What 2 Analogue Hardware Units Should I Buy First For Mastering?
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 1 ต.ค. 2024
- In this video I discuss what 2 analogue hardware units I would choose to have if I was starting to build a mastering chain.
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Aaaaaabsolutely what I've been looking to be answered 🔥🔥🔥👍🏾
Love the Mid-Soaid
I agree that Fusion Vintage Drive is too noisy for mastering - so what do you recommend to use it for in mixing?
Could be used in mixing. Would sound OK over a source that already has noise or if you add the surface noise in using the vintage drive you remove it later. I personally just don't touch it and opt to use the Vertigo VSM-2 for that kind of saturation.
I'm not clear -- are you paid by SSL? you're seemingly on a massive sales drive for them...
No it is just always the unit when asked these questions I can honestly say will be good to buy first. I answer these questions honestly from my perspective and through my own hands on knowledge.
I don't have a Fusion at all . Go with a good parametric EQ and a solid compressor, SQL PQ - Maselec, Knif Soma, GML, etc, then get a Neve Portico II or SPL Iron. All the stereo widening stuff you can do in the box, and mid side for starting out, I'd just learn to use Fab Filter Q3. btw, picked up a Clariphonic MS Para EQ this past week after you did your desert island video and recommended, wow, what an awesome piece of gear.
It’s different. The fusion is a toy for people like me with just digital everything to add color. The bus+ (dont have, so maybe im ignorant) will do parametric compression. Very very different and does both of the functions of what you’re suggesting(correct me please if im wrong)
Hi we have 896mk3 hybrid as audio interface is it good for current modern market ??
I started out the box with the Elysia MusEQ and the Dangerous Compressor. They really shine together. Only missing the M/S processing there.
The neve buss seams to have all the features you are referring mid side compressions and limiting. All in one unit. Would that be a potentially better route?
The SSL in a 500 series format with the Transformer, HF Compressor, & the Stereo Image would be awesome. I don't use the EQ, HPF, Drive, Insert & always leave the IN/OUT at 0. The Fusion has no front on/off switch which I personally prefer.
Hey there ! Check out SPL Big 500 for stereo imagining
all facts really all you need
I have tc finalizer 96k is it good....? I never use it coz i have small audio interface...m upgrading my audio interface....
I had one maybe 10 years ago and I personally wouldn't put it back in my studio now. That's not to say it wouldn't benefit you.
SSL Bus+ into a Manley Massive Passive gets you places
RND MBP + Hendy Amps Michelango or Gyraf G23-S
Wow, What a timing of this video ! Hey Paul Thank you So much for great Content as always ! i am also building my mastering chain, I Want to add 3 Units - Eq, Compressor & Saturation Box - I Got Elysia Museq & from past few days i am tinkering on internet for a compressor !! My Shortlisted Are - SPL IRON/Shadow Hills/Thermionic Phoenix !! or any other would you suggest ? i mostly work on Hip Hop/Trap Music ! Please Help Me To find a Compressor ! and for the Last Unit i was going with Vertigo VSM 2, but i dropped that idea because i think that VSM is a overpriced unit, So instead of VSM i Am going with EL FATSO ! or any other suggestion ? and now i am adding Fourth unit to my mastering chain is On The Moon Space Craft ! what do you think of Space Craft ? does it worth the money or space craft is a Gimick !! Please Help Me
SPL iron is excellent and you'll really like this compressor. I have one as my main mastering compressor in my second mastering studio.
We had a Shadow Hills compressor but after some time it deteriorated and we sent it back. Maybe we had a temperamental one. But if you are going to spend that sort of money go and get the Unfairchild or even Herchild or the Elysia Alpha.
The Thrmonic Phoenix would be the lowest on that list of 3 for me.
Yes 100% if you want really incredible saturation the Vertigo VSM-2 is unreal. Highly recommend that, I have that and a Whitestone in my mastering studio and that will never leave. Important parts of the chain those. If you feel it is overpriced look at the Whitestone. Believe me it's not overpriced. It's expensive but this is one unit that sets you apart from other engineers. You'll achieve a sound only people with the VSM can achieve.
I haven't used the Spacecraft so i can't comment but my recommendation n it would look at the Rupert Neve Portico 2 as a stereo field editor. This is what I use and it's incredible.
@@AudioAnimalsStudio Thank You So Much For Your Reply 😊
Do you think that the RND Master Bus Transformes is better to start than the SSL Fusion?
