Ambient music: Best plugins for final stages and mastering?

[addmultiplier]

I have a few separate questions, but here's the TLDR:

I make quieter ambient music that sounds like this. I consider myself a novice at the actual engineering. I bought an Apollo Twin Heritage last month that came with some great EQs and compressors. But generally speaking my music is just guitars with amps and some other textures without a ton of dynamics — the individual tracks don't require much in terms of plugins except maybe compressors individually.

So right now I'm wondering what plugins I can apply overall in the submix after the recording is done to give it some analog warmth and depth. I have a coupon for two plugins and am thinking the Studer could be one. Maybe the other is a good EQ or vintage console plugin for this style of music? There are so many, I just need help deciding.

Questions:

1. Would a UAD limiter be any better than the native Logic adaptive limiter? I find the native one very easy to use. But wasn't sure if there was a comparable UAD limiter that was both easy and colored the sound in a nice way, but I know that's not what a Limiter typically does... just wasn't sure.
2. Would running the whole mix through the Avalon strip or one of the Neves be a good choice for my kind of music?
3. In the past I've mastered my own stuff (I know, I know!) - I actually took an online class to get better using Logic's native EQs / compressor / limiter. Recently I've also tried the Mastering Assistant plugin, but I don't love the idea of having an algorithm handle it. Can anyone confirm using UAD plugins for this is better than both stock plugins and the Mastering Assistant? If so, what plugins do you like? I've done a few comparisons already, I just can't articulate the pros and cons very well just yet.

 

[addmultiplier]

Meant to mention, here are the plugins I already own when I bought the Apollo and wondering if they could come into play:


Unison Preamps and strips

• UA 610A (Tube preamp)
• UA 610B (Tube preamp)
• Precision Channel Strip

Compressors / Limiters

• UA 1176 REV A Compressor
• UA 1176AE Compressor
• UA 1176N Legacy Compressor
• UA 1176 REV E Compressor
• Teletronix LA-2A GRAY
• Teletronix LA-SA SILVER
• Teletronix Legacy

EQ’ing

• Pultec EQP1A
• Pultec EQP1A Legacy
• Pultec HLF-3C
• Pultec MEQ-5
• Pultec Pro Legacy

 

[LesBrown]

I took a quick listen to your music and it's really up my alley. I'll listen more later. Cheers.

Mod Pink Relic, by Cerca

6 track album

cercamusic.bandcamp.com

 

[addmultiplier]

Thank you Les!

Just to simplify, I'll say — I think I want the Ampex for mastering after doing a bit more reading and am thinking something like the Helios 69 or Chandler Curve Bender for EQ and that will take care of the "2 Plugins for $99" deal I was thinking of spending on.

And then I'll try one of the existing compressors I already have (ex: Teletronix LA-2A) if necessary and see how that sounds (though it sounds like there are other compressors actually intended more for mastering like the Capitol Mastering Compressor).

Would love any feedback though from anyone who makes similar music and has tried out different master-bus type plugins for final stages and mastering, thanks!

 

[chrisharbin]

BTW, I too really like that kinda thing, well done.

As for any "suggestions" about what you'd want/need, I'd really recommend something along these lines:

Dangerous BAX EQ Collection | UAD Audio Plugins | Universal Audio (uaudio.com)

Not saying this one, but an EQ that will make it "pop" (sorry, can't think of a better reference) As far as a comp, other than what you have, maybe something like this?:

Capitol Mastering Compressor | UAD Audio Plugins | Universal Audio (uaudio.com)

I have it in Spark and it's quite lovely on a bus or master out. But realistically, what you have doesn't suck

 

[Eric Dahlberg]

Would a UAD limiter be any better than the native Logic adaptive limiter? I find the native one very easy to use. But wasn't sure if there was a comparable UAD limiter that was both easy and colored the sound in a nice way, but I know that's not what a Limiter typically does... just wasn't sure.

C-Suite C-Max Limiter, Brainworx bx_masterdesk, Sonnox Oxford Limiter v2, and Precision Limiter. Be aware that the native versions of the Brainworx and Sonnox can often be purchased for very little money, so I would recommend getting the C-Suite. The C-Suite is expensive and has never gone on sale for much discount. The Precision Limiter is OK but I wouldn't say it's better than the Logic adaptive limiter. There are also limiters built-in to other plugins that are very good but they're more like old school limiters, not the kinds of brickwall limiters that I think you're asking about.

Would running the whole mix through the Avalon strip or one of the Neves be a good choice for my kind of music?

Yes

Just to simplify, I'll say — I think I want the Ampex for mastering after doing a bit more reading and am thinking something like the Helios 69 or Chandler Curve Bender for EQ and that will take care of the "2 Plugins for $99" deal I was thinking of spending on.

While I like the Helios 69 more, the Chandler Curve Bender would be a better one to use for mastering. However, as before, you can often buy the native version quite cheap so I wouldn't recommend using a coupon on it.

 

[addmultiplier]

BTW, I too really like that kinda thing, well done.

As for any "suggestions" about what you'd want/need, I'd really recommend something along these lines:

Dangerous BAX EQ Collection | UAD Audio Plugins | Universal Audio (uaudio.com)

Not saying this one, but an EQ that will make it "pop" (sorry, can't think of a better reference) As far as a comp, other than what you have, maybe something like this?:

Capitol Mastering Compressor | UAD Audio Plugins | Universal Audio (uaudio.com)

I have it in Spark and it's quite lovely on a bus or master out. But realistically, what you have doesn't suck

Thanks Chris!
As for your last sentence, I kind of got burnt out on writing new songs this winter so I decided to do some hardware and software upgrades and generally level up my production techniques and tools. When I listen back to that older album, I don't cringe or anything at the production. But I think I'm always curious if I'm missing obvious industry-standard kind of approaches. But as someone else warned, maybe getting bogged down in engineering when I should be writing songs makes sense...

