MusicMan

WA Production: Multibender Lite - Free @ VST Buzz https://vstbuzz.com/deals/free-multibender-lite-by-wa-production/ Note: FREE! "MULTIBENDER LITE (CM)" BY W.A. PRODUCTION IMPORTANT NOTICE FOR M1/ARM MAC USERS: THIS PLUGIN CAN BE USED VIA ROSETTA 2, HOWEVER IT IS NOT YET NATIVELY COMPATIBLE WITH M1 SYSTEMS.

I actually tried to open the demo in Plugin Doctor, but I'd need to activate the full demo or buy it and I've been liking keeping them as 10 minute demos so when I'm ready I can do the full trial. For some reason in Plugin Doctor that trial/activation part works differently to in Cubase (quite possibly intentional on their part!). But I did check it out in Bertrom analyser and the curve in that was pretty basic, just a simple high shelf with the two 361s with one been steeper and also dropping the overall volume down. The 180 rolls off some of the lows as well as boosting the highs. That may change a little depending on what material is passing through it I guess. It does sound nice though. I recreating a somewhat similar curve in Fabfilter ProdQ3 but I didn't quite sound as good. Maybe some saturation would get it closer. Once you start adjusting the dry/wet/comp the curves do get a little more complex and I'd say introduce some harmonics. So recreating on a static EQ or dynamic would require A-B matching which would make it easier to just own the plugin! And Dopamine you literally just turn on, drop the output gain to level match and it's already there, but you can also tweak. Agreed on those IK tapes! I love them, but even Acustica Audio Taupe is lighter on CPU! ? That next day test is funny... sometimes I've been producing stuff and getting right into it late at night only to hear it the next day and not be impressed at all ? Luckily not too often, but I've learnt not to get my hopes up the next morning just in case!

I feel somewhat glad to hear that! I do like the Townhouse for a coloured SSL as well and the native SSL for clean G Comp I like too, so I'm pretty well covered with them. I do have quite a few other G comps as well though just for good measure ? Agreed on Arturia, OL GEMs and BRA. These guys have some great plugins and I'll often reach for something out of them. All 3 are actually quite different in their sound too I'd say. They all sound good, but sonically I'd say they're quite diverese. I think I may have watched that video before, but I'll check it out again. Out of all the LA-3A compressors I tried, the Overloud was my favourite and considering it can do 2A and 3A is a bonus too. I do actually rate the Acustica Audio stuff pretty highly and rabbit hole is a good way to describe that! They can be a CPU monster, but in their updated Erin they have boasted great performance gains. I don't own it and haven't given it a demo yet, but might be promising if it works out to be more efficient without sacrificing on sound quality. https://gearspace.com/board/new-product-alert/1390043-acustica-audio-renews-erin-state-art-mastering-suite-new-modules-hypercomp-tech.html

I own Mixbox and have glossed over that one and barely used Tone Control. The IK website doesn't go into much detail, although you can target specific EQ bands with it. "A classic tube tone control that recreates the tone shaping stage found on the best tube amplifiers. The Tone Control effect can deliver incredible presence and warmth to the sound." It seems very heavy handed, so another one of those plugins where a little goes a long way. I'll have to check this one out a little more too.

I think was the one. I know I grabbed it via Youtube and that video looks similar, although there are heaps more since I last looked before buying Inflator. If you don't have Inflator already, then definitely jump on MWaveShaper. I would say its a good free option. Every time I try itthough, I always end up going with Inflator. Normally I try it when everyone says Inflator is just a wave shaper and the Melda one does the same! Haha.. But the curves, band split option for multiband and just how quick it is to get a better sound makes me glad I purchased Inflator and will always likely use it over the Melda one personally. If you have Native Instruments Reaktor, check out the free Reaktor ensemble I just shared too

Reaktor: Free Maximizer Supposedly a Sonnox Inflator clone and whilst not really to my ears, I was really surprised at how much this thing can be pushed as a limiter/clipper anyway. Completely free and has controls for the clipping part, including Inflator aspect and the limiting section. I was testing BX True Peak over the last few days and on one particular track I tried it on, this goes a lot louder than that before breaking up and distorting the sound.. No compression before it, but BX gets the track to -11 / -10 LUFS whereas this free Reaktor ensemble gets it to -9 / -8 LUFS short term before hitting that same level of breakup. Pretty amazing for a free ensemble. Requires Native Instruments Reaktor. https://www.native-instruments.com/en/reaktor-community/reaktor-user-library/entry/show/9777

Pretty sure that was the one from memory, although in typical Melda fashion there's a few closely related ones! ? I gave it a shot quite a while ago. I do like it too and I did grab a preset that was supposed to match Inflator, but the preset is only trying to match one static setting. When you start tweaking Inflator to taste, it still sounds better than that preset and is easier to dial in for me.

