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Post by Deleted on Dec 20, 2016 11:27:52 GMT -6
Well, it's been a while. About a year and a half or so? I've missed talking about music gear with you ladies and gents and before I start just want to say a thank you to the administrators on this site for reaching out to me and checking in. I'm fine BTW, just had a hiatus from the music world.!
So I'm looking to get back into things, not only for a game project I'm working on but also music is like a constant white noise circling in my head until I give in. Most of my studio has gone, Mac has gone, Pro Tools Native setup gone etc.
Firstly I'm looking for a DAW as I have a beefy windows machine, listening back on my mixes all the best one's came out of Logic. Primarily because I had a lot of latency issues with PT, after some research presonus Studio One V3 seems like a perfect fit as long as it works with UAD (I have the "official" FW card for PC). I do love PT workflow, but people are still complaining about such issues in 12 so unless the guru's here know otherwise I'll go another way. Other suggestions of course welcome.
Some of my gear has gone kaput or left out in a cold room, I love Equator Monitors but it appears you can't buy the D8's anywhere around here so I'm thinking presonus sceptre S8's? Again any suggestions welcome, I'm fine for pre-amps the Daking's still work fine. Mic's pretty much covered (Shure / AKG's), I'm not sure as to the state of my main Mic (Mojave Fet's) but I'll probably just get another one. Also have an MOTU 1248 laying about, which I don't see a reason to replace it with something better.
Also could do with a relatively cheap tracking compressor (for vocals mainly), what's the over hyped flavour of the month?
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Post by Johnkenn on Dec 20, 2016 12:31:19 GMT -6
Welcome back!
Does Logic work on PC? If not I'd go with whichever one you've had experience with. Starting a new daw can be such a drag.
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kcatthedog
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Post by kcatthedog on Dec 20, 2016 12:54:38 GMT -6
I have the warm audio 2a and 76 certainly recommend.
I switched to logic but am on Mac. I think studio one is dual platform ?
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Post by ChaseUTB on Dec 20, 2016 12:57:41 GMT -6
Yamaha hs7/ hs8 are a great pair of entry level monitors that would help your mixes translate to other playback systems because they are not hyped and honest monitors. If it doesn't sound good, you will know.
Wa76 is a great tracking compressor, slowest to slower attack, fastest to medium release and use the input to drive compression as desired. 30 on the input and output knobs for the wa76 is unity gain, also this provides a good starting point. A -12-9dbfs peaking signal will show a healthy amount of compression depending on how you gain stage in and out of the unit. I was shocked that I had to clip gain up ( add db's to my vox takes because I record low?) to hit the wa76 the way I wanted, however this helped me learn lots of nuances with this comp.
DAW is so personal, Studio one 3 pro is cross platform and give you a PT cross grade discount. Logic is Mac only. PT is great and stable for me!
Welcome Back and hope this helps! You could get the wa76 with the $ you save if you go with hs7/hs8 over scepter 8!
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Post by Deleted on Dec 20, 2016 13:43:54 GMT -6
@johnkenn Thanks, it's good to be back. Logic is Mac only, which is a shame.. kcatthedog I recently sold a WA76, I don't remember disliking it but it didn't quite "do it" for me and that's probably because it's based on a 1176. For vocals / guitar (maybe) I've always gone towards an LA2A style compressor, for drums anything 1176 was a go to.. Although it does give me an idea, there's the new(ish)? (sorry out of the loop) WA-2A optical compressor out which might be worth a stint? Also it seems there's the GAP Comp 3A out, which is far cheaper and looks pretty sweet. ChaseUTB Can't deny it, I'm a bit of a gear "snob".. I tried out the Equators because my main monitors (which were bloody expensive) weren't great in a smaller space. I was pleasently suprised how good the equators are, lacking a bit of low end but spatially they have amazing imaging. I've been through monitors expensive / cheap from focal's to barefoots and sonodyne's beyond. I'll check out the Yamaha's, seems everyone is ranting over the JBL LSR 305's as well and for the price might as well get them even if I use them to play music whilst I'm working out or something (if they suck).. I don't mind buying a few pairs of monitors if they are worth it and price isn't that much of a factor (really).. I ususally don't trust cheap / entry level monitors as they tend to suck.. Then again I've had 3K+ monitors that weren't anything to shout about as well, I'll keep reading reviews but with monitors especially you never know what you're getting in to.. I've asked the local store to get some demo units in.. |
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kcatthedog
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Post by kcatthedog on Dec 20, 2016 15:07:09 GMT -6
Certainly consider the wa 2a, as it has a proper t4 cell etc. !
