The quality of Nebula 3 against quality VST's

[sluttypat]

Nebula is a great sounding plugin, but it's a CPU hog, and you need to render your tracks if you want to use it on every channel. I wouldn't use it for basic mixing duties. Also compressors are not its strength.

What it's good for is tape/console emu, some high quality EQs, and some reverbs. But IMHO don't use it as the backbone of your tools.

[beingmf]

Originally Posted by sluttypat

Nebula is a great sounding plugin, but it's a CPU hog, and you need to render your tracks if you want to use it on every channel. I wouldn't use it for basic mixing duties. Also compressors are not its strength.

What it's good for is tape/console emu, some high quality EQs, and some reverbs. But IMHO don't use it as the backbone of your tools.

But what it does for EQ, tape/console emu and reverbs is by far better than 95% of "usual" VST plugins, and only "much better" than the remaining 5%.

Btw. I usually have like 25+ instances of Nebula in every session, with a 1st generation i7, and it's no problem with higher (512 or 1024) buffers. Many Nebula programs require those buffer sizes anyway, so IMO it's rather a latency hog than a CPU hog.

[phas3d]

Like replied above good quality, too much CPU strain. Also the GUI isn't that good either.

[SWAN808]

people find different uses from Nebula but for me its the EQs which really are top notch.

I dont use the consoles because I think the small difference is not worth it for me personally in term of amount of work...but the EQ and a few other special saturation programs are brilliant. There are some new compressors arriving that are uncanny...and some plate reverb programs that are best in class IMO...Good thing is - oncee you have bought Nebula - you can get programs very cheaply...eg the new Rayflex compressor programs for $9...

Best not to look at Nebula 'or' algo plugins - but a mix of both that suits your workflow.

[junior]

Originally Posted by SWAN808

Best not to look at Nebula 'or' algo plugins - but a mix of both that suits your workflow.

Exactly. I love Nebula but I think it's good to have a few select algo plugs in addition to it. Find a few plugs that work for you (compressors, effects, delays, meters, etc) then, when you buy Nebula, stock up on third-party libraries for stuff like EQs, tape, consoles, reverbs, preamps, etc...

For me, I really like the following Nebula libraries:
AITB EQs (all)
CDSM The Globe console
CDSM Q8 444X EQ/filters/console
CDSM TapeBooster
STN NAG Tape
VNXT EMT140

Then, I round things out with a few algo plugs:
IK's Black76, White2A and Fairchild comps
IK's metering suite
Sonalksis' FreeG
Rob Papen's RP-Delay
SFX Machine Pro
add a few of the built-in plugs in Cubase 6.5 and that covers pretty much everything ITB for me.

Really just demo a few things and see what works for you.

[bal5000]

try the free version, and get some free kernels for it.
even tho it has less options, it will probably convince you to buy Nebula3.

[SWAN808]

Originally Posted by junior

Exactly. I love Nebula but I think it's good to have a few select algo plugs in addition to it. Find a few plugs that work for you (compressors, effects, delays, meters, etc) then, when you buy Nebula, stock up on third-party libraries for stuff like EQs, tape, consoles, reverbs, preamps, etc...

For me, I really like the following Nebula libraries:
AITB EQs (all)
CDSM The Globe console
CDSM Q8 444X EQ/filters/console
CDSM TapeBooster
STN NAG Tape
VNXT EMT140

Then, I round things out with a few algo plugs:
IK's Black76, White2A and Fairchild comps
IK's metering suite
Sonalksis' FreeG
Rob Papen's RP-Delay
SFX Machine Pro
add a few of the built-in plugs in Cubase 6.5 and that covers pretty much everything ITB for me.

Really just demo a few things and see what works for you.

thats a good selection

I'd add in some sknote and Valhalla plugins and there should not be much lacking in an arsenal...

[beingmf]

Please don't forget to add the Henry Olonga programs! They're simplified snapshots (so no realtime tweaking possible), BUT the sound is otherwordly! Listen to the Helios, and you won't believe your ears!

In the end, I think there's no really bad Nebula programs available. Maybe some are more or less useful for your mixing style or taste, but I think that each developer has a style and a hardware pool of its own, and each of them does a fantastic job!

Rhythminmind, Cupwise, Room Hunters, everybody released stellar programs so far...

[norbury brook]

Originally Posted by SWAN808

people find different uses from Nebula but for me its the EQs which really are top notch.

