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Here's my rig:

A few decent mics->4 channel tube pre->Delta 1010->3GHz P4->Cubase SL3...etc.

So I'm hearing that high-endoutboard compression, reverb, and eq units seem to be the way to go. My budget doesn't allow that, so I'm wondering if there are any aftermarket comps and reverbs that are VST/software based that are a step up from the stuff that came with the Cubase?

I've noticed that the reverb and compression included sound a bit cheesy to me, but maybe I'm just over-using them or something. I've taken to running all reverb/delays through a separate channel where I can have complete control over them, and that seems to help, but I'm just wondering what you guys might have come across that's worth buying and using.

Thanks
Keith

Comments

anonymous Tue, 06/07/2005 - 14:16

Plugins

Here's a few that are cheap as can be (free) and are really really good (but not good for everything, mind you):

Digitalfishphones Blockfish, Floorfish, Spitfish (compressor,gate,de-esser)
Digitalfishphones Endorphin and Dominion (dual band comp,envelope filter)
SIR Reverb (works on impulse response files which you can get all over the web, or make your own - models real rooms and vintage reverb units by actually convoluting a white noise signal inputted to the unit/room with your sound.. very cool.. waves makes one which is even better but hey, this one's FREE!)
dbAudioware Tempo Delay (I think this is the free one)

A few that are great and expensive:

Waves RCL (compressor)
Waves L2 or L3 (multiband limiter - great tool but often abused)
Waves REQ

Those are a few that come to mind that I use fairly often that are native. You can also get those processing card things and apparently there are some good plugs for those too.

TheArchitect Tue, 06/07/2005 - 15:52

Kjaerhus audio makes a kick ass commercial EQ and compressor that are relatively inexpensive.

The free classic series they make is free and damn good but limited. But for a freebie I ain't complaining. I just use them and say thank you

I also second the digitalfishphones and SIR freebies. SIR in particular is just stunning with good impulses.

anonymous Wed, 06/08/2005 - 05:41

i like the effect plug ins contained in the korg legacy package..some of the effects are very good and you even get some preset mastering plug ins which you can use as inserts to give drums extra umffff in the mix ..and the best thing is that the legacy package has come down lots in price in the past few months if you want something cheap priced but excellent value then i highly recommend it

jonyoung Wed, 06/08/2005 - 06:53

I 3rd the Digitalfishphones, especially BLOCKFISH. I use it on drum mixes. The saturation feature is remarkable for fattening up snare, etc. You can also "pull" the faceplate off and tweak parameters for the various functions.
I installed SIR,but since I only mix in DAW, haven't used it yet (doing a ton of tracking lately, getting ready to mix), but look forward to trying it out.

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