Maselec MLA-3 any comments from users?

[NoEgo]

Nobody know?

[Cellotron]

The only person I know using one of these is Paul Gold at Salt Mastering. I believe his currently very busy session schedule is keeping him from commenting. He mentioned in conversation to me when he first started working with it that he definitely liked the MLA-3 - but he didn't go into details about it with me.

Otherwise - there's not many of these units out there so it's not likely you'll get lots of reviews at this point. Personally I feel trusting reviews of gear on forum sites like this is one of the worst possible ways of judging what gear is best for you - instead you really need to find a dealer that will allow you to demo it for yourself in your own room prior to purchase.

Best regards,
Steve Berson

[dcollins]

I thought it sounded great. Versatile to the point of confusion, when you consider all the various combinations.

Will probably get one at some point, but I hate buying gear, and have enough as it is.


DC

[Ben F]

I really liked it, the ergonomics are pretty much perfect for a multi-band. Very transparent way of knocking things into shape. Bit pricey here in AUS, I'll stick with using the Tube Tech or Weiss DS-1 for now.

[mrlouie]

Originally Posted by NoEgo

Hi there,
I see there was an older thread on this in Jun 09 but nothing really updated as to what people who are using it on an ongoing basis think of the unit.

Thanks
Lou

I have one, I'm not the best person to talk about compression because I hardly ever use it. I don't use a compressor to try n get level or to run a mix thru it because you're suppose to compress in mastering, for me once you put a compressor on a mix the balances start to change and thats something I dont wanna do.

Now that being said, I like the MLA-3 when i do need to use a comp, first off signal sounds really good going thru it, I like it being an analogue multi band instead of dig and the metering is very accurate. I tend to think of it more as an EQ for big problems, like the hihat/cymbals are waay too much for basic EQ to solve so with MLA-3 i can just go into High and knock it back a little, smooth it out lettting everything else go thru.

I had this overseas indie metal project that was a mess, really flat, weak, so I was able to get it to drive alot harder by stepping on the Mid section but keep the punch of the low end with a lighter setting. For that project I could't have gotten the results I did with a single band comp.

I like how the MLA-3 sounds in single band mode better then my MLA-2 most of the time when I A/B them.

Hmmm ..thats about it, like I said out of all my projects I use a comp about 5% of the time at most, but I'm glad it's sitting there behind me when I need it.

Try to get one to demo, there's alot this thing can do but I only use it very basic.

Oh the only downside is all the damn knobs you have to write down for notes.

louie

[Paul Gold]

I got one a few months ago. I love it. It sounds very good in full band mode but I never use it that way. I use it mostly as a stunt compressor. I love the way the high band acts like a conventional compressor compared to the MDS2. It can grab percussive material differently and in most cases more transparently. It doesn't touch the MDS2 as a desser. I haven't found any uses for the linked side chains. Maybe the light bulb will go off one day.

I have the MLA2 and I use it more often. I have a couple ways to use it that I like which the MLA3 doesn't do as well. The MLA2 is better at knocking a vocal back a couple of dB.

[Paul Gold]

Originally Posted by dcollins

but I hate buying gear, and have enough as it is.

The only reason I bought it was that I had the wrong kind of paypal account. I could only withdraw a certain amount of money per month. I had a bunch of money I couldn't get out. Studio Consultants called to offer me a demo unit. "Do you take paypal". Sold. I now take credit cards.

[NoEgo]

Gentlemen thank you all for your comments...It is a special piece granted. I have been told the gain is one of the biggest beauties of the beast, and the polished sound.

I had a hankering for it or the TubeTech Multi. Colour I know but I love what Al Schmitt does with it. Love the Shelby Lynne project "Just A Little Lovin"
Anyone hear that piece of music?. ..Then again...thats in the mix...I wonder what Al's mixes sound like when the mastering house receives them... I am not a mastering engineer and certainly do not claim to be one. I was just looking for a way to bring up the mixes for those who need without actually becoming an ME. I believe one should leave the real deal still to the pros. Maintain the original mix as well. When the time comes to send it away. Doesn't hurt to have a bit of a plus on them for people to hear if needed.

Again my humble thanks.



Cheers.
Lou .

[Table Of Tone]

Originally Posted by dcollins

I thought it sounded great. Versatile to the point of confusion, when you consider all the various combinations.

Will probably get one at some point, but I hate buying gear, and have enough as it is.


DC

I know exactly where you are coming from!
I won't keep anything lying around that I don't use!

If I got an MLA-3, I'd have to get rid of my MLA-2, which I really like for clean gain.

I'm always pretty gentle with regards to compression.

[Paul Gold]

Originally Posted by Table Of Tone

If I got an MLA-3, I'd have to get rid of my MLA-2, which I really like for clean gain.

I almost always use compressors with no makeup gain. I wouldn't be surprised if the output amplifiers were the same in both. I doubt he would use the VCA's for gain. They go downhill fast when not in gain reduction. You wouldn't get rid of the MLA2.

I did a session last night and I used the MLA3 only for most of it. I think I put in a band of EQ on two tracks. It was a good recording. Selective compression was the most unobtrusive way to tie it together. I could have skinned the cat another way but I was very happy with the results.

[NoEgo]

Originally Posted by Paul Gold

I almost always use compressors with no makeup gain. I wouldn't be surprised if the output amplifiers were the same in both. I doubt he would use the VCA's for gain. They go downhill fast when not in gain reduction. You wouldn't get rid of the MLA2.

I did a session last night and I used the MLA3 only for most of it. I think I put in a band of EQ on two tracks. It was a good recording. Selective compression was the most unobtrusive way to tie it together. I could have skinned the cat another way but I was very happy with the results.

To me ...and I am brand new too MB compression except for PeakXT Pro...which I never liked the sonics of...but to me ...when loudness increases not all frequencies take to it the same...
so....it makes sense that this approach would be the solution, not full bandwidth and not steadily like an eq would offer as a solution, otherwise a lower volumes the mix would render unbalanced sonically speaking. That coupled with a clean path and a clean gain structure should yield great results.