Glad to see some love to API!!! I was one of the people commenting asking for a video on this a little while back. I love the API sound, but I have to admit to a bias there - the console I learned audio engineering on, in college, is an old API 1608. The only thing I loved more than the Pres was.... the demo mode that makes the faders dance around perfectly for little snapchat videos 😭😭 That being said, running a drum kit through API pres into 1176's (one for kick, one for snare) into the 2500 bus (for the whole kit), into parallel compression via stereo Distressors with Brit mod was so much fun... Absolute nightmare the first few times to figure out how to set that up with the patchbay; but my god was that such a treat for my ears... I got some of the Lindell API stuff last year, and I absolutely love using it. Huge props to them for expanding on the Expander/Gate section that seems to be based on the 235L, but with an extra feature or two.
I guess that depends on API's definition of attack time. Its annoying, but they can call it whatever they want when there isn't any agreed upon definition of what attack time is.
Attack time is usually the time it takes for compressor to get to it's maximum compression right? Not when the compressor starts to kick in. Or is it different with different manufacturers? Sounds nice either way
This is my go-to drum compressor. Thanks for the deep dive on the controls and explaining exactly what's going on..Used the Waves version for a long time, but switched to UA once it was native.
I'm fairly new to UAD plug-ins and I really love the HR knob they have on their analogue modelled plug-ins - in a fully digital workflow it's quite common for my gain levels to be wildly out of what they would be in an analogue workflow and it lets me use the plug-ins at their sweet spot of gain without pointlessly adding gain changes.
Wow Iv'e used the API 2500 for years just setting it to what I thought was the best sound for the application I was working on and never really realized the detail of all of the parameters you just explained. Thanks for the detailed vid!
Finally a decent video on this. All you ever get is, “it adds that depth and warmth to the drums and bass, almost like glue..but a different glue from the SSL BUSS comp.”
Best piece of hardware I’ve bought yet. You can make it sound like many different types of compressors, but it has a very big learning curve even after you learn all of its features.
@@JohnGauge790 Do you think that when things are complex, they are always directly better? Do you think calling one of the simplest tools in music production “complex” is a smart statement? Or does your statement perhaps reveal a lot about your under-complex way of thinking?
@@JohnGauge790 When taking dynamic effects basic course? It shows you how to crank the two buttons Threshold and Ratio at a very under-complex level. Is even that too much für you, the on-off switch is also explained in detail there.
Well explained ! There are so many great hw compressor designs. I don't think we are seeing the same level of talent and ingenuity in the software world when it comes to compressor design.
Great overview of the 2500. One note, while the hardware 2500 doesn't have a mix knob, there is now a 2500+ that does. I have the original 2500 and it is my go to drum buss compressor
It should not go unmentioned that the gain knob in the output influences the gain reduction if the comp type is set to "Old". So, "New type tone" - Gain only controls the output level. "Old type tone" - Gain controls output level and influences gain reduction. So the louder the more GR. Cool video, thank you. ✌
@@avationmusic Thank you, that's true, but it wasn't clear to me at the time and it was only when I read the manual and tested it myself that I was able to understand the situation. A not entirely unimportant detail for inexperienced people like me at the time. ✌
I own the 2500+ Hardware Unit which has a very useful mixknob too. But very often I find myself using the UAD version for multiple use ore convenience… Even if I don’t like all UAD moves it’s a fact that this plugin in is an amazing recreation. Thanks for the review!
Good job. I am a Logic user and guitar player that has recently migrated to LUNA. I have overused plugins in Logic and don’t really know what I am doing but I’m learning. Your videos are good at explaining.
Thanks for this nice tutorial/explanation about this plugin! When I first subscribed to UAD Spark last year I did learn this plugin 100% on my own and initially used it "wrong" for some time until I discovered these different controls and features. Would've loved to see this video at that time! Btw I would love to see videos about more technical stuff like the video idea you mentioned about mix knobs. I know that Dan Worral did a video about this with Softube plugins but I'd really like to see you explaning this and other more advancef topics!
