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Post by longscale on Dec 15, 2017 21:38:09 GMT -6
Thinking of adding a hardware character EQ. Intended use would be vocals, guitar (acoustic and electric), bass (electric and upright).
My only hardware EQ option at the moment is a API 550b. I don't tend to use it in any extreme ways. I do sometimes run through it just for the character and do some slight corrections on the way in. I'll use it on occasion in mix, but mostly I lean on FF plugins in PT. I'll admit I'm somewhat in a FF multi-band compression instead of EQ phase at the moment. Please school me if I'm using it wrong - but I love what I'm hearing. ;-)
I primarily want to add some character to vocals and acoustic guitars. I'm also interested in the tight bass boost into cut trick that Pultecs do. A tube EQ like a Fearn VT-4 has me interested. Anybody have experience with the Fearn they could share that might help me determine if I should pull the trigger on one and give it a test in my room?
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Post by EmRR on Dec 15, 2017 21:46:32 GMT -6
Look at all the 500 series Pultec options, since you have a 500 rack and an interest in the Pultec. Usually the Pultec option I have with Analog Allstars EQP5S beats 550A type when using the upper boost with vocals or acoustics.
Take the time to learn how to drive software dynamic EQ's as a potentially more elegant option over multi band compression for EQ purposes.
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Post by longscale on Dec 15, 2017 22:03:14 GMT -6
Look at all the 500 series Pultec options, since you have a 500 rack and an interest in the Pultec. Usually the Pultec option I have with Analog Allstars EQP5S beats 550A type when using the upper boost with vocals or acoustics. Take the time to learn how to drive software dynamic EQ's as a potentially more elegant option over multi band compression for EQ purposes. Yeah I hear you. I use the FF Pro-Q2 a bunch, and a number of other plugin eqs. I don't reach for multi-band compression for all EQ needs by any means. However if I'm going to compress anyway and if I have EQ needs on that same track I've been reaching for multi-band compression. I can build up a vocal sound where I'm pushing up or down slightly various ranges with the multi-band. I end up in that case not needing EQ - I get a two for one, and it has a sound I like better than a plugin comp and eq stack. Not sure if I'm hearing less phase issues or what. It just sounds cleaner to my ears. I do have one 500 slot left (Nooooooo). But I was sort of looking more in the Retro 2a3, Fearn VT-4 direction of big 3D tube sound. |
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Post by ragan on Dec 15, 2017 22:22:53 GMT -6
I’m kind of a broken record about it but I love the Great River Harrison 32c.
It sits in a real sweet spot for me. Some analog classic console color but not over-bearing in a non-versatile way. Two mid band’s with some overlap, amazing filters, bell/shelf option on high and low. You can push the frequencies around like crazy and it just sounds good.
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Post by indiehouse on Dec 16, 2017 6:54:02 GMT -6
Maybe consider a Great River EQ-2NV. Love mine.
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Post by stormymondays on Dec 16, 2017 7:26:46 GMT -6
The Retro 2A3 is fantastic. Mine tends to live on kick and snare, and of course on ribbon mics. I recently strapped across the mix buss on an acoustic project (with double bass) and the song practically mixed itself. The only downside, if it has one, is that you have to embrace the Pultec workflow.
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Post by nnajar on Dec 17, 2017 22:08:49 GMT -6
Massive passive!
