Which UAD-1 pack?

[Herman Munster]

I'm a newbie to mixing, but realize I need some more decent plugs, especially reverbs. I've got the Waves Renaissance plugs, so I have a decent compressor and EQ. I'll likely get Reverence to use until I save the money, but have been looking at the UAD-1 packs. My question is, if you were a newbie to mixing which would you buy first? Which is most economical? I like the UAD-1 option as I can always add more plugs later as well. Thanks for the help in advance.

[olivia_nb]

Originally Posted by Herman Munster

I'm a newbie to mixing, but realize I need some more decent plugs, especially reverbs. I've got the Waves Renaissance plugs, so I have a decent compressor and EQ. I'll likely get Reverence to use until I save the money, but have been looking at the UAD-1 packs. My question is, if you were a newbie to mixing which would you buy first? Which is most economical? I like the UAD-1 option as I can always add more plugs later as well. Thanks for the help in advance.

If you're looking for reverb you cannot live without the Plate 140!!! seriously, every piece of gear gets trashed by someone here on GS, I haven't seen anyone trash that plug-in yet, truly amazing.
Buy a flexipak or something, add the plate and the 1176 or LA2A, maybe the Cambridge and you have a really great place to start for around $600-700 USD. IMO, the UAD compressors and EQs are a lot more musical than the waves, they fill a different niche, but I can't imagine going back to waves at this point.

[sliver]

I recently got the UAD-1e Extreme... i find myself using the cambridge, precision mb, and the NEVE comps. I'm still playing around with the different devices feeling out what works best with what... Turns out, using "classic modeled" plugs on electronic music works really well. another benefit to this system is that you can add more cards and the plugins will work on all (chained).

The mid option (expertPCIe or flexiPCI) will allow you to get all the plugs and you get a voucher to boot! I recommend going PCIe if you have the slots for it on your mobo.

[Lay in Wait]

My first card was just a project pak with none of the additional plugs. It gave me a taste of the 1176 SE and the Pultec EQ which are pretty dam good. Of coarse it wasnt long until I sprung for a second card and the neves, fairchild, 1176 LN, Pultec Pro, LA2A etc. For just starting out and not spending a ton I reccomend the project pak. You can always buy plugs as needed/wanted and you get a fully functional 14 day demo of every plug in. The plugs are awesome

[HMcKenna]

I think getting a Project Pak and re-mixing old projects with the demos and A/Bing them against your favourites is the most sensible option. However I coudln't help but get the Flexi during their 20% off everything period in March. While they have deals all the time I don't think you could do much better than getting a Flexi (with additional $100 token for buying in June) plus 20% off for buying 3 plugs or more.

So for a $700 card you get $720 worth of UAD plugins. Personally I would leave out Dreamverb, the Mastering Pack (unless you do ITB home mastering) and Roland pack (the delay may be accurate but I have had more fun with free VST delays frankly) and Cambridge EQ (as you already have a decent go to EQ in Waves Ren).

The Helios and Plate are disgustingly good can't say a bad word about them. The 1176 and LA2A get used on every mix I've done, just so very useful. The Neve stuff is amazing but has a definite character that needs to be heard before it's bought.

For the record I'm no vintage gear fiend and have no frame of reference in terms of the UAD plugs accuracy. However I too have only recently started mixing a lot, going from Audient, TLA, Amek, Waves and various free VST EQs and comps and wondering what the fuss over "characterful" EQs and comps was about. Then I got the UAD stuff and understood.

EDIT - Oh and as it's my first post, hello Gearslutz!

[uncle duncan]

Flexi pak seems to be a good deal, since you get a $500 voucher to add more plugs.

[Ashofapheonix]

Flexi pack, Ultrapack, or Extremepack is extremley good deals.

Starting with Flexipack isn't bad, if you can swing it I'd get the Ultrapack. That comes with a lot of the good ones, the only think its really lacking is the Neve Stuff, the new Helios, Roland, and Precision Multiband. I think the only stuff that most peopl are really going to want in their tool box that the Ultrapack lacks is precision and Neve (thats another 800$)

Of course Extreme comes with everything but helios... but I'd rather get three flexipacks for Extremes price and run as more instances. 3 Flexi's could buy you a 1176LN,Cambridge, Fairchild, LA2A, Neve Bundle, Plate 140, Precision EQ. That'll take most people a long way.

[superjc]

I got the basic one, tried the Cambridge EQ demo, best I've ever heard on a PC!!! I'd buy it if I were you.