No I would still say the Fusion is the one to start with. Just because it's more affordable plus it has the mid side insert. As you build your chain your chain you can then upgrade the Fusion to a MBT. But to start out the Fusion is great.
I think the neve portico would be the right choice
Can I ask what 4 pieces are a great mastering setup. Reason I ask is because I am a musical producer, mainly doing hip-hop instrumental beats from scratch. So I wanted to glue my instrumentals together as if they were done by the top records you would hear in the past. That vintage 90's early 2000's sound. Right now i am running synths trhu guitar pedals for my external FX and mixing back into my original MPC Live. Im looking to glue my intrumentals together. I also have the Analog Heat but I dont think that is enough especially hearing you talk about mid side EQ which I know nothing about. Also hear you talk about compression for the highs in which I know nothing about.
A good unit to start your chain with is the SSL fusion. Then get a dual mono EQ so you can use it in mid side on the Fusion insert if you would like. A nice stereo compressor such as the SPL iron. Then you could add saturation. What gear to buy greatly depends on budget. If your budget is under 10k look at 500 series units. Or look at SSL gear as this is relatively affordable.
@@AudioAnimalsStudio Thank you
I don't get why there is no cheap, analog, high-quality, dedicated M/S insert unit. It's such a trivial thing technically and would be really easy to build. Of course, and this might be the reason for not too many analog boxes doing this, M/S conversion is best done digitally, because in the digital domain it's completely lossless.
SPL do the Gemini which is only £2200. But saying that buy a fusion you can additional functions plus mid side.
Cheap and high quality don’t belong in the same realm.
The word is inexpensive. Quality and affordable. Cheap means rubbish.
Hello Paul, I just discovered your channel, very cool content ！I have been mixing in ITB for a long time, Now I have a little budget ready to go into the "real world"
Do you think I should buy 2bus hardware or first summing (32ch) with ADDA like Antelope Gen3 ? thanks!
I would say if you plan on going out the box for summing go down this route first. This way you can build on the summing console with various eqs compressor that you need. Analogue summing is going to bring you something great to the table. Once you have the summing ready you can build over time in a 500 series format for instance.
@@AudioAnimalsStudio Thanks for your reply！ I will continue to follow this channel ！
What do you think about warm audio clones?!?
Personally I'm not a fan. But that's not to say they aren't good.
I’m thinking about getting the SSL Fusion & wanted to add the Successor as my Bus Comp.
Do I even need both the Fusion & the Successor?
If I only need one which one would you go with?
I would day watch this video of me using the bus plus and the Fusion together in a chain. You will notice that they perfectly compliment each other.
th-cam.com/video/MSOSgqpfKc0/w-d-xo.html
I would say to get a multi band comp early in the game. Having that level of control means that whatever compressor you put after it can really shine.
I really went after this advice but it’s so insanely expensive. Definitely would have preferred a more limited, but varied approach.
@@vigneshkarthikeyan8174 Drawmer 1973. Not a golden unit, but if you just want to control your frequency dynamic before it hits your hardware compressors, it will get you there.
I know people who have Sontec multi band and all kinds of expensive fancy gear, but all it gets used for is lightly compressing the low end. You can do that with th e Drawmer, and let it enable you to push into your hardware compressors a bit harder.
Dumb question as a newbie - do you put the Fusion first or after the Bus+?
I would say first. Before the bus plus.
Hey Paul do you think a dangerous 2 bus plus summing mixer is a good first piece of analog gear to have? I just purchased one along with an audioscape g buss compressor and am wondering if I should keep the 2 bus plus or return it and get the ssl fushion.
It depends on the purpose. For mastering which is this video is talking about I'd say no 2 bus plus isn't the best option. For mixing it it'll be good to have if you are mixing in stereo. The fusion is going to give you a little bit of a few things plus a mid side insert. It's a great starting point for a mastering chain as it gives you a lot for very little.
I am waiting for my Fusion to arrive, will use it for mixing and Mastering of course not the vintage drive and Listenmic comp but all other features. I am planning to buy Wes Audio Rhea for insert compressor, altho i also will buy Dione, hyperion and Prometheus so maybe will try other options. I keep using my Drawmer 1976, WA EQP’s and Art pro VlaII for parallel editing as that works awesomely for me. And then printing through my Neve’s 542. Nice you recommend the Fusion! Nice vid. Cheers
The fusion is a brilliant all in one unit that gives us a little bit of everything. Those Neve 542's are brilliant. They are the one thing I miss when selling switching all my 500 series for rack versions. I swapped the 542s out for a Neve MBP.