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Post by levon on Dec 18, 2017 3:22:17 GMT -6
The Retro 2A3 is fantastic. Mine tends to live on kick and snare, and of course on ribbon mics. I recently strapped across the mix buss on an acoustic project (with double bass) and the song practically mixed itself. The only downside, if it has one, is that you have to embrace the Pultec workflow. Agree, my 2A3 is on the mixbus all the time. stormymondays: What do you consider a 'Pultec workflow'? |
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Post by stormymondays on Dec 18, 2017 7:23:57 GMT -6
Yeah I should have explained that!  To me, the "Pultec workflow" means working with approximate frequencies and "magic" EQ curves which are the result of boosting and cutting at the same time. You know, "I wonder what will happen if I boost and cut at 30 instead of at 60". It's kind of a fun trial and error "game" for me. Sometimes I wish I could have that same sound with more surgical EQ settings, so I know exactly what's happening with the audio, where and why. Yes, I could also study the Pultec curves, but that's too boring... |
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ericn
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Post by ericn on Dec 18, 2017 7:38:07 GMT -6
Yeah I should have explained that! To me, the "Pultec workflow" means working with approximate frequencies and "magic" EQ curves which are the result of boosting and cutting at the same time. You know, "I wonder what will happen if I boost and cut at 30 instead of at 60". It's kind of a fun trial and error "game" for me. Sometimes I wish I could have that same sound with more surgical EQ settings, so I know exactly what's happening with the audio, where and why. Yes, I could also study the Pultec curves, but that's too boring... Not to mention "who said there would be math?"😎 |
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Post by stormymondays on Dec 18, 2017 8:11:00 GMT -6
Now I'm intrigued. What's a good source for the combined boost+cut curves? That is, assuming that the Retro does respect the original curves. Then the Retro has the subsonic filter with two settings. I've found these on Manley's website: www.manley.com/s/Manley-PULTEC-EQ-Curves.pdfHow would I go about testing this myself? Does it need complicated equipment/software? |
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Post by forgotteng on Jan 9, 2018 18:59:31 GMT -6
Any interest in the SPL Passeq? I have not tried the hardware but the plugin I love.
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Post by mulmany on Jan 9, 2018 19:07:41 GMT -6
Any interest in the SPL Passeq? I have not tried the hardware but the plugin I love. I believe jcoutu1 has one. |
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Post by forgotteng on Jan 9, 2018 19:16:14 GMT -6
jcoutu1!!!! any thoughts? I was dreaming of this piece of hardware a while ago and my mastering guy thought I was crazy.
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Post by channelcat on Jan 9, 2018 20:57:59 GMT -6
I was fortunate enough to have a pair of the original, extremely limited edition Eisen LILPEQrs, and they were really super cool for adding character at the tracking stage. I think Jens said they were based on the solid-state Pultecs like they had at Record Plant in the late ‘70s. The new(er) version from Purple are supposed to be very close to the originals. They were one of the hardest things to part with when I had to liquidate my studio, and in fact, I keep in touch with the buyer in case he ever decides to part with them.
I’m also really curious about the CAPI EQs for adding character and color at tracking. The Love Childs (chillens?) and BT50s w/ Litz Wire x-formers definitely caught my attention when Jeff released them. Anyone w/ experience w/ these care to chime in?
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Post by Quint on Jan 9, 2018 21:22:23 GMT -6
I was fortunate enough to have a pair of the original, extremely limited edition Eisen LILPEQrs, and they were really super cool for adding character at the tracking stage. I think Jens said they were based on the solid-state Pultecs like they had at Record Plant in the late ‘70s. The new(er) version from Purple are supposed to be very close to the originals. They were one of the hardest things to part with when I had to liquidate my studio, and in fact, I keep in touch with the buyer in case he ever decides to part with them. I’m also really curious about the CAPI EQs for adding character and color at tracking. The Love Childs (chillens?) and BT50s w/ Litz Wire x-formers definitely caught my attention when Jeff released them. Anyone w/ experience w/ these care to chime in? I have a pair of the Purple versions of the LilPEQrs. I like them a lot. They pull double duty for tracking and on busses for mixing. As for the CAPIs, I just started a thread basically asking the same thing. I'm looking at the LC25, LC40 and BT50. |
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Post by channelcat on Jan 9, 2018 22:03:34 GMT -6
I saw your thread right after I posted here. I didn’t realize the LC53As were discontinued. I’m leaning towards the BT50s for general purpose tracking/mixing EQs now. Can you imagine a 16-ch FIX console full of Litz VP28s (or even Heiders) and Litz BT50s? Add a RADAR Studio, some Serpent comps, and Stam mics, and I think you could call it a day!