Cool 2500 trick - KD-Bass glue (shared envelope designer thingy): Route kick drum to one channel Route bass to the other Now…set the compressor up and set the Link percentage to your hearts content ☺️👌 (And now you’re free to keep routing these channels to wherever you were planning to route them.. for instance - kick drum can go on feeding into your drum-buss with the KD-Bass gluing effect already applied) Sadly, though, on the hardware unit the Link function doesn’t work in FB mode as expected (think of the internal routing needed for it to work - it is possible, but I’m guessing it’s just too much of a hassle and so API didn’t go with it 😢 I wish they did) And I don’t know about the UAD version, but the PA version (which sounds excellent BTW) also follows this behavior
@@LeCheFTube - ok! How are you routing the outputs post API2500? IOW, how are you independently sending out L & R channels? Edit: tried it in Ableton by routing APi 2500 bus out of 2 separate sends to two buses then monitoring only L or R in each but that’s a pretty convoluted process!!
@@healeydavid3080 when using the hardware I send out of the box and back in (and usually print the return ones I’m happy with the result) But honestly going OTB is too much hassle and the plugin sounds grate so.. ITB - my DAW of choice is reaper witch is quite flexible in terms of routing There are a number of ways I can do it in reaper.. I know Abelton isn’t as flexible and easy in that regard.. but I’m sure it’s possible 🙏 sorry for not being more helpful I’m just not very experienced in Abelton so I’m not sure what would be the best approach
This is SO helpful!!.......I 've had the Tone Empire version for a while. It's cool but seems to be it's own thing. I recently got the Waves version which I think it a little less colored?. I hadn't really fallen in love with either. Probably because I didn't fully understand the controls. Your review really opens things up for me! 😉👍
12:03 It's in percentage because it's a ratio. An absolute decibel-value wouldn't make much sense in that context. In temporal dimension the ratio will always stay the same, but channel difference in decibels would constantly change based on the stereo signal. It just makes sense to show it as percentage value. 0:44 I was in an impression that Germany of all countries would have fairly robust warranty laws. But I guess it's also possible I'm mixing up the German companies' knowledge about warranties regarding international trade and how the domestic laws are implemented.
I have bought the Waves version. Is there a differens in the sound between the Universal version and the Waves version??? Sound wise!!! All the best great to listen to your reviews.
Wytse, can you explain why the feedback actually sounds different? I never understood the actual difference... How is the output signal different from the input? By running through the circuit? Is it that?
Hmm couple of new things for me but the one thing I really wanted to understand you didnt go into detail so much. Can anyone explain how those filters are applied in tbe left and right link settings? Because as I understand it, it gives you the opportunity to say 'I want the lowend to stay center and the rest can be unlinked compression', but I never know if I then toggle the lowpass on the link or the highpass 😅
I have 2 hardware units of the API 2500, and I have a 16ch API 500 series, 8 channels with a VCA compressor and 8 with the FET compressor. Or just no compression at all. Just the sound of the transformers and the opamps. Try to contact Paul Wolff, maybe he can help you with the RMA.
Appreciate and shoutout to yourself, i have learn many things from your videos, but please... compensate always ok?... do it only analog. Its just... little request. Thank You. Good Luck.
so funny, I'm in school for music production and for a course we had to compare vst's en we compared the 3 version of the Api 2500 vst, UAD, waves and the SMC from lindell (emulator of api) and the Lindell and UAD ones came out as the better ones with UAD taking the cake, waves on the otherhand was utterly disgusting to how it sounded compared to the others, you start wondering if they even tried to emulate the hardware or just did their own thing ignoring the original unit
That's the reason why I would never buy my expensive outboard equipment on Thomann, go to a local / smaller retailer, support them and if you have a problem, usually they'll take better care of their customers then big companies!
Is that Jamstix I can hear? Sure sounds like it. I love Jamstix for ‘real’ drums. I’ve yet to find something else, even so called ‘AI’, that sounds as much like a real drummer. I suppose what Rayzoon does is AI - at least with the bastardised marketing version of AI we now have all over the place. Spoiler, AI in computer games isn’t. Even Chat GPT isn’t really, although it uses principles from AI research to do its thing. Anyway. AI or no AI, Jamstix is like having a drummer on tap.
Glad to see some love to API!!! I was one of the people commenting asking for a video on this a little while back. I love the API sound, but I have to admit to a bias there - the console I learned audio engineering on, in college, is an old API 1608. The only thing I loved more than the Pres was.... the demo mode that makes the faders dance around perfectly for little snapchat videos 😭😭
That being said, running a drum kit through API pres into 1176's (one for kick, one for snare) into the 2500 bus (for the whole kit), into parallel compression via stereo Distressors with Brit mod was so much fun... Absolute nightmare the first few times to figure out how to set that up with the patchbay; but my god was that such a treat for my ears...
