McDSP Project Studio (LE) vs McDSP Regular

jdjustice · 22nd June 2006

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 · 11th November 2006

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 · 11th November 2006

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 · 11th November 2006

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 · 5th December 2006

Quote:

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 · 5th December 2006

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 · 5th December 2006

Quote:

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!

Quote:

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 · 5th December 2006

Quote:

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 · 6th December 2006

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

Dopamine · 28th October 2008

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 · 28th October 2008

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 · 28th October 2008

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

Dopamine · 28th October 2008

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 · 28th October 2008

Quote:

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 · 28th October 2008

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

Benmrx · 29th October 2008

Quote:

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 · 29th October 2008

Awesome!!!

brianwflood · 16th November 2009

Despite being limited compared to the native version, are the LE version plug-ins themselves useful or not worth it? It would be too bad if the actual ones they picked for LE were not great value to begin with, on top of the LE version already being limited in number of plugins.

The one thing that would really sell it for me are the EQ and compressor plugs. What are peoples opinions of them? Thanks.

Coyoteous · 14th October 2010

Combined posts from another thread:

The purchase has been made for $89 plus a friendly discount. I may upgrade two or three for $69 each: filters, comps, analog channel? Then, I think those can be upgraded to new generation and AU for $29 each. Or, I may just stick and use the current versions in Pro Tools alone.

Not bad for 80 bucks! If you have Pro Tools HD, LE or MP, I say go for it. You get seven ilok assets for a total of nine plug-ins, since there are three EQ's bundled. Those equalizers, the CB4 compressor bank, the amp sim and the peak limiter are all the full plug-ins, just as they come in the other bundles.

The other three are feature limited versions of the associated full plug-ins, and range from excellent for the tape sim to pretty useless in the case of the preset synth. The limited convolution reverb is decent, but has a kind of an odd and non-expandable range of impulse responses. Some are quite good, though.

I think I'll just settle for using these in Pro Tools, although I may update Analog Channel, since I think it's the standout. Next, I want to try to find out if they are going to continue to support the LE versions. If not, that might make this not such a good deal, except as platform from which to upgrade.

Coyoteous · 15th October 2010

Also from the other thread:

Last day, did anyone else get the McDSP Project Studio LE Bundle on the $89 deal?

Adding to the above, I did read that the limiter is missing the mode control from the full version.

So far, I like these. Again, I may upgrade. Lastly, there's not a lot of love for McDSP here recently.

Benmrx · 15th October 2010

Quote:

Originally Posted by Coyoteous

there's not a lot of love for McDSP here recently.

I think they just haven't released anything too great in the past few years. They tried with the 'Retro Bundle'..., but it just wasn't too hot IMO, and was fairly overshadowed by all the Waves and Softube plugs. Plus they've been holding off with the big tease on releasing AU versions and the new '6030 Ultimate Compressor'. I mean... I can understand they're probably holding off until the iLok situation gets under control..., but in the meantime they're just getting left behind. I wonder how big of an impact they'll even have at this point if they released AU versions tomorrow.

FWIW... I still use good ol' AC1 on every single mix. I even bought the HD/TDM version even though I personally only have LE because I wanted to make damn sure that if I'm mixing at a studio with HD that I can bring my iLok and make full of use of it.

I also think that was a pretty screamin' deal for the Project Bundle too. Compressor Bank LE is pretty great IMO. Definately the star of that package.

Coyoteous · 16th October 2010

Thanks for your input. After playing with these, I'm starting to think that I paid $80 for CB4, which is not a bad deal. That seems like the only go-to of the bunch. I may use a few others from time to time, though.

The $89 deal is over on the McDSP site. I'm also starting to think I might be the only one that bought it this time around. Now they're just showing the $69 upgrades, etc. I'll probably at least be doing that for AC.

djanthonyw · 16th October 2010

[cough] AU's [/cough]

0t0b0t · 16th October 2010

Quote:

Originally Posted by Benmrx

They tried with the 'Retro Bundle'..., but it just wasn't too hot IMO, and was fairly overshadowed by all the Waves and Softube plugs.

The Retro Comp and EQ are really great IMO. I have many Softube plugins which are also great (sold my Waves plugs) but the Retro Pack amongst other McDSP plugins still gets used very much.

The Retro Comp is fantastic on vocals..
The EQ is quick and easy to dial in great tone without fussing around with a graph.

But I agree that McDSP are stagnating (6030 release...) and need to get their ish together.. the customer doesn't care about dongle politricks.

Coyoteous · 19th October 2010

Man, I really like this CB4. I suppose it's the precursor of the 6030. I'm still trying to decide about upgrading. Here's part of the deal: you can't upgrade to AU from LE. So, anything that I might want in AU will have to first be upgraded to full/regular/native. Then, it's initially $29 per plug-in from there for AU.

