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Dynamic Gain Controllers (aka expensive compressors)
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fuzzikitten
Annunaki
Started Topics :
40
Posts :
603
Posted : Jul 26, 2007 00:18
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TC Electronics Finalizer, Waves L2 Maximizer, GML 2030... The list goes on and on (and on and on). Some call them 'signal processors', some call them 'masterers', but from what I gather they're all basically fancy compressors with automatic attack/release processing and makeup gain management.
I've got a quiet sound, I can't get it louder at the source, so I run it through Waves L2. Boom, it's louder. Maybe it's not as clean as I like, but L2 gets the job done. Furthermore if I want I can put my whole mix through L2 and get the overall volume louder.
I like this functionality, a lot. As I find my synthesis skills improving I'm realizing the value of a good maximizer - not only to bring up the volume levels and keep everything consistant but also to help give a mix another dimension through the repeated use of a maximizer on the composite sounds as well as the whole mix.
But there are a million +1 versions of the same thing.
Anyone want to weigh in on their experiences with maximizers? Someday I'd like to invest in a good hardware maximizer. *Someday*
-fk |
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shachar
Basic
Started Topics :
13
Posts :
402
Posted : Jul 26, 2007 00:37
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why use maximaizer? its just as you said..automated compressor . learn to use compressor wisely and youll get better sound like you want it to be ..
to add more gain you can also use tubes or distortions
try the urs compressor it got some nice presets to begin with |
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Alias
IsraTrance Junior Member
Started Topics :
32
Posts :
984
Posted : Jul 26, 2007 00:42
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well......im using Nomad Factory BT Limiter LM2S
for me its better than Waves L2
its very good tool for loudness ....
before im using LM2S ....i making proper mix....because it will make over compressed sound
thats how i understand this
im not pro so... correct me if im wrong
 www.myspace.com/aliasix |
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groovemachines
Started Topics :
5
Posts :
57
Posted : Jul 26, 2007 14:43
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Empirical Labs Distressor
Sony Oxford Inflator and also the Oxford Limiter. |
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illusions
Erebus
Started Topics :
40
Posts :
626
Posted : Jul 26, 2007 14:49
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The Voxengo limiters are supposed to blow the L2 out of the water. UnderTow keeps bringing that up  Maybe he could explain why.
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Elad
Tsabeat/Sattel Battle
Started Topics :
158
Posts :
5306
Posted : Jul 26, 2007 15:07
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yeah well all say evrything is better then L2 (undertow with voxengo , domestic with timeworks , sony oxford i didnt tried yet tho..) but exept actual cliping (with domestic way like he showd us here) and converting to 16bit nothing stays clean too much with the same settings like L2 can do. and also on cliping i found L2 can sometimes go louder without the distortion. anyhow its not loudness war and dont ruin your sound for 1 more db. peaple have volume knob at home and in party .. also too compressed music is simply no fun to listen for long period of time.. dynamics is very important .
www.sattelbattle.com
http://yoavweinberg.weebly.com/ |
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PoM
IsraTrance Full Member
Started Topics :
162
Posts :
8087
Posted : Jul 26, 2007 16:04
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the voxengo is cleaner and more versatile. maybe you can do some artistic tricks
(delay,verbs...)but i think these tools are more for the mastering engineer. |
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Enertopia
Enertopia
Started Topics :
99
Posts :
676
Posted : Jul 26, 2007 16:48
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After trying a few.
My favorite one is definetly.
Blue tubes BW2S.
It is really awsome.
Give it a try, you will find amazing.
www.myspace.com/enertopiapsy |
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fuzzikitten
Annunaki
Started Topics :
40
Posts :
603
Posted : Jul 26, 2007 21:30
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So far
VSTs:
Nomad Factory BT Limiter LM2S
Sony Oxford Inflator
timeworks
Voxengo
Blue Tubes BW2s
Hardware:
Empirical Labs Distressor
Groovemachines - do you like the character of the Distressor? It's in the price range I'm looking at, somewhere under $5k. Do you use it frequently on individual tracks or just on the mix in the mastering phase?
Shachar - I always use a compressor for dynamic control, especially on shorter sounds. My challenge is when I have a 16 bar section of a lead with different sections of dynamics (1st bar quiet, second bar really loud, third bar less loud, etc). In these cases it takes several applications of compression to handle the various changes because the attack/release/ratio/threshold settings need to be constantly tweaked per the nature of the section. My understanding is that a maximizer automates this retweaking allowing a more blanket (faster) approach. A GOOD maximizer does this in a way that is pleasing to the ear and when used judiciously can improve the lead, not just make it louder. I have been using the L2 but after selling most of my hardware synths would like to invest in a good (and less commonly used) maximizer.
I read back in the day that Simon P uses the TC Finalizer 96k and would 'run almost every sound through it, and then the whole mix once again'. I know SP isn't the best producer in the world, but I do tend to like his production work (if I don't always like the musical aspect). As my production skills are increasing I'm learning to appreciate good dynamic control and how it affects my overall mix. Continuity (aka deep trance inducing songs) require a cohesive path of dynamics - and that's not just overall volume but the dynamic range of each element and the mix as a whole. |
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orange
Fat Data
Started Topics :
154
Posts :
3918
Posted : Jul 26, 2007 21:55
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i live the blue tubes limiter as a matter of fact i loved the blue tubes plugz a long time ago...
they give to the software based studio an nice analogish feeling(its a fake analogish feeling tho but still nice)
i also use the eqs when master tracks to play live they have that something to them!
i never liked the L2 in my ears its getting a thinish resolte!
voxengo are also good and recently i find the kjaerhus plugins to be very nice!
orange
http://www.landmark-recordings.com/
http://soundcloud.com/kymamusic |
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PoM
IsraTrance Full Member
Started Topics :
162
Posts :
8087
Posted : Jul 26, 2007 22:40
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you need 2 distressors for stereo signal and it s not really a compressor for buss but more for individual source if i m right, a friend have one at his work but he never use it , iwas suprised when he said me he really don t like it (i think it can emulate lof ot style of compression so it might be a good purchase if you like the sound) |
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shachar
Basic
Started Topics :
13
Posts :
402
Posted : Jul 30, 2007 11:48
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I sometime use L2 just for the limiter
* if your doing it, turn the dither off cuz it add noise... unless your looking for dither and audio converting.
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