Analogue warmth (Valves, tubes, compressors, saturation)
Re: Analogue warmth (Valves, tubes, compressors, saturation)
Lost to the Void wrote:But let me know how stripbus performs, I like SKnote plugs a lot
Got it and just did a little test with it. I like it a lot. It's definitely less subtle than Satson by default, but dialed back and you get that slight change that Satson introduces. The EQ/filtering doesn't seem as smooth when you move it, but the end result seems similar and there's more flexibility. The ducking is very useful- not pumping, more subtle. A few console types. The global bypass is a godsend- the difference is very apparent when you use it. I think I'm happy I went with this option, slightly more versatile and cheaper than Satson, the only real downside seems to be a very slightly higher CPU usage, but its minor and understandable given it does more.
gavisthename wrote:Anyone know of a demo of Satson floating about anywhere? Need to try before I buy
There isn't a demo. The channel strip is part of the Computer Music DVD/online vault though. It doesn't have the extra fat button, but you get the gist of it. Also try the VOS plugin recommended by Mattias if you're on PC, completely free and similar results.
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Re: Analogue warmth (Valves, tubes, compressors, saturation)
The VOS tesla pro is just a saturator, albeit a good one, and not a console emulator. So bare that in mind, it doesn't do what satson does in that respect.
It is nice though.
It is nice though.
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Re: Analogue warmth (Valves, tubes, compressors, saturation)
Yo Steve what do you reckon the chances are you could give us a link to a track you've worked on with Satson on and Satson off so we can demo the difference?
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Re: Analogue warmth (Valves, tubes, compressors, saturation)
Extremely unlikely, due the fact that the satson is controlling gain staging, simply turning it off would fuck the mix up
I can tell you it has transformed my mixes in a Number of ways though
I can tell you it has transformed my mixes in a Number of ways though
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Re: Analogue warmth (Valves, tubes, compressors, saturation)
Oh I see. I wonder if there are some a/b comparisons out on that Internet thingy...
Re: Analogue warmth (Valves, tubes, compressors, saturation)
gavisthename wrote:Oh I see. I wonder if there are some a/b comparisons out on that Internet thingy...
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Re: Analogue warmth (Valves, tubes, compressors, saturation)
Yeah been using Satson for the last two years on all my mixes, kinda of addicted to it myself too. It is subtle, but thats the way it should be. You need to mix into it to get the most from it, the hfp is especially nice as mentioned earlier in the thread. Personally I really like overloading the input on it, lovely on things like vocals or house organs and hi-hats. Just seems to make things a 'little' less sterile.
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Re: Analogue warmth (Valves, tubes, compressors, saturation)
Same same, been using the Satsons for a while now. Just as said already here, for controlling your gain staging they are invaluable. They are extremely simple with no bells and whistles and.. well, they just work. I found that they really help with workflow and mindset also. One last thing is that the processing power needed to run them (on every channel) is hardly noticeable.
I basically have the channel plugin as the first insert on every channel - set the gain so that the VU meter is hitting around 0dB and Im good to go. Stick the buss plugin on any group channels/busses and on the master channel.
I actually have the waves NSL plugins but instead use the Satsons by default. Like I say, they're simple and just work.
I basically have the channel plugin as the first insert on every channel - set the gain so that the VU meter is hitting around 0dB and Im good to go. Stick the buss plugin on any group channels/busses and on the master channel.
I actually have the waves NSL plugins but instead use the Satsons by default. Like I say, they're simple and just work.
Re: Analogue warmth (Valves, tubes, compressors, saturation)
I think the most important thing about them is actually the benefits in workflow and good work habits that they can instill.
The difference in sound from using them is extremely subtle - I think a mix using them just feels somehow more open and 'round'. - But yeah, even if they were totally transparent I would use them for the workflow benifits.
The difference in sound from using them is extremely subtle - I think a mix using them just feels somehow more open and 'round'. - But yeah, even if they were totally transparent I would use them for the workflow benifits.
Re: Analogue warmth (Valves, tubes, compressors, saturation)
Since I started using these plugins I've really thought about plugin input levels and gain staging. My experiments are sounding much better for it. Looking forward to applying the ideas to my next full track. Just lacking the inspiration for it now...
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Re: Analogue warmth (Valves, tubes, compressors, saturation)
Oi Matt!!
After so much talk about Tesla Pro, something I use only occasionally, I decided to really rinse it out during a production session, to really push it and find out its limitations and so on.
I'm totally blown away by it now, for certain uses it is really bloody good.
I'm stunned actually, the transient function is really quite clever.
So cheers for mentioning it a lot, I'm going to use it a lot more than I did.
Not using it in channel strip context, before anyone asks.
After so much talk about Tesla Pro, something I use only occasionally, I decided to really rinse it out during a production session, to really push it and find out its limitations and so on.
I'm totally blown away by it now, for certain uses it is really bloody good.
