Black Lion Audio Bluey | Review
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 2 ส.ค. 2024
- Hear the Black Lion Audio Bluey in action on vocals, drums, bass and guitars! This compressor has a ton of character and I don't think you'll find anything close to it in a plug in! Modeled after Chris Lord Alge's very own 1176 Blue Stripe compressor.
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Video Timeline:
0:00 Intro
3:49 Lead Vocal
5:03 Mono Drum Room
6:31 Snare
7:25 Bass
8:24 Acoustic Guitar
8:48 Electric Guitar
9:11 Final Thoughts
12:41 Ghost of My Dreams by Patrick Rock
Patrick Rock on iTunes & Music: / with-a-full-heart
Patrick Rock on Spotify: open.spotify.com/album/39XS2P... - เพลง
Great demo once again! Thanks for doing this.
Thank you very much! I'm glad you found it useful.
Great timing I am looking at buying this. This was very helpful.
I'm so glad to hear you found it helpful Dale. Thanks for watching!
Thanks for making this video! Audio samples & compression examples sound great 👍 The compressor has a lot of character & def imparts its sound letting you know it’s there.
It definitely leaves its mark even at low settings, thankfully it's a character I like though! Thanks for checking out the video!
Awesome review! Also, you have a very soothing, asmr-tactic speaking voice! 🎧👍🏽
I really appreciate you checking out the video and your kind words!
Great example of the unit , Thanks mate !!!
I’m really glad you enjoyed the video! Thank you for checking it out.
Love this Josh!
Thanks so much Ryan! I really appreciate it.
I just ordered a stereo set after this. Thanks for the video. +1sub
Nice! I bet a pair on a drum buss would be killer. Let me know your thoughts once you get them. Thanks for the sub!
I love mine. I only buy outboard that brings something to the table and this def does.
I completely agree, plug ins do a great job but there are certain special pieces like the Bluey that just haven't been replicated in the box.
Great review and compare
Thank you very much! I'm glad you enjoyed it.
Damn, how i want a hardware bluey. Must have! Even if i have a descend mic) Love Slate's bluey as well. But this one sounds so fast! Definitely faster than plugin i used. Thanks for a great video!
It is definitely faster than the Slate which allows it to get much more aggressive 👍🏼 Thanks for checking out the video, I'm glad you enjoyed it!
@@SeawellStudios Yeah, great stuff! I'm in! :)
Lucky enough to have this compressor, and being an all inthe box guy, I confirm that he does sound very different thant plugin. It's levelled, not pumpy and dense compared to vst. Vocals and Bass fits easily and quickly in the mix. It change my mind about hardware compressor, especially for tracking
Awesome, thanks for your input! I haven't had a chance to compare it extensively to the plugin so I appreciate it.
@@SeawellStudios I am clearly not snob about vst as it is more convenient. But I have to admit, that there is a big difference on the attack transient. CLA plugin is more snappy on the attack, it's more pointy. The hardware is not. But the main differnce for me is the leveling. Out of the hardware you don't have to recompress the vocal.
@@ctld5266 I totally agree. I have to do a lot of automation to the vocal after using the plug in to make up for harsh consonants. The hardware is definitely smoother in that area.
Lindell Audio makes one called the LIN76. I just got one and it sounds beautiful.
@@lightafluident.9950 I’m interested in that rack but the wall wart just challenges me. i’m certain it probably doesn’t make that much of a difference..
Oooh, that wet/dry knob is more like a character/no character knob! I’m ordering one, I’m convinced
YES! It has become indispensable.
Just an update from this comment a year ago. I got this compressor and I absolutely love it. Putting vocals through it sounds amazing
Thanks for the review! I would love to hear a comparison with the plugin!
Thank you for watching! I appreciate the input about the Bluey vs. Waves video 👍🏼
I finally got around to making the comparison video to the plug in, check it out! th-cam.com/video/Wj4qTYgSPZU/w-d-xo.html
@@SeawellStudios just watched it, thank you!
@@DrorBecker awesome, thank you!!!
Oof! That is one really characterful compressor. Definitely adds some nice saturation to make material more in-your-face. Love it!
Yes, the only way to make it transparent is turn the blend knob all the way to dry haha. I love it though!
Great love to see the waves version vs Bluey.
Here is the comparison video to the waves plug in! th-cam.com/video/Wj4qTYgSPZU/w-d-xo.html
Great video! Thanks for the comparison, it's hard to find many demo's of this, I'm really impressed! Will you be keeping this one ?
Thanks for watching Curtis! I'm definitely keeping the Bluey, it has some serious mojo I haven't found anywhere else in this price range.
