Better dynamics tools - UAD plug ins or SSL DUENDE?

[Serra]

Hello all.

I have Duende, it has a few compressor products (BUS, X-Comp, Channel etc) which sound great. I had already thought about complementing with outboard gear (compressors, pre-amps, EQs) for summing etc but changed my mind since I figured other things have a bigger impact on the mix (sound source, avoiding DA/AD conversions, avoiding resamplings etc). So far I have been ITB and happy. The question is, once having the DUENDE, is it IMPORTANT to complement with the UAD plug ins? Or would these be an UNECESSARY LUXURY for a Duende user??? I would appreciate feedback from those who have tried both.

[Never1]

We've got both here on the HD system and they are both worth having. The Duende kills in terms of EQ and the drum strip is worth every penny. I was a bit underwhlemed by the buss comp, though.

I love the UAD for dynamics. the 33609 model is stunning as are most of the UAD plugs.

I'd have to say you can't go wrong with jumping for a UAD-1 card. Try the demos and buy only the plugs that compliment the duende and not the ones that get you similar results.

I love mixing and matching channel strips in a session between 88rs and the Duende stuff. One is more aggressive and the other is a bit more sparkly and smooth.

[Serra]

Thanks Never.

Have you tried the X-comp? would you add this plug to your Duende or save the money for different options from UAD?

Are there particular UAD plugs you think might overlap with the Duende?

[manthe]

i have both as well. 4 UAD-1 cards, almost every plug and a Duende classic WITh every plug.

i was underwhelmed by the Bus comp at first too. In fact, i ignored it for close to 6 or 8 months. Now, i can hardly get out of bed in the morning without it. Seriously. It actually just works differently than most other compressors I was ever used to (hardware and software). Once I read up on in A LOT, went through a few of the tutorials and read some other tech stuff on the hardware version, I started to get it.

Trust me, I'm not saying anything at all about the poster who did not like it. He may well have been familiar with the strange nuances of this comp and just did not care for it. but, for me, once I got, it has become one of the most important mix tools in my arsenal. i was, by no means, new to compression or compressors.

Also, the X series stuff is absolutely unbelievable. Not only are the most intelligently engineered pieces I've ever used, the sound is pure quality and can be pushed into reql vibe. It is on par, or even may exceed in some areas the CS and Bus Comp.

I also agree that Drumstrip is in a class of its own. It is a completely different tool than the SPL TD. I can't even get them to make the same sounds on a given track. In fact, they could compliment each other easily. But, Drumstips goes about 10 layers deeper on functionality. It is also the strangest 'EQ' I've ever used. It is tailored JUST for drums and operates ina unique way.

I love my UAD-1 stuff, but if I had to choose, right now I'd sacrifice the huge diversity offered by UAD-1 for the pure quality offered by SSL.

[Never1]

Hey Manthe, would you care to elaborate on what you discovered about the buss comp... as I think we experienced the same thing and I just never gave it a chance. I never really researched it, but FWI, I had a chance to demo the Waves version and liked it better and never found that the ssl version gave me the same colour/mojo.

What's the trick?

[manthe]

Originally Posted by Never1

Hey Manthe, would you care to elaborate on what you discovered about the buss comp... as I think we experienced the same thing and I just never gave it a chance. I never really researched it, but FWI, I had a chance to demo the Waves version and liked it better and never found that the ssl version gave me the same colour/mojo.

What's the trick?

Unfortunately, I don't think it is a magic bullet thing. I wish I could give you the 1 thing that revolutionized it for me, but it was a series of tings.

First and foremost, the knee curves on this comp are fixed. I was not aware that at 2:1 it is always soft and at 4:1 and 20:1 it is hard. This made a HUGE difference in how I used it. Not only is it soft knee, it is EXTREMELY soft knee, meaning even the lowest level signals are effected. This makes a very big impact on where and what I use it on...In other words, perhaps contrary to 'conventional wisdom' using 2:1 on the 2bus is not anything I'd recommend. It just sucks the life out of a mix.

Secondly, it seems to react to threshold differently than most compressors that I've used. Not only in when and by how much it compresses, but, especially on drums, it somehow seems t make it react differently to different frequencies...even at the same input volumes.. This might just be a 'nuance' of the 9000 series bus comp.

It sounds cliche, but after reading articles and tutorials, I felt more empowered to experiment and I started finding out that this compressor is actually quite amazing. I've also found that, unlike a lot of plugin comps, it does not seem to have any effect on the depth or stereo image of program material.

I'm on my way out the door right now, but perhaps I can elaborate a little more tomorrow, if you like...

[Resonant Alien]

well, i voted but......this is kind of like posing the question: "Better fruit - apples or oranges?" Totally different sounds, totally different tools. Not to mention that UAD dynamics cover several areas from LA2A to 1176 to Neve, whilst SSL covers one area: SSL. I don't get the point.

[Never1]

Originally Posted by manthe

Unfortunately, I don't think it is a magic bullet thing. I wish I could give you the 1 thing that revolutionized it for me, but it was a series of tings.

First and foremost, the knee curves on this comp are fixed. I was not aware that at 2:1 it is always soft and at 4:1 and 20:1 it is hard. This made a HUGE difference in how I used it. Not only is it soft knee, it is EXTREMELY soft knee, meaning even the lowest level signals are effected. This makes a very big impact on where and what I use it on...In other words, perhaps contrary to 'conventional wisdom' using 2:1 on the 2bus is not anything I'd recommend. It just sucks the life out of a mix.

Secondly, it seems to react to threshold differently than most compressors that I've used. Not only in when and by how much it compresses, but, especially on drums, it somehow seems t make it react differently to different frequencies...even at the same input volumes.. This might just be a 'nuance' of the 9000 series bus comp.

It sounds cliche, but after reading articles and tutorials, I felt more empowered to experiment and I started finding out that this compressor is actually quite amazing. I've also found that, unlike a lot of plugin comps, it does not seem to have any effect on the depth or stereo image of program material.

I'm on my way out the door right now, but perhaps I can elaborate a little more tomorrow, if you like...

Oddly enough I kinda figured that the knees were fixed and that something was definitely up with the 2:1 ratio. I noticed that at this setting, everything got hit by the comp wich was odd. A definite no-no for the 2-buss in most cases.

I'll have to start messing with it.

[B-San]

Is the 2:1 ratio better suited for parallel compression on a drum buss perhaps?

[SoniA]

I have Waves SSL, Waves API, Waves V series and all UAD plugs... For my music I choose over all UAD. I have give my last mix with only UAD plugs and simulating a consolle with Neve RS88 at the end of every buss group and it sounds awesome. Now I think to sell my too expensive Waves. ù
UAD give more caracter, deep and dynamic sound.
NB. The Waves V series is ridiculous compared to UAD.


Sonia