FWIW, I watched the Youtube video for the Capitol compressor and it sounds so nice. For EQ, I'm gonna do a comparison between the Helios, the BAX, and the Curve Bender and the Massive Passive to see which is most approriate as an overall coloring to this ambient type of sound.

 

[addmultiplier]

you can often buy the native version quite cheap so I wouldn't recommend using a coupon on it.

This is actually my first time buying a UAD plugin so I want to make sure I understand. Is this one the one I want? ($299)

Chandler Limited Curve Bender Mastering EQ | UAD Audio Plugins | Universal Audio

Give your tracks vintage warmth and character with the exacting emulation of the Chandler Limited Curve Bender Mastering EQ Plug-In. Learn more.

www.uaudio.com

 

[Eric Dahlberg]

This is actually my first time buying a UAD plugin so I want to make sure I understand. Is this one the one I want? ($299)

Chandler Limited Curve Bender Mastering EQ | UAD Audio Plugins | Universal Audio

Give your tracks vintage warmth and character with the exacting emulation of the Chandler Limited Curve Bender Mastering EQ Plug-In. Learn more.

www.uaudio.com

Yes, that's the one, but get the Manley Massive Passive instead. Massive Passive -> Capitol Mastering Compressor -> Logic adaptive limiter would be an excellent mastering chain.

 

[addmultiplier]

Yes, that's the one, but get the Manley Massive Passive instead. Massive Passive -> Capitol Mastering Compressor -> Logic adaptive limiter would be an excellent mastering chain.

I wanna demo those, but is there a reason the Capitol Mastering wouldn't be available to demo as a native plugin? I don't see it in the list -

 

[addmultiplier]

However, as before, you can often buy the native version quite cheap

Ok just checking - when you said quite cheap, I wasn't sure if $299 was considered cheap

 

[chrisharbin]

Never mind, wasn't paying attention....again

 

[chrisharbin]

I wanna demo those, but is there a reason the Capitol Mastering wouldn't be available to demo as a native plugin? I don't see it in the list -

View attachment 18457

Ok, this is what I was referring to on the Capitol....

Capitol Mastering Compressor | UAD Audio Plugins | Universal Audio (uaudio.com)

The pic threw me. It says that it's native (which I have in Spark) and it says "try it free". Not sure if that is what you meant. It's on sale right now too.

 

[addmultiplier]

It says that it's native (which I have in Spark) and it says "try it free".

Got it, got it. I did the Try for Free and it loaded into UA Connect as an option to demo so I'll give that a shot. I think I assumed that long list menu thing above would already have all the plugins there...

 

[chrisharbin]

I'll be curious to hear (no pun intended) what you think

 

[addmultiplier]

I'll be curious to hear (no pun intended) what you think

I actually just uploaded the Logic project that compares 4-5 scenarios with different plugins, just a little solo guitar/feedback kind of piece, have a listen if you want, there are subtle differences but not sure what to think quite yet -

Dropbox

www.dropbox.com

 

[addmultiplier]

Funny enough, to me the Avalon plus Ampex sounds best to me partly bc the other plugins sound like they're pushing the song a little too hot (which makes sense bc so many components of the past were geared towards rock music). For this kind of subdued song, I'm still figuring out what's appropriate, but the Avalon colors it pretty well. I actually can't tell much difference between some of the others.

 

[Eric Dahlberg]

Ok just checking - when you said quite cheap, I wasn't sure if $299 was considered cheap

Softube is selling it for $89 on their own site:

Chandler Limited Curve Bender

Analog component-modelled mastering equalizer plug-in, with heritage from Abbey Road desk EQs

www.softube.com

Anyway, if you're liking Avalon and Ampex, do that. Stellar combo, absolutely nothing wrong with it.

 

[chrisso]

No $299 is not cheap. If using the two plug-ins for $99 I would be loading it up with two of the most expensive plug-ins you are considering.
I have released electronic, synthesiser music using Luna and UAD FX. I craft my sounds at source and I don't need deep, corrective EQ at the final stage. I am just looking to add a bit of 3D (pretentious term alert) and a little mojo, maybe grit.
As such I have bought and use the Ampex ATR, although I have it on the cleanest setting.
Typically I use something like Hitsville EQ across my mix and either the Shadow Hills mastering compressor or Fabfilter Pro L.
I have the compressor barely doing anything. many of the Shadow Hills pre-sets just add a bit of warmth or character.
I have the Chandler Curve Bender too and it's the same. I wouldn't be diving in and making many changes (I'm a musician, not a mastering engineer), so I would be slightly adjusting any pre-sets that just added a little heft or character.

 

[LesBrown]

If you haven't tried Luna, you might consider it. Adding the extensions and summing across tracks can make an instant difference. Aside from that, I find the workflow to be simpler, more direct, and more intuitive compared to Logic. I still use Logic for most midi work, as Luna's midi editing leaves a lot to be desired, but everything eventually ends up in Luna.

Story: I used Logic Pro exclusively. My first experience with Luna was taking a track from Logic and playing it back in Luna. I was flabbergasted by the (psychological? maybe not!) improvement in sound. I was sold and continue to be impressed. I still grab Logic when I need to jot down an idea, but immediately look forward to getting it over to Luna ASAP. The End