Muziker
Max Output Level: -90 dBFS
- Total Posts : 22
- Joined: 2010/09/21 00:42:21
- Location: California
- Status: offline
Vintage Compressor Plugins - Recommendations?
Hi, This topic has surely come up many times over on CW forums though can't find a recent thread. If someone knows a good thread, please provide link. What's a great vintage compressor plugin for Sonar? There are so many on the market such as emulating classic LA-2A: CW, NI, IK, UAD, etc. The list goes on and on. Are these mostly similar in behavior/performance or does one stand out? Primarily need for vocals, bass & drums. Had my eye on NI Vintage Compressors or PSP Vintage Warmer2 but wanted to hear from fellow Cakewalkers. 
|
John
Forum Host
- Total Posts : 30467
- Joined: 2003/11/06 11:53:17
- Status: offline
Re: Vintage Compressor Plugins - Recommendations?
2013/10/11 20:00:22
(permalink)
You should investigate Pro Channel all the modules.
|
jb101
Max Output Level: -46 dBFS
- Total Posts : 2946
- Joined: 2011/12/04 05:26:10
- Status: offline
Re: Vintage Compressor Plugins - Recommendations?
2013/10/11 20:00:54
(permalink)
I highly recommend the ProChannel compressors. The La2a especially. And the 1176 is nice, too. As are the 4K channel and bus compressors.
I haven't had chance to play with the Nomad Factory ones yet (included in X3).
|
Leadfoot
Max Output Level: -47 dBFS
- Total Posts : 2817
- Joined: 2011/04/26 11:08:38
- Location: Indiana
- Status: offline
Re: Vintage Compressor Plugins - Recommendations?
2013/10/11 20:04:28
(permalink)
+1 on the LA-2A Pro Channel module.
|
Leadfoot
Max Output Level: -47 dBFS
- Total Posts : 2817
- Joined: 2011/04/26 11:08:38
- Location: Indiana
- Status: offline
Re: Vintage Compressor Plugins - Recommendations?
2013/10/11 20:09:54
(permalink)
The Nomad Factory Fairchild type compressor sounds pretty cool too.
|
jb101
Max Output Level: -46 dBFS
- Total Posts : 2946
- Joined: 2011/12/04 05:26:10
- Status: offline
Re: Vintage Compressor Plugins - Recommendations?
2013/10/11 20:17:22
(permalink)
Leadfoot
The Nomad Factory Fairchild type compressor sounds pretty cool too.
I must check that out when time permits. A Fairchild style compressor was the only one I felt I was missing. I had got to the point of not wanting any more compressors - was really happy with all the ProChannel ones, and getting used to how they worked, but am looking forward to trying the Nomad Fairchild one. I'm also enjoying the Nomad Pulteq EQ. The Fairchild Compressor and Pulteq EQ were on my constant wish-list for PC modules..
|
Leadfoot
Max Output Level: -47 dBFS
- Total Posts : 2817
- Joined: 2011/04/26 11:08:38
- Location: Indiana
- Status: offline
Re: Vintage Compressor Plugins - Recommendations?
2013/10/11 20:28:42
(permalink)
Yeah I like the Nomad Pultec also. And I'm non stop using that LA-2A Pro Channel module! They did a great job on that one!
|
Middleman
Max Output Level: -31.5 dBFS
- Total Posts : 4397
- Joined: 2003/12/04 00:58:50
- Location: Orange County, CA
- Status: offline
Re: Vintage Compressor Plugins - Recommendations?
2013/10/11 20:30:35
(permalink)
☄ Helpfulby Nuchal Translucent 2013/10/12 15:59:35
Vocals, Bass, Acoustic guitar - LA2A
Drums 1176 or DBX160 or nothing depending on how it was tracked and the type of music.
The Sonar LA2A is a very good emulation compared to UAD as I have done that shootout. It actually misses some transients like the real hardware where as the UAD grabs them all. The 1176 in Sonar is not nearly as good as the UAD versions because although it grabs fast like a real 1176 but it doesn't have the same EQ curve or even similar. This is part of the signature mid range bump of a real 1176.
In my experience here are some of the better plug in compressors and I threw a couple of limiters in there as well:
For color
UAD 1176
UAD LA2A
UAD SSL G or E series
Sonar LA2A
Waves CLA compressors - any of them
UAD 160x
UAD SSL buss compressor
For clarity:
Softube CL1B
UAD Precision Buss comp
UAD Precision Limiter
Massey Limiter
Elephant
|
cuitlahac
Max Output Level: -87 dBFS
- Total Posts : 196
- Joined: 2011/07/24 20:09:52
- Location: Albuquerque, NM,USA
- Status: offline
Re: Vintage Compressor Plugins - Recommendations?
