What's Your Opinion On Nebula VST?

[bmanic]

[
Don't the Equalizers only allow you to change one or two frequencies per
instance?
Also, because of the delay added per instance and the need to use
mutable instances just to have the equivalent of a 4 band parametric,
phase would become a very serious issue.
This alone raises some very serious issues about usage and practicality.

Furthermore, with all the great plugins available that simply work and
sound fantastic, why bother with the trouble?
I like to keep things as simple as possible when mixing.

You just have to try them to understand. There really is no other way to put it.

I use the Nebula EQs as major boost/cut "broad strokes" kind of tools. All the typical EQing and carving is done with the ordinary tools but I'll gladly boost +6dB at 3kHz on a shrill nasty vocal line with the Nebula Massive passive program. Why? Because it causes no harm.. it just boosts the surrounding very wide area beautifully, bringing the vocal some balance and attitude.

It truly is impossible for me to describe what and how you can use nebula without demonstrating it in person or you yourself testing it with proper programs (the ones included are not nearly at the same level as some 3rd party programs).

Trust me.. I'd have left the nebula train a long long time ago if it didn't deliver the quality of sound it does.

Bear with me on this one. I'll try my best to provide some examples on thursday.

NOTE: If you can't hear and can't appreciate subtle kind of details then Nebula is definitely not for you and a complete waste of time. What do I mean with subtle details? If you hear the subtle changes that happen to audio when you insert an instance of Slate's VCC or VTM.. or one of the plugin alliance properly modeled plugins like the SPL plugins then you'll be able to appreciate Nebula. If this kind of subtlety is not your cup of tea then forget about it. This is a very important point to understand.

[Firebird]

[
Don't the Equalizers only allow you to change one or two frequencies per
instance?
Also, because of the delay added per instance and the need to use
mutable instances just to have the equivalent of a 4 band parametric,
phase would become a very serious issue.
This alone raises some very serious issues about usage and practicality.

Furthermore, with all the great plugins available that simply work and
sound fantastic, why bother with the trouble?
I like to keep things as simple as possible when mixing.

You just have to try them to understand. There really is no other way to put it.

I use the Nebula EQs as major boost/cut "broad strokes" kind of tools. All the typical EQing and carving is done with the ordinary tools but I'll gladly boost +6dB at 3kHz on a shrill nasty vocal line with the Nebula Massive passive program. Why? Because it causes no harm.. it just boosts the surrounding very wide area beautifully, bringing the vocal some balance and attitude.

It truly is impossible for me to describe what and how you can use nebula without demonstrating it in person or you yourself testing it with proper programs (the ones included are not nearly at the same level as some 3rd party programs).

Trust me.. I'd have left the nebula train a long long time ago if it didn't deliver the quality of sound it does.

Bear with me on this one. I'll try my best to provide some examples on thursday.

NOTE: If you can't hear and can't appreciate subtle kind of details then Nebula is definitely not for you and a complete waste of time. What do I mean with subtle details? If you hear the subtle changes that happen to audio when you insert an instance of Slate's VCC or VTM.. or one of the plugin alliance properly modeled plugins like the SPL plugins then you'll be able to appreciate Nebula. If this kind of subtlety is not your cup of tea then forget about it. This is a very important point to understand.

I own the Pro version and many of the paid adds-ons (several EQs).
Having used it in mixing and recording, I was not much impressed with
the final output.

I continued to update the software, it stopped working and was always
problematic.

Since the software was not working, I simply stopped using it.

I can hear what it sounds like and personally I think there are MANY
plugins that sound better, use less CPU, and don't stop working when you
need it to work.

As they do offer a free version, anyone can try it and have there own
opinion.

I work in a fully stocked studio and Nebula just didn't hold up when
compared to so many of the other plugins, sonically, ergonomically or
support wise..

But again, everyone should have there own experience.

[gmitch]

[
Don't the Equalizers only allow you to change one or two frequencies per
instance?
Also, because of the delay added per instance and the need to use
mutable instances just to have the equivalent of a 4 band parametric,
phase would become a very serious issue.
This alone raises some very serious issues about usage and practicality.

Furthermore, with all the great plugins available that simply work and
sound fantastic, why bother with the trouble?
I like to keep things as simple as possible when mixing.

You just have to try them to understand. There really is no other way to put it.

I use the Nebula EQs as major boost/cut "broad strokes" kind of tools. All the typical EQing and carving is done with the ordinary tools but I'll gladly boost +6dB at 3kHz on a shrill nasty vocal line with the Nebula Massive passive program. Why? Because it causes no harm.. it just boosts the surrounding very wide area beautifully, bringing the vocal some balance and attitude.

