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Post by geoff738 on Nov 14, 2023 19:58:56 GMT -6
This has me intrigued Flickinger plug?The mention of Flickinger has my ears perked up. Or would if they mentioned him by name, which they seem to go to great lengths to avoid. Looks like it’s brand new. If it manages to capture some of the magic of the consoles I’ll be interested. Cheers, Geoff I say this as someone who has used (and even loved) Acustica products a fair bit over the years: Geoff, you do not want to get involved with that stuff. Way too much of a headache. How so? I know nothing about them other than they’re CPU hogs. Cheers, Geoff
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Post by bossanova on Nov 14, 2023 21:34:52 GMT -6
This has me intrigued Flickinger plug?The mention of Flickinger has my ears perked up. Or would if they mentioned him by name, which they seem to go to great lengths to avoid. Looks like it’s brand new. If it manages to capture some of the magic of the consoles I’ll be interested. Cheers, Geoff I say this as someone who has used (and even loved) Acustica products a fair bit over the years: Geoff, you do not want to get involved with that stuff. Way too much of a headache. Their official Facebook group has gotten weirdly cult-like in the past year or two. Way more than I remember from the Purple Place other than maybe the early days.
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Post by bossanova on Nov 14, 2023 21:38:15 GMT -6
There’s a lot of UAD love in this thread, I’ve always avoided them as I didn’t want to get sucked into their DSP ecosystem but now there are running natively that’s not so much of an issue. Are their emulations really that much better than sod tube and plug-in alliance etc? They have emulations of a lot of the same things such as Distressor, API 2500, API channel strip, I already own quite a few plug-in alliance plugins. Awhile back I compared the Lindell 1073 to the UAD 1073 and my BAE. In almost every case, whether tracking (the UAD Unison 1073 vs. BAE) or mixing, UAD was always a little better IMO. To me, it seems like they go deeper on modeling the character of circuits...like the sound of an 1176's line amp before compression. I've been doing a lot more mixing in the last couple of years, and the biggest UAD easter egg has been getting to know that circuit modeling. The 1176 Rev a can be a little bright. The 33609 and Pultec both add vibrancy...all of that's before you're turning any knobs. Honestly, I don't use them sometimes because of that inherent character. I've got a few other reputable plugs, like the Millennia EQ from Plugin Alliance, as well as a Valhalla verb, Softube Tape, etc. They sound good, but after the novelty wears off, I realize I'm not reaching for them. Ultimately, it seems like UAD plugs take sounds to a new place, whereas the other plugs I've used sort of just manipulate the source material. The mixes I do with UAD sound bigger, have more fidelity, and more character. Speaking of the Distressor, I had one for a week while I had the plugin, and honestly I couldn't tell much difference between them. It wasn't an exhaustive comparison, and I don't really use "nuke" mode, so maybe the plug can't keep up if put through those paces, I don't know. I do know there's no way I would buy a Distressor so long as I have the UAD plug. When I was demoing Spark I didn’t notice this as much, but after I bought the LA2A collection and was using them on a dry vocal, I heard how much color/character each version was adding on top of whatever compression is happening. Like you said, it’s very cool and usually welcome but also a case where I might go with something cleaner in some cases.
