Is it worth jumping on the IK groupbuy if you have UAD?

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craigfowler
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2012/03/23 21:21:54 (permalink)

Is it worth jumping on the IK groupbuy if you have UAD?

I did take a look at the lengthy thread that exists on the group buy, but didn't want to disrupt that.

I have a UAD-2 solo that I bought before LA-2 and 1176 were included as standard. So I have the 1176SE and the full Pultec. I also have the DBX compressor, which I like very much.

I'm wondering whether it's worth me jumping on the group buy. I don't particularly want to duplicate what I have elsewhere, but only having the solo card I do run out of horsepower quickly if I have multiple drum or vocal tracks. $100 would get me a lot of stuff and is certainly a lot cheaper than springing for a second UAD-2 (though if I did, it would then include UADs 1176/LA2 as standard now).

FWIW I do only have a Core 2 duo CPU, so it's not as though I have a tremendously powerful CPU (though I print tracks using hogs like amplitube before mixing tracks)

Any and all thoughts much appreciated.

(P.S. I wouldn't even be asking, but my wife has already been quite generous in how much over budgetedness she's tolerated)
#1

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    jsaras
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    Re:Is it worth jumping on the IK groupbuy if you have UAD? 2012/03/24 08:55:37 (permalink)
    Sonically, the IK plugins are good, but the "color" is more heavy-handed. If the UAD emulations are a photograph, the IK versions are Photoshop-ed, if that makes any sense. 

    I  use their Fairchild at times over the UAD on some sources (bass), and I think you would have the same experience with their 1176 and LA2A. 

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    #2
    bapu
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    Re:Is it worth jumping on the IK groupbuy if you have UAD? 2012/03/24 11:59:10 (permalink)
    In my one and only test of Fairchild, I found IK to be a tad dirtier over UAD.

    I love UAD's LA2A and use it all the time on bass so I do not feel the need to get IK's LA2A.

    Disclaimer: I bought Cake's PCLA2; but based on Middleman's example I prefer UAD over it. I'll do my own comparison soon.
    #3
    Kev999
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    Re:Is it worth jumping on the IK groupbuy if you have UAD? 2012/03/24 19:29:11 (permalink)
    I have a UAD card, but it is only a UAD-1e, which only runs up to 6 or 7 plugins at a time, so I need extra stuff like IK T-Racks.  They are worth having anyway though.

    The IK Pultec has a more "grainy" sound than the UA version.  I use them both for different things.

    The Brickwall Limiter is very good, although not as good as Voxengo Elephant.

    The Classic Clipper is useful.

    I use the Classic EQ whenever I need to automate any EQ settings, as the Sonitus EQ sometimes introduces a clicking sound during sweeps.

    The Opto Compressor works well with acoustic guitar or piano.

    These are just a few things that spring to mind.  Hope this helps.

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    #4
    Mesh
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    Re:Is it worth jumping on the IK groupbuy if you have UAD? 2012/03/24 21:05:20 (permalink)
    I also have the UAD-1e, but don't have their version of LA2A nor 1176 to give any opinion. However, I do have IK's version of both + the T-Racks Deluxe and just the Black 76 is worth the $99 price tag. This plug just brings to life all my tracks and busses and it's become one of my goto's. I can't say enough good things about the Black. The White however wan't that impressive to my ears and didn't give me that "wow" factor. 

    Craig, you should Demo the Black/White and any others on this deal to see if they're worth it........but, I'd be surprised (after using the Black on Drums, Bass, Guitar, or Keys) if you wouldn't say Wow!! 

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    yorolpal
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    Re:Is it worth jumping on the IK groupbuy if you have UAD? 2012/03/24 22:23:46 (permalink)
    Would y'all just get them dern FabFilter plugs and be shut a this?

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    bapu
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    Re:Is it worth jumping on the IK groupbuy if you have UAD? 2012/03/24 22:24:27 (permalink)
    yorolpal


    Would y'all just get them dern FabFilter plugs and be shut a this?

    LIMH!
    #7
    IK Obi
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    Re:Is it worth jumping on the IK groupbuy if you have UAD? 2012/03/25 20:10:57 (permalink)
    Definitely! T-Racks is currently priced lower than it ever has been before AND with the Cross grade price of only $99 its hard deal to pass up if your serious about your mixes.
    #8
    tyacko
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    Re:Is it worth jumping on the IK groupbuy if you have UAD? 2012/03/26 08:09:43 (permalink)
    For me personally, UAD support has been fantastic.  Although to be fair I've only really needed to use their support one time and they addressed my issues via e-mail the next day and resolved my problem.  As you probably see, their hardware/software is top notch.

