What should I buy this x-mas?

What should I buy this x-mas?

I only have my Apollo twin a month or so and now is the time to buy plug-ins. But what should I buy? I can’t buy everything. The best I can do is the 4 plugins for 400 euro’s. So no more then 4 plug ins.
Well what do I already have?


Included in my purchase was a bundle of free (ehem) plugins. These are:

1176LN Legacy Classic Limiting Amplifier
1176SE Legacy Classic Limiting Amplifier
Fairchild Plug-In for UAD-2
Fairchild Tube Limiter Collection
Helios™ Type 69 EQ
Marshall Plexi Classic Plug-In For UAD-2
Neve 1073 / 1073SE Classic Console EQs
Neve 1073 Preamp & EQ Collection
Oxide Tape Recorder
Precision Mix Rack Collection
Pultec EQP-1A Legacy
Pultec Pro EQ Legacy
Raw Plug-In for UAD-2
RealVerb-Pro Plug-In for UAD-2
Softube Amp Room Half-Stack Plug-In for UAD-2
Softube Bass Amp Room 8x10 Plug-In for UAD-2
Teletronix® LA-2A Legacy Classic Leveling Amplifier
UA 610-B Tube Preamp and EQ Plug-In for UAD-2

I think that’s a very good start!


So what next?

I’m a guitar player, I play bass, play keyboard and I sing.

As a guitar player I’m interested in the amp sim’s. I was thinking of the fender ’55 (demoing it now), the ENGL (which one? Or the bundle? …Does that work with the 3+1 offer?)
As a bass player I was thinking about the ampeg. But I already have the Softube Bass amp room and I get some pretty cool sounds out of that (combined with other plu-ins), as well, I often like my bass sound without an amp sim…
And for my voice…tja….i was thinking…. SSL 4000 channel strip, also for mixing/mastering of course.
For mastering; Magnetic Tape Bundle (and the SSL 4000 channel strip)

Now since I (only) have an Apollo twin (2 processors) im limited with my DSP. This is a concern of course; no use of buying a SSl 4000 or tape simulator if I can only use it on 2 tracks in my DAW!

Some numbers from the UAD-2 Instance Chart (% of USP usage, mono-stereo)
Ampex ATR-102 Mastering Tape Recorder 17.6% 29.0%
Studer A800 Tape Recorder 9.8% 15.4%

For the SSL it becomes confusing;
SSL E Series Channel Strip * 41.8% 70.1%
SSL E Channel Strip Legacy * 7.4% 11.9%
SSL G Bus Compressor 14.1% 17.7%
SSL G Bus Compressor Legacy 2.8% 3.4%

I was thinking thinking of;
https://www.uaudio.com/uad-plugins/channel-strips/ssl-4000-e-series-channel-strip-collection.html
so is that the channel strip or the channel strip legacy?


When I just came to this forum I came across a recording by Stu:
https://uadforum.com/music-review-promotion/28326-waiting-2.html
I still think it’s a great song and a great recording. Funnily he mentions in his post that he didn’t use many UAD plugins during mastering…..
Also he recorded his voice in the bathroom!! I’m building a studio (in a 3 by 4 meters room) atm, trying to eliminate any unwanted sound reflexions in the room; the opposite of a bathroom!

So, all is possible.

I’m interested in your feedback and I only have 2 more days until my 50 dollar voucher runs out,

F.

Well it's been 2 days, but here are some thoughts:
1. If you use the SSL Channel strip on your vocals, you'll should usie it on the way in (i.e. Unison) so when you go to edit you won't be using any DSP for it, because you recorded with it. (Same for the guitar and bass sims).

2. Most tracks are mono, so if you use the SSL in mixing you'll be able to get 2x per DSP (assuming you have LoadLock on and don't turn off any sections you aren't using). Also you can always bounce.

3. As to plugins you have a good base to start from, and reading what you're looking at, go for an amp sim or 2. Just enable the demo and do some tests. It shouldn't take more than 15 minutes to demo each amp. I also find the UA Youtube videos useful for getting a feel of the plug-in without even demoing, so watch those to create a shortlist and then demo the ones that have the sound you like.

4. As to other plug-ins, I love the Neve stuff. That said, you should think about what you need/want. Do you need/want more unison plug-ins? Do you want more EQs? Maybe you could use a different compressor? I think that you should strongly look at the FX-style (distortion, really colored, or rare/exotic) plug-ins to supplement what you already have.

