KVR Audio

tekara · Post by **tekara** » Thu Mar 23, 2006 10:45 pm

is there anything out there that can give me the bang for the buck?

I used to use the C1 for compression quite heavily and i thought it sounded ridiculously amazing. Since then ive sold all my plugins, moved to an apple computer, and now im contemplating on getting either the Waves Native PowerPack for $300, or the SSL 4000.

Compression is a MUST. Would the compressor on the 4000 be superior to the C1? I've taken a look at both plugins, and it seems the C1 has more functions and knobs, whereas the 4000 has only a basic attack/thresh/release/ratio.

How does C1 and the 4000 compare in terms of sound quality?

thanks!!

beej · Post by **beej** » Thu Mar 23, 2006 10:49 pm

Haven't tried the 4000, but if compression is important to you, I can't recommend the UAD-1 (1176, LA2A & Fairchild mainly) highly enough, nothing I've tried native comes close, although the SSL are supposed to be good, if you like that sound...

bduffy · Post by **bduffy** » Thu Mar 23, 2006 11:35 pm

If you're used to the flexibility of the C1, you might want to make sure you try out the SSL compressor first. It seems more limited, but then again, might have that "magic" that just works for your tracks.

Of course, you get more things with the NPP, so it's a far better choice for day-to-day processing. BUT - it's getting a little old; I'd be tempted to save a couple bucks and get the Waves Musicians Bundle II, unless you're really sweet on the C1.

kilroy · Post by **kilroy** » Fri Mar 24, 2006 12:05 am

tekara wrote:How does C1 and the 4000 compare in terms of sound quality?

You will want that C1 back.

Not to knock the SSL bus comp...but you can accomplish *much* more with the C1 in terms of creative dynamics shaping and control. A truly great and versatile tool.

EJo · Post by **EJo** » Fri Mar 24, 2006 12:23 pm

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beej · Post by **beej** » Fri Mar 24, 2006 12:30 pm

Yes. I don't think that the UAD-1 offers everything. It is a 'character' compressor in the main, mean it has a tendency toward big, fat, raunchy, aggressive and in your face (obviously depending on how severely you use/abuse it).

The C1 is about the cleanest, blandest, least characterful compressor you can get (in my experience anyway) - not that it's not useful, it's great tool. However, 'bland' compression is very easy to do in the native world. It's the complexities and sound of the UAD stuff that just sounds expensive, and it instantly starts making your stuff sound like a record.

For people doing dance music, I don't recommend the UAD as much, as it may have too much character for that. For acoustic, rock and pop music though, it's a superb tool.

Don't forget also that the UAD channel strip plug has a compressor that's also pretty good, and not as complex sounding as the big comps.

Basically, the C1 is clean. The SSL stuff supposedly has a distinctive character, and the two are really different tools for different purposes.

But the UAD still rocks my world

tekara · Post by **tekara** » Sat Mar 25, 2006 6:12 am

ahhhhh!!

damn you guys have made me even more torn about this decision

Thanks for the input anyways though, glad to hear the pros/cons of everything.

Now that we're on the topic of TC powercore stuff, would the firewire powercore be a good match to the UAD-1?

I keep hearing people raving mad about the UAD-1. Especially the guys at the music store, who consistently claim that the UAD-1 is superior to the powercore. The only reason why im leaning a bit more towards the powercore is that they have 3rd party plugin instruments, and not only effects. Is UAD-1 planning on releasing instruments as well in the near future? I also have something against PCI cards as opposed to breakout firewire boxes. Theres something about opening up a computer and sticking it inside and never seeing it bothers me, as opposed to seeing a rack unit on the shelf. Maybe im just shallow! =/

I will definately take your advice into consideration. These tools will be strictly for DANCE music.

tekara · Post by **tekara** » Sat Mar 25, 2006 6:28 am

sorry my bad, i shouldnt of asked that uad-1 vs powercore question so quickly without checking the forums.

i just did a search, and it seems like an overwhelming decision to UAD-1 over the powercore.

But im still baffled when you everyone seems to say to not go for the UAD-1 when it comes to dance music. Why is that?

Will it actually make it sound bad? Or do you guys mean it it just wont sound as good than if a TC powercore was used?

I actually find dance music to be quite boring when it sounds too clean.....

cthmusic · Post by **cthmusic** » Sat Mar 25, 2006 7:25 am

Have you guys checked out Neodynium?

http://www.elementalaudiosystems.com/pr ... index.html

Personally I think its an amazing compression tool! But, its very clean.

grintor · Post by **grintor** » Sat Mar 25, 2006 7:45 am

Sell your arse in a train station...

grandaddy · Post by **grandaddy** » Sat Mar 25, 2006 7:56 am

Waves ssl bundle sounds absolutely fantastic, If you want to read some in depth debate and see the reults of a blind listening test drop in to the gearslutz forum

EJo · Post by **EJo** » Sun Mar 26, 2006 12:56 am

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bduffy · Post by **bduffy** » Sun Mar 26, 2006 1:19 am

EJoIf wrote: you're going to make dance music, do NOT get an UAD-1. Yes it will make it sound bad.

What? That's a bizzare statement; most dance producers use and crave vintage compressors, EQ's and mixers like the rest of us. I can't imagine anyone suffering from owning a UAD-1!

legendary · Post by **legendary** » Sun Mar 26, 2006 3:22 am

The more flavour of compressors we have the better, I just think it's too expensive.

munchkin · Post by **munchkin** » Sun Mar 26, 2006 3:32 am

I'm not sure why anyone would not recommend a UAD-1 for dance music. It's like saying, "Don't use a vintage synth for dance music." How bizarre!

It is quite disconcerting how these myths are spread under the guise of 'pro' advice.

The UAD-1 plugs sound great with dance music as do the Poco plugs. I suppose the Poco has the edge as far as 3rd party but Sony are really the main players here.

Either the UAD-1 and Poco 2 work with most PC's but I wouldn't get the Poco FW as some have experienced problems with it. Having said that, the latest Poco 2 driver has been a bit buggy.

This looks interesting for the UAD-1

Neve plugins

Should i buy the Waves SSL 4000?