New workflow - It's time to go outboard - Need advice

[scoobs1971]

I'm about to follow the same route as you. Have been mixing EDM/Urban music 100% ITB using UAD-1 plugs with sounds mostly generated ITB (samples, soft synths) and additional guitar and vocals (TLM103 - VT 737 - MOTU 828 chain).

After working on my mixing skills (I'm more producer than engineer) and with carefully selecting the right source material, I still consider my mixes a bit 1 dimensional and lacking low-mid fatness and depth.

Recently I've ordered a UAD2-solo (still in backorder), so I'll be able to use the Fatso and the Studer plugs. However, I'm wondering if digital plugs can fix what I'm missing or that I would also need high end analogue tracking outboard for shaping/distorting individual sounds to give them more mojo. Thermionic Rooster, EL Fatso or Aurora GTQ-2 come to mind. Unfortunately they don't come cheap...

So did you buy that extra outboard and did it make a world of difference compared to ITB solutions like UAD Fatso and Studer? How do UAD Fatso and UBK Fatso compare?

[scoobs1971]

In the last months I've received the UAD Duo, bought the Studer and Fatso plugs and had the opportunity to try and test The Rooster and HEDD. Very nice equipment, but not a big difference to my overall ITB sound. I've also listened to a few summing mixers shootouts, but couldn't hear any big differences there too.
However, since testing Focal CMS65 nearfields I seem to hear more depth and a wider panning in mixes and I also tend to mix 'warmer' and less 'digital' now. Not the conclusion I would quiet expect, but it got me better mixing, lol.
So did you test and buy new analogue gear for this purpose?

[Karloff70]

I'd say, yes, you definitely want a patchbay.

And if I were you I would consider a bunch of (now) cheap outboard too. Plenty good flavours to be had for little money. I would loose the TG and instead get a Radioman compressor off german ebay. This is a guy rebuilding Audio&Design F600 comps and it is wicked and cheap. Then spend the rest on things like e.g. Dynacord DRP15, Korg DRV1000, Midiverb II, some pedals perhaps....all just suggestions, but point being MORE useful flavours for your budget. Remember, each box is also another potential type of saturation/distortion. The Midiverb burns very nicely when abused......

Unless you want the neve'ish pre, you could save by getting a Square state solid state eq or two instead of the Bae too....those things KILL!! Inductor eq's for little cash. FAT bottom, electric sizzling top. Look into a couple of CAPI VP28's with the saved cash.

Just some suggestions......

EDIT: Wooops, fell into the 'old thread' trap......