5. Definitely the Ampex for mastering (it's in the name!).

Thanks c3r1c from N'Orleans,

Some good tips and line of thoughts there.
For the effects i was thinking EP 34 Tape Echo (for guitar)

My vougher is valid till: 12/14/2017 11:59 PM PST, That is pacific time zone. Well, i think the sun hasent even rissen in the States (at the moment of writing this), so i still have a few more hours, to make up my mind

F.

The tape sims you can print - it's a nice effect that I don't think you'd turn off. Just disable after processing them offline (or track with them live and print the sound).

I have a feeling the biggest hole for you might be the Teletronix LA2 collection (LA2A MK II). Those compressors are extremely useful and are surprisingly good on quick and slow material. Great to tame a guitar bus if you have multiple takes that are poking out a bit when panned.

1176 MKII Collection would be the next thing I'd say.

Bass DI you can get away with without amp sims and whilst they sound pretty damn good, I don't think the UAD virtual guitar amps are really that great (might get shot for saying that having just watched Godless).

Generally with the UAD platform I'd stick with the things that UAD themselves make initially.

Good luck!

Freakwave said:

What should I buy this x-mas?

When I just came to this forum I came across a recording by Stu:
https://uadforum.com/music-review-promotion/28326-waiting-2.html
I still think it’s a great song and a great recording. Funnily he mentions in his post that he didn’t use many UAD plugins during mastering…..
Also he recorded his voice in the bathroom!! I’m building a studio (in a 3 by 4 meters room) atm, trying to eliminate any unwanted sound reflexions in the room; the opposite of a bathroom!


F.

Click to expand...

Hey, thanks for the kind comment, just to clarify on the bathroom thing, it was a tambourine I recorded in there There's quite a difference between having a wet recording space and a wet mixing space. Unfortunately due to my current room being tiny I pretty much exclusively mix on headphones lately, also having a young child puts some restrictions on noise making after not very late. But with a 4 x 3m room i'm sure you may have better luck ...

Some thoughts on your choices, I'm assuming that you do singer/songwriter kind of vibe stuff (ie not high gain guitars or synth based ).. I also only have a twin but if used tactically you can get a lot out of it.

I notice you don't have any reverbs on the list? Some people don't use them at all and use delays only, although personally I do like to use several on most mixes.

First thing to consider, if you are going with the 3 +1 deal, you're best bet is to go for the most expensive plugins that will be useful to you, the ones that are least likely to get discounted between now and next December. To get an idea of the historical prices you can see this useful spreadsheet kindly created by one of the forum members [MENTION=20804]iDt[/MENTION]- https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets...=2&pli=1#gid=0 . Otherwise there are specific sales over the year on particular types of plugins where you can pick up special promo deals.

Of the expensive ones here's some I will heartily recommend -

Ocean Way Studios - This is an amazing room verb, it takes a lot of DSP but generally you only need one per mix, well I only tend to anyway. but also the remic mode does something really cool and you can just put that on an insert and bounce it down. There is a benefit of having 1 or 2 high DSP plugins in your mix as you can easily turn them off freeing up DSP to use on other tracks that you will render/bounce. This plugin is quite unique and there's no native plugin alternative that I am aware of.

Manley Vari Mu - This on the 2bus as a mix compressor is really special, i've not found anything I prefer for the type of music I do

Lexicon reverb - very versatile , DSP is quite low

AMS RMX16 - heavy on DSP but has a lot of character, quite versatile too

Distressor - Average DSP , this is really versatile , although there are native alternatives of similar quality a lot of people are saying that obviously the UAD one is the best You can get a lot of gain reduction out of the distressor without hearing any compression artifacts.

Neve 1073 - This is very useful for tracking with, it can add a lot of character.

Now for the less expensive ones, I don't recommend these for a 3+1 deal as you want get as much bang for buck.

On the guitar amp side, I really like the bluesbreaker, it does something that i've not heard in any other amp sim. It has a great ambience to it, used with ocean way it can be pretty special, the only issue with it is it can sometimes be a bit dull sounding but you can always add some top end on an eq after it. I quite like the fender too although it sounds 100% better with some reverb, can be a little bit plasticy for want of a better word, perhaps thats more of a reflection of my el cheapo guitar collection though ...

Bass - I've pretty much always gone with the Ampeg SVT-VR or B15 , although the new Gallien Krugeror Eden may be worth demoing if Ampeg isn't your cup of tea.

Other Reverbs - the emt reverbs are great, the 140 is probably the best emulation out there although there are cheaper alternatives from waves and soundtoys that are perfectly good too.

