A plug that does this???

[Nik]

Hi,

I attended a workshop put on by Terrasonde a few days ago. The day before NAMM in fact.

They were demonstrating the uses of the Studio Toolbox. Very nice piece of gear and certainly very useful as far as daily/weekly maintainance etc.

There is a "mixing" function on the unit. Basically a master curve which one can reference against whils mixing. There are various styles of music loaded in the unit as well as the option to load in your favourite reference tracks.

The unit is useful as far as checking your rellative weight within a mix and also song to song. Helps keep you on the straight and narrow and work towards a datum that you have referenced against.

Also, reads SPL at mix position. BUT.........not at the same time as viewing curve. Pain in the butt to keep switching. Also has phase meter etc.

The downside, for me, was having a large bulky brick in front at mix possition. This with a very small screen!

The size of unit and screen is not an issue when using the unit for analysis etc. Awsome piece of gear!

My question....

Is there anyone producing a high end plug that does the "master curve" funtion I mentioned above?

Something like the digi "phase"
meter which one can insert on the 2-bus..but with curves etc.

The SPL thing would be nice but I guess a radio shack meter still is ok.

Anybody with insight?

I have no problem purchasing the unit from Terrasonde but it seems crazy to have to sit looking at a screen half the size of cigarette pack when you have a 22" monitor in front of you!

Anybody have some thoughts?

Much appreciated!

Nik

[nlc201]

Are you talking about spectrum analyzers? If so, Spectrafoo is a good to check out (I forget who makes it). Also, Waves makes the PAZ which is analyzer, phase meter, stereo PPM, etc.

[Stick]

Spectrafoo is what I use. Made by Metric Halo. Good stuff.

http://www.mhlabs.com/

[DanV]

Inspector could help you.

http://www.elementalaudio.com/produc...tor/index.html

[Tim Halligan]

In terms of spectrum/phase analysis, the DK meters are very good...peak meters with choice of ballistics, a very easily readable "jellyfish" display for phase, and a spectrum analyser with 1024(I think) bands. All in a box about 6" x 4". They are available as stereo, quad, and 8 stem versions. Unfortunately there are no built-in master curves, but it does look way cool with the lights off!

Cheers,
Tim

[Bob Olhsson]

I STRONGLY suggest mixing with your ears and not your eyes. It's the biggest single mistake I see today and probably the biggest culprit when it comes to the dreaded DAW sound.

[Nik]

Thanks everyone. I appreciate your time.

Bob, I quite agree with you with regards to listenning with your ears and not your eyes. Absolutely right.

The idea was to use this more as a "slap in the face", splash of cold water etc.

I often forget to take enough breaks whilst mixing and so a quick glance may serve to to say "What are you nuts!?? - go take a break. Really like a second set of reference monitors.

Also, making sure the overal weighting of a mix falls within parameters.

You get the idea....

Thanks again.

Anymore options?

Keep well,

Nik

[chrisjin]

I've been keeping an eye on this...have no idea if it will have any use though

http://www.serato.com/products/equalizer/

was supposed to be out already, but apparently not...