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Will UA model the API 2500 compressor?

Emmett_Brown

Emmett_Brown

Established Member
Hi guys,

I have been reading some GS threads where they are shooting out the Waves API 2500 comp against the hardware, and many posters say that Waves nailed it... that the plug is a great emulation of the hardware. I know that many have been hoping UA will model the 2500 someday. Currently, waves has the 2500 on sale at a price that is lower than I have ever seen it... so I was considering getting it, since I have not heard if UA is working on a model. What do you guys think... any Waves API 2500 owners out there, do you think I should grab the Waves version, or should I take a chance and hope that UA models the 2500 sometime soon?

I might add that I am a happy user of the API Vision and API Eq collection, so I know the UA models are great, so I am looking for the 2500 to round out my API ITB setup.
 
S

SG1

Active Member
I have the Waves 2500 and I use it on group BG vocals a ton and like it a lot for that. That said, if UAD comes out with a version, I will very likely buy it. In a comparison between the Waves and UAD API EQ's, the UAD wins it by a mile. If the 2500 turns out anything like that, I'm on board for sure. From what I've seen around here, it is conjectured that UAD will do the 2500, but I don't think there's been any official confirmation.
 
cheerful hamster

cheerful hamster

Hamsterdamus
The only hint we've had is a hardware 2500 spotted in UA's studio. OTOH, the Vision came outta nowhere, no hints, nothing. My guess is it's in development, but how soon, who knows?

The Waves version was one of the better ones from that period, but not spectacular IMO. I'd buy it for $50 or less.
 
cheerful hamster

cheerful hamster

Hamsterdamus
I think the Distressor is the most requested plug, now that the RMX is done. But the 2500 is definitely up there too, and it makes sense to finish off the most famous API pieces. I'm guessing the next UA plug we'll see is the Helios mkII.
 
E

electro77

Venerated Member
Will UA model the API 2500 compressor?
Yes.

Should UA rush modeling the API 2500 compressor?
No.
 
C

calimike

Venerated Member
I don't want to steer you wrong but I do think there's good reason to expect UA to release the 2500 soon. How many years has it been since they've released a buss compressor? It's one of the more glaring absences from the "mkII era". If they didn't make the long-awaited RMX release 8.0, it must be b/c they have something much more-desired around the corner. To me the 2500 would logically be that. Maybe the Helios update would round out the 8.0 release. Could just be wishful thinking, though!
 
cheerful hamster

cheerful hamster

Hamsterdamus
calimike said:
If they didn't make the long-awaited RMX release 8.0, it must be b/c they have something much more-desired around the corner.
Click to expand...
I use the Fairchild as a buss comp, and it hasn't been that long since the mkII. The RMX has been at or near the top of the request list for years, but UA didn't develop it so maybe they reserve the v.x.0 releases for their own plugs. Helios mkII will be cool, but if it adds Unison, with the 1073, Vision and 610 already out it won't be introducing new tech. Maybe the Vari-Mu? New Apollo variants?

v.5.0 - support for the new UAD-2 cards
v.6.0 - native support for RTAS; Ampex, bx_digital and Vitalizer (the first 3rd party plugs)
v.6.4 - 64-bit support for Windows; support for Mac followed in v.6.4.1
v.7.0 - support for Apollo 16, Apollo cascading, virtual I/O, etc; Ocean Way, Inflator and TwinTube
v.8.0 - ???
 
C

calimike

Venerated Member
True, the Fairchild's a great buss comp - I guess I meant a dedicated buss comp.

As for the Distressor, I think Dave Derr confirmed it's not gonna happen. I have one and I think it's a bit of a jack-of-all-trades, master-of-none, and this might be why he's hesitant to do it as software where you can have unlimited instances of the HW pieces that the Distressor is trying to emulate.
 
Emmett_Brown

Emmett_Brown

Established Member
Demoing the Waves API 2500 now. It is really punchy, and quite addicting... easy to go overboard with it. It seems perhaps a little over the top for a buss compressor, or perhaps I am being too heavy handed with it. Overall though, a lot nicer than I had expected. The other comp that keeps coming back to me it the Shadow Hills Mastering comp. I really like that compressor, but i used up my demo a long time ago, so I can't a/b them. Any fresh thoughts about SHMC?
 
cheerful hamster

cheerful hamster

Hamsterdamus
Emmett_Brown said:
Any fresh thoughts about SHMC?
Click to expand...
It did nothing for me. I love BX EQs, but I've yet to find anything else besides their Stereomaker all that compelling. Do you have the Fairchild mkII, or the underrated Precision Buss Comp? Those are all I need unless I'm looking for really firm, and then the 33609 comes in handy.
 
Emmett_Brown

Emmett_Brown

Established Member
cheerful hamster said:
It did nothing for me. I love BX EQs, but I've yet to find anything else besides their Stereomaker all that compelling. Do you have the Fairchild mkII, or the underrated Precision Buss Comp? Those are all I need unless I'm looking for really firm, and then the 33609 comes in handy.
Click to expand...
Yep, I have the Fairchild MKII, thanks for mentioning that. I have not worked with it much, so now is a good time to try it!:D
 
shimel

shimel

Venerated Member
Hey Emmet !
Do not hesitate to have a look in the Manual ( p.156 ) : Fairchild is really a special animal and sometimes less intuitive than other comp to drive where you want to go
Lot of parameters to play with :) :
Table of Fairchild Time Constants is a must-read IMHO ( p.165 )
Headroom setting is a parameter which could be the one you need to set to reach your goal
Have pleasure ! :)
 
masque

masque

Venerated Member
i don't have any "fresh" thoughts about the SHMC….but i will say that I still love it……the fairchild has gotten a lot of love from me but the SHMC still gets used along the way in nearly all of my songs…….i use it a lot on drums.
 
masque

masque

Venerated Member
but I'm really hoping that UA will do the API 2500…..and soon!
 
D

DonkeyShot

Active Member
calimike said:
True, the Fairchild's a great buss comp - I guess I meant a dedicated buss comp.

As for the Distressor, I think Dave Derr confirmed it's not gonna happen. I have one and I think it's a bit of a jack-of-all-trades, master-of-none, and this might be why he's hesitant to do it as software where you can have unlimited instances of the HW pieces that the Distressor is trying to emulate.
Click to expand...
Don't know if they gonna do it, but there is a distressor in the UAD studio :

Exclusive First Look At Universal Audio Studio 610 - Modern Studio Design With Classic Vintage Studio Gear - Pro Tools Expert - The Pro Tools Community
 
Emmett_Brown

Emmett_Brown

Established Member
Cool, thanks for the info and tips everyone. I actually broke down and bought the Waves API 2500. I got it pretty cheap ($127). I'm getting some really nice results with it, so I should get my money's worth with it until UA eventually models it (if they do). I'm getting some use from the Fairchild too.
 
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