Need a plugin recommendation

  • Thread starter Thread starter MidoBan
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MidoBan

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Hi, i'm thinking of getting a new preamp for vocals, i'm very interested in the Golden Age Project Pre 73 as i'm going for that smooth classic tone and vibe its aimed for.

now i'm thinking that before i'll get that preamp, maybe i should look for a plugin that aimed for the same warm and smooth sound, because i can download a demo of a plugin and try it, and if i'll like it, i can get it.

i thought it would be easy, but when i started looking for plugins, i really got lost in all of possibilities, there are just too many out there and its impossible to choose without a recommendation.

also, the golden age preamp is so simple, it doesn't have too many knobs and options and just provides that tone i'm looking for, but all the plugins i saw had so many things and such complex interfaces that i don't think i need.

so do you have any recommendations for plugins for that vocal vibe? maybe preamp or tube emulators? something with good presets maybe?
or maybe you think i should skip this plugin research and get the preamp?

Thanks!
 
Check the Waves Vocal Bundle. It's like more tools in the tool box. Get the preamp too.
 
You are right, you can demo the plugins...I have no suggestions because I don't use a lot (just a little EQ and sometimes compression).

The GAP is great. I use it on vocals all the time and it does what it is advertised to do. To get that warm/vintage sound I also run almost all vocals through my 1176 compressor. Something about taking a few db off the top and running it through the transformers really gives a nice sound to the vocals and eliminates the need for EQ usually. So my vocal chain is mic -> GAP, 1176 in mixing...EQ every now and then just to remove some of the harshness in some singers.

So, all that to say, I'd recommend the GAP since I don't use plugs often.

Oh, one set of plugs I really like is the Stillwell stuff. VibeEQ is really nice, 1973 EQ is great too. For compression, the Rocket is really nice for vocals (1176ish speed, but not the cool transformers). Stillwell gives unlimited demos with only a 5-10 second lag screen. And if you like them they can be purchased one at a time instead of an expensive bundle...only $25 each.
 
aaronmcoleman said:
You are right, you can demo the plugins...I have no suggestions because I don't use a lot (just a little EQ and sometimes compression).

The GAP is great. I use it on vocals all the time and it does what it is advertised to do. To get that warm/vintage sound I also run almost all vocals through my 1176 compressor. Something about taking a few db off the top and running it through the transformers really gives a nice sound to the vocals and eliminates the need for EQ usually. So my vocal chain is mic -> GAP, 1176 in mixing...EQ every now and then just to remove some of the harshness in some singers.

So, all that to say, I'd recommend the GAP since I don't use plugs often.

Oh, one set of plugs I really like is the Stillwell stuff. VibeEQ is really nice, 1973 EQ is great too. For compression, the Rocket is really nice for vocals (1176ish speed, but not the cool transformers). Stillwell gives unlimited demos with only a 5-10 second lag screen. And if you like them they can be purchased one at a time instead of an expensive bundle...only $25 each.
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Nice tips, thanks! honestly, i'm leaning towards the GAP, i just keep finding good opinions on it. and it just seems tempting to almost not need an EQ after recording.
 
MidoBan said:
from what i see, it needs UAD hardware right?
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Yes, you have to buy the UAD cards to put in your computer or a firewire box. Worth it, though. You might be able to find a deal on ebay. The UAD-1 cards can be found cheap and perform the same as UAD-2, just not as many instances of plugs.
 
The waves SSL4000 is an awesome set of plugs. If you just want the analog warmth just put it on the track and disable the processor.
 
rfahey86 said:
The waves SSL4000 is an awesome set of plugs. If you just want the analog warmth just put it on the track and disable the processor.
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Thanks, but what do you mean by "just put it on the track", i see four different plugins in this bundle.
it just looks so complicated! i may be new to all of this, but still, there are so many knobs on this interface, i can't seem to understand half of whats goin on there.. are the presets easy to use?
 
If you have a total crap pre, no plugin is going to get you to where a nice pre will.
 
MidoBan said:
Thanks, but what do you mean by "just put it on the track", i see four different plugins in this bundle.
it just looks so complicated! i may be new to all of this, but still, there are so many knobs on this interface, i can't seem to understand half of whats goin on there.. are the presets easy to use?
Click to expand...

Add it as an insert, but set the settings high enough that the compressor never kicks in. It will still give you the analog sound without the compression.
 
Chili said:
Love my UAD plugs.
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+1


with the amount of sales and discounts they have they actually end up way better value than waves etc with the added bonus of not hitting your cpu as hard
 
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