That's a pretty open-ended question... For the most part, I can't see using the 6176 for much in most mastering applications...

Not that I haven't broken a few rules along the way myself... :?

Essentially, anything that isn't absolutely neccessary for the sound (like mic preamps or 1176's, unless you're looking for that sound) shouldn't be in the chain.

What exactly are you looking for?

Assuming all other tools are present, as a final for compression limiting, is anyone using the MANLEY VARIABLE MU® LIMITER COMPRESSOR ? I have heard this is one of the best and I have heard this is much better than running to tape. I wanted to hear from the experts. If there is something better, I am all ears...
Greg Alcorn
Alcorn Studios

A mastering edition Manley Vari-Mu is my main compression beast.

If it's "better than tape" is somewhat subjective... It certainly has the ability to "warm things up" a bit.

I don't believe I've used my layback deck since I've had the VM, if that makes a difference...

mastering

Everything Ive seen for mastering was $$$$$$$ way up there! Like $12,000 range just for one stereo unit.
I had to have my 1st CD mastered and it was $45.00 an hour. Way, way cheaper than thinking about the money it cost to master.
You are not the first person to try to do it with something other than the real deal.
I do not own one (and never used one), but have you looked at the T.C. electronic Fanalizer. They are around $2000
This may or may not be what you are looking for or trying to do? :oops:

grega60438 wrote: Assuming all other tools are present, as a final for compression limiting, is anyone using the MANLEY VARIABLE MU® LIMITER COMPRESSOR ? I have heard this is one of the best and I have heard this is much better than running to tape. I wanted to hear from the experts. If there is something better, I am all ears...
Greg Alcorn
Alcorn Studios

I don't think you can compare two different technologies just like that.
But the VariMu is a good compressor if you need to "cook" things up a bit.
I use the danish designed Gyraf G10 VariMu compresser, witch to my ears is closer to the Fairchild 670 but more transparrant.

Re: mastering

its that guy again wrote: I do not own one (and never used one), but have you looked at the T.C. electronic Fanalizer. They are around $2000
This may or may not be what you are looking for or trying to do? :oops:

I will be the first (in a long line) to suggest NOT trying this out.

tc electronic

Do the TC finalizer 's work worth a shit for anything? I see they are up there in price. :shock:

The Finalizer is one of the biggest pieces of shit ever thought up.
DIE DIE DIE

Peace and Love (except for the Finalizer)

DIE DIE DIE

I feel much better.

Chris

I would argue that IN THE RIGHT HANDS, a Finalizer (or nearly anything) can be useful at times.

THe Finalizer has to go down as the most abused piece of audio gear out there. That's caused a little animosity with many mastering engineers.

I used to have a Finalizer... There are worse things that you could do to a mix. If it was the only thing in the shop, I could make it work.

But, it's not in the shop anymore. It's somewhere at the bottom of Lake Michigan after the cable holding it to my boat snapped.

Wait, that was a different piece of gear... I sold the Finalizer. Cheap.

For doing quick "mastering" (many call it "half-asstering") it does a fair job. I certainly woudn't suggest running anything through it that's going to a dedicated mastering service - I get into more arguments with engineers over that thing...

I feel that the Manley has a "sound". It is very useful as part of your toolbox, but I would not use it on everything as my only compressor. But as with all equipment, including the much hated Finalizer, it depends on how You apply it, with what settings, etc.

Any piece of gear can be used in such a way that it does a disservice to the music. Many pieces of gear can be used in a non-extreme way that is useful in some cases.

Don't over do it.

grega60438 wrote: Assuming all other tools are present, as a final for compression limiting, is anyone using the MANLEY VARIABLE MU® LIMITER COMPRESSOR ? I have heard this is one of the best and I have heard this is much better than running to tape. I wanted to hear from the experts. If there is something better, I am all ears...
Greg Alcorn
Alcorn Studios

the MANLEY variable MU is a GREAT mastering/mixdown tool. Everyone agrees. It adds warmth and punch (when properly setup and used) to the mix without robbing it of its original percieved dynamics.

Another GREAT Manley tool would the MASSIVE PASSIVE EQ.

First of all you need the room and playback system though...and that's another story.

I just wanted to thank everyone for the help and the continuing education. In an attempt to stay in the digital domain completely, I had purchased the MD3 for mastering. I have had it for about 6 months now and have been really impressed. I have mainly used the MD3 for quick masters for clients right after they have recorded, mainly so they can hear what it MAY sound like. The MD3 default settings have been good. I am still learning. So much to learn. I have professionals master for the final CD. The first professional CD from 'Alcorn Studios' is now out. The album is called 'Suburbio', by Jonathan Mantel, and mastered at 'Colossal Mastering' in Chicago. Jonathan Mantel is working on getting his webpage up with samples of the CD. I think it turned out well. Will let you know when his site is up.
I am working on a second CD for Tammy Hoffman. Keeps me really busy in my spare time. Still have the day job and still married. Eventually, hopefully soon, the studio will be full time.

Peace!
Greg Alcorn
Alcorn Studios

I bought the Finalizer from Massive and now it is buried in a secret mountain lair east of Evergreen, Colorado......

Manley VariMu-Yes
Massive Passive-Yes

Re: mastering

its that guy again wrote: Everything Ive seen for mastering was $$$$$$$ way up there! Like $12,000 range just for one stereo unit.
I had to have my 1st CD mastered and it was $45.00 an hour. Way, way cheaper than thinking about the money it cost to master.
You are not the first person to try to do it with something other than the real deal.
I do not own one (and never used one), but have you looked at the T.C. electronic Fanalizer. They are around $2000
This may or may not be what you are looking for or trying to do? :oops:

$45 and hour! I'd say you were quite lucky. That's $5 less than I charge and I'm merely a newbie at mastering at best.

I wouldn't base everything on cost either. The Weiss or Z-Sys EQs can be had for $3K to $5K. Most Manley gear is at or below that price point too. As is Crane Song and many other venerable companies' products.

The finalizer ain't necessarily a bad box, but it's one of those paradoxes.

Those who buy it, don't know how to use it correctly and therefore destroy their mixes.

Those who know how to use it, won't buy it because they probably prefer something they already own or don't like the idea of an "All-in-one" box. (The same reason TVs with Built-in DVD players are frowned upon.)

Just some thoughts.

J.