"Mojo" EQ of choice for mix/master buss?

[Hermetech Mastering]

I have the hardware Dangerous Bax EQ and it has the least mojo of any EQ I own. Completely transparent. Maybe we all have different definitions of mojo?

[GRUMP]

When it´s about the Mix-/Masterbus we should better talk about the mastering philodophy and targets first.

When it´s about balancing - and I´d recommend so - and Mojo - we shouldn´t consider fully parametric digital EQs anymore, as well as GEQs like the 31. That time is over and things have changed.

We want smooth curves and handy operation. The rest is up to you, it´s a question of taste and targets.

I liked AA Gold for some time, but I can´t recommend it for modern sounding mixes anymore. Scarlet, Erin, Magenta, maybe even Titanium - or Softube´s TILT Eq. What ever. Just don´t expect too much from just an EQ and don´t forget your Signal Chains.

Instead of the PA Baxter I´d prefer the free AA Coral Baxter for any Purpose btw.

[Mathematics]

I have the hardware Dangerous Bax EQ and it has the least mojo of any EQ I own. Completely transparent. Maybe we all have different definitions of mojo?

You're right...I got that one confused with PSP E27. My bad. Yea, that one has no mojo.

[Hermetech Mastering]

The Bootsy Bax EQ plugin does have built in mojo (saturation), at least I think I remember it saying so in the manual.

[SoundPorn]

The Black Rooster Audio Pultec with a couple of decibels at 20 or 60 and 8k.

[eytanmich123]

Maybe we all have different definitions of mojo?

Well, ain't that the goddamn truth...

Mojo, in it's literal meaning is "the act of sorcery". but nowadays, in the audio realm, it's all vague... one might (and often WILL) define it completely differently than the other.

Out of interest : what is YOUR definition on Mojo ?

[Hermetech Mastering]

My own personal definition would be something like gear that contains that magic unicorn fairy dust quality, that adds something euphonic to the sound, without taking anything away. Very subjective though, as you say. I tend to think of it more in terms of added distortion/saturation/harmonics etc., something "extra" that gets added to the sound, so I wouldn't personally include any EQs (analogue or digital) which have been designed to be as transparent as possible, like most Bax's, Sontecs, GMLs or DMG EQuilibrium etc. A lot of Pultec EQs, or those with transformer balanced ins and outs, do often add something very nice.

[himalaya]

I liked AA Gold for some time, but I can´t recommend it for modern sounding mixes anymore. Scarlet, Erin, Magenta, maybe even Titanium - or Softube´s TILT Eq. What ever.

Well, I have been using some of the more 'vintage' AA EQ offerings just for that: modern Pop and EDM. No issues.

But, I've read this sentiment in a few places, that something like AA Gold isn't good for contemporary mixes. I sincerely don't understand this view. It's as if, people are seeing that it is a vintage EQ, but they are making modern, up-to-the-minute, cutting edge music, and they conclude that 'vintage' does not go with 'modern'.

How many times the AA Gold or Pink has rescued me when I needed to EQ a 'modern' EDM kick, for example. Or a Future Bass sound of some kind. I'd use one of my algo EQs first, and then AA Gold/Pink, to compare. The difference would always be big enough to go with the AA EQs.

[PieBerger]

I liked AA Gold for some time, but I can´t recommend it for modern sounding mixes anymore. Scarlet, Erin, Magenta, maybe even Titanium - or Softube´s TILT Eq. What ever.

Well, I have been using some of the more 'vintage' AA EQ offerings just for that: modern Pop and EDM. No issues.

But, I've read this sentiment in a few places, that something like AA Gold isn't good for contemporary mixes. I sincerely don't understand this view. It's as if, people are seeing that it is a vintage EQ, but they are making modern, up-to-the-minute, cutting edge music, and they conclude that 'vintage' does not go with 'modern'.

How many times the AA Gold or Pink has rescued me when I needed to EQ a 'modern' EDM kick, for example. Or a Future Bass sound of some kind. I'd use one of my algo EQs first, and then AA Gold/Pink, to compare. The difference would always be big enough to go with the AA EQs.