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Post by Quint on Jan 9, 2018 22:18:23 GMT -6
I saw your thread right after I posted here. I didn’t realize the LC53As were discontinued. I’m leaning towards the BT50s for general purpose tracking/mixing EQs now. Can you imagine a 16-ch FIX console full of Litz VP28s (or even Heiders) and Litz BT50s? Add a RADAR Studio, some Serpent comps, and Stam mics, and I think you could call it a day! A FIX would be cool. As for the LC53A, I forget where I read that recently, but I was disappointed too. I really wanted a pair of those. |
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Post by jcoutu1 on Jan 10, 2018 1:11:23 GMT -6
jcoutu1 !!!! any thoughts? I was dreaming of this piece of hardware a while ago and my mastering guy thought I was crazy. Really cool eq with unique curves. It's basically lived on my 2-buss since I got it. Haven't ever used it for tracking since I was doing my tracking in other studios and mixing at my place, but finally have my own tracking room now. Looking forward to doing some sweetening on the way in with it. Here's a centerfold for ya...  |
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Post by guitfiddler on Jan 10, 2018 1:21:19 GMT -6
Thinking of adding a hardware character EQ. Intended use would be vocals, guitar (acoustic and electric), bass (electric and upright). My only hardware EQ option at the moment is a API 550b. I don't tend to use it in any extreme ways. I do sometimes run through it just for the character and do some slight corrections on the way in. I'll use it on occasion in mix, but mostly I lean on FF plugins in PT. I'll admit I'm somewhat in a FF multi-band compression instead of EQ phase at the moment. Please school me if I'm using it wrong - but I love what I'm hearing. ;-) I primarily want to add some character to vocals and acoustic guitars. I'm also interested in the tight bass boost into cut trick that Pultecs do. A tube EQ like a Fearn VT-4 has me interested. Anybody have experience with the Fearn they could share that might help me determine if I should pull the trigger on one and give it a test in my room? I’m in the same boat. I’m thinking Maag EQ4/EQ2/Great River EQ32 for vocals and acoustic...still trying to decide. I really want 2 of EQ4 and GR32, but budget doesn’t allow. |
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Post by gouge on Jan 10, 2018 2:22:28 GMT -6
One affordable 3 band eq with shelves that rarely gets mentioned is the square state solid state.
While it doesnt have the mojo of the lilpqr its excellent on acc guitar and vocals. And it has a mid band.
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Post by forgotteng on Jan 10, 2018 6:43:59 GMT -6
Really cool eq with unique curves. It's basically lived on my 2-buss since I got it. Haven't ever used it for tracking since I was doing my tracking in other studios and mixing at my place, but finally have my own tracking room now. Looking forward to doing some sweetening on the way in with it. Here's a centerfold for ya... Aaarggg!! Love it. The shear terror it strikes into clients is worth it. |
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Post by forgotteng on Jan 10, 2018 8:19:40 GMT -6
Speaking of EQ's, I just pulled the trigger on the newly released Stam SA-EQP1A this morning. I have been happy with the 3 Stam pieces I have and this gives every indication it will be equally as cool.
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Post by adamjbrass on Jan 10, 2018 9:51:18 GMT -6
Thinking of adding a hardware character EQ. Intended use would be vocals, guitar (acoustic and electric), bass (electric and upright). My only hardware EQ option at the moment is a API 550b. I don't tend to use it in any extreme ways. I do sometimes run through it just for the character and do some slight corrections on the way in. I'll use it on occasion in mix, but mostly I lean on FF plugins in PT. I'll admit I'm somewhat in a FF multi-band compression instead of EQ phase at the moment. Please school me if I'm using it wrong - but I love what I'm hearing. ;-) I primarily want to add some character to vocals and acoustic guitars. I'm also interested in the tight bass boost into cut trick that Pultecs do. A tube EQ like a Fearn VT-4 has me interested. Anybody have experience with the Fearn they could share that might help me determine if I should pull the trigger on one and give it a test in my room? The DW Fearn VT-4, is one of the most magical boxes I've ever heard in my entire life |
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To me, the "Pultec workflow" means working with approximate frequencies and "magic" EQ curves which are the result of boosting and cutting at the same time. You know, "I wonder what will happen if I boost and cut at 30 instead of at 60". It's kind of a fun trial and error "game" for me. Sometimes I wish I could have that same sound with more surgical EQ settings, so I know exactly what's happening with the audio, where and why.