@@SeawellStudios Thanks Josh! Your video has encouraged me to purchase one for my setup! Also trying to get my hands on the Audioscape Opto, out of stock of course but would love one, they sound fantastic as well.
Nice video.
Thanks! I appreciate you checking it out.
Sounds really good! Enjoy!!!
Thank you! I certainly am still enjoying the Bluey. Thanks for checking out the video.
Give a bit of coloration to the sound, really love this!
It does add such a great color👍🏻. Thanks for checking out the video, I appreciate it!
I’d like to hear the plug-in comparison as well. Great review.
Awesome, thanks for letting me know & for checking out the video!
I just finished up the video comparing the bluey to the waves CLA-76 plug in so just wanted to let you know! th-cam.com/video/Wj4qTYgSPZU/w-d-xo.html
thanks for the demo! which parts did CLA replace i wonder. and how does BLA bluey sound vs the hairball rev a?
You're very welcome, I'm glad you enjoyed it! I appreciate you checking it out. It's my understanding that the mods weren't really done to change the sound, they were just done out of necessity over the years to keep it up and running when an original part may not have been readily available. I don't think CLA even knew it was modded until Black Lion Audio opened it up and started testing it to see how they could recreate it. It sounds like it was all a happy accident! I haven't had a chance to use any Hairball comps but I've always heard good things about them.
that cup on the console keeps me in tension
I'm careful with it 🤣
Great vid. I have one and found that it’s VERY aggressive, but getting lots out of with a 50/50 blend. Subscribed :)
Yeah the wet/dry knob is a must with this compressor! I really appreciate the subscription!
Hello. Sounds great. I see you also have an LA2A. Do you also do the LA2A - 1176 combination for vocals? If so, how often and for what vox applications? Thank you.
Hello, thanks for checking out the video! I no longer own the AudioScape Opto you can see in this video. Vocals around here lately always start with the Highland Dynamics BG1 and then go either into a Retro 176, the Bluey or a Stam ADG. I really like using 2 compressors that compliment each other well on lead vocals.
Hi Josh, Great review! Glad to see you have so much experience on the 1176s(especially on SA76&Bluey which I’m very interest). Recently I've been searching for the best 1176 for Vocal tracking and mixing. Which 1176 do you recommend? and can you tell me about them
Thanks! I'm glad you enjoyed the review. I still love the Bluey but for tracking, it's a bit too heavy handed for my tastes. My favorite for tracking is a Stam ADG(or current model ADF). It has 3 flavors of 1176 and covers all the bases. If the wait time is too long or you can't find a used one, I'd go with a Serpent Audio Splice MKII(also has 2 flavors of 1176) or an Audioscape 76D or 76F. Thankfully there are some good, affordable options these days!
@@SeawellStudios Thank you so much Josh, is all of their build quality at the same level?
Build quality has been good with all of the above mentioned. I haven’t had any issues at all 👍🏻
@@SeawellStudios Perfect, thank you for sharing your experience :) The serpent Audio attracts me
The LIN76 from Lindell Audio is structured to work like the "bluey" as far as the controls go.
Keep in mind that the unit they modeled the bluey after was modded quite a bit and is much more thick/agressive and faster than other 1176s(even Rev As) from my experience. The Bluey is quite a different beast from other 1176. Having said that it can be a bit much at times and there are times where I prefer a more traditional 1176.
hi, nice review thanks! mine is on the way, is yours still working without flaws? i read some bad things about bluey, i knock on wood mine will work without issues! so did you use it for tracking? thanks from italy
Thanks for the review. I'm considering buying one of these right now, but I'm a bit worried about the part where you said it wouldn't be your first choice when tracking, and that's exactly what I need it for, has your opinion changed in that aspect?
It can work when hitting just a couple of db of gain reduction, or using the wet/dry blend. When tracking here, I use the Stam ADG instead so that I’m not committing to such a heavy handed tone on the way in. That’s just my personal preference but I hope you find it helpful! Thank you for checking out the video!
Great Job!! These are super pro...shot well..explained well...I personally have some questions i'm sure i can find on the web...but want to ask you? basic...simple knowledge...so i can better understand compression better. 4:1...8:1..12:1...20:1..then all buttons engaged. Are there rules of thumb for instance 4:1 (drums)...8:1(vocal), etc...??? or is it all soundscape based? you mentioned "color" a lot...which i can clearly hear...but am interested if it's preference...or as a beginner in the recording/mixing/engineering side are there rules? Thanks as always!