    IK unfortunately has the worst support from my personal opinion.  I had crashes caused by the ARC plug in Sonar X1 when running their latest 64-bit plug that their only suggestion to me was to install 1.3.1.  Which I did and responded back that it didn't address the issue (with a crash dump as they requested).  Never heard back from them from that point.  In fact they closed the issue twice and I re-opened it with the reply "Any status?".  Never did hear back.

    Thankfully, I had a user from another forum experience the same issue and IK tech support told them to install the free 64-bit guitar amp simulator because it had the dll that was missing in the ARC install.  That user was kind enough to forward me that solution and it worked.

    I personally will not waste a dime on IK going forward.

    Tom

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    vintagevibe
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    Re:Is it worth jumping on the IK groupbuy if you have UAD? 2012/03/26 11:08:50 (permalink)
    tyacko


    For me personally, UAD support has been fantastic.  Although to be fair I've only really needed to use their support one time and they addressed my issues via e-mail the next day and resolved my problem.  As you probably see, their hardware/software is top notch.

    IK unfortunately has the worst support from my personal opinion.  I had crashes caused by the ARC plug in Sonar X1 when running their latest 64-bit plug that their only suggestion to me was to install 1.3.1.  Which I did and responded back that it didn't address the issue (with a crash dump as they requested).  Never heard back from them from that point.  In fact they closed the issue twice and I re-opened it with the reply "Any status?".  Never did hear back.

    Thankfully, I had a user from another forum experience the same issue and IK tech support told them to install the free 64-bit guitar amp simulator because it had the dll that was missing in the ARC install.  That user was kind enough to forward me that solution and it worked.

    I personally will not waste a dime on IK going forward.

    Tom

    I'm a big fan of IK products but I've had bad experiences with tech support as well.  I was convinced that they only spoke Italian.
    #10
    IK Obi
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    Re:Is it worth jumping on the IK groupbuy if you have UAD? 2012/03/26 14:50:40 (permalink)
    I'm sorry you have had bad experiences. If you would like, please PM me your ticket numbers and I'll look into them. We really do try our best to take care of our customers.
    #11
    Truckermusic
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    Re:Is it worth jumping on the IK groupbuy if you have UAD? 2012/03/26 16:50:07 (permalink)
    yorolpal


    Would y'all just get them dern FabFilter plugs and be shut a this?

    Intresting that you would say this. I've noticed before that you are a FabFilteer Fan......
     
    They have been crossing my mind for the last couple of years but they are a little steep for me. However compared to the UAD stuff (which is way out of my ball park in affordability) do you think they are really that good?
     
    Cause if I had a chance to get them I think I would. I've actually thought about that bundle they have with the Compressor, limiter, Gate and Eq (if I have it right) for just under $500 but ....for me that is still a lot of money....
     
    Are they any better than the sonar plugs? How do they stack up to the UAD plugs? Also they hardly ever go on sale and when they do it's not really a lot.....I'm thinking like 15 - 20% Correct?
     
    Thanks for any information you could share sir.
     
    Clifford

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    Kroneborge
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    Re:Is it worth jumping on the IK groupbuy if you have UAD? 2012/03/26 18:29:23 (permalink)
    Excellent question, I've been thinking about getting a UAD 2 quad for a while now, but it sure would be a lot cheaper to get the Fab Filter pack.   Of course UAD covers a lot of areas.


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    tyacko
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    Re:Is it worth jumping on the IK groupbuy if you have UAD? 2012/03/26 18:55:49 (permalink)
    IK Obi said...
    I'm sorry you have had bad experiences. If you would like, please PM me your ticket numbers and I'll look into them. We really do try our best to take care of our customers


    So, you don't think I'm BSing you, I just sent you a PM with the trouble ticket as you asked.

    Tom

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    #14
    Truckermusic
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    Re:Is it worth jumping on the IK groupbuy if you have UAD? 2012/03/27 08:26:12 (permalink)
    Kroneborge


    Excellent question, I've been thinking about getting a UAD 2 quad for a while now, but it sure would be a lot cheaper to get the Fab Filter pack.   Of course UAD covers a lot of areas.

    Thanks....
    Because it is the UAD Duo that I has been suggested to me to buy. I agree with the suggestion 100%.  However since I am NOT a professional studio to put out $1,200 for the accelarator card and then have to buy the plugs on top of the card is an aweful lot for me.
     
    The Fabfilter pack, although expensive, and very much on the outskirts of justifing for my self at least it will get me 4 plugs for a lot cheaper. If I did go the Fabfilter route I would only do a bundle because that would be the most cost effective method and a bit easier to justify to my self.
     
