SonicAlbert said:Why does it matter if someone is going to ask about it? Do you set your own standards, or do you let others set them for you?
Not trying to be confrontational, but I just don't believe in the concept of "nobody will ever notice". In the first place, it doesn't matter because if you notice then that's what's important. In the second place, they will notice if something is compromised, but may not be able to put it into words or know exactly what it is they are feeling.
Have you noticed how record companies are simply falling off the map these days? Sales are dropping by all measurements. That's a good indicator that people are noticing *something* anyway.
The most important thing is that you set and meet your own standards. If plugins do it for you, then that's your choice. If hardware does it, or any combination of the above, then that's your choice too. I use boths plugins and hardware myself.
But what I don't do is let others set my standards for me. Which is why I am wary of the "it's good enough, nobody will notice" approach.
Blue Groove said:I have NEVER heard a plugin compressor that sounds like the real thing
MadMax said:This is the same battle the audiophiles had when CD's first came out. But technology got better and digital recordings and conversion sounded better and except for a few holdouts, the war is over.
I'm not trying to start an arguement, I've just decided to embrace the inevitable.
FALKEN said:duuuude....have you ever heard a mix off tape?? or compared a cd to the vinyl version? Sure, consumers have embraced the CD (and now downloads) because it offers certain benefits that vinyl and tape do not, but one of them is not sound quality.
Same thing with this argument: " But can you honestly say that the real thing sounds better ? The UA plugs are getting a lot of work in some pretty well respected studios nowadays." you are implying that the reason studios use them is because they "sound good" but I would be willing to bet recallability, multiple instances, automation, etc, etc, etc. are the real reason.
Edit: Albert beat me to it.
That just make NO sense at all!TragikRemix said:fwiw, i'd take a UA 1176 or LA2A over a plugin anyday. not because its necessarily better- but it gives me confidence and pride in my work to use expensive gear that i can touch physically.
SonicAlbert said:Actually, I read that last year total sales went down for the first time, including downloads. Before last year, downloads had made up the difference from dropping CD sales. I wish I could remember where I read that, I think it was the Los Angeles Times.
MadMax said:I've never used the real thing.
*shrugs*jmorris said:That just make NO sense at all!
gbondo9 said:I like my "Analog Tube" plugin. I apply to all my digital recordings because it makes things "Warm".
This way - I never have take a single side in the digital vs. analog argument - because I have the best of both worlds.
I also like my "Neumann U87" plugin. I use it to make my MXL 990 sound awesome!!!! And then I add some "Analog Tube" plugin warmth to it....and BAM.....I kicked it up a notch.