UAD FlexiPak - essentials?

[kritikon]

SO I've pretty well decided on the LA2A, EMT Plate, Cambridge Eq. Which takes it to $450 - that leaves a spare $50, so I thought I'd go for the Pultec Pro which is only $80 (an extra $30 on top).

I mused about getting the better version of the 1176, but is it worth getting? Sounds like there's not that much difference between that and the included cut-down version. Especially as it would mean losing one of the other plugins.

Probably the only other ones are the Precision Limiter, and I'll certainly want the Multiband when it's out. Is the Precision Limiter that fantastic though? Considering that I prefer character sound - the 1176 is part of the deal anyway, so I'm not that sure I see much point in getting the Precision Limiter.

And the only other one that really makes me waver at the moment is the Dimension D. Having said that - I don't use vocals. Does the Dimension D have its uses outside of vocals? If I were to get the Dimension D, then I'd probably drop the Pultec Pro, or possibly even the LA2A (most likely the Pultec).

I'm a bit reluctant to give up the Pultec - having decent Eq is the 2nd most important reason for me getting a UAD in the first place (EMT being the 1st one).

Have I missed anything crucial - and if there's a certain plugin that you find absolutely essential, not on my list - why is it essential?


(My back pay is now in the bank and ready to be spent

[beej]

Firstly, the 1176SE does sound different than the 1176LN, not as complex. In sounds more like a generic compressor plugin. I would say that the 1176LN is my most used UAD plug.

The next I use are the LA2A, Pultec (not pro), Fairchild and Cambridge EQ. I don't have the plate or any of the newer stuff but it is all good quality.

I would say get what you need now, and save the other stuff for later. As and when you need the plugs, demo them first (nice and easy, just activate the demo, all the plugs are available in the latest version of the software so you can try them all)

The Pultec isn't really a surgical eq, it's a "colour" control, albeit a very nice one - great for the high end especially, and overall colour. I wouldn't mind the DimD but it's a subtle effect and I wouldn't use it nearly as much as the compressors...

In hindsight I'm not sure that this post helps you out in any way

[Guitarjeff]

What you are buying sounds good. You don't want to give up the Pultec. Personally, I'd probably give up the EMT plate and get the 1176 as it is probably the thing I use the most. The cut down version isn't nearly as good.

You can get always SIR and download EMT plate impulses. I find I actually use Dreamverb more than the Plate reverb.

Bottom line is though, each and every plug in the series sounds great. The Fairchild is essential for guitars IMO, Both Choruses sound great. I use Dreamverb on every project, the limiter also. The PEQ is very good.

I think the biggest strengths are the Compressors and EQs. I'd get all of those first and then work my way through the rest.

You WILL want everything eventually!


Jeff

[kritikon]

What you've both said about the Pultec confirmed what I wanted it for, then - character rather than precision Eqing - a bit of added tonal colour is exactly what I like.
I'd forgotten about the Fairchild completely. But I don't use guitar, and only occasionally synth-based guitar patches, so maybe I can wait for that one.

Sounds like the 1176LN is well-liked. I might possibly change something for that one - I was just going on the UA blurb...they seemed to be almost saying don't bother buying it. I can't give up the EMT though - that's my no.1 reason for getting it.

Possibly I'd swap the Cambridge Eq for the 1176 - but that sounds a very useful Eq. I was reading the tips&tricks about the figures for the crossovers, and using Cambridge as a band splitter for compression - there aren't too many other Eq filters I'd trust with that duty. Maybe I wait for the 1176LN as my next purchase early in the year.


Thanks for the input. At least I got some reassurance I'm sort of on the right track.

I'm completely sure I'll collect the whole lot at some point

[lex_strooder]

And the only other one that really makes me waver at the moment is the Dimension D. Having said that - I don't use vocals. Does the Dimension D have its uses outside of vocals? If I were to get the Dimension D, then I'd probably drop the Pultec Pro, or possibly even the LA2A (most likely the Pultec).

The dimension d works great on most material, it smoothes the stereo image and put the sound into the backgound (about a meter away ... ), but its a one trick pony.

If I were you I would get the Pultec Pro, its very very good EQ and is a "must have".

lX