Thanks! Great questions about compression. The good part is that any of the ratios can sound great on anything, there definitely aren't any rules! I think of the ratio numbers like this...the more I want to hear the compression as an obvious effect(for example to make something sound more agressive or exciting) the higher the ratio I will use. I used this compressor on your vocal on "I'll Be Home This Year" at a 4:1 ratio just to give you a frame of reference. If anyone is interested in hearing that song you can find it here: music.apple.com/us/album/ill-be-home-this-year-feat-mid-august-single/1536302199?ls=1&app=itunes
In the bluey units just like in the original CLA unit the Attack knob is reversed, the 7 is actually the slowest setting and 1 is fastest. That's why the classic CLA setting of Attack 3 Release 7 would actually be an Attack 5 Release 7 in any other 1176. You will be able to get a more snappy transients by setting it to A7 R7. Good review!
That's exactly right. Here is a part 2 of this review with a direct comparison to the Waves CLA-76 plug in if you'd like to check it out: th-cam.com/video/Wj4qTYgSPZU/w-d-xo.html
Talk about your input levels, do you recall what levels you were sending to it? I just got one and the levels I'm sending it vs my WA-76 are substantially lower to get -3db reduction. Also, I've noticed that the input knob is more of an attenuator in that even when it's all the way down, it still let's signal thru. It's that your experience? Great review. Really appreciate your down-to-earth review. Ron Flack, Canton Ohio
I just opened up the session to check and most all tracks are hitting between -15 to -10 on the Pro Tools track meters. I can confirm the input works the same way on my unit. The only way to turn the sound completely down is via the output. I appreciate you checking out the review and commenting!
@@SeawellStudios I've since talked to Seth at BlackLion ... he told me the Bluey is modeled after the original 1176 design which was looking for much lower input from vintage console line levels. Modern consoles usually have a much higher line level. He suggests using an inline pad device in front of the Bluey. Like you, I was able to get useable results when using it w/ my daw ... but when I've tried it w/ live vocalist during sessions I was getting heavy, unusable distortion ... I think the pad could be the answer.
@@BRINGYOURSONG Oh ok, good to know! Thank you for sharing.
@@SeawellStudios Would that be peak or RMS? What would you consider ideal levels going into this unit? I'm having trouble using it as an insert. Where all of my other gear has unity gain, this baby gives me a +4.5dB insertion gain in my current setup, so I'm a little confused to why that's happening. Maybe it does need considerably lower levels in comparison to other boxes?
@@BRINGYOURSONG If that's really the case, failing to add this pad seems like a bit of an oversight. It's easy to put a Trim plugin going out from your DAW, but this makes integrating this box in a 'modern' hardware setup (with higher line levels) that bit more difficult.
Would you be happy using this on all instruments in a mix or is there too much colour?
Great question. If it didn't have a mix knob I may be a little hesitant but the mix feature allows me to use it everywhere!
I got one. Max 5 db with the Bluey, the Rest with the LA2a.
I think 7-10db on the Bluey is where the magic is personally.
@@SeawellStudios Yes. For Rock and very dynamic vocals, of course. For a alternativ pop vocal tracking i meant. Cause after that i have a smoothie La2a, which goes further.
@@SeawellStudios I tried.. You are right. I like 7-10db.
Did the same plug-in settings work, even though the attack knob on the bluey is wired opposite of a normal 1176?
For a direct comparison to the plug-in, check out this video: Black Lion Audio Bluey vs. Waves CLA-76 Shootout | Hardware vs. Plug In
th-cam.com/video/Wj4qTYgSPZU/w-d-xo.html
Josh, is the Rev A on the Stam 76ADG in the same ballpark as the Bluey? Or is there something totally unique about CLA’s modded one? Thanks!
Hey Mark! They are quite a bit different. Same goes for the Bluey vs other Rev A clones I've tried like the AudioScape or the Serpent Audio. The Bluey to my ears has more harmonic content and is faster. It is a lead vocal/character beast! I use it so much these days because so many vocals I get to mix are just tracked at home with a UAD Twin or something like that so they need LOTS of mojo! The Stam definitely has a more extended top end than the Bluey which I often prefer for female vocals.
Having said that, the Stam ADG is my favorite 1176 clone overall and having the 3 flavors all in one unit is so brilliant. With the Stam, I have a great tracking AND mixing compressor(s). The 3 modes do sound very different which is perfect! With the Bluey, using the mix knob is a must in my opinion when tracking. It is just so heavy handed that all the things I love about it during a mix are what keep me away from tracking through it too much.
