UAD-1 Neve 1073 EQ vs. URS N Series EQ

[TripACT]

Hey all,


Today i made an interesting comparison session for myself and thought it would be a good idea to share it with you. The comparison session was made between the UAD-1 Neve 1073 Plug-in and the URS N-Mix Plug-in.
Both claim to emulate the neve legendary qualities. While UAD is known to do it top notch. The two plugins share the same 'neve' concept, in terms of GUI.

I uploaded to yousendit site a RAR file. The link can be found in the poll question due to forum policy not to attach links in the posts (due to recent spams).

The RAR file contains 2 different loops. Each loop is soloed with an EQ applied to it.
Both EQs are tweaked with precisly the same settings such as
frequency gain, frequency toggle, input gain, etc.

Loop 1 - Comparison with setting A - Extreme Boost:

Loop 1 - Dry - Simply without any EQ apllied to it.
Loop 1 - UAD-1 Neve 1073 applied to it.
Loop 1 - URS N Serie applied to it.


Loop 2 - Comparison with setting B - Depth and Pleasantness :

Loop 2 - Dry - Simply without any EQ apllied to it.
Loop 2 - UAD-1 Neve 1073 applied to it.
Loop 2 - URS N Serie applied to it.


My own conclusions:
The UAD Neve 1073 plugin is known to do a faithfully recreation of the real thing. The sonic differences are obvious and you can also notice the effect of the equalization which impacts differently with each plug's own algorithms.
I'm very happy that UAD's plugin adds that magicly quality whatever you do with it. It seems that this magicly colour can be added only with the UAD plugin and therefor it is no match.


Forum Admins - I apologies for this way of attaching the link, but there was no other way to do this...this is an unfair policy to all users in here...me think..anyway..hope you'r understand...
The link will be dead within a week whatsoever (yousendit policy), and so is the poll.

Marshal Strickland: \"All right, folks, come on, this is a party! Come on, let's have some fun!\" :lol: :lol: :lol:

 

[RWIL]

I dunno if the idea to set both on same settings are the way to go, since they claimed to emulate maybe yes, but if the units used was not the same maybe not. It could be interesting also that you perform the same test and dial accordingly on both settings to try to match as possible the results.
Anyway, 1073 is my favorite colored baby here I can just be glad of any positive results! :twisted:
Until now it's obvious.

 

[teetoleevio]

Thanks a lot for the time you spent for the comparison

They do sound really different, but anyway must tell that i.e. in loop #1 the average RMS levels are quite different...

In Wavelab statistics I read an average of -16.8dB RMS for UAD Neve vs. -14.6 for URS Neve. URS is 2 dB louder...

In loop#2 I read -23.8 dB RMS for UAD Neve vs. -25.9 for URS Neve.

URS is still about 2 dB louder in average...

IMHO it's difficult to compare such different perceived levels...

It sounds quite strange, I mean maybe URS modeled some other kind of product... If you look at the waveform, URS loop #1 sounds and looks a little clipped... and the difference in sound quality is obvious and astounding.

Do you agree with me?

Really happy, I do own the UAD 1073.

Thanks again for this test.

Teeto :lol:

 

[Macc]

It's not news - the UA one beats the pants off the URS and always has done!

 

[TripACT]

teetoleevio,
Every knob in the UAD-1 Neve 1073 channel's setting was applied exactly the same in URS N-Mix channel with alot of care.
These two eqs share an identical 'neve' concept (theoreticly) and therefor everyknob in the uad-1 version found also in the urs n mix.

The idea of this comparison was not getting the same result with both eqs by altering, but to show the difference in how each plugin with exactly the same setting performs.
I know the loudness in the results differ and that is because of the filters interaction in each plugin's algorithm.

Anyway i'm glad if this 'test' helps any doubtful lad

 

[TripACT]

About UAD-1 Neve 1073 EQ, UA Say: \"...Originally designed by Neve in 1970, the Neve 1073 channel module is derived from revered Neve consoles such as the 8014. The 1073 is famous for adding otherwise unattainable sheen and clarity to music tracks. Modeling the 3-band EQ and high-pass filter with painstaking detail and thoroughness, Universal Audio’s Neve 1073 EQ delivers the same sonic experience of its analog cousin with exacting...\"

About URS N series EQ, URS Say: \"...Digitally recreates the sound of of Neve's 1084 vintage Five Band Equalizer (3 bands plus HP/LP Filters). The URS Classic Console Equalizers use Hi Resolution 48 bit \"Double Precision\" processing for increased clarity and headroom. Hi Resolution 48 bit \"Double Precision\" processing helps to avoid internal clipping in the Digital Domain. The URS N series equalizer is very broad banded and musical. It is a must have tool for recording and sweetening drums and bass...\"

Ultimately, They both are derived from the the same Neve EQ.

 

[djsynchro]

About UAD-1 Neve 1073 EQ, UA Say: "...Originally designed by Neve in 1970, the Neve 1073 channel module is derived from revered Neve consoles such as the 8014. The 1073 is famous for adding otherwise unattainable sheen and clarity to music tracks. Modeling the 3-band EQ and high-pass filter with painstaking detail and thoroughness, Universal Audio’s Neve 1073 EQ delivers the same sonic experience of its analog cousin with exacting..."