@@AudioAnimalsStudio Agree! But man the MBP is an awesome piece of gear! Think you can get a nicer sound of it as the 542’s altho different uses for them ofcourse. Cheers
@@patrickalphenaar yes it's a far more advanced unit. You get the silk red and blue. But you don't get that tape sound you get from the 542s.
Do you still agree with this outtake or has your opinion changed since releasing this video? Also how do you feel about the SSL Big six?
If I was starting a mastering chain right now in 2024 and I only had 2 units I could buy I'd still recommend the Fusion. I'd then add a mcdsp apb. Both these units together would give you everything you need. You can then build off them.
@@AudioAnimalsStudio I’m plan on buying my first analog unit soon which I think might be the fusion. Always heard and saw videos that the combo (Fusion/bus +) is great value but never been interested in the MCDSP box only because I’d be afraid of lost support on future OS. Do you have a second recommendation?
@stone_wallace Yes, that's always been my concern with the mcdsp. My second choice would be a good compressor and EQ. Fusion covers most things you need but lacks a detailed EQ and a good compressor. The Rupert Neve MBP would be good as you gain saturation with silk red and blue. If your budget doesn't stretch to being able to add an EQ also you can always EQ in the box before coming out.
@@AudioAnimalsStudio understood. In this case, I recall in one of your videos that the MBP in conjunction with the fusion doesn’t work as well as the Bus+ or are you suggesting skipping the fusion totally and just building off a MBP.
Fuison to me is like so many tricks and a master of none... feels bad man
Yes I would agree but for starting a mastering chain it gives you a little bit of everything plus a mid side insert.
Hi. I only work with electronic music. In my mix buss is the Stam ssl clone stereo buss comp + ssl ultraviolet eq , then sometime nvelope 500 elysia. Have other 500 serie. Of the analog gear I have use in analog access I like a lot the results I get with the 33609 and the MBP portico II. I am saving for the MBP portico ii, that would be the best option for my chain. Stam produce a 33609 clone for less than 2000 us and the RND portico II is around 4000 usd, . So what your opinion on it. 33609 clone + Bettermaker limiter or the MBP portico ii ? Thanks
The Portico 2 is a brilliant tool. Especially when you use it as a stereo field editor. The Bettermaker limiter is good and has some greta colour options.
@@AudioAnimalsStudio thanks
Greetings,
Great video. I was wondering if the ssl fusion -> adl 1500 would be a good mastering chain. What are your thoughts?
It wouldn't be a bad choice. You'll have saturation, eq, de-essing, widening and compression.
How relevant is music genre considering this advice?
I wouldn't say music genre is all that relevant. It's not like I have a specific mastering chain for specific genres.
@@AudioAnimalsStudio Thanks for responding. That's interesting. You're advice made me doubt my purchase of the Overstayer Modular Channel.
What about ssl g bus compressor?
The g bus is a good compressor. I personally chose the Wes Audio bus comp as it sounded equally good with many more advanced features. I wouldn't consider a bus comp too much as a mastering compressor. More a mix bus compressor to be applied before mastering.
Would you get the 2 bus over the Dangerous compressor?
Guessing you mean the SSL Bus Plus? I would prefer the dangerous compressor.
@@AudioAnimalsStudio thank you!
Hello friend, your videos are very interesting. Currently I have these tools (hardware) SSL FUSION , SSL BUSS+ , ELYSIA MUSEQ, ELYSIA NVLOPE and BETTERMAKER LIMITER. In what order would you put them for a mixbus chain? I am a producer of electronic music, EDM, Club...
SSL Fusion
Elysia MusEQ on SSL Fusion insert
SSL bus plus
Elysia Nvelope
Bettermaker Limiter
@@AudioAnimalsStudio Thank you very much PAUL,
How do you usually use the NVLOPE in FULL RANGE or EQ mode? that's how I'm going to follow it! I'll report the results!!
@Laura Ovalle use the nvelope in full range. Check this video out you'll see a similar chain to you have. th-cam.com/video/8nNrWOVv-Z0/w-d-xo.html
@@AudioAnimalsStudio thanks Paul
@@AudioAnimalsStudio
So if I put my Elysia MusEQ on SSL Fusion insert can I use my Elysia museQ as a MID/SIDE equalizer? the left part MID part right SIDE¿?