United Plugins: Cryostasis - New Plugin (Introductory discount 76% off - €19 instead of €79) Freeze Time Forever Cryostasis can serve many purposes: Create tape-stop effects, rhythmical effects or creative transitions between song parts. Control the freeze effect by hand, DAW automation or simply set the melt-to-frost time in milliseconds or musical measures and engage the effect by hitting a button. You can use coupon UP9198165 and it will add €10+ to your account to use towards your next purchase with them if you haven't brought from them before https://unitedplugins.com/Cryostasis

I do like that one Not on everything and sometimes I want a cleaner sound if I've already added vibe and saturation in the mix stage, but other times it's just right. I was torn between Bettermaker and True Peak Limiter. Last time I tested it, I found I could get as good results, or better with PSP Xenon, or Pro L2, let alone testing with others. I tested it again and that was still my impression really, so it didn't add anything. I picked up Bettermaker for $11.99 and actually really like it. It will also get more use as I can use it in the mixing, or mastering side. I have other Pultecs that I like, but this is a clean sounding one and the curves are still quite different to other Pultecs I have, but in a really good way. They were pretty much the last ones I'd ever really thought of maybe grabbing.. I've decided True Peak at any cost probably isn't worth it to me. Maybe as a freebie I'd still get it though ?

Thanks! Dopamine does sound good to me. I always need to drop the volume once I turn it on, so that I'm not just getting fooled, by it being louder. They talk about it being like a dynamic EQ of sorts in how it works. Do you find that you can get similar results with other EQ options you might have? That's the only thing I still need to try. Checking it isn't overcooked is a really good tip, especially waiting until the next day with fresh ears. I've got a few plugins like that (Vertigo VSM-3, SPL Vitalizer MK2-T, etc) and they're easy to overdo. I was also considering Comp76FET as well and have been giving this a demo. I can get pretty close to that with Softube FET and even some of the PA offerings. I've also got Comp FET-76 from Arturia which works better on full mixes, but I do prefer what the others include GEM do on drum busses. I'd probably grab it if I didn't have them and it still might be a contender as well.

I'm not testing this one, as I think I might like it ? I already have quite a few SSL compressors, including the G from SSL themselves so I don't want to buy any more! I'd be surprised if it didn't hold up very well to the competition.

If these were cheaper I would definitely have already owned them too. But they do have an interesting analog'ish type of feel/vibe and are low on CPU than some alternatives I have.

Yep, just checked iLok Cloud or dongle only. Better than some, like Slate that only offer dongle for perpetual, but still not as good as it could be. I like to see developers offer the 3 options standard with all plugins.

Glad you like it Zo! I was comfortable recommending it, but of course we're all different and have different tastes, etc so you never know for sure until someone gives it a shot themselves.

Sometimes it's not about getting the very best price, it's about getting what you need/want now and getting to enjoy it and have more time with it, instead of waiting for the ultimate price, as long as it's still a good sale anyway ?

No brainer at that price. I have channel strip 2 from SSL which in some ways I prefer, but sometimes I prefer the J console over it. Glad to have the 9000J in the kit ?

I thought they did, but you might be right. Will have to check. I know they offer cloud, so it's definitely not dongle only.

These are now available at Audio Deluxe with further discount and freebie. If I was to get 3, so far I'd be thinking Comp670, Tapedesk but then having trouble deciding on a 3rd. Not because I don't like them, they're all pretty good, the first two just stood out more. So far I've been leaning toward Dopamine which is a little more unique to what I have. I do quite like Sculptube but I also have Arturia's Dist Tube Culture and also Sound Toys Decapitator which somewhat sit in that space and I like as well. For all of you that use Overloud, what do you like and recommend? Note: I have and love Comp LA

I don't believe I've ever seen that one as a promo, but I'm sure a lot more people would've been tempted by it. Purely based on them not already having it. I'd expect it's probably quite reasonable as well.

That would be pretty rough if that's the case and they didn't let anyone know...

Great plugin that one. Yes you can use Melda to get similar sounding at some settings, but this thing is quick to dial in the perfect settings a lot faster.

Plugin Alliance: LAST Voucher Code ? MEGA Sale ends today ($25 off min spend $34) MEGA Sale ends: $25 off - 24h left! Use code MEGA-25-FINALE to save $25 today! - Code is valid for one (1) order per user - Minimum Spend: just $34 Just copy/paste voucher code during checkout. Yesterday's voucher has now expired and is no longer valid! All deals and this final voucher code will expire today! (October 5, at 11:59 PM California time) https://www.plugin-alliance.com/en/products.html?sort=priceLH

B-15N if you don't have it, then GK as it's more unique. V4B is really nice and warm, but likely closer to others you already have. No wrong choices though ?

The B-15N was my favourite, followed by the GK 800RB as that was a bit more unique, then SVT-3PRO and lastly V-4B. But I actually like all of them and picking them in that order is based on what they offer to compliment what I already own in bass amps across other developers and suites that I have. It also depends on the type of music and sound you like too, along with pickups and DI. I would say B-15N was a clear winner for me though.

Another very handy tool as well. Heavy on the CPU, but otherwise great on all counts.