For the SSL stuff - i'm not sure why but I'm yet to really get in to the whole SSL vibe , I have the Console 1 with the SSL 4k which I use on drums a fair bit , its good but quite often not what i'm looking for , although if i'm doing something with more of a rock vibe I'd probably appreciate it. The channel strip is a pretty useful tool though as c3r1c mentioned it could get a lot of use on the way in, seeing a lot of positive comments about the new version (apart from the DSP hit)...

Oh dammit.just spotted you only had 2 days left, 3 days ago. What did you get ?

Well i never had such a hard time to make a decision.

Why?

If you go for the 3+1 thing (for 400 euro’s/dollars…I thought it was 300…for that would be 4 for the price of 3 since most plugins are around, close to 100 euros (except the master plugins)); you should get the most expensive plugins (I guess, or just the best? But what are they?)

The expensive ones are all mastering plugins - except for the ocean way reverb. Now I don’t know much about mastering. I use cakewalk (Sonar Platinum) and I bought some plugins from them, among which the LA2A (from cakewalk). After all my mixing techniques, which didn’t make it sound cool, or wow, I found that the LA2A on (almost) each track and one on the mix, made a huge improvement. So there is a magic box, you put music through it and it sounds better. How? Nobody knows (at least not me) So this is like a black box; you put something in it, turn some nobs and watch the meters and what comes out is better then what you put in.

Well of course I want my music to sound great, so I need that (or do I? Don’t I already have enough to make a good recording?)

For the guitar, well that just depends of how you look at it; or it always sounds great (ehm, good) or it’s never good enough…..

But, I really am enjoying messing around with the guitar softamp simulators, adding effects and creating great (or weird) sounds. This gives me (instant) pleasure, something that the mastering plugins won’t give me instantly. Then again I have a Mesa Boogie Lonestar Special standing here and that should be enough to create a good (I hope great) sound…..but then the mic’s settings, the reverb/echo of the room.. a lot of hassle.

By the way Stu, I also have mostly cheap guitars standing here. For after my first Gibson arrived I send it back straight away (and the fender i have here, well it's just standing here; i dont want to talk down to it, ); it was just crap. Now I buy Japanese guitars from the beginning 80’s and I just love them. I also play acoustic (Taylor 614CE), finger picking style. My music is a bit more Rock orientated then your’s, I would say, but it can go in all directions, with full arrangements. But I am a singer/songwriter/composer, but since I’m not famous or rich enough to hire a studio with musicians, I have to do it all by myself, which, if I can acquire your level of production, is good enough for me. With the hope that these homerecordings/ demo’s, will be a bridge into the professional music world. Then again, listening to what you guys are making, it is pretty professional already!


First off all, I should have said, thanks for your reply’s, especially you Stu, for your indebt analyses. (Im sorry I miss quoted (miss-understood) you).


So what has become my choice for the 3+1 deal?


Here we go:

Ampex® ATR-102 Mastering Tape Recorder
Ocean Way Studios
Manley Variable Mu® Limiter Compressor (I’m doubting between the Manley’s VOXBOX channel strip)
SSL 4000 E Channel Strip Collection


Atm there is actually a financial issue. I’ve taken time of work to build my studio and start recording. All the money I spend now, is a cut in my savings, which means I will have less time off, to make music. So I was also wondering should I buy just 2 plugins (an amp and the ocean verb?) Just to have fun!

I couldn’t make up my mind. By the time I submitted my 3+1 offer, the voucher had finished (it was still there when I submitted it, but then it was suddenly gone, time ran out, I guess) So I’ll send a mail to UAD (if I can find their email address) asking if they could prolong their 50 euro voucher (while the sale is still going on) and see what they’ll say…actually I think you should pay no more then 300 euro’s for the 3+1 sale; it just makes sense.



Somehow, I also get the feeling im getting over my head now. I’m a musician, not a technician. I’m buying stuff that I don’t really know what it does (yea, it should make your production sound better, but how many compressors, limiters and reverbs do we need?)

Thanks for all your feedback guys, it’s highly appreciated.

F.

So, i send the email to UA and got an answer. Unfortunately I can’t tell you guys what it said for there is an clause attached to the email. It says;

“The information provided in this email is for your own private use only, and is not to be resent, quoted, or otherwise distributed without the written consent of Universal Audio.”

Then it says; “this massage will auto destruct in 10 seconds.”

I also found out that the 50 euro’s voucher does not apply to the 3+1 (or any other) bundle (I can’t tell you how; you guys are not cleared for this information), so that’s out of the window.