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kbb
Junior Member
Posts: 82
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Post by kbb on Nov 15, 2023 22:06:32 GMT -6
Awhile back I compared the Lindell 1073 to the UAD 1073 and my BAE. In almost every case, whether tracking (the UAD Unison 1073 vs. BAE) or mixing, UAD was always a little better IMO. To me, it seems like they go deeper on modeling the character of circuits...like the sound of an 1176's line amp before compression. I've been doing a lot more mixing in the last couple of years, and the biggest UAD easter egg has been getting to know that circuit modeling. The 1176 Rev a can be a little bright. The 33609 and Pultec both add vibrancy...all of that's before you're turning any knobs. Honestly, I don't use them sometimes because of that inherent character. I've got a few other reputable plugs, like the Millennia EQ from Plugin Alliance, as well as a Valhalla verb, Softube Tape, etc. They sound good, but after the novelty wears off, I realize I'm not reaching for them. Ultimately, it seems like UAD plugs take sounds to a new place, whereas the other plugs I've used sort of just manipulate the source material. The mixes I do with UAD sound bigger, have more fidelity, and more character. Speaking of the Distressor, I had one for a week while I had the plugin, and honestly I couldn't tell much difference between them. It wasn't an exhaustive comparison, and I don't really use "nuke" mode, so maybe the plug can't keep up if put through those paces, I don't know. I do know there's no way I would buy a Distressor so long as I have the UAD plug. When I was demoing Spark I didn’t notice this as much, but after I bought the LA2A collection and was using them on a dry vocal, I heard how much color/character each version was adding on top of whatever compression is happening. Like you said, it’s very cool and usually welcome but also a case where I might go with something cleaner in some cases. bossanova , sorry, I just re-read what I wrote, and I mistyped that the UAD was better than BAE on tracking. Not the case :-). RE: color/character, absolutely - I've gotten into the habit of throwing the 1073 plug on snare and goosing the line amp gain for color. I've also been meaning to go back and see if the "legacy" versions of plugins like the Pultec may not impart so much color for those times when it's too much. It certainly explains why I use plugs like the Precision EQ more than almost any other. It's probably a toss up between it and the EMT 140.
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Post by geoff738 on Nov 17, 2023 15:22:18 GMT -6
Thé Soundtoys Sie-Q for $29 has my attention. Thoughts?
Cheers, Geoff
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Post by notneeson on Nov 17, 2023 17:35:15 GMT -6
Thé Soundtoys Sie-Q for $29 has my attention. Thoughts? Cheers, Geoff Have never met a Soundtoys plugin I didn't like, but also haven't bought that many of them, so I can't comment. I remember people here liking it. In that price range I am really liking Pulsar w495. It just seems to work.
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Post by Tbone81 on Nov 17, 2023 17:57:10 GMT -6
Thé Soundtoys Sie-Q for $29 has my attention. Thoughts? Cheers, Geoff Its a great eq, you won’t regret it. It’s easy to over bake things with, ime, because it sounds so nice.
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Post by bossanova on Nov 17, 2023 18:14:35 GMT -6
Thé Soundtoys Sie-Q for $29 has my attention. Thoughts? Cheers, Geoff For $10 I would get Tokyo Dawn Slick EQ GE. 3 bands with 5 different modes (one being Siemens inspired), filters, tilt EQ, and a whole set of really useful, high quality saturation types. All but one of them have little to no aliasing (on the last one I think it’s an intentional feature), and the EQ is completely clean with the saturation turned off. I literally use it on every project, usually in American mode which is API style without the fixed frequencies. I also have Sie-Q and it doesn’t see much use these days. There was a time when I used a very specific mid-clarity preset on vocals that I needed to keep intelligible over dense music/soundscape tracks.
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Post by geoff738 on Nov 17, 2023 19:22:28 GMT -6
For $10 seems like a no brainer.
Cheers, Geoff
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Post by jaba on Nov 17, 2023 19:39:12 GMT -6
Thé Soundtoys Sie-Q for $29 has my attention. Thoughts? Cheers, Geoff For $10 I would get Tokyo Dawn Slick EQ GE. 3 bands with 5 different modes (one being Siemens inspired), filters, tilt EQ, and a whole set of really useful, high quality saturation types. All but one of them have little to no aliasing (on the last one I think it’s an intentional feature), and the EQ is completely clean with the saturation turned off. I literally use it on every project, usually in American mode which is API style without the fixed frequencies. I also have Sie-Q and it doesn’t see much use these days. There was a time when I used a very specific mid-clarity preset on vocals that I needed to keep intelligible over dense music/soundscape tracks. I like the SieQ but don't use it that much. TDR SlickGE I use all over the place all the time.