Pink is my favourite Aqua, the 2412 in particular; I use it on pretty much every synth sound I make. It's definitely not "too vintage" sounding for modern psytrance imo. The channel strip lives on my kick and bass group, it's great for adding a nice bit of weight and character.

Navy2, another more vintage offering from AA and it gets regular use on my synthesised (sample) snares and drum bus. I've passed up on other similar vintage Aquas, like Viridian, Cream, Water, Coffee etc mostly because the compressors are a bit slow for my tastes not really because the EQs were unsuitable for modern electronic music. Since resources are finite and I like to get the most bang for buck, I chose other Aquas with nice EQs and compressors better suited for my needs.

Quite a number of established psytrance artists and mastering engineers I know are big fans of AA and not just for the Aquas based on more modern hardware.

[GRUMP]

I liked AA Gold for some time, but I can´t recommend it for modern sounding mixes anymore. Scarlet, Erin, Magenta, maybe even Titanium - or Softube´s TILT Eq. What ever.

Well, I have been using some of the more 'vintage' AA EQ offerings just for that: modern Pop and EDM. No issues.

But, I've read this sentiment in a few places, that something like AA Gold isn't good for contemporary mixes. I sincerely don't understand this view. It's as if, people are seeing that it is a vintage EQ, but they are making modern, up-to-the-minute, cutting edge music, and they conclude that 'vintage' does not go with 'modern'.

How many times the AA Gold or Pink has rescued me when I needed to EQ a 'modern' EDM kick, for example. Or a Future Bass sound of some kind. I'd use one of my algo EQs first, and then AA Gold/Pink, to compare. The difference would always be big enough to go with the AA EQs.

You can mix with anything as er know. Let's say that some others make it easier. Magenta for example.

Modern Mixes are usually ... much more defined, so you'd at least add a fully parametric EQ.

But yes - chose Gold as Favourite in the KVR Votings btw - but lately discovered some overwight of Sounds mixed with Gold before. Have you ever seen the Bass-Curve?

[himalaya]

but lately discovered some overwight of Sounds mixed with Gold before. Have you ever seen the Bass-Curve?

Yeah, Gold has this 'authoritative' sound. That's why I like it. Most AA mix EQs need care when boosting as its easy to overdo it. As to its curve, no, haven't seen it. Should I? My ears not enough?

[GRUMP]

but lately discovered some overwight of Sounds mixed with Gold before. Have you ever seen the Bass-Curve?

Yeah, Gold has this 'authoritative' sound. That's why I like it. Most AA mix EQs need care when boosting as its easy to overdo it. As to its curve, no, haven't seen it. Should I? My ears not enough?

I tend to say that it can sound very different. The 8066 is is completely different than 3102 and 8115 (Favourites). But there´s more out there than Neve-Replica. I had to state that I more and more often prefered the newer - and cleaner - Models (Erin, Scarlet, Magenta, Amber, ...). I have several AAs now and prepare the Results to get a better Feeling for them. Each one has its Qualitys. Gold is for Mojo - but I don´t want to sound like DM

And yes - try the Bertom EQ Curve Analyzer. I have NEVER seen sth. like what is happening if you just touch! the LF-EQ. Just so much: if you boost around 100Hz what you hear happens mainly below the selected Frequency and looks quiet abstract.

For Sound Design the LF is tempting but risky as I have discovered. You should really check C1-C2 then or you´ll maybe be surprised in the End.

[himalaya]

Each one has its Qualitys. Gold is for Mojo - but I don´t want to sound like DM

How would you end up sounding like 'DM' (is this Depeche Mode?) if you use AA Gold?

[GRUMP]

Each one has its Qualitys. Gold is for Mojo - but I don´t want to sound like DM

How would you end up sounding like 'DM' (is this Depeche Mode?) if you use AA Gold?

I would not, I did - before I lowered the boost and/or extended my chain.

[himalaya]

Can you elaborate? You had a sound or a track, which the EQ boost made sound like Depeche Mode? If a track, what genre?