I got some of the Lindell API stuff last year, and I absolutely love using it. Huge props to them for expanding on the Expander/Gate section that seems to be based on the 235L, but with an extra feature or two.
Love these tutorials. Thanks!
again, my favorite channel for plugin reviews
Fun fact: API 2500 attack is significantly slower than it says. That's why it's popular on drums. You are welcome ;)
Seriously? When I choose 30ms I want 30! How much slower exactly?
Proof? I’m not saying you’re wrong, I just want to verify how different the attack time is exactly.
Yeah where is this information gathered from?
I guess that depends on API's definition of attack time. Its annoying, but they can call it whatever they want when there isn't any agreed upon definition of what attack time is.
Attack time is usually the time it takes for compressor to get to it's maximum compression right? Not when the compressor starts to kick in. Or is it different with different manufacturers? Sounds nice either way
Great review (welcome back to your original STYLE!)
Pulsar MU into this API 2500 is the thing on my synth bus for a while now, love it
For me goes on my piano and synth buss as well. Real Analog version in my studio. Superb.
What type of attack and release do you have going on the synth bus
This is my go-to drum compressor. Thanks for the deep dive on the controls and explaining exactly what's going on..Used the Waves version for a long time, but switched to UA once it was native.
I'm fairly new to UAD plug-ins and I really love the HR knob they have on their analogue modelled plug-ins - in a fully digital workflow it's quite common for my gain levels to be wildly out of what they would be in an analogue workflow and it lets me use the plug-ins at their sweet spot of gain without pointlessly adding gain changes.
Wow Iv'e used the API 2500 for years just setting it to what I thought was the best sound for the application I was working on and never really realized the detail of all of the parameters you just explained. Thanks for the detailed vid!
Finally a decent video on this. All you ever get is, “it adds that depth and warmth to the drums and bass, almost like glue..but a different glue from the SSL BUSS comp.”
« 3D sOuNd »
Best piece of hardware I’ve bought yet. You can make it sound like many different types of compressors, but it has a very big learning curve even after you learn all of its features.
api sucks. cheap imitation of an ssl g-comp. just buy the original and not a device that tries to be like it. Trash
@ Nah it’s just way too complex for your pea-brain.
@@JohnGauge790 Do you think that when things are complex, they are always directly better? Do you think calling one of the simplest tools in music production “complex” is a smart statement? Or does your statement perhaps reveal a lot about your under-complex way of thinking?
@ I’m saying it’s over your head. And it is.
@@JohnGauge790 When taking dynamic effects basic course? It shows you how to crank the two buttons Threshold and Ratio at a very under-complex level. Is even that too much für you, the on-off switch is also explained in detail there.
Well explained ! There are so many great hw compressor designs. I don't think we are seeing the same level of talent and ingenuity in the software world when it comes to compressor design.
Your T Shirt made me chuckle, also like these more in depth videos a lot more than the kind of quick look videos you do
Especially the explanation about link and its internal bandpassing is awesome❤
Great overview of the 2500. One note, while the hardware 2500 doesn't have a mix knob, there is now a 2500+ that does. I have the original 2500 and it is my go to drum buss compressor
It should not go unmentioned that the gain knob in the output influences the gain reduction if the comp type is set to "Old".
So, "New type tone" - Gain only controls the output level. "Old type tone" - Gain controls output level and influences gain reduction. So the louder the more GR.
Cool video, thank you. ✌
Well he did say the “Old” type means the output feeds back into the sidechain, so that implies output gain is taken into consideration for GR
@@avationmusic Thank you, that's true, but it wasn't clear to me at the time and it was only when I read the manual and tested it myself that I was able to understand the situation. A not entirely unimportant detail for inexperienced people like me at the time. ✌
FInally! I have like 2-3 version of this but the "secrets" always eluded me. Thanks!
Great breakdown. I'm trying to learn about the differences and subtleties between these sorts of plugins so this kind of thing is very helpful!
the first time I understood the tone section, thanks!
i don't like the 2500... so, i really must try these tips/tricks. thanks man! rock on!
You are probably not using it right.
