What Kind of Mastering Comp Do You Have & Why? (Inspired By Waltz gear)

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jaynm26

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Sorry to single you out waltz hope you dont mind I was just going through your impressive gear list and saw quite a few compressors I like and one I dont know alot of (Tube Tech SMC 2B). Thought it would be a good post for you guys to share things about your compressors are any of them custom made or modified in anyway? Anyway uniques ways you use them or position them in you chain?

All other mastering please eng join in (would like to try to keep it analog gear tho, as everyone has a custom made SSL Buss:rolleyes:)
 
Modified... All of 'em in one way or another. Some of them are "mod ready" (the STC-8M has a jumper that buffers the input to the sidechain input by 10dB allowing for MUCH finer control over the threshold), some are "semi-known" (Sean at CS made me some sidechain HPF's for the same unit that plug right into the back), HPF's on the Vari-Mu (now I understand that's actually "stock" on the newer mastering edition VM's and it's about f'in time IMO) -- And the custom-made SSL buss comp - :thumbs up: - MCI output transformers, HPF's, modded gain stage (the SSL units boost the output by about 3dB just engaging the unit, which I think was one of the most stupid moves ever).

Unique uses... Meh, sometimes I'll use one for parallel work, mid-side isn't all too unusual - although I tend to use digital a bit more for M/S, as it's more precise and less "colorful" (if I need M/S processing on the dynamics, I'm probably not doing it for "flavor"). Had one of those ART PRO-VLA's that I used to use for parallel work -- Actually thinking of getting another for the same purpose...
 
I'd much rather talk about John's gear or see what Tom from PA's been using these days and of coarse anyone else...

For maybe 40% of the projects I do, I only use the Bax Eq and TubeTech, (love the sound of those boxes) ...for the other 60% I add the GML Eq in.. The rest of the gear collects dust.. I haven't used the Vari - Mu in at least a year and was thinking of offing it and getting the Neve MBC and/or Knif Soma. I love the GML 8200 eq which I know Johns had a couple of in the past.. I'm just getting tired of the ergonomics of it since it isn't stepped switching and thought of replacing it with either the 9500, Soma or Barry Porter EQ instead.

All in all, I keep the analog processing chain pretty simple in addition to one itb eq, limiter and sometimes an automated de-esser.
 
Massive Master said:
Modified... All of 'em in one way or another. Some of them are "mod ready" (the STC-8M has a jumper that buffers the input to the sidechain input by 10dB allowing for MUCH finer control over the threshold), some are "semi-known" (Sean at CS made me some sidechain HPF's for the same unit that plug right into the back), HPF's on the Vari-Mu (now I understand that's actually "stock" on the newer mastering edition VM's and it's about f'in time IMO) -- And the custom-made SSL buss comp - :thumbs up: - MCI output transformers, HPF's, modded gain stage (the SSL units boost the output by about 3dB just engaging the unit, which I think was one of the most stupid moves ever).

Unique uses... Meh, sometimes I'll use one for parallel work, mid-side isn't all too unusual - although I tend to use digital a bit more for M/S, as it's more precise and less "colorful" (if I need M/S processing on the dynamics, I'm probably not doing it for "flavor"). Had one of those ART PRO-VLA's that I used to use for parallel work -- Actually thinking of getting another for the same purpose...
Click to expand...

Thanks a lot massive for the post. I love hearing about custom gear, its like one sound that only you guys have its so cool.
 
Waltz Mastering said:
I'd much rather talk about John's gear or see what Tom from PA's been using these days and of coarse anyone else...

For maybe 40% of the projects I do, I only use the Bax Eq and TubeTech, (love the sound of those boxes) ...for the other 60% I add the GML Eq in.. The rest of the gear collects dust.. I haven't used the Vari - Mu in at least a year and was thinking of offing it and getting the Neve MBC and/or Knif Soma. I love the GML 8200 eq which I know Johns had a couple of in the past.. I'm just getting tired of the ergonomics of it since it isn't stepped switching and thought of replacing it with either the 9500, Soma or Barry Porter EQ instead.

All in all, I keep the analog processing chain pretty simple in addition to one itb eq, limiter and sometimes an automated de-esser.
Click to expand...

Excuse me lol, did you say your Vari-Mu is collecting dust? WHY!!!?? Waltz lol. You say your mastering chain is pretty straight forward & simple. So you go mostly GML EQ into the Tube Tech and then limiter? And you get very good results like that with a limited chain?
 