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Post by Deleted on Dec 20, 2016 16:24:28 GMT -6
Certainly consider the wa 2a, as it has a proper t4 cell etc. ! Sounds great, also I'll give pro tools another go. In 12.5 apparently they've finally introduced track freezing, so there should be no latency and it's 64 bit now etc. I have PT 10 HD native. So there's been a fair few changes since then.. Edit: Just remembered the issue I had with PT, a long time ago I used to use samplitude and it had no problem putting a mix together and then applying mastering effects to the master fader then bouncing down the track. It's cool because you can ask for the full mix and then instead of trying to "fix the mix" after a bounce you could tackle it right from the source. PT's ADC wasn't exactly great, apparently even in 12.6 inserts are still not calculated (you have to do it manually).. If you tried an approach like what I did in samp you'd just get tons of flange / phase. Hopefully freezing the tracks should alleviate this issue, if not I will trial Studio One.. I would use samplitude, but the general buzz is they've near enough given up with it (bugs galore in X3 etc.). But it seems I can demo Samplitude, also with PT's new sub model it doesn't cost much to try it out for a month.. Same goes for Studio One.! Will report back on the HW goodies and SW  .. |
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Post by kcatthedog on Dec 20, 2016 19:00:05 GMT -6
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Post by Ward on Dec 21, 2016 9:23:38 GMT -6
Wait... this guy is a meal-head. Clearly there is only one choice: REAPER!!
As for a tracking compressor??? Cheap? Apex 651 or 661 and get Jim Williams to mod it!
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Post by svart on Dec 21, 2016 9:30:28 GMT -6
Reaper, CAPI 312, LA2A would be my choice for an input/DAW chain. Then pic up a nicer mic like something Gefell. You'll be happy you did, it's worth the stretch on the Gefell.
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Post by avgatzeblouz on Dec 21, 2016 12:00:35 GMT -6
I'm on Samplitude myself, and even despite its flaws, I'm still in love with it, especially when hearing the mixes I'm getting out of it. As for a compressor, the Stam SA-2A is the bomb. Certainly consider the wa 2a, as it has a proper t4 cell etc. ! Sounds great, also I'll give pro tools another go. In 12.5 apparently they've finally introduced track freezing, so there should be no latency and it's 64 bit now etc. I have PT 10 HD native. So there's been a fair few changes since then.. Edit: Just remembered the issue I had with PT, a long time ago I used to use samplitude and it had no problem putting a mix together and then applying mastering effects to the master fader then bouncing down the track. It's cool because you can ask for the full mix and then instead of trying to "fix the mix" after a bounce you could tackle it right from the source. PT's ADC wasn't exactly great, apparently even in 12.6 inserts are still not calculated (you have to do it manually).. If you tried an approach like what I did in samp you'd just get tons of flange / phase. Hopefully freezing the tracks should alleviate this issue, if not I will trial Studio One.. I would use samplitude, but the general buzz is they've near enough given up with it (bugs galore in X3 etc.). But it seems I can demo Samplitude, also with PT's new sub model it doesn't cost much to try it out for a month.. Same goes for Studio One.! Will report back on the HW goodies and SW .. |
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Post by Deleted on Dec 21, 2016 16:36:06 GMT -6
Ward Don't fear the reaper should be their official endorsement song. svart I'll try out a Gefel, M930? There isn't much of a price difference between the Mojave FET and the Gefel. That being said the Mojave is one of the best mic's I've ever used on my vox. Reason being sometimes my vox comes through as slightly nasal and the Mojave helped to eliminate this, I generally sit better with dynamic mic's but was never really a fan of the SM7B for me.. I'm fine with an SM58, tried some handheld condensors and they work well they were just cheap though and I've had better. Maybe a Neumann KMS 105 might be worth a look? Also don't have my lunchbox anymore but yeah LA2A / 3A is generally my goto, that's why I was looking at the GAP-3A. avgatzeblouz Good to hear, they still have a demo it seems.. Might as well try it. Just to note, I couldn't sign into the Avid portal to get pro tools so that makes the decision a lot easier  ..