@@emitremmus1004 I don't like it either and I use it the right way, it sounds bad honestly
Great video! I have this plugin since a year ago but I never had the time to really dig into it - it sounds great.
I own the 2500+ Hardware Unit which has a very useful mixknob too.
But very often I find myself using the UAD version for multiple use ore convenience…
Even if I don’t like all UAD moves it’s a fact that this plugin in is an amazing recreation.
Thanks for the review!
Have you ever done a comparison of the hardware vs the software ?
@@bontempo1271 Hey, yes of course multible times… even on my ATCs or an Audice Headphone it’s a game of inches…
I can upload some examples if you want
@@nilsliebich1822 I wouldn't wanna make someone work, but it's hard to say no to a hardware vs software comparison !
I own it as well and use the Waves version in slow mode on vocals and bass a lot. I know a lot of people who use it as secret sauce.
One of your best videos
sweet, love uad compressors and reverbs
Thank you for posting this. I dig your style of going about things.
I like those tutorials
Good job. I am a Logic user and guitar player that has recently migrated to LUNA. I have overused plugins in Logic and don’t really know what I am doing but I’m learning. Your videos are good at explaining.
You’re awesome Wytse! Thanks for this
Chicke game is awesome 🙌
I have the Lindell SBC which is an emulation of the api 2500.
Thank you so much for your detailed video!
Thanks for this nice tutorial/explanation about this plugin! When I first subscribed to UAD Spark last year I did learn this plugin 100% on my own and initially used it "wrong" for some time until I discovered these different controls and features. Would've loved to see this video at that time!
Btw I would love to see videos about more technical stuff like the video idea you mentioned about mix knobs. I know that Dan Worral did a video about this with Softube plugins but I'd really like to see you explaning this and other more advancef topics!
love it, when you show us how to use these plugins!!!
love this compressor!
Thanks for the great video Wyste! We appreciate it 🙂
Your so good at this stuff
I believe the current iteration of the 2500 Hardware called the 2500+ does include a mix knob!
Cool 2500 trick - KD-Bass glue (shared envelope designer thingy):
Route kick drum to one channel
Route bass to the other
Now…set the compressor up and set the Link percentage to your hearts content ☺️👌
(And now you’re free to keep routing these channels to wherever you were planning to route them.. for instance - kick drum can go on feeding into your drum-buss with the KD-Bass gluing effect already applied)
Sadly, though, on the hardware unit the Link function doesn’t work in FB mode as expected (think of the internal routing needed for it to work - it is possible, but I’m guessing it’s just too much of a hassle and so API didn’t go with it 😢 I wish they did)
And I don’t know about the UAD version, but the PA version (which sounds excellent BTW) also follows this behavior
Gonna have to try this! Cheers
Do you ever use this technique for electronic music?
@@healeydavid3080 can’t say I have 🤓 but it should work
@@LeCheFTube - ok! How are you routing the outputs post API2500? IOW, how are you independently sending out L & R channels? Edit: tried it in Ableton by routing APi 2500 bus out of 2 separate sends to two buses then monitoring only L or R in each but that’s a pretty convoluted process!!
@@healeydavid3080 when using the hardware I send out of the box and back in (and usually print the return ones I’m happy with the result)
But honestly going OTB is too much hassle and the plugin sounds grate so..
ITB - my DAW of choice is reaper witch is quite flexible in terms of routing
There are a number of ways I can do it in reaper..
I know Abelton isn’t as flexible and easy in that regard.. but I’m sure it’s possible 🙏 sorry for not being more helpful
I’m just not very experienced in Abelton so I’m not sure what would be the best approach
Great Tutorial - Thanks - I like that content 🎉
this is awesome! More vids like this : )
Great video! Thanks!
This is SO helpful!!.......I 've had the Tone Empire version for a while. It's cool but seems to be it's own thing. I recently got the Waves version which I think it a little less colored?. I hadn't really fallen in love with either. Probably because I didn't fully understand the controls. Your review really opens things up for me! 😉👍
thanks bro - super vid!
12:03 It's in percentage because it's a ratio. An absolute decibel-value wouldn't make much sense in that context. In temporal dimension the ratio will always stay the same, but channel difference in decibels would constantly change based on the stereo signal. It just makes sense to show it as percentage value.
0:44 I was in an impression that Germany of all countries would have fairly robust warranty laws. But I guess it's also possible I'm mixing up the German companies' knowledge about warranties regarding international trade and how the domestic laws are implemented.