Once I'm back in the land of the living here hopefully soon haha...I'd love to have you come by the studio and A/B both units side by side to see what you think!
@@SeawellStudios thanks for the detailed response Josh! I’ve had the Stam 76A+ on pre-order but am wondering if that’s going to be a little too drastic for tracking purposes. Josh said they could probably add a mix knob to the ADG, which would be ideal. I wish I knew about that unit before buying the AS 76D. Not that it isn’t great, but to have all 3 in one unit for tracking is so great. I’d be happy to come over when you’re back at it! So sorry you’re dealing with the injury right now. That sounds horrific. I know you’re in good hands but don’t hesitate reach out if I can help I’m any way. Hang in there!
@@MarkKanoMusic I think the + units are interesting adding in the tube(I haven't used one) but having the 3 flavors in one unit is slightly preferable to me. I find myself tracking through the G mode a lot, it's just a bit cleaner, big and full. Definitely come hang soon! I'll keep you posted on my progress, it's slow going but I'm trying to just take it literally one step at a time!
Great review ! I just got mine a few days ago and i love it. Do you know the ATTACK knob is backwards on the Bluey ?!
Thank you! I didn't realize the attack was reversed when I initially got it. On my unit the attack is reversed but the release is normal. I reached out to BLA and they said this was on purpose because it is how CLA's unit is. Also, I know some others have been concerned that even when the input is all the way down there is still a bit of signal but BLA said that was normal as well. So, basically they modeled it exactly, "flaws" and all...pretty cool! I'm glad you're enjoying your Bluey, thanks for your comment!
@@SeawellStudios Correct ! Only the attack is backwards. I love this unit and hopefully u too. Cheers.
Disengaging the compression button (all compression ratio buttons not pressed) is not working as bypass?
Unfortunately no, it's not a true bypass.
I would like to hear the difference between Black lion Bluey and Stam Audio 76ADG :)
I've heard great things about the tone of the ADG but there seems to be an issue with the attack being a bit slower than what people are experiencing with other 1176 units.
@@SeawellStudios What do you think about Wes Audio Beta76?
Thank you
@@giacomozennaro1708 I haven't had a chance to try that one yet! I'd love to check it out some point though.
@@SeawellStudios It has the same attack time as any 1176, the first 100 were indeed made slower with another Jfet but from #101 up to #900 and forward it has the same fast Jfet as other 1176's. Tone was compensated with an upgraded Sowter output transformer. Just wanted to clarify that. Great video by the way, the Bluey is an awesome comp, I tried it and was impressed with it!
@@joshuastam7704 that's great news, thanks for clarifying! I would love to check out the SA-23A when it's ready. The SA-2A was really something special so I can't wait to hear what you've done with the new model.
I'm having quite a bit of trouble with my brand new Bluey. Depending on which ratio knobs I press and the other controls, sometimes the unit starts to 'blow up' all of a sudden. Anyone else noticed any of these problems? Here's a link to a short video I made to show what's happening: th-cam.com/video/1v5B2VFbk7k/w-d-xo.html. I've reached out to BLA, but they haven't responded so far.
Man, that's a bummer! I haven't experienced that at all. Have you had any luck reaching the dealer you bought it from instead of BLA?
@@SeawellStudios Thanks for letting me know. I'm now in contact with Seth from BLA. After that I might try to hit up Thomann for a repair or swap. Seth suggested that my audio input levels are way too hot, but I don't believe that to be the case, as I'm also hitting around -12.7dBFS peak, RMS -22.1dBFS. Plus, the onset of distortion seems completely random and it goes away as soon as I turn the Output or Comp Mix knobs. Very strange. Will keep you posted with the outcome.
Still no news. Unit has been in repair with Thomann for over 3 months now. And BLA couldn't care less, apparently. I really think this is unacceptable.
@@xjanssens ahh thats awful. was about to buy one but defo going to avoid now if customer support is no existent
Hi, I bought it, is it normal that when I have the "wet/dry" knob on dry 100% the IN and Out knobs don't work? If so I can't match the sound with the comp and without. Tanks
Hi, yes my unit behaves exactly the same way.
Which do you prefer? Audioscape 76A or Bluey? and why? Thanks
The 3 blue stripe clones I've tried are the Audioscape, Stam and the Black Lion Audio. They were all great but I prefer the Black Lion Audio Bluey because of the more aggressive character and the wet/dry blend knob.
