Is 2C's Aether REALLY worth it? (the answer is: yes, certainly)

[klagga]

Thoughts?

The manuals that seem clearest to me are the ones that fairly strictly describe things knob-per-knob, a lot of negative space typographically.

Sure, I like that, but I also would like a manual on how to use Aether and its different functions in different contexts - Aether for vocals in a mix, Aether for drums in a mix, etc. How to use Aether for standard mixing and how to use it for more creative tone shaping, etc.

The most efficient way to show this I think would be a video tutorial.

[Barbarossa]

And don't forget the most important chapter: How to make a hit-record with Aether if you're deaf...

[generalstargazer]

Thoughts?

The manuals that seem clearest to me are the ones that fairly strictly describe things knob-per-knob, a lot of negative space typographically.

Sure, I like that, but I also would like a manual on how to use Aether and its different functions in different contexts - Aether for vocals in a mix, Aether for drums in a mix, etc. How to use Aether for standard mixing and how to use it for more creative tone shaping, etc.

The most efficient way to show this I think would be a video tutorial.

that's a lot of hand holding

[JeffSanders]

Kinda. Like the guys at 2C have a responsibility to teach people how and why to use reverb. The book "Sound FX" is pretty good, imho.

[elxsound]

Kinda. Like the guys at 2C have a responsibility to teach people how and why to use reverb. The book "Sound FX" is pretty good, imho.

Just picked this book up last month... This is definitely a great book and sounds like what klagga should be looking at since everything mentioned has very little to do with Aether specifically, but instead more to do with reverb in general.

The book at amazon (US): Sound FX

[contrary]

Kinda. Like the guys at 2C have a responsibility to teach people how and why to use reverb. The book "Sound FX" is pretty good, imho.

Whatda mean ?? anyone can learn to do that in a few minutes ; right ??

[xx JPRacer xx]

Just picked this book up last month... This is definitely a great book and sounds like what klagga should be looking at since everything mentioned has very little to do with Aether specifically, but instead more to do with reverb in general.

The book at amazon (US): Sound FX

Thanks for mentioning this book. I'll add it to my library. Looks like a really good book.

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Also, about on-line manual or pdf version I prefer pdf, that's why I've done the pdf version of Alchemy. When many people asked for an official version Ben (of Camel Audio) asked me if I wanted to do it. I'm not sure how many times it been downloaded but I know it's popular and each time there's an update to the on-line version it normally took less than an hour to update the pdf.

BTW, I don't own Aether, but I have interrest in it.

[koolkeys]

Just picked this book up last month... This is definitely a great book and sounds like what klagga should be looking at since everything mentioned has very little to do with Aether specifically, but instead more to do with reverb in general.

The book at amazon (US): Sound FX

Thanks for mentioning this book. I'll add it to my library. Looks like a really good book.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------

Also, about on-line manual or pdf version I prefer pdf, that's why I've done the pdf version of Alchemy. When many people asked for an official version Ben (of Camel Audio) asked me if I wanted to do it. I'm not sure how many times it been downloaded but I know it's popular and each time there's an update to the on-line version it normally took less than an hour to update the pdf.

BTW, I don't own Aether, but I have interrest in it.

Any time somebody asks me about books on effects and mixing, I recommend Sound FX along with Mixing Audio. Two books that anyone trying to learn the craft should probably get, as well as those who just need some new perspectives and ideas.

Brent

[kelldammit]

that's a lot of hand holding

the video tutorials some relate to better than others, i guess. a well-written manual usually is good enough for me. i find the sonnox manuals to be an excellent example. they give you a rundown of how the plug works, and what the controls do. they then offer fairly common useage scenarios and suggestions, and then usually a few suggestions for "creative abuse" of the plug to boot! they're also pretty concise.

format-wise, i generally prefer pdf to online, but i see no harm if both are available (and the pdf's are updated with the dot versions).

andrew has written some EXCELLENT posts here with great ideas, suggestions, and explanations. i copy/paste them to a word doc that i keep right next to the pdf manual, and 9-10 times, i refer to that instead of the manual

[eduardo_b]

What every manual needs, but is often missing or not done well, in an index.

[kelldammit]

a pdf index with links to the relevant pages...that actually work!

[heavensdaw]

Also a nice clear video manual.. get with it bro's!

Hd

[Breeze]

Also a nice clear video manual.. get with it bro's!

Hd

The problem with videos is they're not random access in the same way documentation is, unless it's divided into tiny chapters or referenced with indexes (they never are). I much prefer a thoroughly indexed manual. Most video manuals put me to sleep.

[eduardo_b]

I'm fine with videos, but not as replacements for manuals. I prefer videos as supplements to manuals.

[NewSc2]

Aether up front is a pretty complicated and ominous looking plugin. I have more of an issue with the GUI than a manual overall (I'd prefer a "simple" mode with important things like dry/wet, time, space, and an "advanced" mode with the usual everything).

The first time reading the manual didn't really clear up much either... I learned more from reading a magazine review than I did at first manual glance.

I guess I'd appreciate a sort of really clear "quick start" guide, with a "hey! first-time user! the dry/wet knob is here! time is here! this is the EQ section -- I know it has a lot of lines running through, so this is what it means!" And then maybe 1 or 2 quick real-world tutorials, i.e. dial up a blank preset, raise this setting to get a room reverb... raise this setting to get it more atmospheric and modulating.

I don't want it to sound like I'm complaining; I have a pretty good grasp of Aether now and know all of the above. But it did take a little longer than usual, even after some manual-reading, to grasp Aether's workflow.