I'm stunned actually, the transient function is really quite clever.
So cheers for mentioning it a lot, I'm going to use it a lot more than I did.
Not using it in channel strip context, before anyone asks.
Re: Analogue warmth (Valves, tubes, compressors, saturation)
Indeed it's a wicked little beast! A true piece of art.
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Re: Analogue warmth (Valves, tubes, compressors, saturation)
Not really sure what everybody means by using Satson or NSL for gain staging?? Do you mean you increase the volume knob on the plugin so that the signal is level with the DAWs fader knob??
Confused...
Confused...
Re: Analogue warmth (Valves, tubes, compressors, saturation)
Yeah, I'd like some more info on this as well. What is the goal when gain staging? And what are some techniques to achieve said goal?gavisthename wrote:Not really sure what everybody means by using Satson or NSL for gain staging?? Do you mean you increase the volume knob on the plugin so that the signal is level with the DAWs fader knob??
Confused...
Re: Analogue warmth (Valves, tubes, compressors, saturation)
Perhaps take a few hours out of your day to read this pretty legendary thread on gearslutz (warning: its a huge thread) -
http://www.gearslutz.com/board/so-much- ... tored.html
Its worth reading as much of it as you can as there are so many good post's on the subject in there.
http://www.gearslutz.com/board/so-much- ... tored.html
Its worth reading as much of it as you can as there are so many good post's on the subject in there.
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Re: Analogue warmth (Valves, tubes, compressors, saturation)
Thanks Faust ... I'll prep that for toilet reading!
Any quick answers on how to approach the volume / drive knobs on NSL or Satson would be welcome too
Any quick answers on how to approach the volume / drive knobs on NSL or Satson would be welcome too
Re: Analogue warmth (Valves, tubes, compressors, saturation)
Thanks Faust! This explains it pretty good.Faust wrote:Perhaps take a few hours out of your day to read this pretty legendary thread on gearslutz (warning: its a huge thread) -
http://www.gearslutz.com/board/so-much- ... tored.html
Its worth reading as much of it as you can as there are so many good post's on the subject in there.
Re: Analogue warmth (Valves, tubes, compressors, saturation)
No probs :]
If Im ever going to drive them (using them as a makeshift saturation tool or whatever) then I would use a separate instance of the plugin later in the chain and just basically drive to taste or whatever sounds good to me. Im not much of a fan of the drive on the NSL stuff to be honest - they sound a little 'flabby' to me. The Satson can be quite pleasing. I would usually use another tool for that job though on most occasions.
This is pretty nice for driving audio out of in a kind of subtle and sweet way - http://www.softube.com/index.php?id=arange-
However, I would only ever use any of these in this way as a subtle effect. If I want to destroy and rape some audio then I use more appropriate tools for the job :]
The Satsons though as a trim tool for gain staging (while also adding a slight bit of its own audio voodoo) is simple and effective.
Im sure most people will approach the subject in their own way of course. Myself, I have the Satson as the first insert on every channel and set the gain trim so that its hitting around 0dB on the VU meter. This way Im running into any other plugins later in the chain at (a supposedly) optimum level (which also gives plenty of headroom for any further abusive or subtle processing).gavisthename wrote:Thanks Faust ... I'll prep that for toilet reading!
Any quick answers on how to approach the volume / drive knobs on NSL or Satson would be welcome too
If Im ever going to drive them (using them as a makeshift saturation tool or whatever) then I would use a separate instance of the plugin later in the chain and just basically drive to taste or whatever sounds good to me. Im not much of a fan of the drive on the NSL stuff to be honest - they sound a little 'flabby' to me. The Satson can be quite pleasing. I would usually use another tool for that job though on most occasions.
This is pretty nice for driving audio out of in a kind of subtle and sweet way - http://www.softube.com/index.php?id=arange-
However, I would only ever use any of these in this way as a subtle effect. If I want to destroy and rape some audio then I use more appropriate tools for the job :]
The Satsons though as a trim tool for gain staging (while also adding a slight bit of its own audio voodoo) is simple and effective.
Re: Analogue warmth (Valves, tubes, compressors, saturation)
*disclaimer* my mixdowns are rarely as subtle and clean as one might expect with the impression I may be giving here ;]
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Re: Analogue warmth (Valves, tubes, compressors, saturation)
Excellent, that's just the explanation I was after. Just as I thought you run the audio signal into Satson at whatever level -db level, then push Satson's internal knob up until its hitting 0db.
Surely you would want to be under 0db if you have further processing to do in the chain? Shouldn't you leave about -3db after Satson if you are adding alternative distortion plugins etc? Also I thought I read in this thread that people were plonking Satson at the very end of their chains?
Surely you would want to be under 0db if you have further processing to do in the chain? Shouldn't you leave about -3db after Satson if you are adding alternative distortion plugins etc? Also I thought I read in this thread that people were plonking Satson at the very end of their chains?