Re: Hardware vs. Softward
Posted: Thu Jan 24, 2008 6:33 pm
KarlMister wrote:Earle
In your opinion, are there any software (plug-in) compressors that come close to hardware units - for example, your Avalon 747?
In my work at present I'm only able to work in the digital domain.
I would really value your insight on this as you're one of the few ME's I've come across that doesn't automatically bash software plug-ins!
I ask this with the realization, of course, that different tools will work better on certain tracks than others. I'm looking at this from an overall quality & functioning standpoint.
And thanks to you & Paavo for putting out such a great program. Everything, service & support, are first rate!!
Continued Success
Karl
I am always after different sounds based on the project I am working on. The first thing I do before I do any real processing is make sure the spectrum is balanced inside of Har-Bal. This makes using any of the plugins or hardware after this correction has been made a real snap.
Folks try to use these plugins to totaly reshape the sound. Somehow in the process the plugin loses its character. Get your sound balanced first and then you will be able to hear what these tools can really do.
I am more interested in the sound I get from these units or plugins.
I will run a track through a plugin without making any adjustments and press the bypass switch in and out just to get a feel of the sonic character and then file its sound away in my mind..
I absolutely never know whether I will use hardware or plugins on a project until I have sat down and listened to the track a number of times. Usually the client tells me beforehand what type of sound they prefer and it gives me some direction. I let the music take me where I need to go.
Its just a matter of taste, kind of similar to seasoning food. How much salt is enough? It may depend on the person actually eating the food.
For instance:
T-Racks has a harder punch and is much more harsh than Ozone 3
Classical Music and Ballards using Ozone 3 are a match made in heaven
For that big pop sound the SSL 4000 set is ideal
LMB - L3 are a great set.
Waves L3 -16 Can almost do the job completely
These are just a few options. I never want to get into the flame wars trying to determine what tool sounds the best.....what exactly are they comparing it to anyway, and what exactly is the best?
The whole object is to pick the right (not best) tool that gets the track where it needs to be.
Sometimes I will process using hardware because the song has rough edges and I want that analog tube warmth to round it out. On the other hand some clients can't stand the analog sound and just want raw digital.
Hey, do you want your car hand washed or machine washed. It really does matter.
Some songs need to be slightly massaged to finish them off and some need major attention.
I think a tremendous amount of marketing is responsible for the sudden interest in having plugins that sound exactly like hardware units. It sells plugins.
When someone asks me what Har-Bal sounds like, my reply is simply "its up to you what it sounds like". It is simply a tool and no more just as any hardware unit or plugin is.
The real questions is this. Do you know how to use these tools. This is why Paavo and I are always informing our customers regarding fundmental knowledge so they can make use of any tool available.
Cheers
Earle