It truly is impossible for me to describe what and how you can use nebula without demonstrating it in person or you yourself testing it with proper programs (the ones included are not nearly at the same level as some 3rd party programs).

Trust me.. I'd have left the nebula train a long long time ago if it didn't deliver the quality of sound it does.

Bear with me on this one. I'll try my best to provide some examples on thursday.

NOTE: If you can't hear and can't appreciate subtle kind of details then Nebula is definitely not for you and a complete waste of time. What do I mean with subtle details? If you hear the subtle changes that happen to audio when you insert an instance of Slate's VCC or VTM.. or one of the plugin alliance properly modeled plugins like the SPL plugins then you'll be able to appreciate Nebula. If this kind of subtlety is not your cup of tea then forget about it. This is a very important point to understand.

I own the Pro version and many of the paid adds-ons (several EQs).
Having used it in mixing and recording, I was not much impressed with
the final output.

I continued to update the software, it stopped working and was always
problematic.

Since the software was not working, I simply stopped using it.

I can hear what it sounds like and personally I think there are MANY
plugins that sound better, use less CPU, and don't stop working when you
need it to work.

As they do offer a free version, anyone can try it and have there own
opinion.

I work in a fully stocked studio and Nebula just didn't hold up when
compared to so many of the other plugins, sonically, ergonomically or
support wise..

But again, everyone should have there own experience.

Hmmm!!!

[bduffy]

Maybe I'm just not picky enough to be turned on by Nebula's subtle, subtle charms, but I'll try a full mix with it soon.

It's not really subtle at all once you get to the quality libraries.. including some compressors.

I don't know all of the programs by heart but once I get to the studio on thursday I'll try to remember to post some examples and names of the libraries. AlexB libraries in general are pretty "safe bets". I also recommend anything that Eric Beam (rhythminmind.net) has for sales.

Start by downloading his free programs, especially the "Zodiac" compressor, here:

http://rhythminmind.net/STN/?page_id=3127


Now the trick with Nebula compressors is to make sure you are NOT driving the input too hard. Leave peaks at around -6dBFS.. keping the average around -12 to -18dBFS. Then set the threshold so that you get some compression. The gain reduction metering/value in Nebula does not work properly at all! You must simply use your ears, or use before and after metering to see how much gain reduction you are getting.

This gets especially complicated when you have a compressor model with a very soft knee (like the SSL bus compressor set to 2:1 ratio, or any of the vari-mu samples).

I still think Nebula's main strong points are EQ programs, preamp programs and mixing desk programs that work kind of like Slate's VCC. Start by downloading the FREE desk program from AlexB and READ the manual. Then use it exactly as it is intended/described in the manual. Make sure you've added at least a few channels, busses and sends. Then A/B this setup versus one without Nebula. If everything has gone well you should start hearing the actual magic of what it can do. You can hit this demo table quite hard.. but also try to hit it at ridiculously low levels (peaks at -12dBFS or even less..). There is no noise emulation so you can easily hit the plugin with low levels and then compensate at the output.

EDIT: Here's a really useful compressor program as well.

http://www.gearslutz.com/board/product- ... grams.html

Cheers!
bManic

Thanks for the tips, as always, b.

I'm trying out these compressors. I like that RAYPHLEX one; you can get a nice, tight compression with it. I wasn't crazy about the "Zodiac" compressor...is it just me, or do most Nebula compressors sound more like transient designers - especially at higher settings?

[bmanic]

I work in a fully stocked studio and Nebula just didn't hold up when
compared to so many of the other plugins, sonically, ergonomically or
support wise..

But again, everyone should have there own experience.

Indeed.. everyone should have their own opinion. Having said that, you are the first person who works with hardware on a daily basis that I've encountered who claims that Nebula sounds worse than other plugins.

It's usually the exact opposite. People who are familiar with hardware usually notice the subtle edge Nebula has over most other plugins.

.. but yeah, each to their own.

Have you tried sampling some of your own hardware? I mean if you work in a "fully stocked studio" one would think you'd have attempted this, no? It's a rather useful feature and you'll be surprised how close you can get (provided that it's an EQ, preamp or similar easy to sample thing).

Cheers!
bManic

[bmanic]

I'm trying out these compressors. I like that RAYPHLEX one; you can get a nice, tight compression with it. I wasn't crazy about the "Zodiac" compressor...is it just me, or do most Nebula compressors sound more like transient designers - especially at higher settings?

Not all of them do, no. Some do if you don't hit them in within the "sweet spot". Depending on what range it has been sampled at you need to hit that same range or it becomes weird.

For instance a compressor can sound completely different if your highest peak is at -3dBFS and you've set the threshold to -3dB compared to a setup where the same audio material's highest peak is at -12dBFS and you've set the threshold to -12dB. Logically these two scenarios should behave the same but very often they do not.

