq all the time. Of the three, the bx is the best to buy with a coupon. It's a fantastic eq, with m/s features that can't help but improve your mixes.
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Post by Martin John Butler on Jan 17, 2017 9:19:55 GMT -6
I really appreciate the suggestions guys, thanks.
drsax, how do you use the VoxBox? Is it mainly for tracking vocals, or do you use it for other things like de-essing or compression?
I wouldn't have looked at the bx-eq, so thanks for the tip stratboy.
Kcatthedog believes UAD doesn't allow coupons to be used for their 3 for $399 offer when you buy a new Apollo. I'll know either way later today after they open and I speak with customer service.
If that's true, I don't have any plug-in or coupon issues, other than deciding if I'd want to switch the VoxBox for the Vari-Mu. I figured having one good vocal strip would be smart, but I probably should just get the 1073 and either the Vari-Mu or the Shadow Hills for the 2 bus. I got the Vari-Mu demo, and it seemed to be a slightly more polished compression for a lead vocal than the dozen others I have to choose from.
If I can use coupons, then it's a different thing, and I'll have a lot more things to decide.
If, and it's a big IF, UAD allows me to exchange the VoxBox, I figured that getting the Vari-Mu wouldn't seem like I was asking for too much. But, if they would allow me, I think I'd rather switch it for the 1073, and then choose one more plug later. I have coupons that I need to use between Feb 1st and Feb 4th, so I would choose the last new plug then.
That would give me a fair amount of time to decide which I need more an EQ, Shadow Hills or the Vari-Mu.
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Post by drsax on Jan 17, 2017 9:24:00 GMT -6
I appreciate the suggestions guys. drsax, how do you use the VoxBox? Is it mainly for tracking vocals, or do you use it for other things like de-essing or compression? I wouldn't have looked at the bx-eq, so thanks for the tip stratboy. Kcatthedog believes UAD doesn't allow coupons to be used for their 3 for $399 offer when you buy a new Apollo. I'll know later today after they open. If that's true, I don't have any plug-in or coupon issues, other than deciding if I'd want to switch the VoxBox for the Vari-Mu. I figured having one good vocal strip would be smart, but I probably should just get the 1073 and either the Vari-Mu or the Shadow Hills for the 2 bus. i got the Vari-Mu demo, and it seemed to be a slightly more polished compression for a lead vocal than the dozen others I have to choose from. If I can use coupons, then it's a different thing, and I'll have a lot more things to decide. Been using it for mixing so far. But tested it in the unison slot and dig it. Been great on sax and vocals here for mixing. I like all the components - preamp, comp, de-esser, and EQ. All very musical sounding to me.
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