UAD-1 EQ + Comp for Drum n' Bass

Cantankerous · 11th August 2008, 10:27 AM

Hi. I purchased my UAD-1 way back when they were first released, late 2001 I believe. I used it with the plugins that came with the card for about 18 months before I retired doing music altogether due to changes going on in my life. I am finally after 5 years ready to get back into the swing of things. I have quite a beefy PC with an Audiofire8 interface, Virus Ti Desktop, Novation SL Compact 49 controller as well as a Mackie 1402VLZ Pro with a pair of Audio Technica cans that I have had since days gone by. Everything is hooked up via 1/4" balanced Mogami cables and I am running SX 3.1. The UAD-1 card is once again installed. I have been into Drum n' Bass since early 90's and still am. Here is where the problem lies. In the many years I have been absent LOTS of new plugs have come out for the UAD-1 and I am a bit lost on what would be he most recommended for my musical preferences. Drum n' Bass for the most part is all sample based, though could be a lot more if the producer decides. Being extremely drum heavy I am wanting to know what 1 EQ and what 1 Compressor I should purchase for my UAD-1 Card to bring the best out of my sampled loops. I want to make it clear that I am using sampled loops over the micing of real drums in case that makes a difference on what EQ and compressor I should use. I generally layer 2-3 loops as well as have a misc percussion track with single kick and snare hits to reinforce those of the loops. I understand all EQ are good in general, and different EQ's bring out differences in the recordings, each have their own tonal quality etc, but I am not too into comparing and debating differences between 10 different EQ's and compressors. Since I want to get right into things after my long hiatus I am wondering what would be most recommended for both EQ and Compressor for sampled drum loops to bring them alive and punchy from their stock state. I currenly only have the stock plugs that came with the card with the exception of the Pultec-Pro. Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks in advance, I look forward to hearing ANYTHING anyone has to say on this matter.

phizix · 12th August 2008, 12:32 AM

Hi

Obviously it all depends on what kind of DnB you're in to and what kind of mixes you like, but for me, the best plug-in is the Pultec-pro. Great for getting that nu-skool Pendulum/Sub Focus kind of sound to your drums. Try 100hz on kick and 200hz on snare.

If I were you I would also look into getting a good tape simulator to use on your hits to add a bit of density. I use the Massey tape head but I'm on Mac/Logic, not sure if its available for PC. There are plenty of other options tho, do a search on here.

I don't personally use that much compression on programmed material, other than parallel compression on the drum group for effect. For that I would recommend the VCA VU and I follow that up with another tape simulator.

Hope this helps

Beyersound · 12th August 2008, 12:39 AM

+1 for the Pultec Pro, it is also one of best UAD-1 plugin deals for the money. The 1176LN is great on most drum stuff, snare and toms in particular. The LA-3a is monstrous on kick and bass, especially for big sounding loops. The Neve 1081 EQ is their best strip type eq and it is great, but I prefer Hydratone and it does much, much more for only $159. I can also use as many instances as I want without running out of UAD dsp!

Cantankerous · 12th August 2008, 03:47 AM

Thanks a lot for the replies guys. A lot of what you said has been repeated on the UAD forum where I posted the same question earlier today. I already have the Pultec Pro and the 1176LN which is good. I am going to look into the VU compressor as that was already recommended.

I appreciate it. Anything else, please do share!

Beyersound · 12th August 2008, 04:40 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Cantankerous

Thanks a lot for the replies guys. A lot of what you said has been repeated on the UAD forum where I posted the same question earlier today. I already have the Pultec Pro and the 1176LN which is good. I am going to look into the VU compressor as that was already recommended.

I appreciate it. Anything else, please do share!

Sorry to be picky, but you said you only had the plugs that came with the card and the Pultec Pro. The 1176SE is the one that comes with the card, the 1176LN is a different animal and a much better one at that.

Cantankerous · 12th August 2008, 11:32 AM

Hmmm, let me look into that then. Perhaps I can confused, but I hope not!

Beyersound · 12th August 2008, 11:49 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Cantankerous

Hmmm, let me look into that then. Perhaps I can confused, but I hope not!

Hey, it can be confusing. Different versions of the same device from different vintages. There is a reason the 1176LN costs $149 instead of coming free with the card. The LN is punchier, has more edge when pushed, and even has a different gain structure than the "silverface" SE. Check it out, you will thank yourself later.

Cantankerous · 12th August 2008, 06:28 PM

It appears I do in fact have the 1176LN. I just checked my authorizations page now and it states authorized for all cards. At one point these cards did come with this plug. I bought my card when they first hit the shops, late 2001 I believe. Back then they were distributed through Steinberg I believe. Came with the LA2A, 1176LN as well as the regular Nigel, CS1 etc. I believe my mates card came with the Pultec-Pro at the time too, or shortly after since that is also activated on our system and I know we didn't buy it. Lucky me I guess!

Beyersound · 12th August 2008, 11:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Cantankerous

It appears I do in fact have the 1176LN. I just checked my authorizations page now and it states authorized for all cards. At one point these cards did come with this plug. I bought my card when they first hit the shops, late 2001 I believe. Back then they were distributed through Steinberg I believe. Came with the LA2A, 1176LN as well as the regular Nigel, CS1 etc. I believe my mates card came with the Pultec-Pro at the time too, or shortly after since that is also activated on our system and I know we didn't buy it. Lucky me I guess!

That's a Mackie card. You are a lucky one! I have two of those cards. They should still give you those two plugs with the new ones!!!!!!

Cantankerous · 13th August 2008, 01:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Beyersound

That's a Mackie card. You are a lucky one! I have two of those cards. They should still give you those two plugs with the new ones!!!!!!