I own the hardware version ... it still sounds like an approximation to me but still useful in many contexts
I have bought the Waves version. Is there a differens in the sound between the Universal version and the Waves version??? Sound wise!!! All the best great to listen to your reviews.
Of course there is. Better watch comparisons on TH-cam) Both are good options, it's just a matter of preference
Thanks for the video ! My api hardware has a mix knob on it tho . Still don’t understand how to use it 😫
Mk4 sounds great!
I see that heritage 670 up there 👀, are you planning on doing a review on it?
Great review!!
Play with the HR knob and Output gain knob for tasty saturation.
Hihats on the right make me go crazy X)
How exactly would you calculate channel linking with decibels? I can’t wrap my head around that concept.
The plugin was designed to look like the 2500 in api consoles. Not the rack unit. That's why it looks like that..
Wytse, can you explain why the feedback actually sounds different? I never understood the actual difference... How is the output signal different from the input? By running through the circuit? Is it that?
Cool video thanks
Thanks for this
uad should make m/s feature as standard in all plugins
Nice
Tone empire modell 500 much betta broi!
Hmm couple of new things for me but the one thing I really wanted to understand you didnt go into detail so much. Can anyone explain how those filters are applied in tbe left and right link settings? Because as I understand it, it gives you the opportunity to say 'I want the lowend to stay center and the rest can be unlinked compression', but I never know if I then toggle the lowpass on the link or the highpass 😅
I have 2 hardware units of the API 2500, and I have a 16ch API 500 series, 8 channels with a VCA compressor and 8 with the FET compressor. Or just no compression at all. Just the sound of the transformers and the opamps. Try to contact Paul Wolff, maybe he can help you with the RMA.
have u tried the waves version? i heard back in the day the waves sounds better and i kind of believe it.
the waves is probably the worst one nowadays
You can get free trials of both and hear for yourself. No reason to rely on rumours in this day and age ;)
@@XanderEwald i prefer the rumours
Appreciate and shoutout to yourself, i have learn many things from your videos, but please... compensate always ok?... do it only analog. Its just... little request. Thank You. Good Luck.
so funny, I'm in school for music production and for a course we had to compare vst's en we compared the 3 version of the Api 2500 vst, UAD, waves and the SMC from lindell (emulator of api) and the Lindell and UAD ones came out as the better ones with UAD taking the cake, waves on the otherhand was utterly disgusting to how it sounded compared to the others, you start wondering if they even tried to emulate the hardware or just did their own thing ignoring the original unit
api are known for there broken meters mine is broken too
Now do the DBX 160 VU
I have not seen any good emulation beside UAD, anyone??
Shit, I'm game over.
you have to spend an extra $300 - $800 to get that mix knob on the 2500+.
Uad mmmmm....super
That's the reason why I would never buy my expensive outboard equipment on Thomann, go to a local / smaller retailer, support them and if you have a problem, usually they'll take better care of their customers then big companies!
My brain says, NO, the needle is in the RED! Leaving that meter maxed out for so long will destroy that equipment. 😊
Lowering the threshold does not equal increasing the ratio :/
I made it to 13:45 before losing the chicken game.
Chicken Game i lost! considering i'm chicken lickin' thats so sad..
Yea. How tf do I use this thing.
I’m getting better at the chicken game
Comment for da algorithm
Streak count: 272
And API stands for American Petroleum Institute? 😀😄
Application Program Interface
Disappointed not to have seen more examples of using the bus compressor... Thanks for the video anyway.
Is that Jamstix I can hear? Sure sounds like it.
I love Jamstix for ‘real’ drums. I’ve yet to find something else, even so called ‘AI’, that sounds as much like a real drummer.
I suppose what Rayzoon does is AI - at least with the bastardised marketing version of AI we now have all over the place. Spoiler, AI in computer games isn’t. Even Chat GPT isn’t really, although it uses principles from AI research to do its thing. Anyway. AI or no AI, Jamstix is like having a drummer on tap.
temu
snake oil studio
Please pronounce ratio as Ray-She-O instead of Ray-Chi-O
Ratsio lol like pizzzaaa
No. The man speaks it as it is written in the crazy English language. Do you speak Dutch?
It still sounds like AI, d'you know?! Namastè.
wowwowoowww magic woooowww itsl ike any other comp