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Post by Guitar on Dec 21, 2016 16:58:59 GMT -6
The JBL LSR305 are the real deal. The hype is real. I am listening to these constantly, and they expose so much detail in the mix of what is right and wrong. Suddenly I use my other speakers a lot less, and think about alternatives less and less. Some of the best monitors I have personally ever used, and the price is just silly.
I'm a Cubase guy but I don't know if that helps anyone that comes from a different DAW. I've just been with it for so long, and it keeps on getting better.
For a super cheap tracking compressor I'd probably look at the DBX 560A as it is transparent enough not to overly color your signal. If you want to spend more, yes I'd be researching Warm Audio at that point or Stam. Lots of good options these days.
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Post by Deleted on Dec 22, 2016 8:46:52 GMT -6
GuitarSounds good, I will definatley check out the LSR. I'm not trying to be overly slutty about the whole thing, I've made some pretty decent recordings on relatively bad hardware over the years. As said I've had Warm Audio devices, a WA76.. It was fine, kind of sounded like a Rev D. if memory serves me correctly. The main issue with WA products is the price outside of the US. I checked on the price of the LA2A clone and you're talking API money, now personal preference here but even if it didn't look cheap like the WA76 (yes I know, sonics count more than looks but mine didn't look too sturdy) I'd take something like an API 525 over most compressors. It's bang for your buck and in the US the prices are silly cheap, over here it's not even worth considering. Read more: realgearonline.com/thread/6407/daw-selection-new-start#ixzz4TZwUAnqN
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Post by svart on Dec 22, 2016 10:40:11 GMT -6
Ward Don't fear the reaper should be their official endorsement song. svart I'll try out a Gefel, M930? There isn't much of a price difference between the Mojave FET and the Gefel. That being said the Mojave is one of the best mic's I've ever used on my vox. Reason being sometimes my vox comes through as slightly nasal and the Mojave helped to eliminate this, I generally sit better with dynamic mic's but was never really a fan of the SM7B for me.. I'm fine with an SM58, tried some handheld condensors and they work well they were just cheap though and I've had better. Maybe a Neumann KMS 105 might be worth a look? Also don't have my lunchbox anymore but yeah LA2A / 3A is generally my goto, that's why I was looking at the GAP-3A. avgatzeblouz Good to hear, they still have a demo it seems.. Might as well try it. Just to note, I couldn't sign into the Avid portal to get pro tools so that makes the decision a lot easier .. The M930 is a great mic. Extremely versatile. You may or may not like it for vocals. It doesn't have ANY sonic hype to it, so it's rather flat compared to known vocals mics that tend to be more one-trick-ponies. |
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Post by rocinante on Dec 22, 2016 10:44:49 GMT -6
Im picking up some jbl lsr 308s cause I was super imoressed when I demoed them. Jbl knocked it outta the ballpark with that one despite the guitar center promos.
Ill echo everyone here in saying the wa76 is a no brainer must have. I own one real McCoy 1176 a couple I built and the wa76 and the wa76 is no slouch.
I'm a former PT moved to Studio One dude. Sick of Avid's bs, and I liked Studio One's layout. I've got only good things to say about it.
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Post by Martin John Butler on Dec 22, 2016 11:24:04 GMT -6
I chose Logic 4 years ago when I returned to recording music at home. Couldn't recommend it higher for many reasons. First, it's $200, 2nd, it's $200, and they give you a boatload of great instruments, (the Yamaha piano is very good), then you get 20 drum kits, every type of plugin imaginable, (their compressors are as good as any plugin I've tried, and I've tried a lot), the Fender amp sims are useable. Editing is easy. 3rd, every update has been free, uhh.. that's right, free. There are things I've never looked into, but beat makers swear by it too. As an experiment, I recorded a 16 year old student who'd just spent his life savings on a Les Paul and had no cash left for plugs. We did the entire project exclusively with Logic, no third party plugs at all. The damn thing sounded like a Coldplay record! Here, have a listen: click on track 2, "Light On a Hay Mountain", all Logic. lukelondonandtheluckyones.bandcamp.com |
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Post by rocinante on Dec 22, 2016 12:16:56 GMT -6
We did the entire project exclusively with Logic, no third party plugs at all. The damn thing sounded like a Coldplay record. Eh.. I don't know if that's the best endorsement. The kid's song is fine. Hell it sounds good. I just never thought to myself: 'Coldplay; now there's a band with a studio album worth reflecting on.' Pass the guacamole please. Oh Martin please know I am fucking around. |
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Post by Martin John Butler on Dec 22, 2016 12:32:14 GMT -6
I knew that was coming ;-) Just meant it certainly was a very decent modern rock sound, all things considered. And Logic worked flawlessly. I certainly wouldn't be unhappy with the drum sound here or the vocal mic tone quality.
