McDSP Project Studio (LE) vs McDSP Regular

[jdjustice]

When people on this forum mention the CompressorBank being so wonderful, are they generally talking about the full version ($450) or the LE version ($130)??

This may essentially be an unanswerable question, sorry...

CompressorBank ($450), not just CompressorBank LE ($130), also runs on PT LE I think.. is there a big difference between the two besides price??


Thanx

[jsvalmont]

Yes, there is a difference. CompressorBank (regular) has 4 plugins, CB1, CB2, CB3, CB4. CompressorBank LE has just one, which is CB4 (the one with all the modeled compressors such as Neve, Manley, LA-2A, Fairchild, etc). You can find out all the info about McDSP's LE versions by going to the "Site Map" part of their website.

[jsvalmont]

Wow, I didn't realize until just now that this question was asked almost 4 months ago... well, if you are still wondering about compressorbank, jdjustice, you have your long awaited answer.

[max cooper]

You can demo all the plugs/ LE and full versions.

I find the native versions are quite useful and could do a mix with them.

They don't have compromised sound quality, the LE versions are usually just one section of the full versions.

Fully upgradeable, too.

The Project bundle is a heck of a deal.

[trent]

Originally Posted by jsvalmont

Yes, there is a difference. CompressorBank (regular) has 4 plugins, CB1, CB2, CB3, CB4. CompressorBank LE has just one, which is CB4 (the one with all the modeled compressors such as Neve, Manley, LA-2A, Fairchild, etc). You can find out all the info about McDSP's LE versions by going to the "Site Map" part of their website.

This is the hardest information to find on their site, and it is clearly the first question most consumers would have. How evasive and sly is that??!! I'm not suprised though, It is embarrasing to admit you have started crippling your own software to make more bucks. McDSP TDM and RTAS LE plug-ins used to be identical in functionality, apart from the obvious format differences.

Let's see how long it takes for McDSP to start a WUP-style policy...

[jsvalmont]

I highly doubt they will go to an Update Plan system. I think McDsp is a great company, and one of those reasons is that they don't charge AT ALL for upgrades. All of their software can be updated for free by anybody who has the license! I absolutely love that kind of policy... one that is a rarity these days. And I really hope that policy continues indefinitely.

While I do agree that McDsp has the LE vs. Full Verson info a little too difficult to find on their website, I don't have any problem at all that they offer the LE versions. I think that it is a great way for them to appeal to a larger audience, and get out there for the people who want the quality of McDsp but don't have the $ for the full versions. Then when that person's needs change, they will be able to upgrade accordingly. Its called good marketing.

[jdjustice]

Originally Posted by jsvalmont

Wow, I didn't realize until just now that this question was asked almost 4 months ago... well, if you are still wondering about compressorbank, jdjustice, you have your long awaited answer.

thanks for the reply... i am amazed no one answered this one back when i posted it originally!

Originally Posted by max cooper

You can demo all the plugs/ LE and full versions.

I find the native versions are quite useful and could do a mix with them.

They don't have compromised sound quality, the LE versions are usually just one section of the full versions.

Fully upgradeable, too.

The Project bundle is a heck of a deal.

i agree, although when i demoed the full versions i realized that the full versions were much more flexible and powerful IMO.
no sound quality difference though, which is a good thing definitely!!

.....

i just recently was able to demo Channel G for the first time since they now have a Native version. i was quite impressed with parts of it, specifically the dynamics processing.

most pleasant about McDSP is that they give you great customer service and in my experience respond to emails and inquiries quite quickly. this is a special thing.

oh, and the ML4000 mastering limiter is quite good as well, especially the non-multiband version (M1). i don't know if it will take the place of my Sony Oxford limiter, but it deserves consideration if one is looking to get a great look-ahead limiter.



cheers and thanks for the replies!
~j.d.

[Jesse Skeens]

Originally Posted by trent

This is the hardest information to find on their site, and it is clearly the first question most consumers would have. How evasive and sly is that??!! I'm not suprised though, It is embarrasing to admit you have started crippling your own software to make more bucks. McDSP TDM and RTAS LE plug-ins used to be identical in functionality, apart from the obvious format differences.

Let's see how long it takes for McDSP to start a WUP-style policy...

You're confused. The "full" versions of Native RTAS and TDM are the same. The "LE" versions are Native only and have a lot of the features disabled from the full ones.

So if you are a Native pro tools user you can have either. They should probably not use "LE" as an desciptor for that set of plugins as it is somewhat misleading.

[aussie_techie]

LE versions are to limited. now they sell native only versions just get the Classic pack native and call it a day

[Dopamine]

I know this is an old thread... but just to clarify:

When people say they love the McDSP FilterBank, is this the same plug as in the LE version included in the original Project Pack?

[Stiff]

FilterBank (and CompressorBank) are weird in that they actually include several plug-ins. The LE version (not to be confused with the Native version which also runs on Pro Tools LE) simply includes less of these plug-ins. Those it includes are just the same as the full FilterBank version.

FilterBank is available in Classic Pack, FilterBank LE in Project Studio.

[AnonJack]

I just went and purchased my own Emerald pack after using their stuff for a few years on other rigs...great purchase!

[Dopamine]

So you think the Project Pack for $300 is good? I'm considerig that or the full Fitlerbank Native for about the same price?

I mean can the limiter compare to the L2? Is the convolution verb on par with TL Space? Is the Analog Channel as good as Phoenix?

I hear the GRT sim and synth suck.

[Benmrx]

Originally Posted by Dopamine

So you think the Project Pack for $300 is good? I'm considerig that or the full Fitlerbank Native for about the same price?

I mean can the limiter compare to the L2? Is the convolution verb on par with TL Space? Is the Analog Channel as good as Phoenix?

I hear the GRT sim and synth suck.

Project pack is $280 at Sweetwater FWIW. Full version of AC1+AC2 is awsome. Couldn't live without it at this point. LE version of AC is worthless IMO. FilterBank LE is pretty limited IMO, full version is good, but not amazing...again, just my opinion. Full version of Compressor bank is pretty good, but IMO it's best "version" is CB4 which is the one included in the project pack.

Never used their Limiter or Reverb.

I'm pretty close to purchasing the project bundle strictly for the CB4 plug.

[Dopamine]

I just spent a bit more and ended up getting the Waves SSL Native.

[Benmrx]

Originally Posted by Dopamine

I just spent a bit more and ended up getting the Waves SSL Native.

I'll be quite surprised if you regret it. That was my first (and only) plugin bundle.

[Dopamine]

Awesome!!!