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Post by drbill on Jan 9, 2023 14:22:16 GMT -6
A pair of RS124 is the pinnacle on piano for me. I wonder how a Retro Revolver would do just to cut down on cost & rack space a bit? Nice Josh. A pair would be more than a Vari-mu at double the rack space, while not being a truly "stereo" unit - all the while the Vari-Mu is pretty much perfection for what I use it for.  . Still.... I wouldn't kick a pair out of the studio. LOL |
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Post by seawell on Jan 9, 2023 14:46:31 GMT -6
A pair of RS124 is the pinnacle on piano for me. I wonder how a Retro Revolver would do just to cut down on cost & rack space a bit? Nice Josh. A pair would be more than a Vari-mu at double the rack space, while not being a truly "stereo" unit - all the while the Vari-Mu is pretty much perfection for what I use it for. . Still.... I wouldn't kick a pair out of the studio. LOL Yeah it’s a dream …aah someday🤑. Another favorite is a pair or LA3A style, so maybe a pair of AudioScape or Stam? Much smaller footprint and cost so maybe we’re moving in the right direction 🤣. I imagine keeping the Manley available for 2 buss is probably ideal. |
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Post by bchurch on Jan 9, 2023 15:31:42 GMT -6
Will check those out. [edit]. Checked em out. I personally am looking for a tube vibe vs. VCA tonality, but I'm sure they are awesome!! Hope to hear them at some point. Price wise, they are pushing close to a Manley too.... Also, I really like the one unit / stereo aspect of the Manley. Very easy to me to use in stereo (which I mostly do), but equally adept at dual mono if needed..... Thanks for the tip. I love my Tegeler VariTube - dual mono / linkable. Plays nice with everything and they can be had for under two large. BTW, I also had some fairly nice things to say about it outside of here. |
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Post by drbill on Jan 9, 2023 15:55:54 GMT -6
Nice Josh. A pair would be more than a Vari-mu at double the rack space, while not being a truly "stereo" unit - all the while the Vari-Mu is pretty much perfection for what I use it for. . Still.... I wouldn't kick a pair out of the studio. LOL Yeah it’s a dream …aah someday🤑. Another favorite is a pair or LA3A style, so maybe a pair of AudioScape or Stam? Much smaller footprint and cost so maybe we’re moving in the right direction 🤣. I imagine keeping the Manley available for 2 buss is probably ideal. I've got a bunch of 3a's, and I love em. (Serpents). Desert Island compressors no doubt. But they will not do what the Manley VariMu does. Sadly..... |
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Post by ab101 on Jan 9, 2023 16:21:53 GMT -6
Other Mu options on piano - Pendulum es8 (and 6386) as well as Gyraf G22 (my fave - looks like it was taken out of a B29 but is actually very easy to use and repeatable with nice steps.)
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Post by thehightenor on Jan 9, 2023 17:11:19 GMT -6
I've only found one that works for me consistently, and unfortunately for me, right now, it's got to go into the shop for a retube and recalibration. If you've got other options, let me know please. Its the only thing I've got that elegantly catches those leading edge transients that eat up headroom and cause instantaneously, and random glitch bits of distortion. Manley VariMu. The Manley has ALWAYS been near or even AT the top of my dream wish-list. I'm starting to get back into recording my baby grand with a combination of LDC and SDC mics with reasonable success (it's really helping to A/B it against quality modeled VI's like pianoteq) and I just know that printing the piano submix through the Manley would take it to the place I hear. I am using three oddly configured mics right now, with the SDC over the treble strings, one LDC on the bass side (spaced maybe 10 or so inches apart), and a third (LDC) way down at the far end faced directly at the sound board, so I'm not sure how or if I would want to track through the Manley. Unlinked for starters I guess. It does do that, right? I demoed the Manley and then the Thermionic Phoenix MP. For me the Phoenix MP was on another level and also it's truly fantastic as a tracking compressor (true dual mono) - it would sound wonderful on your voice and you can use it to track piano where it would also sound fantastic. I think they cost a bit more than the Manley, but if you're thinking of spending that kind of money on a stereo Vari-MU then it's worth demoing a few different models to get some options before committing. Though, thinking of the thread title, I may of just poured some GAS on your fire there - sorry  |
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Post by plinker on Jan 9, 2023 18:10:22 GMT -6
Ps just reading the GL product descriptions and the eye candy, makes you want to buy 1 of everything ! gainlabaudio.com/That Empress looks like if a Pultec and a Curve Bender had a baby. And at two channels for $2k it's about 1/5 the cost per channel of either. FUUUUUUUUuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuddddge!