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Post by geoff738 on Nov 18, 2023 14:56:01 GMT -6
I splurged the $10 for the SlickGE. Even if I just use the filters, well worth it. Crosses another want off my list.
Still might take the plunge for an La3a. Would like a Helios, Trident, Neve or API channel strip, or all of the above, but those can wait.
Cheers, Geoff
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Post by drumsound on Nov 20, 2023 10:19:33 GMT -6
Thé Soundtoys Sie-Q for $29 has my attention. Thoughts? Cheers, Geoff I like this on for things I want to make a little brighter. Snares particularly sound good with it. Thé Soundtoys Sie-Q for $29 has my attention. Thoughts? Cheers, Geoff Have never met a Soundtoys plugin I didn't like, but also haven't bought that many of them, so I can't comment. I remember people here liking it. In that price range I am really liking Pulsar w495. It just seems to work. I got this with it was free, and I like the sound and how you can set each band for stereo, mid or side. Using it side on the high shelf EQ on overheads did some nice things for a recent mix. Thé Soundtoys Sie-Q for $29 has my attention. Thoughts? Cheers, Geoff For $10 I would get Tokyo Dawn Slick EQ GE. 3 bands with 5 different modes (one being Siemens inspired), filters, tilt EQ, and a whole set of really useful, high quality saturation types. All but one of them have little to no aliasing (on the last one I think it’s an intentional feature), and the EQ is completely clean with the saturation turned off. I literally use it on every project, usually in American mode which is API style without the fixed frequencies. I also have Sie-Q and it doesn’t see much use these days. There was a time when I used a very specific mid-clarity preset on vocals that I needed to keep intelligible over dense music/soundscape tracks. Slick EQ is wonderful. As you get a mix going you might things something with Slick needs a little change based on things you did to other sounds. I first try cycling through the models before I change any settings it's quite cool. I thought the American was based on something Ampex, but you're probably right it probably is API. I love the Russian on guitar solos. I splurged the $10 for the SlickGE. Even if I just use the filters, well worth it. Crosses another want off my list. Still might take the plunge for an La3a. Would like a Helios, Trident, Neve or API channel strip, or all of the above, but those can wait. Cheers, Geoff Hard to go wrong!
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Post by tasteliketape on Nov 20, 2023 10:37:29 GMT -6
Thought this was worth reposting. Neve Chanel strip 19.90$ www.voosteq.com/model-n-channel/Preamp Section Modeling of vintage 70's units to recently released units. Compressor Section This is a feedback type compressor modeled after two vintage British 70's units. THD, frequency response, etc. change organically and automatically according to the input signal and the amount of reduction. Equalizer Section This is a modeling of three equalizers, including vintage 70's units to recently released units. Not only the frequency response of each EQ, but also the distortion and texture are modeled. Analog Flavor Switches between sounds that simulate transformers and analog circuits. In addition to frequency response, it also simulates a comped feel and texture.
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Post by drumsound on Nov 20, 2023 16:28:24 GMT -6
Thought this was worth reposting. Neve Chanel strip 19.90$ www.voosteq.com/model-n-channel/Preamp Section Modeling of vintage 70's units to recently released units. Compressor Section This is a feedback type compressor modeled after two vintage British 70's units. THD, frequency response, etc. change organically and automatically according to the input signal and the amount of reduction. Equalizer Section This is a modeling of three equalizers, including vintage 70's units to recently released units. Not only the frequency response of each EQ, but also the distortion and texture are modeled. Analog Flavor Switches between sounds that simulate transformers and analog circuits. In addition to frequency response, it also simulates a comped feel and texture. Have you used this? I haven't heard of VoosteQ and wondering what people thing of their work.
