So just as a question.....What is wrong with the devices available in Cubase? I know they have some analog emulations and the compression and the EQ are overall a better choice than the Eureka. Thats not say anything bad about the Eureka. I have a couple and use them going in to PT 9, But , what you're asking simply sounds like you're looking for something that I dont think you'll find with the device you have.

Well I've been hearing about all these people using tube pre's on mixdown to add color and warmth, and I just wanted to try it for myself. I've been working in a purely digital environment as of late, and something is missing from my mix. My instruments don't pop like I want them to. To me they sound "2d", whereas professional artists get that "3d" sound. I figured running the mix through the Eureka would liven it up. Am I applying this technique incorrectly?

Firstly, as you pointed out, the Eureka is mono, so any compression you use will not be stereo linked if you choose to 2-pass the stereo mix by running the left and right channels through it separately. It will end up being a dual mono effect and this will almost certainly destabilize the stereo image and cause mono elements in your mix that are panned center to change position. That is why we have linked stereo compression.

I am also inclined to say that anything the Eureka "adds" to the mix will most likely only be to it's detriment.

Cheers :)

Thanks, and frankly you are correct. I tried getting something out of it the other day but what came out was just...well it wasn't what I was looking for.

So, moving forward, what hardware for mixdown would you recommend for someone who practices electronic music? Lets say in the range from $500-$1000?

Are you looking specifically for a compressor? There are many options for $1000 or under:

[="http://www.chameleonlabs.com/product5.html"]Chameleon Labs 7720 Stereo Bus Compressor[/]="http://www.chameleo…"]Chameleon Labs 7720 Stereo Bus Compressor[/]
[[url=http://="http://www.vintagek…"]SPL Charisma 2 Tube Limiter, Tube Sound Variation, 2 Channels | VintageKing.com[/]="http://www.vintagek…"]SPL Charisma 2 Tube Limiter, Tube Sound Variation, 2 Channels | VintageKing.com[/]
[[url=http://[/URL]="http://www.vintagek…"]JDK Audio by API R22 - Dual Channel Compressor | VintageKing.com[/]="http://www.vintagek…"]JDK Audio by API R22 - Dual Channel Compressor | VintageKing.com[/]

There are also many SSL G bus clones for under $1000.

Cheers :)

You really didnt say what computer you're running. My guess is you'll find more than adequate compressors in a UA card.

For a grand, there are some very nice compressors, but are you sure thats what you're looking for?

It seems you're asking for things you've only 'heard' about through sites like this....... ;-}

Its all people talk about these days....."I need some of that analog 'warmth'....."

Digital recordings simply reproduce what you put in at the beginning. So you record with a scratchy, high noisefloor source and thats what you get....Perfectly reproduced.

If you are looking for something at mastering, then you need to consider real mastering tools for this process.

This 'professional 3D mix' you spoke of comes from the beginning of the recording. Its not something that can be added later on. Its all about technique and experience from the start.

You certainly can run your stereo tracks back through analog devices and they will certainly be affected by this process. And like your attempts with the Eureka, it may not be all you bargained for or dreamed of.

Like I said. For your budget I'd be looking at serious emulations of a bunch of high-end stuff and find that piece you're missing. UAD card.

Davedog, post: 372333 wrote: You really didnt say what computer you're running. My guess is you'll find more than adequate compressors in a UA card.

For a grand, there are some very nice compressors, but are you sure thats what you're looking for?

It seems you're asking for things you've only 'heard' about through sites like this....... ;-}

Its all people talk about these days....."I need some of that analog 'warmth'....."

Digital recordings simply reproduce what you put in at the beginning. So you record with a scratchy, high noisefloor source and thats what you get....Perfectly reproduced.

If you are looking for something at mastering, then you need to consider real mastering tools for this process.

This 'professional 3D mix' you spoke of comes from the beginning of the recording. Its not something that can be added later on. Its all about technique and experience from the start.

You certainly can run your stereo tracks back through analog devices and they will certainly be affected by this process. And like your attempts with the Eureka, it may not be all you bargained for or dreamed of.

Like I said. For your budget I'd be looking at serious emulations of a bunch of high-end stuff and find that piece you're missing. UAD card.

The UAD card is an option, of course. They are, IMO, the best emulations out there and will most definitely get you closer to the desired results for less money.

Still, there's something about getting your fingers on knobs attached to a piece analog gear that actually adds something musical. I certainly think he can only benefit from the experience. The chameleon labs bus compressor, for example, is a great start and something that might be useful to him for many years to come (and it's only $555).

I just don't see why not.

Cheers :)