The Huns are coming for my wallet.
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Post by Deleted on Jan 9, 2023 18:35:36 GMT -6
I'm not going to poor more GAS on this (I totally am)..
Plinker the Empress is awesome go buy one now..
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Post by seawell on Jan 9, 2023 18:45:13 GMT -6
Yeah it’s a dream …aah someday🤑. Another favorite is a pair or LA3A style, so maybe a pair of AudioScape or Stam? Much smaller footprint and cost so maybe we’re moving in the right direction 🤣. I imagine keeping the Manley available for 2 buss is probably ideal. I've got a bunch of 3a's, and I love em. (Serpents). Desert Island compressors no doubt. But they will not do what the Manley VariMu does. Sadly..... True, come to think of it, I've never come across an "affordable" vari mu comp that was worth a darn unfortunately. I guess there is no affordable way out of this one haha. |
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Post by drbill on Jan 9, 2023 19:04:45 GMT -6
I've got a bunch of 3a's, and I love em. (Serpents). Desert Island compressors no doubt. But they will not do what the Manley VariMu does. Sadly..... True, come to think of it, I've never come across an "affordable" vari mu comp that was worth a darn unfortunately. I guess there is no affordable way out of this one haha. . I guess it depends on your definition of affordable. Both the Weight Tank's and V Comps are within the definition of what I'd call "affordable". But they are not a Manley VariMu. Sigh....you are right though. Great gear costs a decent amount, no doubt about it. |
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Post by Ward on Jan 9, 2023 20:04:04 GMT -6
I've only found one that works for me consistently, and unfortunately for me, right now, it's got to go into the shop for a retube and recalibration. If you've got other options, let me know please. Its the only thing I've got that elegantly catches those leading edge transients that eat up headroom and cause instantaneously, and random glitch bits of distortion. Manley VariMu. A pair of RS124 is the pinnacle on piano for me. I wonder how a Retro Revolver would do just to cut down on cost & rack space a bit? That also makes sense! |
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Post by Deleted on Jan 9, 2023 22:09:17 GMT -6
400 dollar plugin compressors smokes 400 19” rack unit compressor and makes 4000 dollar compressor sound like plastic No. on the second point. Most of the stereo vca comps sound pretty plastic to me. |
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Post by Bat Lanyard on Jan 9, 2023 22:12:34 GMT -6
Ps just reading the GL product descriptions and the eye candy, makes you want to buy 1 of everything ! gainlabaudio.com/That Empress looks like if a Pultec and a Curve Bender had a baby. And at two channels for $2k it's about 1/5 the cost per channel of either. I think it looks awesome too. Totally interested. The Bender would be so hard to beat though. |
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Post by gravesnumber9 on Jan 9, 2023 22:15:46 GMT -6
That Empress looks like if a Pultec and a Curve Bender had a baby. And at two channels for $2k it's about 1/5 the cost per channel of either. I think it looks awesome too. Totally interested. The Bender would be so hard to beat though. Sure, but it's like a billion dollars. One feature I love about the CB plugin is the ability to flip a band from boost to cut. I know it's not the only EQ in the world to do that, but it's something is just so convenient. Gainlab, Bettermaker, and I'd throw Tegeler in there are doing cool stuff. A nod to the past but giving you stuff that is a legit twist. The RC on the Tegeler Creme is super cool. It's exactly what we would all hope an automated HW piece would be. Little motors turning knobs. Dare I ask... is the Creme RC a robot??? |
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Post by Bat Lanyard on Jan 9, 2023 22:27:29 GMT -6
I think it looks awesome too. Totally interested. The Bender would be so hard to beat though. Sure, but it's like a billion dollars. One feature I love about the CB plugin is the ability to flip a band from boost to cut. I know it's not the only EQ in the world to do that, but it's something is just so convenient. Gainlab, Bettermaker, and I'd throw Tegeler in there are doing cool stuff. A nod to the past but giving you stuff that is a legit twist. The RC on the Tegeler Creme is super cool. It's exactly what we would all hope an automated HW piece would be. Little motors turning knobs. Dare I ask... is the Creme RC a robot??? Yes, not cheap and there are many other options that will get you great results. I'm just calling out the 1/5 of the price thing. Yes, there are cheaper units. They're not going to do what a Curve Bender does but they absolutely may do something that's cool and great in a different way. |