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Post by tasteliketape on Nov 20, 2023 17:54:52 GMT -6
Yes I have used it and way prefer it over the Lindell neve The preamp section has a lot more tonal options than the Lindell and saturation is smooth. the comp has some nice weight to it and really nice when driven . The eq is nice sounds like iwhat you’d expect . You can also rearrange the order of the moduals. The developer I believe is Japanese and for the money both his plugins are stupid good .imo He other plugin is a compressor. I bought it also , haven’t really got into it yet but the tracks I have tried it on it stayed there
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Post by geoff738 on Nov 20, 2023 18:45:14 GMT -6
Plug-in Alliance might get some more of my money. The $30 offer has me interested in the bx auto tune, a transient designer - SPL or Elysia, maybe one more.
Cheers, Geoff
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Post by drumsound on Nov 20, 2023 21:57:50 GMT -6
Yes I have used it and way prefer it over the Lindell neve The preamp section has a lot more tonal options than the Lindell and saturation is smooth. the comp has some nice weight to it and really nice when driven . The eq is nice sounds like iwhat you’d expect . You can also rearrange the order of the moduals. The developer I believe is Japanese and for the money both his plugins are stupid good .imo He other plugin is a compressor. I bought it also , haven’t really got into it yet but the tracks I have tried it on it stayed there Thanks for your insights.
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Post by bossanova on Nov 20, 2023 22:17:27 GMT -6
Thought this was worth reposting. Neve Chanel strip 19.90$ www.voosteq.com/model-n-channel/Preamp Section Modeling of vintage 70's units to recently released units. Compressor Section This is a feedback type compressor modeled after two vintage British 70's units. THD, frequency response, etc. change organically and automatically according to the input signal and the amount of reduction. Equalizer Section This is a modeling of three equalizers, including vintage 70's units to recently released units. Not only the frequency response of each EQ, but also the distortion and texture are modeled. Analog Flavor Switches between sounds that simulate transformers and analog circuits. In addition to frequency response, it also simulates a comped feel and texture. Have you used this? I haven't heard of VoosteQ and wondering what people thing of their work. I haven’t used it but I’ve heard a handful of people raving about it. I’m not sure if it’s just an effective guerrilla marketing campaign or whether it’s a genuine indie sleeper.
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Post by geoff738 on Nov 21, 2023 14:59:08 GMT -6
Like a moth to a flame I did get three plugs at plug-in alliance that were $30 each. For those keeping tabs they were the bx auto tune, the Chop Shop, and the elysia transient shaper.
I think I’m done. Didn’t pick up an La3a which was my priority going in, but such is life. Blew my budget by at least a couple hundred bucks on top of an already expensive time.
Happy shopping for those still in the hunt and Thanksgiving greeting to my neighbours to the south.
Cheers, Geoff
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Post by geoff738 on Nov 24, 2023 13:00:54 GMT -6
Well I thought I was done. UA got me with the 2 for $99 deal. Distressor and La3a incoming.
Cheers, Geoff
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Post by geoff738 on Nov 24, 2023 17:23:30 GMT -6
Now UA has me further tempted. With my $25 off coupon I could pick up the Massive Passive for $75. Ugh. Doubt it will be that affordable for a long time, but I truly think I’m done.
Cheers, Geoff
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Post by drumsound on Nov 24, 2023 17:50:49 GMT -6
Well I thought I was done. UA got me with the 2 for $99 deal. Distressor and La3a incoming. Cheers, Geoff The UAD Distressor is really nice.
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Post by mjheck on Nov 26, 2023 13:30:22 GMT -6
Plug-in Alliance might get some more of my money. The $30 offer has me interested in the bx auto tune, a transient designer - SPL or Elysia, maybe one more. Cheers, Geoff I use the PA SPL Transient Designer a ton - probably my most used PA plug in. Does was it is supposed to do and does not make anything sound worse, as far as I can tell. You will need to give us a recap on where you are on all this - it is really interesting idea, sort of starting over in 2023. Very curious as to how it goes for you, since you aren't mentally tethered to any of these. And I agree, the two UAD plugs for $99 is nice value. I bought my first two UA plug ins in quite a while with that one.
