"analog" modeling plugins

  • Thread starter Thread starter Chris Jahn
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Chris Jahn

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I know that plugins exist that give vintage tones and tape sound, but are they ment for individual instruments, or the over all mix, and are there any that actually "improve" a digital recording and give it more depth and warmth, or are they all just gimmicks?
 
People use tape and valve emulation plugins in varying degrees, and some not at all. Look up Charles Dye. He uses them both on individual tracks and on the overall mix.

I personally think they do have value if you want analog qualities. People pay thousands for good hardware digital tape emulators.

As with anything else, some of the plugins are terrible and others are quite good. Tape purists will tell you that they sound nothing like tape, and they probably don't. They can have pleasing qualities though.
 
There is no plugin that will make improve your audio. You can't add something that isn't there, you can only take things away.
 
I personally haven't liked any of the analog modeling plug-ins I've tried.

Edit: Except for the SimulAnalog plugins. :D But that's kind of different, they're amp/FX modelers. I haven't used any kind of other analog-modeling effects that sounded like analog to me.
 
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Chris Jahn said:
I know that plugins exist that give vintage tones and tape sound, but are they ment for individual instruments, or the over all mix, and are there any that actually "improve" a digital recording and give it more depth and warmth, or are they all just gimmicks?
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They are meant to process your sound to your liking which should be considered by you an improvement. Experiment and use them any way you like.
 
psp vintage warmer is a great program for getting a nice analog sound.
 
I use tritone colortone . It is great on the 2 -buss and individual instruments. I recommend this one
 
dzara 4 said:
I use tritone colortone . It is great on the 2 -buss and individual instruments. I recommend this one
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Are you using the free version or the "Pro" version? Have you tred both? If so, I'm wondering what your impressions are on the difference.

G.
 
I own the MCdsp Analong channel plugins.

Since ive never used tape, all i know is that it either adds some fuzzy type distortion/compression in the AC1 plug.

Or some thumpy pumpy colors with the AC2 plug.

Personally i think it was a big waste of cash.

They sell it with the quote "its the perfect mix glue"

I didnt find that to be the case.
 
You should also get one of those CD players they sell that sound like Vinyl. Vinyl modeling players are great.

The sweet sound of digital distortion and slight clipping with a little harsh EQ applied really reproduces that vinyl warmth. You really can't tell a difference between the two.
 
The Wink Licks said:
You should also get one of those CD players they sell that sound like Vinyl. Vinyl modeling players are great.
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Never heard of this, is it real or are you pulling our legs? A link would be much appreciated.
 
SonicAlbert said:
Never heard of this, is it real or are you pulling our legs? A link would be much appreciated.
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No but I'm sure they will come out with it just like they have with these analog modeling plugins. ;)

And whoever neg repped me can take a chill pill and try getting a little sense of humor, even if I'm not very funny...
 
I had to ask, because you never know what someone will come up with. I assume you've seen the tube amp/speaker thing for the iPod?
 
xfinsterx said:
I own the MCdsp Analong channel plugins.

Since ive never used tape, all i know is that it either adds some fuzzy type distortion/compression in the AC1 plug.

Or some thumpy pumpy colors with the AC2 plug.

Personally i think it was a big waste of cash.

They sell it with the quote "its the perfect mix glue"

I didnt find that to be the case.
Click to expand...

Analog Channel is a great tool for adding a very subtle harmonic distortion....and is NOT a compressor (even though it has compressorlike controls).

Choose presents Console 1, Console 2, or Console 3...then adjust the input -set to GR (gain reduction) - about 1-2db at the LOUDEST part of the song. The loudest part of the song should be the only place the needle moves.

If you add Analog channel AFTER you've finished a mix..it'll have almost no effect at all....you have to put in on first..and mix through it.

-LIMiT
 
SonicAlbert said:
I had to ask, because you never know what someone will come up with. I assume you've seen the tube amp/speaker thing for the iPod?
Click to expand...

Oh my. No I haven't. :eek:
 
LIMiT said:
Analog Channel is a great tool for adding a very subtle harmonic distortion....and is NOT a compressor (even though it has compressorlike controls).

Choose presents Console 1, Console 2, or Console 3...then adjust the input -set to GR (gain reduction) - about 1-2db at the LOUDEST part of the song. The loudest part of the song should be the only place the needle moves.

If you add Analog channel AFTER you've finished a mix..it'll have almost no effect at all....you have to put in on first..and mix through it.

-LIMiT
Click to expand...

Cool ill try it again i suppose.

I definetly want to find something useful about it.
 
xfinsterx said:
Cool ill try it again i suppose.

I definetly want to find something useful about it.
Click to expand...


Cool...

one word of caution...

Mixing through AC1 will effect all of your mix, EQ, and compression desicions (and is a little weird at first)....

if you bypass it after you've mixed through it...your mix will fall apart.

Good luck!

-LIMiT
 
They can sometimes be kinda' cool for a snare, kick or bass track. But for the most part, they're hit or miss.

.
 
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