Another dilemma is that I really like the VU style meters. This shows what the new ones will look like: DSPdoctor - There is no image there for CB4, which also looks like it will be superseded by the much more expensive 6030. Oh well, It seems like whenever I find something I really like, it gets changed.

22nd June 2006	#1
jdjustice Lives for gear Joined: Mar 2006 Location: US Posts: 2,361 Thread Starter	McDSP Project Studio (LE) vs McDSP Regular 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 __________________ Justin Justice

28th October 2008	#11
Stiff Lives for gear Joined: Mar 2007 Location: Sweden Posts: 2,794	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. __________________ Daily news & reviews ProToolerBlog.com

14th October 2010	#19
Coyoteous Lives for gear Joined: Aug 2006 Posts: 4,130	McDSP Project Studio for $80, Alex! Combined posts from another thread: The purchase has been made for $89 plus a friendly discount. I may upgrade two or three for $69 each: filters, comps, analog channel? Then, I think those can be upgraded to new generation and AU for $29 each. Or, I may just stick and use the current versions in Pro Tools alone. Not bad for 80 bucks! If you have Pro Tools HD, LE or MP, I say go for it. You get seven ilok assets for a total of nine plug-ins, since there are three EQ's bundled. Those equalizers, the CB4 compressor bank, the amp sim and the peak limiter are all the full plug-ins, just as they come in the other bundles. The other three are feature limited versions of the associated full plug-ins, and range from excellent for the tape sim to pretty useless in the case of the preset synth. The limited convolution reverb is decent, but has a kind of an odd and non-expandable range of impulse responses. Some are quite good, though. I think I'll just settle for using these in Pro Tools, although I may update Analog Channel, since I think it's the standout. Next, I want to try to find out if they are going to continue to support the LE versions. If not, that might make this not such a good deal, except as platform from which to upgrade.

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11th November 2006	#2
jsvalmont Gear nut Joined: Apr 2004 Location: Dallas, Tx Posts: 112	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.

11th November 2006	#4
max cooper Lives for gear Joined: Aug 2004 Location: tx Posts: 8,802	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.

5th December 2006	#6
jsvalmont Gear nut Joined: Apr 2004 Location: Dallas, Tx Posts: 112	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.

6th December 2006	#9
aussie_techie Lives for gear Joined: Jan 2004 Location: Perth, Australia Posts: 2,709	LE versions are to limited. now they sell native only versions just get the Classic pack native and call it a day

28th October 2008	#10
Dopamine Lives for gear Joined: Nov 2002 Location: Los Angeles Posts: 1,912	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?

28th October 2008	#12
AnonJack Gear maniac Joined: Jun 2006 Posts: 201	I just went and purchased my own Emerald pack after using their stuff for a few years on other rigs...great purchase!

29th October 2008	#17
Dopamine Lives for gear Joined: Nov 2002 Location: Los Angeles Posts: 1,912	Awesome!!!

16th November 2009	#18
brianwflood Gear nut Joined: Feb 2009 Posts: 99	Despite being limited compared to the native version, are the LE version plug-ins themselves useful or not worth it? It would be too bad if the actual ones they picked for LE were not great value to begin with, on top of the LE version already being limited in number of plugins. The one thing that would really sell it for me are the EQ and compressor plugs. What are peoples opinions of them? Thanks.

15th October 2010	#20
Coyoteous Lives for gear Joined: Aug 2006 Posts: 4,130	Also from the other thread: Last day, did anyone else get the McDSP Project Studio LE Bundle on the $89 deal? Adding to the above, I did read that the limiter is missing the mode control from the full version. So far, I like these. Again, I may upgrade. Lastly, there's not a lot of love for McDSP here recently.

16th October 2010	#22
Coyoteous Lives for gear Joined: Aug 2006 Posts: 4,130	Thanks for your input. After playing with these, I'm starting to think that I paid $80 for CB4, which is not a bad deal. That seems like the only go-to of the bunch. I may use a few others from time to time, though. The $89 deal is over on the McDSP site. I'm also starting to think I might be the only one that bought it this time around. Now they're just showing the $69 upgrades, etc. I'll probably at least be doing that for AC.

16th October 2010	#23
djanthonyw Lives for gear Joined: Dec 2009 Location: Boston Posts: 3,399	[cough] AU's [/cough]

19th October 2010	#25
Coyoteous Lives for gear Joined: Aug 2006 Posts: 4,130	Man, I really like this CB4. I suppose it's the precursor of the 6030. I'm still trying to decide about upgrading. Here's part of the deal: you can't upgrade to AU from LE. So, anything that I might want in AU will have to first be upgraded to full/regular/native. Then, it's initially $29 per plug-in from there for AU. Another dilemma is that I really like the VU style meters. This shows what the new ones will look like: DSPdoctor - There is no image there for CB4, which also looks like it will be superseded by the much more expensive 6030. Oh well, It seems like whenever I find something I really like, it gets changed.