urock
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Console Emulator - Do you use it?
Hi everyone,
I am planning to return to the Sonar fold (last update was Sonar 7) and I am taking a hard look at the differences between X3 Studio and Producer. (The $100 difference is real to me.)
I've scanned the internet for opinions on the X series console emulator and would like some input from Sonarians.
Do you still use it? (and therefore presumably like it) All your mixes or just some? Or was it a novelty that wore off?
FWIW, I do rock, pop and singer/songwriter material. Also, I have the Slate VCC RC Tube (only, not full VCC) for a console flavor.
Thanks!
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southpaw3473
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Re: Console Emulator - Do you use it?
October 11, 13 4:18 PM
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I love it! I use it on all tracks and all busses. I have a long history with analog recording and grudgingly came to digital 12 or 13 years ago. Using the Console Em and the new Tape Em has really given my mixes an analog feel for the first time. All that "warm" nonsense every plugin seems to tout never got me there personally. This new one-two punch made me take notice. It's very good. Sonar has been my DAW since '07 and I just love how good X3 is.
We'll not risk another frontal assault-that rabbit's dynamite!!!
Tommy Byrnes Sonar Platinum Win 10 Pro x64 AMD FX 8350 Eight-Core 4.00GHz/ ASRock 970 Extreme4/ 16 gigs RAMUA Apollo Firewire/UA 2 Quad Satellite/ Focusrite OctoPre/Makie Onyx1220i Mixer THANK YOU!!!
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cecelius2
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Re: Console Emulator - Do you use it?
October 11, 13 4:27 PM
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Love it. Use it. Every track and bus. There are three different types, S. N, & A. Each has a slightly different color. I like the A usually, but sometimes for driving drums the S type is more punchy; other tracks perhaps the N does the trick. Definitely one of the great features of the ProChannel.
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urock
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Re: Console Emulator - Do you use it?
October 11, 13 5:18 PM
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southpaw3473
I love it! I use it on all tracks and all busses. I have a long history with analog recording and grudgingly came to digital 12 or 13 years ago. Using the Console Em and the new Tape Em has really given my mixes an analog feel for the first time. All that "warm" nonsense every plugin seems to tout never got me there personally. This new one-two punch made me take notice. It's very good. Sonar has been my DAW since '07 and I just love how good X3 is.
Thank you and cecelius2 for your helpful insights. Re Tape Em: How do you feel it compares against other tape sims? Re analog feel: For me, the best sounding rock material (from a recording sound quality point of view - not saying the music itself trumps other eras) was the mid-90s. I just love the sound quality of, for example, Pearl Jam's Ten, Spin Doctors' Pocket Full of Kryptonite, etc. I am guessing that was when analog tech was at its peak before the digital revolution completely took over. If this is a question even capable of being answered :-), could the console and tape ems be used (with the right engineer, material, and other equipment) to create that kind of sound quality?
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jb101
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Re: Console Emulator - Do you use it?
October 11, 13 5:23 PM
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I also use the Console Emulation on every track and bus. I use S, N and A type, depending on the material.
I also like the Tape Emulation. It compares well to others I have used. I have always like using them on drums, but am starting to find Cake's one very good on electric guitars that are going through amp sims.
Both are extremely good, and I would recommend them wholeheartedly.
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sharke
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Re: Console Emulator - Do you use it?
October 11, 13 5:45 PM
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urock
For me, the best sounding rock material (from a recording sound quality point of view - not saying the music itself trumps other eras) was the mid-90s. I just love the sound quality of, for example, Pearl Jam's Ten
Funnily enough, the band have gone on to say that they hate the sound of that album and wish they could go back and remix it. Something about too much reverb.
JamesWindows 10, Sonar SPlat (64-bit), Intel i7-4930K, 32GB RAM, RME Babyface, AKAI MPK Mini, Roland A-800 Pro, Focusrite VRM Box, Komplete 10 Ultimate, 2012 American Telecaster!
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sven450
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Re: Console Emulator - Do you use it?
October 11, 13 6:30 PM
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sharke
urock
For me, the best sounding rock material (from a recording sound quality point of view - not saying the music itself trumps other eras) was the mid-90s. I just love the sound quality of, for example, Pearl Jam's Ten
Funnily enough, the band have gone on to say that they hate the sound of that album and wish they could go back and remix it. Something about too much reverb.
They actually did have it remixed, and it sounds great! They basically rolled off the verb and changed the mix a bit, and now it sounds fantastic. I personally didn't really mind it before, but it sound even better now. Guitars are a bit drier and as a result, grittier and cooler.
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urock
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Re: Console Emulator - Do you use it?
October 11, 13 6:45 PM
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sven450
sharke
urock
For me, the best sounding rock material (from a recording sound quality point of view - not saying the music itself trumps other eras) was the mid-90s. I just love the sound quality of, for example, Pearl Jam's Ten
Funnily enough, the band have gone on to say that they hate the sound of that album and wish they could go back and remix it. Something about too much reverb.