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Post by gravesnumber9 on Jan 9, 2023 22:40:46 GMT -6
Sure, but it's like a billion dollars. One feature I love about the CB plugin is the ability to flip a band from boost to cut. I know it's not the only EQ in the world to do that, but it's something is just so convenient. Gainlab, Bettermaker, and I'd throw Tegeler in there are doing cool stuff. A nod to the past but giving you stuff that is a legit twist. The RC on the Tegeler Creme is super cool. It's exactly what we would all hope an automated HW piece would be. Little motors turning knobs. Dare I ask... is the Creme RC a robot??? Yes, not cheap and there are many other options that will get you great results. I'm just calling out the 1/5 of the price thing. Yes, there are cheaper units. They're not going to do what a Curve Bender does but they absolutely may do something that's cool and great in a different way. Totally. Curve Bender is on my wish list for sure. Aside from how great it sounds, it also just kind of works the way my mind works. Just enough detail to get what I want but not enough to get me into a rabbit hole of distraction. Twist a few knobs... "Wow, now doesn't that sound great? Move on!" |
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Post by Bat Lanyard on Jan 10, 2023 0:05:00 GMT -6
Yes, not cheap and there are many other options that will get you great results. I'm just calling out the 1/5 of the price thing. Yes, there are cheaper units. They're not going to do what a Curve Bender does but they absolutely may do something that's cool and great in a different way. Totally. Curve Bender is on my wish list for sure. Aside from how great it sounds, it also just kind of works the way my mind works. Just enough detail to get what I want but not enough to get me into a rabbit hole of distraction. Twist a few knobs... "Wow, now doesn't that sound great? Move on!" Would only add that it's a rare box where you can't make it sound bad unless you're twisting knobs into oblivion. Worth every penny. |
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Post by plinker on Jan 10, 2023 0:41:41 GMT -6
I'm not going to poor more GAS on this (I totally am).. Plinker the Empress is awesome go buy one now.. Your Jedi mindtricks don't work on me, Shadow!
-- oh shit, does that say "Nanocrystaline alloy transformers"?? I gotta get me some of that!
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Post by thehightenor on Jan 10, 2023 2:16:21 GMT -6
Most of the stereo vca comps sound pretty plastic to me. The problem with plugins on the stereo bus is they sound so flat and 2D. It's an ABX even my wife can pass! I made files every every decent high quality stereo bus compressor plugin I have (It's a long list) And then a file using my trusted Rolls Music RMS 755 VCA hardware stereo bus compressor and she could pick it out every time and was even able to describe why she preferred the file. To my ears OK it's easy to hear why the hardware is in a different league - but if my wife can pick it! The only problem now is she's decided before I can buy anything new she has to be able to hear a positive difference |
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Post by matt on Jan 10, 2023 10:55:19 GMT -6
I've only found one that works for me consistently, and unfortunately for me, right now, it's got to go into the shop for a retube and recalibration. If you've got other options, let me know please. Its the only thing I've got that elegantly catches those leading edge transients that eat up headroom and cause instantaneously, and random glitch bits of distortion. Manley VariMu. A pair of RS124 is the pinnacle on piano for me. I wonder how a Retro Revolver would do just to cut down on cost & rack space a bit? Josh, all my best on your recovery, back problems are gnarly, as is the corrective surgery. Here's to a quick and complete rebound to good health (imagine a Stella Artois being hoisted in salute)!
I own a Revolver and it sits on a parallel bus, hybrid style, processing guitars (mostly). It smooths out transients and is not too aggressive unless pushed hard- as it should be. The resulting compression reminds me of the STA-Level but more transparent. I've found that the STA really imprints its tone on a signal unless you are careful to not drive the input too hard, whereas the Revolver is more forgiving. It's a beautiful thing!
