What are some cool plug-ins people are diggin' lately?
I just started using the Tape Head plug-in by Steve Massey. So far I've only used it on drums, but I really like the result. It thickens them up a little and gives me just a little bit of drive. Anyone else tried it?
I'm a huge fan of the McDSP processors, especially the AC1. The Reel Tape suite that's on the way is going to be really good, I got a chance to take it for a test drive at NAMM. Usually these type of processors, when driven hard enough, start to act like compressors. But this suite didn't do that at all - it gives you all the analog drive with no dynamic compression applied.
Digidesign's also got Structure around the corner, which is a really powerful but really simple to use software sampler. If you haven't downloaded the beta version from the Digi website, check it out and take it for a ride.
And for pitch correction, I'm a recent Melodyne convert. For the most part I've left Auto-Tune in the past. Watch the videos on the Melodyne website to see what makes it so cool athttp://www.celemony.com.
I just realized that I got a free copy of TL Space with PT LE and have been downloading IRs like crazy. Finally I can stop using the old Digirack standby.
Andy, I second that emotion on McDSP. I caught them at AES and am currently hounding my boss to get the emerald pack. That ML4000 is sweeeeeeeet.
And you know, I had to buy TL Space in full for my HD rig. Bummer! When I was looking into a solid convolution reverb for my recent spike in 5.1 audio-post gigs, it came down to TL Space vs. Altiverb. It was a tough decision, but TL Space won the fight - mainly because of the tight integration with PT, easy to use interface, and the great discount I get. But now that digidesign aquired Trillium Lane Labs and took over TL Space, it's almost like they've stopped production completely. Meanwhile, Altiverb is releasing new IR's all the time for free, they have a much more extensive library (stock, that is), and the interface gives you some great visuals. I almost wish I had gone with it instead...
Steve, what sources have you found for TL Space compatible impulse responses? Share the joy!
Another McDSP fan here. I have the Emerald Pack myself and I agree with Steve that the ML4000 is a fantastic plug-in.
I have been demoing the Reel Tape Suite and so far I am a big fan of the Reel Tape Saturation. It behaves quite differently from the McDSP Analog Channel; it does its own thing and what it does is really impressive. It's on my to-buy list now.
Regarding Structure, I have been putting it through its paces, and I think when it comes out it will be the first sampler I will buy. I was especially impressed with Digi's decision to partner with East-West and release a limited sample library from them along with Structure. East-West, in my opinion, makes some great sounding tools.
Newer plug-ins on my list: Waves' L3-16 and MaxxVolume have recently been released separately.
The L3-16 to me is the most transparent limiter I have ever used and competes nicely with my other favourite limiters, the Massey L2007, McDSP ML4000, and Sony (now Sonnox) Oxford.
Of course a limiter is a tool and can be used to desroy your mix or improve it. I use with caution.
Waves' MaxxVolume is something I didn't get at first; I didn't really understand what its purpose was. However, after trying it on electric bass I realized there are a ton of potential applications for this thing. I need more time with it, but alas my demo is up.
Other standbys for me in the plugin world include:
Sonalksis SV-series compressor which I use for vocals (I set it so it acts as transparently as possible).
Waves SSL bundle (I almost always use the 2buss compressor on the master fader).
EMI/Chandler TG12413 limiter (which I use on just about everything but the master buss).
URS 'A10' and 'N12' graphical eqs (great for quickly discovering problem areas and eliminating them).
SoundToys Native Effects bundle for flitering effects and echo/delay.
IK Multimedia Classik Studio Reverb (my favourite non-convolution reverb).
Massey CT4 compressor and L2007 mastering limiter.
![Substantial [Sacrifice - In Stores Now] 's Picture](http://g.virbcdn.com/cdnImages/crop_90x90/PageImage-54337-1097709.jpg)
jon.d says:
I guess I'll start this off.
What are some cool plug-ins people are diggin' lately?
I just started using the Tape Head plug-in by Steve Massey. So far I've only used it on drums, but I really like the result. It thickens them up a little and gives me just a little bit of drive. Anyone else tried it?
posted Mar 28
Comment replies (4)
Andy says:
Hey Jon - welcome to the group.
I'm a huge fan of the McDSP processors, especially the AC1. The Reel Tape suite that's on the way is going to be really good, I got a chance to take it for a test drive at NAMM. Usually these type of processors, when driven hard enough, start to act like compressors. But this suite didn't do that at all - it gives you all the analog drive with no dynamic compression applied.
Digidesign's also got Structure around the corner, which is a really powerful but really simple to use software sampler. If you haven't downloaded the beta version from the Digi website, check it out and take it for a ride.
And for pitch correction, I'm a recent Melodyne convert. For the most part I've left Auto-Tune in the past. Watch the videos on the Melodyne website to see what makes it so cool athttp://www.celemony.com.
posted Mar 31
Steve says:
I just realized that I got a free copy of TL Space with PT LE and have been downloading IRs like crazy. Finally I can stop using the old Digirack standby.
Andy, I second that emotion on McDSP. I caught them at AES and am currently hounding my boss to get the emerald pack. That ML4000 is sweeeeeeeet.
posted Apr 4
Andy says:
And you know, I had to buy TL Space in full for my HD rig. Bummer! When I was looking into a solid convolution reverb for my recent spike in 5.1 audio-post gigs, it came down to TL Space vs. Altiverb. It was a tough decision, but TL Space won the fight - mainly because of the tight integration with PT, easy to use interface, and the great discount I get. But now that digidesign aquired Trillium Lane Labs and took over TL Space, it's almost like they've stopped production completely. Meanwhile, Altiverb is releasing new IR's all the time for free, they have a much more extensive library (stock, that is), and the interface gives you some great visuals. I almost wish I had gone with it instead...
Steve, what sources have you found for TL Space compatible impulse responses? Share the joy!
posted Apr 6
J.D. Justice says:
Another McDSP fan here. I have the Emerald Pack myself and I agree with Steve that the ML4000 is a fantastic plug-in.
I have been demoing the Reel Tape Suite and so far I am a big fan of the Reel Tape Saturation. It behaves quite differently from the McDSP Analog Channel; it does its own thing and what it does is really impressive. It's on my to-buy list now.
Regarding Structure, I have been putting it through its paces, and I think when it comes out it will be the first sampler I will buy. I was especially impressed with Digi's decision to partner with East-West and release a limited sample library from them along with Structure. East-West, in my opinion, makes some great sounding tools.
Newer plug-ins on my list: Waves' L3-16 and MaxxVolume have recently been released separately.
The L3-16 to me is the most transparent limiter I have ever used and competes nicely with my other favourite limiters, the Massey L2007, McDSP ML4000, and Sony (now Sonnox) Oxford.
Of course a limiter is a tool and can be used to desroy your mix or improve it. I use with caution.
Waves' MaxxVolume is something I didn't get at first; I didn't really understand what its purpose was. However, after trying it on electric bass I realized there are a ton of potential applications for this thing. I need more time with it, but alas my demo is up.
Other standbys for me in the plugin world include:
Sonalksis SV-series compressor which I use for vocals (I set it so it acts as transparently as possible).
Waves SSL bundle (I almost always use the 2buss compressor on the master fader).
EMI/Chandler TG12413 limiter (which I use on just about everything but the master buss).
URS 'A10' and 'N12' graphical eqs (great for quickly discovering problem areas and eliminating them).
SoundToys Native Effects bundle for flitering effects and echo/delay.
IK Multimedia Classik Studio Reverb (my favourite non-convolution reverb).
Massey CT4 compressor and L2007 mastering limiter.
posted Apr 29