That s a Gear subject ! I m in this question now. Do you think my tandem SPL vitaliser mkII and my overstayer svc comp it s suite thé same spirit than having the fusion / ssl bus plus ? And also as you said in comment the audio Interface USB crucial, and i have a rme fireface ucx i Wonder if it s enough for good conversion for otb use. Lastly 😂, i would plan to do Analog summing and look at ssl Big six mixer.... Thanks a LOT
These are two good units to start with and over time add to them. The vitalizer is a great tool. A really good dual mono EQ would serve your chain well. Something like the Handcrafted Labs Thermos which has mid side would be brilliant. RME converters are OK. Obviously there are better but these can be upgraded as your chain upgrades. I personally wouldn't bother with analogue summing. Better places to spend that money. Analogue summing doesn't make a huge difference especially clean SSL summing. If you want to do summing out the box then look at the orbit by Rupert Neve.
@@AudioAnimalsStudio thanks so much !!! And about monitoring i have Focal solo be6 and Yamaha ns 10. I lack some bass réponse and think the focals are too hifi. so i d be glad to hear about you for advice for m'y mixing room (17 square meters). Looking at Genelec 1031 or 1032.....
@@MELOPSMUSIC my recommendation for monitoring is ex machina.
Hi Paul. Thank you for nice explanation. But, what about Neve Portico II? Does it better than SSL Bus+? Your opinion?
Yes I would say the MBP is better. Having the ability to add silk textures is a big plus.
@@AudioAnimalsStudio Thank you for answer.
Another question is about SSL Fusion and SPL Vitalizer MK II-t.
THis is different devices, I guess. But, similar. Both have compressors, drive engine and EQ. SPL Vitalizer has vintage brilliant SPL filters on the board.
What do you think about this is two devices?
And may be you will to make comparsion video about this hardware?
Thanks!
@liho26 the Fusion is the better unit compared to the vitalizer mk2.
@@AudioAnimalsStudio I heard you. Thank you for answer.
Hi Paul, does it make sense to use the Fusion and the Buss+ on Groups before bouncing them and then again for mastering ?
It's a long process to do but there's no harm in this. It's just like having multiple fusion bus + on each channel. There's no harm in this. Only thing to bear in mind is surface noise building up. For instance you add surface noise with the vintage drive and then do that across 10 groups that surface noise will be loud.
My question is why! just load up on a shit load of PA and Acoustica audio plugin and live happily ever after
Because the plugins are inferior to the hardware. You can listen to the AB comparisons we've done.
@@AudioAnimalsStudio I been an audio engineer for over 35 years in the L.A. area... and in all that time I come to this conclusion... Nobody cares! We make all this pristine audio to all get upload to crappy compressed streaming service with compressed crappy codec's for an audience that will listen to is back on their laptop, iPhone or at best Bluetooth speaker. The 3-5% quality difference between a plugin and hardware get's lost on these idiot listeners who don't know the difference between a bass guitar and a guitar. Not to mention to do this right you need to buy super high quality converters, make some custom cables and go through patching and recall hell. it all for and audience that doesn't give a dam!
@@gotyor That question is kind of psychological more, by my opinion, then technical. Yes, you're right. Most of the people don't know the difference between bass guitar and guitar. But you know. And I know. Does it necessarily mean, that you should compromise on something, that seems to you important? The answer is only yours. Let's apply that to another topic. Most of the people just don't care about ethics, behavior, thoughts, actions. They don't care about being honest. They just do whatever feels to them right now. Does it necessarily mean, that you should give up on your education? Become cynical? The decision is yours.
@@DimaGorelik Workflow to me is everything. The more time I waste patching and recalling things, or trouble shooting why I am hearing a crackle or signal going in and out because of a cable or input is more time I not doing what I really want to do at the end of the day... which is make music. I learned that inspiration comes in quick little moments and being able to capture moments without hassle is priceless. The more cables and components your dealing with the more time losing inspiration. There a bigger picture here. Gear junkies need to get real with themselves, are you doing this to have a big bad studio " like owning a sports car or monster truck to show how big your di@k is" or you really out to make great music.
What aboutto pair with fusion an tegeler creme
I would prefer something with control of left and right. This way you make use of the mid side insert.
@@AudioAnimalsStudio so 2 creme ....hahahaha...just kidding
@@DnBLand81 why not it's something I've considered
@AudioAnimalsStudio I will love to do it but in the future...because i have already the 2 unit and I'm using in m/s the elysia nvelope
Good vid! Any thoughts on what you my might pair with an MBP?