    I just would like to know how they sound and if they are really worth the investment.
     
    Besides, that new saturator they just came out with looks REALLY promising.....
     
    Clifford
    post edited by Truckermusic - 2012/03/27 08:27:32

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    strikinglyhandsome1
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    Re:Is it worth jumping on the IK groupbuy if you have UAD? 2012/03/27 08:49:47 (permalink)
    FabFilter have a 30 day trial on the total bundle.

    My trusted sources give them the nod.
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    fwrend
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    Re:Is it worth jumping on the IK groupbuy if you have UAD? 2012/03/27 09:29:32 (permalink)
    Clifford & Krone - I own IK Deluxe but have been in the same position as you guys wondering about Waves & UAD but not being able to justify the cost.  After continually hearing about FabFilter, I jumped on board with the Fab-bois a month or so ago during a discount.  I felt guilty for a while - but not long.  They have a wonderfully simple feel and great sound - no regrets whatsoever!
     
    OP: great tools from IK and I'm tempted just to get the Black & White but can't justify it right now.  If you're used to the UAD sounds you may not be as happy with the IK stuff.  On the other hand, if you want to join the ranks of Yorolpal & Bapu filling every nook & cranny with a plug , have at it - it's a good deal!
    post edited by fwrend - 2012/03/27 09:35:40
    #17
    Truckermusic
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    Re:Is it worth jumping on the IK groupbuy if you have UAD? 2012/03/27 11:20:25 (permalink)
    strikinglyhandsome1


    FabFilter have a 30 day trial on the total bundle.

    My trusted sources give them the nod.

    That's good to know.
    Thanks....
    Clifford

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    #18
    Truckermusic
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    Re:Is it worth jumping on the IK groupbuy if you have UAD? 2012/03/27 11:25:33 (permalink)
    fwrend


    Clifford & Krone - I own IK Deluxe but have been in the same position as you guys wondering about Waves & UAD but not being able to justify the cost.  After continually hearing about FabFilter, I jumped on board with the Fab-bois a month or so ago during a discount.  I felt guilty for a while - but not long.  They have a wonderfully simple feel and great sound - no regrets whatsoever!
     
    OP: great tools from IK and I'm tempted just to get the Black & White but can't justify it right now.  If you're used to the UAD sounds you may not be as happy with the IK stuff.  On the other hand, if you want to join the ranks of Yorolpal & Bapu filling every nook & cranny with a plug , have at it - it's a good deal!
    Fwrend
    I seen that special. I did not have the money at that point to even get into that. but now I have my tax check! :-) but like all good software it will go on sale again...so even if I do have GAS....I have patience to wait.....even if it is till christmas ......thank you for the feed back ... it helps....
    I've always liked and heard good things about Fab Plugs and have always wanted to make the jump but......
    so it is good to hear another testament for them....like I said if I was a professional studio....no question in my mind about the UAD cost...but because I am just a part time obsessed maniac it's hard to cover it....
     
    thank you
    Clifford

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    #19
    Mesh
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    Re:Is it worth jumping on the IK groupbuy if you have UAD? 2012/03/27 13:02:24 (permalink)
    Clifford, (being a hobbyist) that's also my plan to get next (Fabfilter). Although I have the UAD1-e, I haven't really invested in a lot of their plugs as they ARE expensive and until I can get an upgrade on my UAD card.....I've been holding off.
    (BTW, I'm also moving into your neck of the woods (about a 100 miles north of you...Orlando) sometime in May........lookout gators, here I come!! :)).

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    bapu
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    Re:Is it worth jumping on the IK groupbuy if you have UAD? 2012/03/27 13:21:01 (permalink)
    Truckermusic


    yorolpal


    Would y'all just get them dern FabFilter plugs and be shut a this?

    Also they hardly ever go on sale and when they do it's not really a lot.....I'm thinking like 15 - 20% Correct?
           
    I got the $539 Pro Bundle for $404.25 at the last sale. Now, when I can afford it again, I'll get bigger discounts on their schtuff.
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    IK Obi
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    Re:Is it worth jumping on the IK groupbuy if you have UAD? 2012/03/27 13:28:03 (permalink)
    tyacko



    IK Obi said...
    I'm sorry you have had bad experiences. If you would like, please PM me your ticket numbers and I'll look into them. We really do try our best to take care of our customers


    So, you don't think I'm BSing you, I just sent you a PM with the trouble ticket as you asked.

    Tom

    Got your pm, contact our support manager on your ticket number and PMd you a question as well. Thanks for your patience. 


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