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Post by geoff738 on Nov 26, 2023 14:25:08 GMT -6
It is very much starting over. New computer, Mac mini. Upgraded Logic from Logic Express. Yeah that’s how long I’ve been out of the loop.New interface. Was able to get some of the old plug-ins up and running, but lots not. Was able to get Alicia’s keys and their organs running. Much thanks to customer support. Likewise a couple of Superior Drums 2 kits will work on the new machine, but a couple are gone to the mists of time. And it’s been so long I can’t remember how to do a lot of stuff. Haven’t tried to get Slate drums up and running. Don’t think I’m gonna bother. Need to learn Logic drummer.
So the plug-in splurge. Waves and Slate were the big boys when I was last in the market. Along with folks like McDsp, Soundtoys etc. But there are soooo many more options now. So I appreciate everybody weighing in and guiding me. I went a little overboard. I went from having no Pultec style eqs to four. And I probably should have got more familiar with what’s in Logic because there’s a bunch of new and/or improved stuff there. But no I plunged in headfirst and spent way too much money.
So, what’d I get? Silver Bullet and a UAD bundle were the big splurges. Then I added the Chandler germanium comp. I wanted a diode bridge comp, preferably a 33609, but this will do for now. PA got me with their $29 deals. I got an auto tuner, the Chop Shop, and a transient shaper. Not the SPL though. A Tokyo Dawn eq. Then UAD got me again with their 2 for 99 deal. La3a and Distressor. Why I got the Distressor I’ll never know. I didn’t particularly love the hardware last time I used it. And they have me pondering the Massive Passive.
So I have a lot of new stuff to learn. Like I’ve mentioned several times in this thread, I have to stop buying more stuff, and get down to actually recording.
That’s my story.
Cheers, Geoff
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Post by mjheck on Nov 27, 2023 11:07:15 GMT -6
Thank you so much for the additional details!
Wow, that is a lot of updating in one shot! I don't recall when they stopped with Express - maybe 2008 ish? I've been on Logic since about that time and the improvements have been pretty profound. They changed the shortcuts at some point around Logic X, but you could still use the original presets if you preferred them with a drop down menu selection (that may or may not be an issue for you, and it may or may not still be an option).
I had the bad luck of having hard drive failures in both Macs the month the M1 Macs came out - it was great that I was forced to adopt the new tech, as it really was a big step forward from my 2012 stuff, but it meant I had build out a setup with no UAD plug ins and only stuff that worked on the M1 chips. While a giant pain in the ass, it forced me to do something similar to what you are going through.
My "must haves" became Pro Q3 for EQ, the aforementioned PA Transient designer, Fab Filter Saturn (for one stop color options) and of all things? Waves Renaissance Vox for basic compression and gate. It is literally the only Waves plug in I own, but I find it is just stupid easy and fast and doesn't seem to glare stuff up.
And finally, I just love the Tokyo Dawn Kotelnikov. I like the GE edition, but their free version is certainly worth trying - it always reminds me of the behavior of the hardware LA3A's I had. That is my favorite ITB comp for sure. I use that on busses a lot as it glues so nicely, but it ends up all over the place sometimes.
I eventually worked some UA faves back in once it worked again - specifically, their 33609 on drum bus and their Fatso for parallel compression.
I have plenty of other stuff I enjoy for unique sounds, like the Henry Olanga Nebula stuff, Airwindows (Channel 4, to tape an to vinyl), some UA verbs (still love the BX20).
It is really interesting to see someone else go through this process more or less three years after I was forced to do so. And while it was a total pain, it did help break me out of some stale routines and opened me up to some cool new stuff I hadn't heard (that's to this board, of course).
Thank you again for sharing - please let us know if you find something awesome in this journey!
JMH
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