I've been demoing the SSL and Waves, and thought to shoot them out against Alex B's Modern Logic EQ Nebula library.
"Analog" mode is engaged on the Waves, while I used harmonic distortion with only one Nebula band - the rest were distortion free.
All bands but the "LF" section and low pass filter were used. I copied the "Acc Gtr" preset from the Waves - the Waves presets are very useful.
I kept the in/out gain set flat on all examples, but they're not exactly volume matched. I tried volume matching them with a trim plug, but the dynamic response of each EQ is fairly different as well, so I just left them alone.
Files are 320 kbps mp3s - didn't wanna mess with big .wavs. The differences are still evident.
I've been demoing the SSL and Waves, and thought to shoot them out against Alex B's Modern Logic EQ Nebula library.
"Analog" mode is engaged on the Waves, while I used harmonic distortion with only one Nebula band - the rest were distortion free.
All bands but the "LF" section and low pass filter were used. I copied the "Acc Gtr" preset from the Waves - the Waves presets are very useful.
I kept the in/out gain set flat on all examples, but they're not exactly volume matched. I tried volume matching them with a trim plug, but the dynamic response of each EQ is fairly different as well, so I just left them alone.
Files are 320 kbps mp3s - didn't wanna mess with big .wavs. The differences are still evident.
Anyway... Which do you like best, and why?
I'll reveal and share my opinions later.
Number one, more body and clarity in the sound, btw i´m only listen through my macbook pro speakers
number 1 is bright without being harsh, and retains richness in the mids -- i think this one sounded most balanced.
number 2 is smoother/rounder/richer, definitely the least hyped of the bunch, but perhaps slightly dull -- could be a good choice for a more "natural" sound
number 3 sounds a bit brittle and thin -- least favorite (guessing this is waves)
Yes, I find Sample 1 the best although I still find it a bit too thin... It does seem to be the sample with the most clarity and depth.
Sample 2 does sound a lot less bright but seems also to be lacking something.. I find it has the most body and a more well-rounded natural sound.
I agree that Sample 3 is similar to 1 but seems a little too thin so I do not like this either.
I think that Sample 1 is the best but it still needs more body to be brilliant (perhaps the HPF freq is set too high?)
Nonetheless interesting post... I look forward to the results...
I agree with most comments that the Waves has a solidity to it, but I prefer the delicacy and dimensionality of the Nebula. There's life in it. The Duende was a disappointment to me - somewhat dull, thin.
I dont believe that Waves can sound so transparent as 1, sorry bro I am working with Duende for years and it sounds just like number 1 and Waves always sounds like number 2. Can you post unprocessed file please and preset for Waves and Duende. I would like to see if this is true, thank you.
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this test also may possibly be weighted toward the waves version since it's "acc guitar" preset was what had been used as the reference point for the settings. It's likely that each plug will not make the same exact curve when making an identical 2db boost @ 5k. Perhaps the Nebula simply needs gentler settings and the Duende needs slightly more dramatic settings to achieve a similar level of brightness/balance.
very curious to try Duende on my own now, i still think it had the most natural sound out of the bunch.
this test also may possibly be weighted toward the waves version since it's "acc guitar" preset was what had been used as the reference point for the settings. It's likely that each plug will not make the same exact curve when making an identical 2db boost @ 5k. Perhaps the Nebula simply needs gentler settings and the Duende needs slightly more dramatic settings to achieve a similar level of brightness/balance.
very curious to try Duende on my own now, i still think it had the most natural sound out of the bunch.
I agree. Appreciate the test but not really the best way to test to see which is better. The waves and duende are modelled after 2 different channels, I think. Either which way, 2 channels can have completely different sounds. 1 may take a bigger boost to sound like the next.
I prefer duende tho.
I agree with most comments that the Waves has a solidity to it, but I prefer the delicacy and dimensionality of the Nebula. There's life in it. The Duende was a disappointment to me - somewhat dull, thin.
Matched by settings. This is a weakness of the shootout that I acknowledge - I could have gotten better results by tailoring each file to the strengths and faults of each plugin. But this would introduce its own set of problems.
I think the character of each plug shines through. Waves is solid but has a digitalness to it, Duende is more delicate but more dull, and the Nebula is smooth and 3D, but the settings become more exaggerated and "powerful" - so care is needed.
If Waves sold the SSL as an affordable single I'd get it simply for its ease of use and convenience. As it is I'm sticking with Nebula, since it's cheaper and sounds better to my ears.
I said I would post the original unprocessed file but I've busy writing a paper for school. Will get it up here before too long.
it would be fine having dry example first. Waves SSL is ok when the source is recorded well with a great setup and you need just small corrections to place sound right in the mix.
Nebula SSL by AlexB is completely different story. You can start with almost useless source and Nebula is able to reconstruct the sound internally. You will get the big, colorful and totally natural sound from the crappy source.
Using Waves in the same way results in flat artificial and static sound
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