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Post by jmoose on Jan 10, 2023 11:21:06 GMT -6
A few reasons. First, you can't get anything quality at that price. You just can't, not unless you want to buy disposable Chinese junk. Second, this is one area where you really get what you pay for. Third it's on sale, and that NEVER happens. And then finally, it's the same one they used on Dark Side Of The Moon. What's confusing about this? Yes indeed... the Dark Side gear or even better if it was used on Pet Sounds. (...its been a while since I watched this so its funny again...) |
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Post by jacobamerritt on Jan 10, 2023 15:22:29 GMT -6
I've got a bunch of 3a's, and I love em. (Serpents). Desert Island compressors no doubt. But they will not do what the Manley VariMu does. Sadly..... True, come to think of it, I've never come across an "affordable" vari mu comp that was worth a darn unfortunately. I guess there is no affordable way out of this one haha. As a couple others have pointed out, the Weight Tank Vari Mu is freakin aweesome. And I would call it affordable. |
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Post by seawell on Jan 10, 2023 15:36:08 GMT -6
A pair of RS124 is the pinnacle on piano for me. I wonder how a Retro Revolver would do just to cut down on cost & rack space a bit? Josh, all my best on your recovery, back problems are gnarly, as is the corrective surgery. Here's to a quick and complete rebound to good health (imagine a Stella Artois being hoisted in salute)!
I own a Revolver and it sits on a parallel bus, hybrid style, processing guitars (mostly). It smooths out transients and is not too aggressive unless pushed hard- as it should be. The resulting compression reminds me of the STA-Level but more transparent. I've found that the STA really imprints its tone on a signal unless you are careful to not drive the input too hard, whereas the Revolver is more forgiving. It's a beautiful thing!
Thanks Matt! I haven't heard much from anyone that owns a revolver so that's great to hear! Considering how much I love the 176 and Sta Level, it's one I'm going to have to check out at some point! |
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Post by seawell on Jan 10, 2023 15:38:10 GMT -6
True, come to think of it, I've never come across an "affordable" vari mu comp that was worth a darn unfortunately. I guess there is no affordable way out of this one haha. As a couple others have pointed out, the Weight Tank Vari Mu is freakin aweesome. And I would call it affordable. Yeah, I tried one a few years ago. Maybe I'll give it another look at some point. |
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Post by Deleted on Jan 10, 2023 16:02:37 GMT -6
Most of the stereo vca comps sound pretty plastic to me. The problem with plugins on the stereo bus is they sound so flat and 2D. It's an ABX even my wife can pass! I made files every every decent high quality stereo bus compressor plugin I have (It's a long list) And then a file using my trusted Rolls Music RMS 755 VCA hardware stereo bus compressor and she could pick it out every time and was even able to describe why she preferred the file. To my ears OK it's easy to hear why the hardware is in a different league - but if my wife can pick it! The only problem now is she's decided before I can buy anything new she has to be able to hear a positive difference That's not really true anymore because now we have digital compressors with working smoothing filters that can process fast attack and slow release or multiple releases that have way more depth than anything SSL style, even the supposedly cleaned up ones, with much more control over the stereo image through their volume modulation and the process of modulation does not distort itself when anti-aliased unlike with any analog compressor. What you can get from TDR, MDW, Goodhertz, Unisum, and Sound Radix for usually about 100 a pop provide a ton of control over the stereo image with their selectable attack and release times.
The older "clean" digital compressors like Ren Comp and Oxford Dynamics and even Oldtimer were cleanish because they had low passed sidechains. Since nothing was being done to the high end except a glorified fader ride with the rest of the music, the treble (thus lower level detail) would be boosted with the makeup gain, anniliating the perceived depth instead of just bringing up the room. The "dirty" compressors and limiters just killed ambient detail entirely and turned it into murk and grit.
Fast attack pushes the initial transients back in the stereo image, switching to a slower release with the polarity change will hold the image in place for while instead of pumping it back forward quickly. A dual release (second filter coefficient + charge time) will process the transients and tonal body separately so repeated transients don't hammer down the signal. |
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. Still.... I wouldn't kick a pair out of the studio. LOL
