Does analog gear really sound different than software plugins?
-
- KVRAF
- 3321 posts since 21 May, 2010
I think analog gear smells different, and often threatens to burst into flames, which of course makes it edgier and more exciting to use. <joke>
Another factor always in play is that there is no standardization when it comes to human ears (let alone output devices).
Welcome to KVR!
Another factor always in play is that there is no standardization when it comes to human ears (let alone output devices).
Welcome to KVR!
-
- KVRAF
- 8738 posts since 24 May, 2002 from Tutukaka, New Zealand
Depends on what compressor you were using. I mean, if it was a Behringer Composer or summat like that, then sw probably sounds better than hw 
.
As always it depends. TBH I can't hear a huge amount of diffence between compressors of any shape or provenance a lot of the time, although when you abuse them, say overdrive a decent VCA compressor then the difference between it and sw is night and day - you'd have to be tone deaf not to hear it. But not so much in every day use and at moderate settings. I still have some analogue outboard and TBH don't use it much. Software is just easier, and often sounds as good IMO.
Same with Eq - hw/sw all sounds the same to me. I admit to being the antithesis of an Eq connoiseur though. I never got it, never will. Give me a Manley and I'd probably sell it to get some cash rather than use it
As for synths - again it depends, but mostly the decent analogues sound really quite different. Yes, I can absolutely hear the difference. A lot of sw synths sound metallic, thin etc in comparison. I remember a typical BONES argument along the lines of "a sw synth is so much better because I can play 64 note unison on it." Well...if you have to play 64 note unison on it to sound fat, it kinda proves how thin and shit it is to start with doesn't it? Some sw synths are pretty good though, but definitely not all.
"Analogue gear" is an immensely wide phrase. It's not all the same. Sometimes it's a hype-up myth. Sometimes it's not.
.As always it depends. TBH I can't hear a huge amount of diffence between compressors of any shape or provenance a lot of the time, although when you abuse them, say overdrive a decent VCA compressor then the difference between it and sw is night and day - you'd have to be tone deaf not to hear it. But not so much in every day use and at moderate settings. I still have some analogue outboard and TBH don't use it much. Software is just easier, and often sounds as good IMO.
Same with Eq - hw/sw all sounds the same to me. I admit to being the antithesis of an Eq connoiseur though. I never got it, never will. Give me a Manley and I'd probably sell it to get some cash rather than use it
As for synths - again it depends, but mostly the decent analogues sound really quite different. Yes, I can absolutely hear the difference. A lot of sw synths sound metallic, thin etc in comparison. I remember a typical BONES argument along the lines of "a sw synth is so much better because I can play 64 note unison on it." Well...if you have to play 64 note unison on it to sound fat, it kinda proves how thin and shit it is to start with doesn't it? Some sw synths are pretty good though, but definitely not all.
"Analogue gear" is an immensely wide phrase. It's not all the same. Sometimes it's a hype-up myth. Sometimes it's not.
-
- KVRAF
- 3706 posts since 13 Jun, 2004
lol i was given an original audio&design f760 xrs, having no clue how to use it, and took it to the synth service place only to be completely humiliated because there was nothing wrong with it.
-
- KVRAF
- 3304 posts since 27 Mar, 2010 from UK
Audiophiles would tell you otherwise.
Its closer nowadays, i still maintain tactilaty plays a large part as well as snobbery.
For most of us its more down to the users expertise on the whats hows and whys
Its closer nowadays, i still maintain tactilaty plays a large part as well as snobbery.
For most of us its more down to the users expertise on the whats hows and whys
-
Wheelieplugins Wheelieplugins https://www.kvraudio.com/forum/memberlist.php?mode=viewprofile&u=811795
- KVRer
- 8 posts since 24 Jun, 2026
Analog sounds different than software? (very broad question)
Yes, technically. Can you match one to the other? Yes
Is one better than the other? Yes depending on what you wanna do.
To me: Software is better for extreme laser sharp precision, more in-depth fiddling, endless creation.
Analog is better when I have to resell it when in need of some financial help. It also inspires me more (I hate staring at a screen for too long).
To each their own, YMMV.
Yes, technically. Can you match one to the other? Yes
Is one better than the other? Yes depending on what you wanna do.
To me: Software is better for extreme laser sharp precision, more in-depth fiddling, endless creation.
Analog is better when I have to resell it when in need of some financial help. It also inspires me more (I hate staring at a screen for too long).
To each their own, YMMV.
-
- KVRAF
- 7118 posts since 22 Jan, 2005 from Sweden
Compressors I find are a subtle effect to start with, unless going heavy on a snare or something.
- so to hear a compressor on acoustic guitars or a bass take some training of ear to notice, digital or analog
- in short the hours spent mixing you could say
One tip to hear better: turn volume down nice and comfy. There is a muscle that tighten upp a bone connected to membrane of ear when really high volume. Be sure not to feel any strain due to volume. This way max sensitivity for ear.
Where I easy notice difference quality of analog is having midi tracks that I render/record external gear through one preamp or another.
- you have tracks you can A/B soloing to notice difference
- been a journey of 25 years with different quality I could afford at the time
- $50, $100 or $300 a channel, difference in loveliness is big
Bought a rack unit for mastering, aiming to one day have something that sound professional. But it takes time to learn and just stay at it and all falls into place over time.
- I reamp some track through this also with nice result
Making progress is the fun of it.
- so to hear a compressor on acoustic guitars or a bass take some training of ear to notice, digital or analog
- in short the hours spent mixing you could say
One tip to hear better: turn volume down nice and comfy. There is a muscle that tighten upp a bone connected to membrane of ear when really high volume. Be sure not to feel any strain due to volume. This way max sensitivity for ear.
Where I easy notice difference quality of analog is having midi tracks that I render/record external gear through one preamp or another.
- you have tracks you can A/B soloing to notice difference
- been a journey of 25 years with different quality I could afford at the time
- $50, $100 or $300 a channel, difference in loveliness is big
Bought a rack unit for mastering, aiming to one day have something that sound professional. But it takes time to learn and just stay at it and all falls into place over time.
- I reamp some track through this also with nice result
Making progress is the fun of it.