Insert Compressors/EQs for Mixdowns - which is best?

caleb · Post by **caleb** » Sun Mar 17, 2002 6:16 pm

Hi all,

Following up on my seeking a mastering solution for my setup, I'm now looking for a great EQ/Compression solution for mixdowns.

The EQ/Compressors provided with my Pulsar II with pro pack work, but is it what I need? Should I be justifying a larger expense on a "pro" EQ/Compressor plug-in for my mixing?

I tend to use the dynamic mixer rather than the Pulsar mixer so there aren't EQs or Comps provided already.

I would like value for money here, but I'm also looking for a very good result so I will be weighing one against the other to some degree. Perhaps the devices included are all I need?? In which case, great for me.

In my mind, mixing is all about volume, panning and EQing with some compression thrown in when required and occasional reverb which I will talk about in a different post.

This is beginning to be the "Help Caleb with his shopping list" series.

Thanks everyone. Your opinions are appreciated.

kensuguro · Post by **kensuguro** » Mon Mar 18, 2002 2:40 am

I really don't like the pulsar comps... well, it depends what the material is, but lots of the times the comp misses and lets some of the sound through. (you might have heard me say this elsewhere) So 0ms is kind of shakey. I like it better compared to Yamaha algorythms tho. Like the ones on o2r and dsp factory. Those have serious problems.

But, they're obviously there and convenient so I end up using them anyway. But for final mixes? No way, impossible.

kimgr · Post by **kimgr** » Mon Mar 18, 2002 1:41 pm

Sonic Timeworks Pulsar/Scope Studio Bundle.
THE BEST EQ for the platform, and one of the best compressors and reverbs.
Will be out soon in version 3 compatible format...

Kim.

subhuman · Post by **subhuman** » Mon Mar 18, 2002 2:42 pm

I agree the SonicTimeworks mastering compressors are awesome (especially with the recent announcement of fixing the minor bugs and making sure for V3 compatibility! Nice one). I haven't yet tried OptiMaster (soon- I'm told), so I can't compare, but that surely deserves a look (one person on this board says it compares favorably to his TC electonics Finalizer, I'd be interested to hear more opinions from those who have both).

Also you might want to check out the PhonoXone (wait.. website disabled? Is this one still around? Was based partially on STW technology and a really good deal).

Then there are the Orbitone Impressors... I <i>still</i> haven't demod those yet. Always was curious about how they sounded.

PsyQ is probably worthy of a demo as well.

Edit: Forgot to mention, for final tweaks to a .WAV the Creamware 31-band EQ is pretty nice. Low on DSP too, so you can load it with a STW SoftMastering Compressor on just 4DSPs making for a nice mastering project file.

<font size=-1>[ This Message was edited by: subhuman on 2002-03-18 14:55 ]</font>

caleb · Post by **caleb** » Tue Mar 19, 2002 6:50 pm

Thanks guys.

I've got my sites on the Timeworks bundle.

Appreciate your feedback.