API VS SSL VS V-Series of Waves?

gar_lei · 13th February 2008

Hello guys,

I'm planning to get 1 of the Classic bundles and was wondering which one I should get.

I mix Pop, Rock, Orchestration...

And also, I'm looking to get a Saturation plugin to give a little flavor and get everything stick together.

I'm debating between the followings
Masset THC, URS Saturation, Digidesign Reel Tape.

Thanks!

Matt Hepworth · 13th February 2008

SSL is probably the all around safest, IMO. I've seen API on special this month and it sounds killer!

I'd say slightly less versatile than the SSL because it's just a bit more colored.

V-Series is cool, but it doesn't wow me like the "official" UA versions do.

jaffa · 22nd February 2008

I have the API 2500 compressor here at the moment (hardware) and have just downloaded the demo of the Waves plug - sorry but the hardware sounds much tighter in the bass end and overall just sounds....better! I liked the Waves SSL plug, I thought the EQ was sweet and the compressor did the things I wanted it to do to a mix. Overall I'd say the Sonnox plugs have the edge.

Steve

jaffa · 22nd February 2008

I would look at the DUY plugs, I found the 'Tape' to be very useful in smoothing nasty transients. But beware the download and registration procedure, its painful.....

Steve

AMIEL · 22nd February 2008

I like all but SSLwould be more flexible.

jmarkham · 22nd February 2008

The SSL Bundle has more utility ... so if you can only get
one, I would get that. It's also used *alot* in the industry too.

That said, they're all great ... so you have an upgrade path in
the future...

best wishes,
jeff

analogjeff · 22nd February 2008

not at all impressed with the V series...

jmarkham · 22nd February 2008

Quote:

Originally Posted by analogjeff

not at all impressed with the V series...

Really? While they're not quite the same as the hardware, they're
darn close .. the 1084 is dead-on to me.

What don't you like? I've really enjoyed the VEQ4 ...

this is my new fav male vox settings .. precede this with Smack! and
it sounds very cool to me .. lots of Neve grit, warming at the 100
and with the hissy shimmer on the top

jeff

rackdude · 22nd February 2008

I love the V-series, it's much more hyped. Thats comming from someone with not so great converters though, that might effect how easy it is for me to hear the smaller changes, making me like the v-series more as I really need a lot more umph! and reality to my sterile digital sound...

raal · 22nd February 2008

Quote:

Originally Posted by gar_lei

Hello guys,

I'm planning to get 1 of the Classic bundles and was wondering which one I should get.

I mix Pop, Rock, Orchestration...

hard decision. i think all three are very strong. if i had to pick i would probably go with SSL because of the gate/comp per channel. very handy. the gates rock big time. wish they offered a channel strip with G EQs too though.

IMO API and V series bundes are also great. i'd say download demos and see which you like best.

Quote:

Originally Posted by analogjeff

not at all impressed with the V series...

to offer a dfferent point of view i have real 1084s and 1081s. after comparing the 1084s i was impressed. haven't compared the 1081s.

macleodgrant · 22nd February 2008

i have the v-series, they're not silky smooth by any means, they've got attitude but that's why you would use them.

i haven't tried the SSL or API bundles

the URS Channel Strip Pro might be a better & cheaper choice since it includes these emulations! it's a bit of a beast to get the hang of since there are so many options

13th February 2008	#1
gar_lei Gear nut Join Date: Dec 2005 Posts: 118 Thread Starter	API VS SSL VS V-Series of Waves? Hello guys, I'm planning to get 1 of the Classic bundles and was wondering which one I should get. I mix Pop, Rock, Orchestration... And also, I'm looking to get a Saturation plugin to give a little flavor and get everything stick together. I'm debating between the followings Masset THC, URS Saturation, Digidesign Reel Tape. Thanks!

13th February 2008	#2
Matt Hepworth Lives for gear Join Date: May 2003 Location: USA Posts: 1,948	SSL is probably the all around safest, IMO. I've seen API on special this month and it sounds killer! I'd say slightly less versatile than the SSL because it's just a bit more colored. V-Series is cool, but it doesn't wow me like the "official" UA versions do. __________________ Affordable Reamping Service \| Rock, Heavy Rock, and Metal \| ENGL, Mesa, Peavey, Marshall, etc. Email me - matt AT studionu DOT com Here's the 1073PreKey! I can't hear specs.

22nd February 2008	#3
jaffa Gear maniac Join Date: Feb 2006 Posts: 295	API I have the API 2500 compressor here at the moment (hardware) and have just downloaded the demo of the Waves plug - sorry but the hardware sounds much tighter in the bass end and overall just sounds....better! I liked the Waves SSL plug, I thought the EQ was sweet and the compressor did the things I wanted it to do to a mix. Overall I'd say the Sonnox plugs have the edge. Steve

22nd February 2008	#4
jaffa Gear maniac Join Date: Feb 2006 Posts: 295	Also, saturation I would look at the DUY plugs, I found the 'Tape' to be very useful in smoothing nasty transients. But beware the download and registration procedure, its painful..... Steve

22nd February 2008	#6
jmarkham Lives for gear Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: San Francisco Bay Area Posts: 2,237	The SSL Bundle has more utility ... so if you can only get one, I would get that. It's also used alot in the industry too. That said, they're all great ... so you have an upgrade path in the future... best wishes, jeff __________________ Please donate to the American Red Cross Japanese Relief Effort Joe Barresi : Tracking Rock is now available!

22nd February 2008	#5
AMIEL Lives for gear Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: Miami, Fl Posts: 3,595	I like all but SSLwould be more flexible.

22nd February 2008	#7
analogjeff Lives for gear Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Ithaca, NY Posts: 627	not at all impressed with the V series...

22nd February 2008	#9
rackdude Lives for gear Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Orange County, CA or Oberlin, OH Posts: 1,752	I love the V-series, it's much more hyped. Thats comming from someone with not so great converters though, that might effect how easy it is for me to hear the smaller changes, making me like the v-series more as I really need a lot more umph! and reality to my sterile digital sound... __________________ Just having fun!

22nd February 2008	#11
macleodgrant Lives for gear Join Date: May 2007 Location: London Posts: 2,417	i have the v-series, they're not silky smooth by any means, they've got attitude but that's why you would use them. i haven't tried the SSL or API bundles the URS Channel Strip Pro might be a better & cheaper choice since it includes these emulations! it's a bit of a beast to get the hang of since there are so many options

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