I dont use the consoles because I think the small difference is not worth it for me personally in term of amount of work...but the EQ and a few other special saturation programs are brilliant. There are some new compressors arriving that are uncanny...and some plate reverb programs that are best in class IMO...Good thing is - oncee you have bought Nebula - you can get programs very cheaply...eg the new Rayflex compressor programs for $9...

Best not to look at Nebula 'or' algo plugins - but a mix of both that suits your workflow.

Exactly, Eq's are the best I've heard compared to hardware and I'll add the VNXT reverbs are so close to the real thing.

Latency is the issue with nebula,so if I'm working quickly and have to do rough mixes when still working on a project I use other things.When and if the time comes to do 'proper' mix then the buffers go up and out comes Nebula :D

MC


MC

[junior]

Originally Posted by SWAN808

I'd add in some sknote and Valhalla plugins and there should not be much lacking in an arsenal...

Good call! I've yet to try a few of those but hear very good things...

[scalawag]

Latency is the BIG problem. But the sound is HUGE!!!!!!!!
Get some free demo VST plugins from Cdsoundmaster:
CDSoundMaster Software Online
And from Analog in The Box:
AITB - W735 EQ
and AcquaVox:
AcquaVox
This last one is very hard on the CPU.

Those are VST plugins based on the Nebula Acqua technology. It's not Nebula but it's the same amazing sound!

[edva]

I almost fell out of my chair the first time I heard Nebula. It's that "real". That was several years ago. Nothing ITB since has come close, for me, until Slate VTM. I like and use several Slate products, they are all great, but VTM just rocks my world.
That being said, Nebula is a PITA to work with, the GUI does not suit me at all, and there are other strange things about it, for me. YMMV. But, the sound is worth it. That's how good it is. Mostly EQ's and plate reverb. Lots of great "3rd party" programs available, as others have said.

[kobuk]

I would go to the acustica audio forum and look around at the 3rd party developer area. acustica forum

There have been some impressive new compressor programs that have been recently released by CDSoundmaster and Cupwise so I think Nebula has finally caught up in that area.

I have an i7 laptop and have no problem running 20+ instances along with algo plugs. I think cpu is hovering around 15% using Reaper. I batch render the tape and console programs and then load up the buss console progs, eqs and verbs.

Price wise Nebula is prett y cheap since most 3rd party programs are very inexpensive and there are some really good free ones. The GUI isn't stellar but you don't need to do a lot. With most programs you set the input and output and have a couple of faders for setting frequencies or attack and ratio etc. I think people exaggerate how difficult it is to use. I also don't think you need to see it as Nebula vs. VST as stated above.

[Yummerz]

Echoing everyone else here, I agree it's best for EQs, reverbs, consoles, and tube/tape/transformer harmonic distortion.

I use a few good algo comps likes Waves CLA, Softube CL1b, and Abbey Road RS124, since they sound good and are tweakable. Still, I plan on getting a few Nebula comps for the character - Rhythminmind's Blue Stripe and Big Drawmer programs sound great. Ditto AlexB's 4k buss comp.

The problem with Nebula comps, though, is that they're too slow to do much transient shaping or limiting. You may be well off with a good all-purpose algo comp like the Fabfilter Pro C, followed by slower Nebula character pieces.

The Glue is versatile and excellent, although it has a bit of a 'facelift', 'saran wrapped' sound. Sounds shiny and packaged, like a CD fresh out of its plastic. Check out post 20 here:

AlexB - 4KD PRO : Dynamics Collection

OldTimer is also versatile and excellent, and I really like the compression action, though it can have a bit of a 'flat', '2d,' 'fuzzy' digital saturation sound. That sounds negative, but can be really helpful for bringing things forward in a mix.

The key is to download lots of demos and see what you like for yourself. What sounds good to me may not sound good to you. There are some 3rd party demos you can use with NebulaFree.

Finally, getting an iLok is an unattractive prospect, but for me it was ultimately worth it - that way you have access to Waves, Softube, Slate Digital and Abbey Road demos, as well as stuff like UBK-1, which is pretty cool.

[junior]

Originally Posted by Yummerz

The problem with Nebula comps, though, is that they're too slow to do much transient shaping or limiting.

Not sure if you've already seen the thread on the Rayphlex, but you may want to have a look: http://www.gearslutz.com/board/new-p...-programs.html

Between it and CDSM's 'The Drum Compressor', it looks like some third-party devs are doing some really good work in this regard.

[Yummerz]

Huh, no, interesting...and I used to have a 661, too, which I rather liked...