Nebula is quirky as hell, especially when it comes to the dynamic programs but I still find them very useful. For instance the SSL channel compressor from AlexB (in his 4k compressor bundle) can be extremely good on single drum channels like kick or snare, stopping any large dynamic movement dead in it's tracks without actually affecting the initial transient or sound in any ill mater. It just becomes way more "stable" than it was before.

Hard to explain again but I'll try to post some sound examples once I get the chance.

Cheers!
bManic

[bduffy]

I'm trying out these compressors. I like that RAYPHLEX one; you can get a nice, tight compression with it. I wasn't crazy about the "Zodiac" compressor...is it just me, or do most Nebula compressors sound more like transient designers - especially at higher settings?

Not all of them do, no. Some do if you don't hit them in within the "sweet spot". Depending on what range it has been sampled at you need to hit that same range or it becomes weird.

For instance a compressor can sound completely different if your highest peak is at -3dBFS and you've set the threshold to -3dB compared to a setup where the same audio material's highest peak is at -12dBFS and you've set the threshold to -12dB. Logically these two scenarios should behave the same but very often they do not.

Nebula is quirky as hell, especially when it comes to the dynamic programs but I still find them very useful. For instance the SSL channel compressor from AlexB (in his 4k compressor bundle) can be extremely good on single drum channels like kick or snare, stopping any large dynamic movement dead in it's tracks without actually affecting the initial transient or sound in any ill mater. It just becomes way more "stable" than it was before.

Hard to explain again but I'll try to post some sound examples once I get the chance.

Cheers!
bManic

No, that makes sense. That's why I was positing earlier that I suspect Nebula is more of a transparent/gentle compression plug-in, or used more to impart the character of the sampled unit. I don't see myself using it much for compression as I can't get much of the creative control I like from compressors.

But I'm going to explore the EQs, tapes and Pres more. I must confess I can run a hell of a lot more in a project than I used to, I guess it's been optimized a lot since I last used it.

[daExpert]

I finally downloaded the demo of this. It really does something to the sound that you can't get with normal convolution. It's not blatantly obvious and some of the presets I can't hear a difference at all. But the presets that I can hear, I really like what it's doing.

Typical convolution captures a space or piece of gear at one volume level, with one timbre, at one point in time. I believe that Nebula does much more than this. Their website states that it utilizes linear, non-linear, and time-variant convolution. That's something that you won't find in your average plug-in, or convolution reverb.

Nebula could really be something big if the company decided to re-design the interface and their website. Nothing about Nebula is really visually attractive or intuitive. It could also use some cool features like multiple presets in one instance, both serial and parallel processing, and allowing you to have all the bands of an equalizer combined in one cohesive interface.

[musicgreator]

Have you guys tried the compressors by Gemini Audio? They do compress as you would expect it from an analog compressor. A lot has changed for Nebula and compression and there have been great 3rd party compressor libraries released lately!

[bduffy]

Links! You guys must provide links!

[bmanic]

I have not tried the Gemini Audio program. It's a 3rd party program for 11 euros.

http://www.gemini-audio.net/index.php?r ... duct_id=61

Not long ago I purchased a bunch of stuff from AlexB for over 100 euros so I'm set for a while.

I also have a ton of stuff I need to sample myself once I get some time. Will of course share whatever I get to sample.

Cheers!
bManic

[bduffy]

I have not tried the Gemini Audio program. It's a 3rd party program for 11 euros.

http://www.gemini-audio.net/index.php?r ... duct_id=50

Not long ago I purchased a bunch of stuff from AlexB for over 100 euros so I'm set for a while.

I also have a ton of stuff I need to sample myself once I get some time. Will of course share whatever I get to sample.

Cheers!
bManic

Thanks, man! I'm impressed with the AlexB stuff so far, love the preamp demos, and transcendingmusic's MySonMax sounds amazing. Less harsh then competitors.

[bmanic]

If you work at 44.1kHz sample rate then you MUST check out http://www.analoginthebox.com/product.php?id=5344 and their Manley Massive Passive program (mammmoth). It was a HUGE undertaking and sounds absolutely friggin fantastic.

Cheers!
bManic

[bduffy]

If you work at 44.1kHz sample rate then you MUST check out http://www.analoginthebox.com/product.php?id=5344 and their Manley Massive Passive program (mammmoth). It was a HUGE undertaking and sounds absolutely friggin fantastic.

Cheers!
bManic

I do work at 44.1, thanks. So that's THE Massive Passive you've been talking about...

[bduffy]

Reading that now...let me ask you guys: with a collection like Mammoth EQ; will the presets be separated from the other content at all, or just appear in the (COMP) folder with everything else?