Even when compressors are of the same general type (VCA, FET, opto, etc.), different brands and models often don't sound alike. The same is true for plug-ins that closely emulate their circuitry. In this excerpt from "John Paterno Mixing Lifeboats," Paterno is working on the lead vocal track, and trying to decide on a compressor to use…
He's narrowed his choice between two plug-ins that emulate variable-mu compressors, which are tube-based units. First, he tries a Fairchild 660 (the mono version of the Fairchild 670). He says he wants a variable-mu compressor because they sound thicker and have a relatively fast response. He will also try an SPL IRON Mastering Compressor plug-in to see what it sounds like.
He says the SPL is also a variable-mu compressor but sounds more modern. It offers variable-mu type operation, combined with SPL's 120V Technology. According to SPL, the latter helps provide better dynamic range, signal-to-noise ratio and distortion specs when used in hardware processors. The plug-in's circuitry emulates that performance.
Lifeboats Series On Puremix
In Episode 5 of the Lifeboats Series, Grammy Award Winning Engineer, John Paterno, opens the multitrack for the Will Knox song, "Lifeboats", and takes us all the way from hearing the song for the first time, to a completed powerful and energetic mix with his signature sound imprinted upon it.
In the full 3 hour tutorial, learn how John:
Uses Analog EQs to commit sounds and add extra tone early in the process
Uses Mono delay on the drums to enhance the shuffle groove of the track
Cleans up clicks and pops that can be distracting and pull the listener out of the track
Reamps the guitars using a Little Labs PCP box, an Otis amplifier, a Universal Audio OX and a Chandler LTD-1
Controls the balance of the drums in the overhead mics
Deals with the phase relationship between a Bass DI and Amp
Monitors in Mono to fine tune balance relationships
Equipment & Software
AKG BX10 Spring Reverb
Audio Ease Altiverb
Elysia mpressor
Empirical Labs Arousor
Fabfilter Pro-DS
Flux Solera V3
Ghz Lohi 3
McDsp AE600
McDsp Futzbox
Over Loud Echoson
SPL Iron
Softube RS127
Sound Toys Crystallizer
Sound Toys Devil-Loc
Sound Toys Primal Tap
UAD 1176 LN Rev E
UAD 1176 Rev A
UAD Ampeg B15N
UAD Ampex ATR-102
UAD Brigade Chorus
UAD EP-34 Tape Echo
UAD Fairchild 660
UAD Lexicon 480L
UAD UA610-A
Valhalla Uber Mod
ghz Wow Control 3
iZotope Ozone
iZotope RX De-Click
reMatrix
Hardware
Build Your Own Clone Vibrato
Chandler Limited Germanium
Chandler Limited LTD-1
Chandler Limited Little Devil
Empirical Labs Mike-E
Little Labs PCP Instrument Distro
Moog Mooger Fooger
OTIS Amp
Sony M7
Studio Electronics AN2 Stereo Simulator
UA Ox
Urei LA-3A
How To Watch The Full Video
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