Originally Posted by junior

Not sure if you've already seen the thread on the Rayphlex, but you may want to have a look: http://www.gearslutz.com/board/new-p...-programs.html

Between it and CDSM's 'The Drum Compressor', it looks like some third-party devs are doing some really good work in this regard.

EDIT: Listened to the audio demos on the cupwise site. Sounds killer on master buss!

[chk23]

Originally Posted by beingmf

But what it does for EQ, tape/console emu and reverbs is by far better than 95% of "usual" VST plugins, and only "much better" than the remaining 5%.

That's a strong statement. I don't find the tape simulations better (and least of all "much better") than VTM for example. Or the consoles as VCC.
It's a very good coloration plug in but as it's based on IR response files mainly, it lacks the flexibility and parameters of a "usual" plugin and therefore it's imho a very good option for special flavor but no substitute for the basic standard set of plugs. Wouldn't even know how to use it for surgical EQ for example.

[Jpchartrand]

I'm still confused about Nebula...Not sure I'm ready to shed out all this money for something that doesn't do better than Waves/Softube plug ins...

[nigel saunders]

Originally Posted by Jpchartrand

I'm still confused about Nebula...Not sure I'm ready to shed out all this money for something that doesn't do better than Waves/Softube plug ins...

I have or have used most plug ins.
Nebula is much better than most and sounds like good hardware - harmonics, depth etc.
It is clunky to use for most people but it is still worth having just as a really expensive hardware eq would be worth having if just to put on the whole mix.

Get Nebula Pro with some of the good 3rd party programs - you wont regret it.

[Jpchartrand]

Originally Posted by nigel saunders

I have or have used most plug ins.
Nebula is much better than most and sounds like good hardware - harmonics, depth etc.
It is clunky to use for most people but it is still worth having just as a really expensive hardware eq would be worth having if just to put on the whole mix.

Get Nebula Pro with some of the good 3rd party programs - you wont regret it.

Argggghhh you're gonna cost me a lot of money! :-P

[junior]

Originally Posted by Jpchartrand

Argggghhh you're gonna cost me a lot of money! :-P

Hahaha... but, I guess it's all subjective... When you factor in how inexpensive most of the third party libraries are, isn't Neb much cheaper in the long run than buying UAD/Waves/Softube/etc?

[chk23]

Originally Posted by junior

Hahaha... but, I guess it's all subjective... When you factor in how inexpensive most of the third party libraries are, isn't Neb much cheaper in the long run than buying UAD/Waves/Softube/etc?

But as there are some things you can't do with nebula you'll need a set of standard go-to plugins anyway...

[junior]

Originally Posted by chk23

But as there are some things you can't do with nebula you'll need a set of standard go-to plugins anyway...

Yes, that's what I said earlier in this thread (post #6)...

My point was that (if you choose carefully) you don't have to break the bank to get really good results with a mixture of Neb and algo plugs...

[chk23]

Originally Posted by junior

Yes, that's what I said earlier in this thread (post #6)...

My point was that (if you choose carefully) you don't have to break the bank to get really good results with a mixture of Neb and algo plugs...

OK, sorry for the misunderstanding

As for the algo plugs: Look for "free plugins" threads here on GS (like this one), there are some really great plugins for free you can use to build up your standard plugin set.

[Jpchartrand]

Originally Posted by junior

Hahaha... but, I guess it's all subjective... When you factor in how inexpensive most of the third party libraries are, isn't Neb much cheaper in the long run than buying UAD/Waves/Softube/etc?

Ok so tell me...how much am I going to spend to get equipped properly with Nebula 3?

[kobuk]

Acustica is offering a free version of Nebula 3 Pro right now. I'm not sure what restrictions it has but it may help folks dive in without incurring cost.

Nebula 3 Free

Full Nebula Pro is about $179 right now.

Considering 3rd party progs can be as cheap as a few bucks and at most around $100 it's really not that expensive.

[junior]

Originally Posted by Jpchartrand

Ok so tell me...how much am I going to spend to get equipped properly with Nebula 3?

That depends... Nebula 3 Pro is €139.00. Just speaking for myself, I've spent about $170 on Neb libraries (see post #6). If you use chk23's idea of using some good free algo plugs it would make the total investment much less expensive. It's all up to you, though...

[Jpchartrand]

Sold! Im checking out the free version tonight. Thanks!

[Jpchartrand]

Is it me or is there no video on youtube on this plug?