Why wouldn't he get good results from that chain? Its quality stuff and you really shouldn't need more than a high quality eq, compressor and limiter. Anything else would simply be another flavor of the same thing or something used on a rescue mission (which plugins are generally better at due to automation).
 
jaynm26 said:
Excuse me lol, did you say your Vari-Mu is collecting dust? WHY!!!?? Waltz lol. You say your mastering chain is pretty straight forward & simple. So you go mostly GML EQ into the Tube Tech and then limiter? And you get very good results like that with a limited chain?
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Yep. Sort of what Jay W is saying. I don't want to have to choose between 3 different comps or 3 different eq's. I rather be a little more restricted in that sense and then the importance comes down to making the right decisions.
 
I think my Vari-Mu is going on the block also... It's a supremely amazing unit - that just doesn't get used lately. Would much rather it winds up with someone who would actually work it out regularly than have it sit in the rack...
 
Farview said:
Why wouldn't he get good results from that chain? Its quality stuff and you really shouldn't need more than a high quality eq, compressor and limiter. Anything else would simply be another flavor of the same thing or something used on a rescue mission (which plugins are generally better at due to automation).
Click to expand...

Hey!, Hey!, Hey! I never said waltz didnt get good results from his chains, hell give waltz just 1 freq filter EQ for a master and I think we will come out with gold. I was just asking his details and tech.
 
Massive Master said:
I think my Vari-Mu is going on the block also... It's a supremely amazing unit - that just doesn't get used lately. Would much rather it winds up with someone who would actually work it out regularly than have it sit in the rack...
Click to expand...

Massive so whats your #1 go to compressor right now. And do you have the same approach as Tom with 1 EQ, 1 Comp a simple chain? I see you have the ST8 in your chain
 
Compressor -- Yep, the "go-to" is easily the STC-8M. 95% if not more.

B&W's -- Yep, used 802's (from the old 800 series Matrix models up through Nautilus units) until I finally heard Tyler Acoustics' "Decade" line. Sold my 802's and in hindsight I don't even understand how anyone uses them.

Well, that might be a bit of a stretch... But let's just say that I won't go back anytime soon. The funny part is that I didn't expect to like them -- I've never been a fan of extended D'appolito arrays... Dunlavy, Duntech, etc... Never liked 'em. Tyler does something "different" -- What it is exactly, I have no idea and I don't care as long as he keeps doing it. Actually added the smaller set last year (the D4M's) as a "little speaker" reference (yes, a few of my old "little speakers" were B&W's also).
 
Massive Master said:
B&W's -- Yep, used 802's (from the old 800 series Matrix models up through Nautilus units) until I finally heard Tyler Acoustics' "Decade" line. Sold my 802's and in hindsight I don't even understand how anyone uses them.
Click to expand...
I never got along with B&W for mastering either. ..although it seems like the 802's are one of the most popular speakers around for the job. I'd personally go for the 801's if I had to choose an 800 series.
 
i'm using various compressors depending on what the material needs.

Tube Tech SMC 2BM Multiband Opto Compressor
very nice on hard material having the "digital-edge". it roundens the transients & gives the nive tube-tech shimmer.

Tube Tech CL 2A Dual Opto Compressor
has a bit cleaner sound than the smc, but can compress very inconspicuous.

Crane Song STC-8/M Compressor
nice crane song sound signature that almost finishes some records. it can be quite snappy. i'm always using it with sidechain (lowcut, low boost, etc. depending on the effect i would like to have) feed from my DAW.

HCL VariS Tube Vari-Mu Compressor
this is in my parallel chain. this compressor has a really nice & punchy jumping-in-your-face character. it is perfect for pop, rock, etc. (less for singer/songwriter-music, acoustic guitars).

Foote Control Systems P3S ME
very punchy & nice sound in the lower mids. this is also mostly in my parallel chain, tightening the attacks. i'm using it always with the sidechain feed from my DAW

Neve Portico 5042 Tape FX
if i need a tape effect (maybe 5% of all jobs).
 
Massive Master said:
Sold my 802's and in hindsight I don't even understand how anyone uses them.
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WOW! Bold statement Massive!!! You cant see how anyone uses B&W's? lol crazy I thought everyone picked them as like the #1 Mastering Monitor.
 