Thanks
With the fusion I would pair a good EQ like the elsia museq or masele mea2 on the ms insert. Then a good compressor after the fusion. Something like the SPL iron.
Sorry my question wasn't very clear :)
What would you pair with the Rupert Neve Designs Master Buss Processor :)
@@jimbotski It depends how you want to use it. I use the MBP as a stereo field editor and not as a compressor, so will pair with a compressor and EQ.
@@AudioAnimalsStudio Hey thanks for the suggestion. I might look at getting something like the Tegler Creme.
Amazing content! I have a ssl fusion and ssl bus comp 500 series. Would replacing the bus compressor I already have with the bus plus be a smart choice or should I get a mastering compressor instead of replacing my actual comp? Thanks.
The 500 series bus comp you have in 500 series is brilliant, the only reason I would say the bus plus is better is because it has a few more features. Such as the dynamic EQ and different saturation types. It would be a minor upgrade for you but a good one. Would I upgrade? Probably not. But if I had a choice of the two to buy today I would buy the bus plus.
If I were you I'd have the fusion and the 500 series bus comp as my finishing processors for my mix then build a mastering chain off that. Add a good EQ and compressor. You can then go back into the box for limiting.
@@AudioAnimalsStudio awesome 😎 thanks for the response. I have a maag eq4m which is wonderful and 2 api 550 b. For the compressor Im thinking of the manley vari mu. What are your thoughts on that and do you really find a difference between the mastering and regular version? Thanks 🙏
@@EmmaVelezMusic thats actually one compressor I've not used in a while so I wouldn't like to comment on it. You can't go wrong with Manley though. I've also not compared the edition on that. But usually the difference isn't massive and is more to do with finer stepped increments design more for mastering.
@@AudioAnimalsStudio awesome thanks for the response.
I know you have a lot of high en gear. What one compressor would you recommend for mastering? Budget 6k US. Thanks 🙏
@@EmmaVelezMusic nice budget. The Vertigo compressor was a really nice compressor in that budget. A second hand elysia Alpha?
Hi. Do we really need Analog Summing and AD Converter in Mastering Chain?
You don't need analogue summing for mastering as it is only 2 channels. In order to get out to your analogue mastering chain you will need a ADC to convert from analogue to digital back into the box.
@@AudioAnimalsStudio which ADC models do you recommend please?
@@mhstoregameon burl b2 bomber
Nice. Thanks so much !
@@AudioAnimalsStudio hi, how about DA Converter in Mastering. Do we need it too?
Hi Paul, the algorithm is working in my favor. Haha Literally getting ready to purchase the fusion and the bus+ for my mix bus. I’ve been mixing in the box for years, and Grammy nominated in 2022. However, upgrading my set up to be more of a hybrid. What hardware eq do you recommend to pair great with these two units for my mix bus (that I can also use as an insert)? Just a bit more context, I’m looking to get more air, depth and openness in my mixes with the eq
Cheers and thanks for the content!
The maselec mea 2 is brilliant. On a budget the Handcrafted Labs Thermos v3 is a great eq.
@@AudioAnimalsStudio awesome. I’m not familiar and will check both out. Thank you!! Just subscribed to your channel!
@@Bluechipssssss thank you. The maselec mea2 is expensive but one of the best EQs you'll ever use. It's a key part of our mastering chain.
Just watched 5 more of your videos, including the one on the masalec mea 2. Sounds incredible. I may hold off on such a surgical hardware eq for now and leave that for my mastering engineer. Once I live and clock in quite few mixes on the bus plus and fusion I’ll reconsider an eq if need be. Thanks again for the great content and info!
@@Bluechipssssss the thing with leaving it to the mastering engineer is not just about the equipment list and knowledge. It's also about a fresh perspective over the master. After hearing a song for x amount of hours in the production or mixing stages it is hard to have a fresh perspective of the song and make the correct choices when mastering. If you ever need mastering for your music visit our website.
The Bettermaker Mastering Limiter. The unit is crazy good!
Great for more than just limiting. The saturation section is brilliant.
Indeed. What I like mostly about it is the clipper. You can push mixes insanely loud
What about the SSL Fusion and the Tegler Creme?
Got the Fusion.. Creme arrives this week!
@@40blockstudios60 Good choice!!!! I´ve got the Fusion, and the Tegeler Creme, and they work great together. I´m surprised no one mentioned them here, because with the Tegler Creme, you not only have an SSL style compressor, but a Pultec EQ as well. :)