Vintage Console Plugins

[pete-strych]

I've been having so much fun with my new studio setup. I picked up a bunch of small mastering projects. I'm rocking Cubase 8.5 as my DAW. So...I'd like to add a plugin or 2 of a vintage console channel. SSL, NEVE, Helios, Abbey Road Desk.... Budget is FREE to $150. What are some suggestions of my peers here?

 

[woodman]

The Waves console plugins are excellent, though pricey.

 

[noah330]

There is quite a difference between an SSL, Neve, API, etc.... What type of sound are you going for?

I use SSL's Duende channel strip and buss compressor. I worked on SSL consoles for years and I am very familiar with how they work. I chose Duende back when it was a separate box and have since moved to the native plugins. They work and sound very similar to the consoles I have used in the past.

Since I'm not a big fan of SSL's preamps (not sure anyone ever was), I have a couple API, ADL, Ampex, and Universal Audio pres as well as some outboard (1176 and a couple tube Pultec style eqs).

All in all it works really nice for me. Maybe you should download some demos and check them out and see what gets you the sound and workflow you're looking for.

Waves plugins can be expensive but they run sales monthly and every weekend, so that's usually the best way to get them if you go that route.

 

[pete-strych]

I've been checking out the Waves Scheps 73, & Abbey Road REDD plugins. Trolling for sales really. $50-$99 would be nice on Special/Sale. I'm really just looking for variety, & not seeking a specific console. With the mastering projects I'm currently working on, each song has a unique & vintage request. Just would like some new "old" tools in my arsenal, you know. Any great FREE VST stuff out there that is worth it?? I haven't seen any freebees.

 

[LKB3rd]

The Waves ssl package goes on sale pretty frequently but it's still more than your stated budget.
I think it's great. It hardly uses any cpu, so you can put one on every track with a relatively modern computer. Has G channel strip, E channel strip, standalone eq and the bus compressor which is excellent as glue on the mix bus. The channel strips are great too as general purpose all in one plugins. The channel strip compressor sounds good and is quick and easy to use.

 

[robert donithan2]

I've been having so much fun with my new studio setup. I picked up a bunch of small mastering projects. I'm rocking Cubase 8.5 as my DAW. So...I'd like to add a plugin or 2 of a vintage console channel. SSL, NEVE, Helios, Abbey Road Desk.... Budget is FREE to $150. What are some suggestions of my peers here?

 

[pete-strych]

OK...I just found a company called SHATTERED GLASS AUDIO. They have Code Red Free & a $45 version as well. Highly recommended on a Best of 2015 VST LIST. Anyone ever try CODE RED FREE?

 

[codamedia]

The template I setup on my DAW (Studio One) has the Waves SSL E Channel on every track. On occasion I'll swap it for something else, but for the most part it takes care of 90% of my needs. EQ, Filters, Comp and Gate on every channel - very low overhead. The SSL pack also includes the master buss comp... which I consider a "must have"!

BUT - I cannot believe the suggested price on this bundle.... I didn't pay anywhere near the $750 tag it has now. I'm ridiculously frugal (ie: CHEAP) and IIRC I paid less than 1/3rd that price. Bottom line, don't pay full price!

 

[pete-strych]

I'm pretty sure I saw the Waves Scheps 73 for $69 or $79....the next day it was advertised for like $199 or more. Nope, that ain't happenin.

 

[pete-strych]

HoRNet Analog Stage users?...anyone...Bueller?

 

[Jakeboy]

Here is what you need:
1. Sonimus Burnley 73 EQ (Neve)
2. Slate VCC ( Neve, SDLE, SSLG, RCA tube, Trident consoles...worth every penny...

 

[pete-strych]

Here is what you need:
1. Sonimus Burnley 73 EQ (Neve)
2. Slate VCC ( Neve, SDLE, SSLG, RCA tube, Trident consoles...worth every penny...

Wow...the Slate Digital VCC seems exactly like what I'm searching for. At $149 for a variety of great consoles, it's a good price point for the value. I do not plan an becoming a plug-in junkie. But, I am needing the right weapons in my arsenal to achieve what I'm aiming for. So far, this is at the top of my list.

 

[LKB3rd]

Get on waves mailing list, they run deep discounts frequently. The SSL bundle goes for 250 on the last sale I saw I hope that's the lowest because I bought it at that price. I don't buy any Waves unless it's on sale.
I second the Waves SSL channel for ease of use, good sound, and low cpu useage (you can use a ton of them).

 

[pete-strych]

Get on waves mailing list, they run deep discounts frequently. The SSL bundle goes for 250 on the last sale I saw I hope that's the lowest because I bought it at that price. I don't buy any Waves unless it's on sale.
I second the Waves SSL channel for ease of use, good sound, and low cpu useage (you can use a ton of them).

Just created a Waves account. I'll be checking out the deals often!

 

[codamedia]

Wow...the Slate Digital VCC seems exactly like what I'm searching for. At $149 for a variety of great consoles, it's a good price point for the value.

Keep in mind that VCC, like Waves NLS is not a channel strip. These model the tonal variations, gain structure, VCA (where applicable) and summing of the old consoles (those are very subtle things)... while a channel strip models the EQ, filters, compressors and gates from the old consoles. Ultimately... having both is ideal

 

[pete-strych]

Keep in mind that VCC, like Waves NLS is not a channel strip. These model the tonal variations, gain structure, VCA (where applicable) and summing of the old consoles (those are very subtle things)... while a channel strip models the EQ, filters, compressors and gates from the old consoles.

Got it....fully understood.

 

[vjf1968]

Wow...the Slate Digital VCC seems exactly like what I'm searching for. At $149 for a variety of great consoles, it's a good price point for the value. I do not plan an becoming a plug-in junkie. But, I am needing the right weapons in my arsenal to achieve what I'm aiming for. So far, this is at the top of my list.

You can get all the plugins for about $29 a month with Slate. Requires an iLock dongle though