I guess you're right. In all honesty, I had no clue they took those out. I thought they were always standard which is why I thought it weird when you mentioned I should buy it as I only have the SE. Regardless, there are still many more that need buying.

Beyersound · 14th August 2008, 04:10 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Cantankerous

I guess you're right. In all honesty, I had no clue they took those out. I thought they were always standard which is why I thought it weird when you mentioned I should buy it as I only have the SE. Regardless, there are still many more that need buying.

Yeah, ever since they stopped distributing them through Mackie, they stopped including the LN and the LA2a. What a shame, those are just about my 2 favorites!

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11th August 2008, 10:27 AM	#1
Cantankerous Gear interested Join Date: Jun 2008 Posts: 22	UAD-1 EQ + Comp for Drum n' Bass Hi. I purchased my UAD-1 way back when they were first released, late 2001 I believe. I used it with the plugins that came with the card for about 18 months before I retired doing music altogether due to changes going on in my life. I am finally after 5 years ready to get back into the swing of things. I have quite a beefy PC with an Audiofire8 interface, Virus Ti Desktop, Novation SL Compact 49 controller as well as a Mackie 1402VLZ Pro with a pair of Audio Technica cans that I have had since days gone by. Everything is hooked up via 1/4" balanced Mogami cables and I am running SX 3.1. The UAD-1 card is once again installed. I have been into Drum n' Bass since early 90's and still am. Here is where the problem lies. In the many years I have been absent LOTS of new plugs have come out for the UAD-1 and I am a bit lost on what would be he most recommended for my musical preferences. Drum n' Bass for the most part is all sample based, though could be a lot more if the producer decides. Being extremely drum heavy I am wanting to know what 1 EQ and what 1 Compressor I should purchase for my UAD-1 Card to bring the best out of my sampled loops. I want to make it clear that I am using sampled loops over the micing of real drums in case that makes a difference on what EQ and compressor I should use. I generally layer 2-3 loops as well as have a misc percussion track with single kick and snare hits to reinforce those of the loops. I understand all EQ are good in general, and different EQ's bring out differences in the recordings, each have their own tonal quality etc, but I am not too into comparing and debating differences between 10 different EQ's and compressors. Since I want to get right into things after my long hiatus I am wondering what would be most recommended for both EQ and Compressor for sampled drum loops to bring them alive and punchy from their stock state. I currenly only have the stock plugs that came with the card with the exception of the Pultec-Pro. Any help would be greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance, I look forward to hearing ANYTHING anyone has to say on this matter.

12th August 2008, 12:32 AM	#2
phizix Gear maniac Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Manchester UK Posts: 264	Hi Obviously it all depends on what kind of DnB you're in to and what kind of mixes you like, but for me, the best plug-in is the Pultec-pro. Great for getting that nu-skool Pendulum/Sub Focus kind of sound to your drums. Try 100hz on kick and 200hz on snare. If I were you I would also look into getting a good tape simulator to use on your hits to add a bit of density. I use the Massey tape head but I'm on Mac/Logic, not sure if its available for PC. There are plenty of other options tho, do a search on here. I don't personally use that much compression on programmed material, other than parallel compression on the drum group for effect. For that I would recommend the VCA VU and I follow that up with another tape simulator. Hope this helps __________________ Music expresses that which cannot be put into words and on which it is impossible to remain silent. Victor Hugo, 1872 If you tell your brain enough facts, you don't have to use your ears anymore Sleestack, GS, 08 Visit me online

12th August 2008, 12:39 AM	#3
Beyersound Lives for gear Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Vegas Posts: 860	+1 for the Pultec Pro, it is also one of best UAD-1 plugin deals for the money. The 1176LN is great on most drum stuff, snare and toms in particular. The LA-3a is monstrous on kick and bass, especially for big sounding loops. The Neve 1081 EQ is their best strip type eq and it is great, but I prefer Hydratone and it does much, much more for only $159. I can also use as many instances as I want without running out of UAD dsp! __________________ Beyersound Protools is great for Corporate America, the rest of us want real choices!!!! ""Musicians should learn...the fundamentals, just like a baseball player. Run, hit, throw. And if you don't know that stuff, you'll never be a major leaguer. It's an old fashioned, cranky way of thinking, but I'm sorry, there's no easy way. You can go on American Idol and scream your head off, but if you can't play an axe, I'm not going to respect you." --Billy Joel www.myspace.com/beyeraudio

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12th August 2008, 03:47 AM	#4
Cantankerous Gear interested Join Date: Jun 2008 Posts: 22	Thanks a lot for the replies guys. A lot of what you said has been repeated on the UAD forum where I posted the same question earlier today. I already have the Pultec Pro and the 1176LN which is good. I am going to look into the VU compressor as that was already recommended. I appreciate it. Anything else, please do share!

12th August 2008, 11:32 AM	#6
Cantankerous Gear interested Join Date: Jun 2008 Posts: 22	Hmmm, let me look into that then. Perhaps I can confused, but I hope not!

12th August 2008, 06:28 PM	#8
Cantankerous Gear interested Join Date: Jun 2008 Posts: 22	It appears I do in fact have the 1176LN. I just checked my authorizations page now and it states authorized for all cards. At one point these cards did come with this plug. I bought my card when they first hit the shops, late 2001 I believe. Back then they were distributed through Steinberg I believe. Came with the LA2A, 1176LN as well as the regular Nigel, CS1 etc. I believe my mates card came with the Pultec-Pro at the time too, or shortly after since that is also activated on our system and I know we didn't buy it. Lucky me I guess!