Equalizer and Dynamics
BootEQ mkII – Musical sounding mixing EQ
BootEQ mkII
What it does
The BootEQ mkII is an equalizer and pre-amp simulator combination which provides some nice and musical signal coloration effects.
Tips & tricks
- utilize the pre-amp’s LF boost in combination with the EQ’s low-cut to obtain consistent low-end
- tune MF and LF on (nearly) same frequency to boost and cut the same time (push/pull style effects)
Ressources
- ‘BootEQ mkII’ – preview and release info
- ‘BootEQ mkII’ – LF shaping
- modelling pre-amp goodness
- BootEQ and samplerate support
Density mkII – Smooth and versatile bus compressor
Density mk II
What it does
Density mkII was primarily designed to work in a typical stereo audio group mixing situation or for summing and to glue all things together in an unobtrusive way.
Tips & tricks
- use the limiter mode to manage difficult audio dynamics – it does not operate in a brickwall design but offers a more strict handling of dynamics
- utilize the RANGE functions for each channel while working in M/S mode – this makes it a little easier to get M/S compression right
Ressources
- soft-knee compression and beyond
- the compressors sidechain: filtering
- Patrick speaks: the Density mkII UI (making of)
- Density mkII – reworking the audio engine
- Density mkII – reworking the usage concept
- compressor gain control principles
Special signal processors
FerricTDS – Tape dynamics simulator
FerricTDS - Tape Dynamics Simulator
What it does
This device simulates some dynamic effects as can be obtained with some high quality tape gear.
Tips & tricks
- none yet
Ressources
TesslaSE – Transformer saturation simulator
TesslaSE
What it does
TesslaSE adds some gentle and pleasant saturation effects to the incoming audio.
Tips & tricks
- don’t use this in a single instance on just a bus or master but use it here and there in the mix channel inserts – the subtle effects sum up to obtain a more consistent mix
- use the SBE switch to obtain a deeper low-end impression
Ressources
- more background info is available in the manual
TesslaPRO – Transient aware signal saturator
TesslaPRO
What it does
TesslaPro is a signal saturator with added transient control. It works entirely oversampled and provides smoothest saturation effects.
Tips & tricks
- engaging the BOOST switch increases the input level +12 dB – this is useful if more obvious distortion is wanted or the incoming audio has a low signal level
- dial the TRANSIENTS switch to let the audios transient information intact – use this to obtain some subtle but natural widening effects on stereo program material
Ressources
Rescue – Analog style modelled signal designer
Rescue
RescueAE
What it does
The Rescue plug-in is a gadget which offers envelope dependend signal amplification and saturation in a mid/side configuration. In ANALOG mode it offers some addtional signal alterations similar to hardware. It comes in two versions: Rescue and RescueAE (anniversary edition) – the latter one performs interanl oversampling and adds an output limiter function.
Tips & tricks
- use the WIDTH knob to obtain some subtle but natural widening effects on stereo program material
Ressources
The “Nasty” series – mixing with a twist
NastyLF – Adding mojo to the lowend
NastyLF
What it does
NastyLF a offers push/pull style low-end EQ with an added saturation stage. EQ levels and frequency can be dialed in variably as well as saturation amounts and a rather modern or vintage curve behaviour.
Tips & tricks
- always use boost and cut together to take advantage of the push/pull style curves
Ressources
- more background info is available in the manual
NastyHF – Adding mojo to the highend
NastyHF
What it does
NastyHF offers a really nice and musical vintage style HF shelf with switchable narrow or rather wide curve behaviour.
Tips & tricks
- always check the four different HF curves at 10kHz for best results
Ressources
- more background info is available in the manual
NASTYtableTop – Signal coloring made easy
NASTYtableTop
What it does
NASTYtableTop is an easy-to-use low-end signal saturator.
Tips & tricks
- none
Ressources
- more background info is available in the manual
Delay and Reverb
epicVerb – Digital reverberation simulator
epicVerb digital reverberation simulator
What it does
The “epicVerb” reverberation device aims at both: Tight small room and ambience effect simulation well suited to modern drum and vocal productions up to large “epic” halls as known from high quality outboard gear.
Tips & tricks
- instead of using full reverbaration try the AMBIENCE mode when smaller room impressions are needed – this offers just the early reflections and this is sometimes enough and better for a cleaner mix
Ressources
VST effects
Comments Off