So I think I go with the Ocean Way verb; everyone needs a good reverb.

F.

[MENTION=34463]Freakwave[/MENTION], I think those are all good choices.

But do not think of the Ocean Way Studios plugin as a reverb. While it has some reverb capabilities, think of it more as a way to reproduce a sense of space similar to what you get in the actual Ocean Way Studio.

Hi Scratch,

Im demoing the Ocean Way plug-in atm and discovering that it’s a little different as I expected it to be. I see this plugin being very useful for virtual instruments….but what about voice?

My studio is almost ready and I’m curious to find out how my audio recordings will sound like. This will be voice, acoustic guitar, electric guitar (through my amp) and recording bits and pieces of percussion.
I don’t think the ocean way plugin will be very useful for these recordings….

F.

Freakwave said:

Hi Scratch,

Im demoing the Ocean Way plug-in atm and discovering that it’s a little different as I expected it to be. I see this plugin being very useful for virtual instruments….but what about voice?

My studio is almost ready and I’m curious to find out how my audio recordings will sound like. This will be voice, acoustic guitar, electric guitar (through my amp) and recording bits and pieces of percussion.
I don’t think the ocean way plugin will be very useful for these recordings….

F.

Click to expand...

Hey Freakwave,

Not sure if this will help but here’s my thoughts on using it. Try using it as a subtle room ambience sending a bit of everything to it, just a bit though almost until the point where it’s not noticeable. Just use one of the mics and set it quite close, less than 6ft, mute the other channels. Mix with it in place a bit, then try switching it on and off and notice what it adds...

its not like a normal obvious reverb but something that can give an excellent vibe to tracks that may otherwise seem a bit sterile... it can do longer more obvious stuff too but the ambient short verb thing is where I find it excels.

For vocals you may want to send a bit to ows but also add a different verb, plates are often good. There’s lots of native options for plate verbs.

anyway that’s my 2p/2c worth.

Sounds like customer support sorted you out, cool!

sTu

So guys, to finish this of, i had an 25 euro voucher plus a 50 euro voucher.

In the end I bought the SSL 4000 E Channel Strip Collection, also inspired by this video by Pete Thorn;
https://youtu.be/emAxUzcihP0

Are you guys familiar with his videos (about UAD plugins) and what do you think of them?

He also has one about the Marshall Plexi;
https://youtu.be/Ic_kGxzYbTA

I also have the Marshall Plexi, but it looks different than the one that he uses; I only have the option of 1 mic, while he has 2 plus a “room”. He can also choose between different type of mics; I cannot. Why is that? My Marshall came with the purchase of my Apollo, is that the reason?
In the UA plugin page the Marshall 1959 Super Lead is not greyed out, as owned, so I guess I only own a taste, with diminished possibilities, to incite me to buy the real thing…

My studio is almost ready, just need to do some painting, the room is pritty dry (in sound) and well insulated. So i put in my guitar amp and had a go; my ears are still bleading, but there is a smile on my face. Just have to put Bob Marley on the wall and were ready to go!!!!

Oh, well. I would like to thank everybody who participated in this thread and happy days.

F.

So after my purchase i got this mail:



“Dear UAD User,
Thank you for your recent purchase from our Online Store.
To show our gratitude, we’ve issued you a 25 € plug-in coupon, redeemable on any UAD plug-in or Bundle storewide.*
Simply enter the coupon code **** at checkout.
Hurry, your coupon expires on ******.
Thanks again!
The UA Team
Scotts Valley, California”



I guess I have to buy something else…..

Something small, not too expensive like an amp sim or an effect……

F.

Freakwave said:

So after my purchase i got this mail:



“Dear UAD User,
Thank you for your recent purchase from our Online Store.
To show our gratitude, we’ve issued you a 25 € plug-in coupon, redeemable on any UAD plug-in or Bundle storewide.*
Simply enter the coupon code **** at checkout.
Hurry, your coupon expires on ******.
Thanks again!
The UA Team
Scotts Valley, California”



I guess I have to buy something else…..

Something small, not too expensive like an amp sim or an effect……

F.

Click to expand...

Don't worry, after you use your coupon they'll send you another

So i bought the Galaxy Tape Echo ……

F.

Shining the light

Yes, it is Mr. Torrence !

To your question about the Marshall, there is a free one with limited options (which sounds like you got that one) and then there's the paid one in the store which has the options you saw in the video.

Since you have the free one, enjoy it! And if you find the need for the other mics/options, buy the full one when you want.