About URS N series EQ, URS Say: "...Digitally recreates the sound of of Neve's 1084 vintage Five Band Equalizer (3 bands plus HP/LP Filters). The URS Classic Console Equalizers use Hi Resolution 48 bit "Double Precision" processing for increased clarity and headroom. Hi Resolution 48 bit "Double Precision" processing helps to avoid internal clipping in the Digital Domain. The URS N series equalizer is very broad banded and musical. It is a must have tool for recording and sweetening drums and bass..."

Ultimately, They both are derived from the the same Neve EQ.

No they're not one is derived from a 1073 the other from a 1084 read your own post.

 

[TripACT]

From Analog Obsession: Neve Console EQs / UA WebZine

\"Neve 1073
Designed by Neve in 1970, the Neve 1073 channel module may exceed all other studio tools in both ubiquity and desirability. Without exaggeration, Neve consoles such as the 8014, where the 1073 originated, were used on the majority of late-20th-century popular recordings, and the 1073 easily tops the shortlist of audio design masterpieces. The 1073 can add texture and emotion to the presentation of music that is nearly unattainable with any other unit. This Class-A discrete transistor mic/line amp with 3-band EQ and highpass filter epitomizes the Neve \"essence,\" endearing it to engineers and producers worldwide. As with all legendary gear, the used-market prices are daunting-an original working 1073 module will set you back upwards of $5,000...\"

Also:
\"Neve 1084
Based on the same technology as the 1073, the 1084 offers a different palette of frequency selections than its 1073 cousin and adds the \"Q\" switch, allowing the user to have two different Q types-narrow or wide-on the parametric band. Some prefer this module to the 1073 because of the added flexibility...\"

But the truth is, the URS N Series EQ can be exactly the same as the Neve 1073 EQ.

 

[djsynchro]

Eh no it's not the 1084/URS N has a switchable 6/8/10/14/18 Khz High cut which the 1073 doesn't have, the high shelf has 3 frequencies the 1073's high shelf is a fixed 10K and the 1084/URS N has different low cut frequencies.

Not same! Different!

 

[djsynchro]

 

[Macc]

@synchro - The URS is based on the 1084, yes. The UAD is based on the 1073.

BUT the 1084, in short, IS the 1073 but with slightly different switches. So by setting the bands to the same settings - irrespective of what other settings there are, bar the midrange q - is enough to give a fair comparison.

It's not perfect, as I am sure that in the HW there are subtle interactions between the knobs depending on where one is set (as described in the webzine somewhere), but it's very near enough the same eq.

So it is different, but it is the same. :lol:

 

[F5D]

But can you load 200 ua neve eq plugins? You can load in the case of URS.

 

[RWIL]

So it is different, but it is the same. :lol:

That is; different result, but the same goal! :lol:

RW

 

[TripACT]

Funny.. heh..
I'm aware of the slight differences but i've set it all for a fair comparison and had a setting on both, close enough as much as i could.

Oh and btw, the 1073 Neve EQ has a fixed frequency shelving equalization at 12kHz, not 10Khz.

Anyways, i can say that both the UAD-1 1081 and 1073 EQs have a common unique feel and magic equalization..same family..same magic..something i was not able to find in the URS Plug-in.
That was the main goal of this comparison...
To see what are the UAD-1 Neve EQs really are compared to other Neve emulation, close as much as possible.

It is obvious to me that URS N Series EQ aint in the same league as the UAD-1 1081 and 1073 EQs.

Not something againt URS of course, but just something i thought would be interesting enough to share you guys with..

 

[Macc]

But can you load 200 ua neve eq plugins? You can load in the case of URS.

:lol:

God forbid that I ever have to do a mix that needs 200 eqs :lol:

It is obvious to me that URS N Series EQ aint in the same league as the UAD-1 1081 and 1073 EQs.

Yeah, I genuinely have to agree, even with the SE version the difference is remarkable. Ringiness in the top end, and just a lack of 'assured class' at the bottom.

I did do a LOT of demo testing alongside before I justified the expense of the Neve (bundle ), but really I knew after 5 minutes. I did find ONE drum track where the URS worked better, which was a relief in some ways But it's night and day really.

 

[TripACT]

I wonder how does the Neve 88RS sound like...i never tested it onr bought it yet. Does it have the same character and magic feel like the other classical neve eqs? Or is it a different eq that acts differently?

 

[Yiannis]

88rs has nothing to do with 1073 or 1081.

No magic.....just an ordinary Eq for all day work.

 

[TripACT]

 

[BTLG]

The 1084 and 1073 sounded similar ENOUGH for Vintech to use them when they did a shootout between their x73 and our 1073's at Legacy during AES.

That said I'd think it'd be a solid comparison.

Although, I think the URS N-Series was a big waste of money and wish I hadn't bought it.

Matt

 

[TripACT]

The channels they build look nice but too bad the knobs are different compared to the original neve eq..hehe