If you listen here, you'll hear the similarities..
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Post by Guitar on Dec 22, 2016 13:02:54 GMT -6
That's a really good mix, Martin. My dad was just mentioning that coldplay song today, and I hand't ever given a listen until just now. Nice coincidence.
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Post by Deleted on Dec 22, 2016 13:12:44 GMT -6
Im picking up some jbl lsr 308s cause I was super imoressed when I demoed them. Jbl knocked it outta the ballpark with that one despite the guitar center promos. Ill echo everyone here in saying the wa76 is a no brainer must have. I own one real McCoy 1176 a couple I built and the wa76 and the wa76 is no slouch. I'm a former PT moved to Studio One dude. Sick of Avid's bs, and I liked Studio One's layout. I've got only good things to say about it. As said, already had one and sold it.. I would consider the WA2A but they are seriously overpriced in europe, again I'd rather go API if I'm paying out that sort of money. Probably get the GAP Comp-2A when it arrives. @martin John Buttler One tiny issue, as already said I dont' have a MAC .!!! If Samplitude isn't a write off I'll go that way, for no more reason than some of the ITB plugs are the best I've ever used (bar the mastering one's that suck really). Like Ecox (vocal delay) is amazing which I've only found UAD's Cooper TC that can beat it and their analogue compressor / eq suite is great. If not it'll be Studio One..! |
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Post by Martin John Butler on Dec 22, 2016 13:39:25 GMT -6
aarrgghh, sorry shadow, I missed the connection that you didn't have a Mac. Hmm, maybe a nice power book is in order for you ;-)
For all the money it takes to keep using pro tools, it seems like you can afford a new computer and Logic. Maybe search Craigslist and buy second hand?
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Post by Deleted on Dec 22, 2016 14:16:25 GMT -6
aarrgghh, sorry shadow, I missed the connection that you didn't have a Mac. Hmm, maybe a nice power book is in order for you ;-) For all the money it takes to keep using pro tools, it seems like you can afford a new computer and Logic. Maybe search Craigslist and buy second hand? It's all good. I actually ran logic on an I7 Mac Mini a while back ago, I only really used Pro Tools if they handed me a session that required it. Now this is for personal use only as I don't do any studio stuff anymore, I wouldn't buy a MAC with all the great DAW offerings that are available for PC. Especially as the PC I have (which I use for games dev) is ridiculously powerful (OC'd 5960X, M.2 SSD, GTX 980, 32GB RAM). You'd be looking at a $5K mac pro to come anywhere near it, as said I do like Samplitude I just hope it's current iterations are stable enough .. I've not kept up with the lay of the land in music, just been researching stuff over the last week as I plan to get back into it. I just hope not to swoon over gear and end up six months later with nothing actually recorded . |
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Post by Martin John Butler on Dec 22, 2016 15:15:54 GMT -6
Cowboycalminer and Randge have mentioned they use Cubase and are quite satisfied with it. Those guys know what's up.
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Post by Deleted on Dec 22, 2016 19:52:35 GMT -6
Well, finally put my little studio back together.. It's been a mixed bag TBH, the Daking PRE's have developed a nasty hum so I've contacted the seller. Seems they don't actually sell Daking anymore, but I do have a 3 year warranty so interesting to see what will come out of that..
On a positive note, my UAD Satellite actually works properly on Windows.. Who'd of thunk it? I used to have to reboot it 4 times for it to work with a Mac Mini, then reboot it once every 30 minutes to an hour. MOTU 1248 is solid as a rock, never regretted buying it.! Kemper is fine, my $1000+ MIC's seems fine which is actually suprising. Either my monitors are truly broken (after 2 years??) or I was in a dream state when I used to use them.. Anyway, they are getting replaced. Instruments seem in good working order, actually I think it went relatively well on the whole..
Just testing out Samp.!!
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