They actually did have it remixed, and it sounds great! They basically rolled off the verb and changed the mix a bit, and now it sounds fantastic. I personally didn't really mind it before, but it sound even better now. Guitars are a bit drier and as a result, grittier and cooler.
Thanks for the info. I'll have to check out the remix. I can the see the reverb thing (echo-y in some parts). Regardless, I think the original sounds really "organic".
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LpMike75
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Re: Console Emulator - Do you use it?
October 11, 13 9:36 PM
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I upgraded to X2 the day it was available and used the CE. After all this time, I still can't hear a difference with it engaged or not, -assuming the volume is matched-, never mind a difference between types. I use it for fun anyways, because I like the graphic :)
The new Pro Channel Tape Em us awesome! Not that anyone asked, but just throwing it out there
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mudgel
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Re: Console Emulator - Do you use it?
October 12, 13 1:25 AM
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I use the following rules in using the Console Emulations.
I play a recording similar in style (my target sound for the project) and try the different emulations on that recording. Whichever one colours the sound the way I like then I use it on the project on all tracks and busses as if that was the console I was mixing on. If I try to mix and match there's so many possible combination I could never get to a setting I liked. This is a way of fairly quickly homing in on what works best.
That process has worked so far. But sometimes you don't need a console emulation at all.
Mike V. (MUDGEL) STUDIO: Win 10 Pro x64, SPlat & CbB x64, PC: ASUS Z370-A, INTEL i7 8700k, 32GIG DDR4 2400, OC 4.7Ghz. Storage: 7 TB SATA III, 750GiG SSD & Samsung 500 Gig 960 EVO NVMe M.2. Monitors: Adam A7X, JBL 10” Sub. Audio I/O & DSP Server: DIGIGRID IOS & IOX. Screen: Raven MTi + 43" HD 4K TV Monitor. Keyboard Controller: Native Instruments Komplete Kontrol S88.
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urock
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Re: Console Emulator - Do you use it?
October 12, 13 1:34 AM
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I'm back baby! (as a current Sonarite)
Thanks everyone for your thoughts. I decided tonight to go with Studio for now and purchased it. Assuming I get my Sonar groove back, I'll upgrade to Producer later in the year.
Anyway, I have installed X3 Studio and am now wandering around the interface. I've pulled out a stack of old DVDs with Sonar bundles of my band recordings, some dating back 10 years. I am going to take an audio walk down memo lane if I can figure out this new fangdangled interface. :)
urock
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mettelus
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Re: Console Emulator - Do you use it?
October 12, 13 1:54 AM
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Welcome back! I also had SONAR 7 prior to getting the upgrade offer to X1. I am scratching my head wondering what the "jump" would be from 7 to X3, but you will have a lot to play with! Enjoy :D
Michael
ASUS ROG Maximus X Hero (Wi-Fi AC), i7-8700k, 16GB RAM, GTX-1070Ti, Win 10 Pro, Saffire PRO 24 DSP, A-300 PRO, plus numerous gadgets and gizmos that make or manipulate sound in some way.
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BluerecordingStudios
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Re: Console Emulator - Do you use it?
October 12, 13 3:28 AM
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Using it on all projects, best sounding Console emulation out there 
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soens
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Re: Console Emulator - Do you use it?
October 12, 13 5:18 AM
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No! My ears are waaay tooo sensitive to hear a difference. 
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Sidroe
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Re: Console Emulator - Do you use it?
October 12, 13 7:42 AM
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I can only speak on the console em. I am upgrading to X3 in a week or two. The console , in my opinion, is very, very subtle. It is not that noticeable until you start stacking track after track with one on each track until it is noticeable. The most noticeable to me is the N setting. The S is modeled after an SSL board, the N is modeled after a NEVE board, and the A is modeled after an API or Trident board. Don't expect a dramatic WOW factor difference. It does sound good just the same.
Sonar Platinum, Sonar X3e, Sonar X2a , Sonar X1 Expanded and 8.5.3 (32 and 64 bit), Windows 10 on a Toshiba P75-A7200 Laptop with i7 @ 2.4 quad and 8 gigs of RAM and secondary WD 1 Tb drive, Windows 10 desktop, Asus i5 @ 3.2 quad, 12 gigs RAM, 1 Tb drive, 1 500 gig drive, MOTU 24io, 2 Roland Studio Captures, Saffire 6 USB for laptop, Soundtracs Topaz Project 8 mixer, Alesis Monitor 2s, Event BAS 20/20s, Roland Micro-Monitor BA-8s, and 45 years worth of collecting FX, Mics, Amps, Guitars, and Keyboards!
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Leadfoot
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Re: Console Emulator - Do you use it?
October 12, 13 7:53 AM
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I've got the Waves NLS, and now the X3 console emulator. In the Waves plug I like the Neve and the EMI emulation. I really like Sonar's emulations a lot. Note that some may not notice much difference if you don't turn the drive up a little. That's when their character really comes out.
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