@@SeawellStudios Thanks a lot
Hey there! Do you have any experience with the Audioscape 76A? Im torn between these two
Hey! I do, the AudioScape and the Stam Rev A clones. They are both fantastic! The thing is though, they aren't like the Bluey. For some that may be a good thing, but for me, I really enjoyed the aggressiveness of the Waves CLA-76 Bluey plug-in and was looking for that sound. I didn't realize at first that CLA's 1176 had been modded as it was repaired/maintained over the years. It is a good bit faster and a more aggressive sound than you'll get from the AudioScape or Stam. It is much more of a statement piece. Having said that, I also own a Stam ADG and quite often like the Rev A mode on that unit better than the Bluey on female vocals in particular. They are different enough where I'm happy to own both. I hope that helps!
@@SeawellStudiosthank you so much for this! Funny enough, this comment is actually the most comprehensive comparison on the internet from someone with experience with both units. Ive scoured up and down and wasnt able to find much. Thanks!
Great vid! Got my unit yesterday. Anyone else notice the dry volume is way louder than the wet? It's a solid 6-10db boost beyond the source material feeding it.
Cool, I hope you enjoy it! Yes, my unit is the same way so I would say that's normal for how it operates. I've gotten in the habit of dialing back the output at the same time I'm turning towards the dry side of the blend knob.
@@SeawellStudios Nice ! Thanks for the reply.
@@SeawellStudios Thanks man! Do you also find that even at the input set to fully counter clockwise you are still hitting 8-10+ GR? I'm just not sure if this is how this unit is supposed to operate or normal behaviour! Thanks
Yeah it definitely runs hot. I'm using it exclusively as an insert during mixing so I just clip gain down the track to hit it lighter when needed. I could imagine it would be a bit of a challenge when tracking through it though. I'd check into getting some kind of pad you could insert in-between your mic pre and the Bluey if your mic pre doesn't have an output trim.
@@SeawellStudios Ah that makes sense! Glad to hear it's just not my unit.
I think a distressor may be a little more versatile for people with limited budgets and who want to use it in different scenarios.
I agree for tracking! If you’re looking for a special lead vocal sound in particular though, I’d take a Bluey over a distressor.
I had a distressor: cold sound. Now I have the Bluey: mojo and even more punch. Awesome!
Mmmm...all buttons in those drums was nice.
🤘
Bluey vs warm audio wa76 what is you favorite
Bluey 👍🏻
I just found out that the attack is backwards and that on this unit, the slowest is 7 while the faster release is also 7.
Correct, the attack is backwards but the release is normal. Kind of confusing. I asked Black Lion Audio about it and they said they wanted to keep everything true to CLA's original unit so they left the attack like his is.
Currently debating between the Bluey and the Seventeen. This might have sold me on the Bluey though. Damn does that unit sound great.
I haven't heard the seventeen but if you really want a sonic stamp imprinted, the bluey is going to be hard to beat. The wet/dry knob keeps it very versatile though! I'm still using it on every mix.
Jeeze, it's incredibly heavy-handed.
It definitely is! Use of the wet/dry knob is a must. Having said that, I'm using it most on drum room mics these days and that heavy handedness really pays off there 👍🏼
@@SeawellStudios Try using 4:1 and 12:1 buttons at the same time. That's one of my favourites to try out for parallel vocals.
@@iangomes I definitely will, I appreciate all your input here, great stuff! It's nice to hear from someone who has experience with some of the vintage units.
I find my real blue stripes sound slower than my rev f's and the plugins I've used. They almost feel like a combination of rev f and an la-2a.
Very cool, thanks for sharing your experience Ian! I bet they sound amazing.
@@SeawellStudios They are really nice on vocals for sure!
Yea. Thanks. Sweetwater still out of stock.
It's interesting, the price also went up $100 during the time that they are so hard to find in stock. Not sure what is going on exactly but hopefully they can keep them in stock better moving forward.
From what people say and from what I been hearing in videos lately with this bluey, it’s really good but I dnt think it’s $899 good in my honest opinion !! Idk 😭
I liked it better when it was $799 for sure 🤣. I'd say it's still worth it though!
@@SeawellStudios lol true still a good purchase fashooo
This is the only 1176 clone worth buying. The Warm Audio is just junk, and so is the KT. The Stam Audio and Audioscape are great but for less than $1000 this is the only clone anyone should ever consider buying.
I like this and the Stam ADG equally. They are different but both incredible tools at any price. I'm glad they are so affordable!
@@SeawellStudiosyes the bluey is awesome. I like it in Snare, Bass and Vocals 😊
@@lipk8494Agreed! Tons of tone and attitude when you need it 🔥
You can say Samson. Affordable/cheap lol
?
Sounds better with no comp. Sounds constipated
💩
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