They were - are - whatever they are. And I used them for years. And before that, the predecessor (the 800 series Matrix 802S3).

There's a point where you start (how do I put this without sound odd...) "maturing into your gear selection" -- I'm not by any means suggesting that people that use N (or D) 802's are making a bad choice -- Most of the people I know that use them are perfectly capable of making the right choice for them. And I have to admit, that a big chunk of what pushed those purchases was "safety" (for lack of a better term). It's hard to argue when Abbey Road, Skywalker Ranch, half the suites at Sterling, etc., some of the biggest and most successful recording & mastering facilities on the planet use that particular box. And a lot of people I know thought I was nuts for even thinking about something else.

Lucky for me, a good bunch of those people have heard these speakers and understand why I did what I did. :thumbs up:

Still, many of us are an opinionated, finicky, picky lot. I know people who use B&W's that hate Duntech, I know people that use Duntech that hate ATC, I know people that use ATC that hate Dunlavy, etc., etc., on and on (granted, I don't yet know anyone with a set of Tylers that doesn't fawn over them - but some day I suppose even that could happen). :)

It's the same with most other gear for that matter -- I have a preference for the STC-8M as a main compressor (honestly - I could sell the rest and be fine with that choice), some guys prefer a variable-mu type unit, some prefer a SSL-type squeezer. You use what works for you.
 
Massive Master said:
They were - are - whatever they are. And I used them for years. And before that, the predecessor (the 800 series Matrix 802S3).

There's a point where you start (how do I put this without sound odd...) "maturing into your gear selection" -- I'm not by any means suggesting that people that use N (or D) 802's are making a bad choice -- Most of the people I know that use them are perfectly capable of making the right choice for them. And I have to admit, that a big chunk of what pushed those purchases was "safety" (for lack of a better term). It's hard to argue when Abbey Road, Skywalker Ranch, half the suites at Sterling, etc., some of the biggest and most successful recording & mastering facilities on the planet use that particular box. And a lot of people I know thought I was nuts for even thinking about something else.

Lucky for me, a good bunch of those people have heard these speakers and understand why I did what I did. :thumbs up:
Click to expand...
I respect that Massive I really do.
 
karumba said:
i'm using various compressors depending on what the material needs.

Tube Tech SMC 2BM Multiband Opto Compressor
very nice on hard material having the "digital-edge". it roundens the transients & gives the nive tube-tech shimmer.

Tube Tech CL 2A Dual Opto Compressor
has a bit cleaner sound than the smc, but can compress very inconspicuous.

Crane Song STC-8/M Compressor
nice crane song sound signature that almost finishes some records. it can be quite snappy. i'm always using it with sidechain (lowcut, low boost, etc. depending on the effect i would like to have) feed from my DAW.

HCL VariS Tube Vari-Mu Compressor
this is in my parallel chain. this compressor has a really nice & punchy jumping-in-your-face character. it is perfect for pop, rock, etc. (less for singer/songwriter-music, acoustic guitars).

Foote Control Systems P3S ME
very punchy & nice sound in the lower mids. this is also mostly in my parallel chain, tightening the attacks. i'm using it always with the sidechain feed from my DAW

Neve Portico 5042 Tape FX
if i need a tape effect (maybe 5% of all jobs).
Click to expand...
Karumba I see your selection is wide you must master alot of diff type of music? Anyone you find you use more than others?
 
Massive Master said:
, many of us are an opinionated, finicky, picky lot. I know people who use B&W's that hate Duntech, I know people that use Duntech that hate ATC, I know people that use ATC that hate Dunlavy, etc., etc., on and on (granted, I don't yet know anyone with a set of Tylers that doesn't fawn over them - but some day I suppose even that could happen). :)

It's the same with most other gear for that matter -- I have a preference for the STC-8M as a main compressor (honestly - I could sell the rest and be fine with that choice), some guys prefer a variable-mu type unit, some prefer a SSL-type squeezer. You use what works for you.
Click to expand...
I really would like to listen to the Tyler's. I see were your coming from at least you did try what was considered the "norm" or the "Best" and then made an executive decision based off of quality and sound and workflow if you stray from B&W/Dunlavy to find something "Better" its has to be on core reasons and logic. Most don't at least try having the exp is good cause you was able to go in a better direction. Like i said I am eager to hear the Tyler's
 
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