Thermionic Culture Vulture on insert

[Red Mastering]

Hello gents,

I must admit that CV on insert (during mix or master) doesn't work for me
I tried many times, tweaking freakin' knobs,.....didn't like the results
it was always too obvious and too much,
plus one thing which really makes me unhappy, a level
when I switch to bypass, signal is always louder,
I need to add I am after subtle coloration, not a crunch!
so let's say input level about 6-7, normal mode,
bias around 6-7, (0.25-0.27 mA)
TRIODE mode
and output around 8
if I want have a really subtle, transparent almost sound,
I can have it with this setup, but then bypassing unit I have output about 4-6dB louder of dry signal then wet....
of course I can add INPUT, but this means more TUBE, and transparency farewell
I can add output, but same thing (more tube distortion)
obviously bias adds character too,

So after many trials I decided that Culture Vulture isn't a good idea on master or 2nd buss as an insert at all
I use it extensively but only as a send, so I mix wet and dry for my likeing

any others with ideas ????

[tribeofenki]

I'm with you here, more appeal as send - with mix knob under your fingers - it is a love/hate bipolar thing between this beast and your signal.

Try to put it as the last effect, after a chain that aims at a cleaner, broader - should I say underpowered - signal THAN feed the beast and fully enjoy its distortion features.

[Roc Mixwell]

Maybe? I have a hard time there as well, becasue it is not a subtle effect, and the device is wildly varying from channel to channel. It is not "stereo" but rather 2 channels. It is a device that is meant to operate tubes incorrectly. That is its purpose, and while you can find subtle harmonic enhancement, it is not easy to set for stereo material. In fact, it is not easy to set for distorting signals, let alone caressing them.

Originally Posted by tresperros

I need to add I am after subtle coloration, not a crunch!

Maybe there are some other devices around that might be better for this request.

[Red Mastering]

Originally Posted by Roc Mixwell

......it is not a subtle effect, and the device is wildly varying from channel to channel. It is not "stereo" but rather 2 channels.....[/IMG]

absolutely agreed on this statement
setting CV in stereo is very tricky
but it shines when you track through it !

[Red Mastering]

any more users ??
come on ...

[Paul_G]

Mixing at the moment and I have been bussing just the top end through the C.V. into a fatso and the combo seems to work great to warm the digital highs.
Other than that I use it for tracking and for overdriving signals to springs and plates etc.