2013/10/11 20:36:19
(permalink)
☄ Helpfulby Nuchal Translucent 2013/10/12 16:00:17
They're a little pricey but the Waves JJP Analog Legends are great! The Puigchild is really nice (you get a mono and a stereo plug). Just like a Fairchild, they have a very straightforward control set and they do deliver the classic colored sound just like the real deal! The PC Compressors are great too....just like everyone else has commented.
Dave- SONAR Platinum, +Producer 5,7,8.5,X1PE, X2, X3e,Win7 Pro 64bit, SoundForge 10, CD Architect, Izotope 7 Advanced & Insight Metering, RAIN ION rack PC, (Nehalem) Xeon(R) CPU @ 3.06Ghz, 6GB DDR3 Ram, 2 WD640GB SATA II 7200rpm HDD's, LaCie 300GB HDD , ATI Radeon 4650 graphics (1GB) running Dual Monitors, Antelope Orion 32 + MP32 Pre's, SSL Matrix 2 Hybrid Console, M-Audio Bx8a Monitors w/ Energy 90w-12" sub, Roland A-800 PRO, BOSS BR-1600 DRS, Shure KSMs, 85s, 57s, 58s, Shure PSM Monitor, Gibson guitars, Fender P Bass.
|
Leadfoot
Max Output Level: -47 dBFS
- Total Posts : 2817
- Joined: 2011/04/26 11:08:38
- Location: Indiana
- Status: offline
Re: Vintage Compressor Plugins - Recommendations?
2013/10/11 20:37:53
(permalink)
I like the Waves API 2500 also.
|
Dude Ivey
Max Output Level: -85 dBFS
- Total Posts : 280
- Joined: 2012/12/25 01:28:32
- Location: Athens, Texas
- Status: offline
Re: Vintage Compressor Plugins - Recommendations?
2013/10/11 21:05:09
(permalink)
I use the JJP Puigchild and Puigtec's also. Probably use the Puigchild too much!
X-3e/X-2a, Windows 7 64bit, Intel i7-2600, 16Gb ram, 4 Tb HDD, 32 inch monitor, RME FireFace UFX, Shure SRH1840 Headphones, KRK Rockit 5 monitors w/ KRK 10 inch sub and 3 Dachshunds.
|
Sanderxpander
Max Output Level: -36.5 dBFS
- Total Posts : 3873
- Joined: 2013/09/30 10:08:24
- Status: offline
Re: Vintage Compressor Plugins - Recommendations?
2013/10/11 21:16:15
(permalink)
Am I crazy for still liking Renaissance Comp? It was one of the first "good" compressors I got and I find I still get a lot of use out of it. It sounds pleasant and doesn't color nearly as much as the ProChannel ones. Any recommendations for an "upgrade" from RComp that's in a similar vein?
|
Leadfoot
Max Output Level: -47 dBFS
- Total Posts : 2817
- Joined: 2011/04/26 11:08:38
- Location: Indiana
- Status: offline
Re: Vintage Compressor Plugins - Recommendations?
2013/10/11 21:21:59
(permalink)
Nothing at all wrong with the Renaissance Comp.
|
Sanderxpander
Max Output Level: -36.5 dBFS
- Total Posts : 3873
- Joined: 2013/09/30 10:08:24
- Status: offline
Re: Vintage Compressor Plugins - Recommendations?
2013/10/11 21:26:46
(permalink)
I think it qualifies as "vintage" by now :)
|
Leadfoot
Max Output Level: -47 dBFS
- Total Posts : 2817
- Joined: 2011/04/26 11:08:38
- Location: Indiana
- Status: offline
Re: Vintage Compressor Plugins - Recommendations?
2013/10/11 21:33:01
(permalink)
Definitely been around a while. I like all the Renaissance plugs. I especially liked the de-esser.
|
Middleman
Max Output Level: -31.5 dBFS
- Total Posts : 4397
- Joined: 2003/12/04 00:58:50
- Location: Orange County, CA
- Status: offline
Re: Vintage Compressor Plugins - Recommendations?
2013/10/11 21:36:39
(permalink)
Sanderxpander
I think it qualifies as "vintage" by now :)
Vintage plugin, I wonder if I can get a higher price for them now?
|
Muziker
Max Output Level: -90 dBFS
- Total Posts : 22
- Joined: 2010/09/21 00:42:21
- Location: California
- Status: offline
Re: Vintage Compressor Plugins - Recommendations?
2013/10/12 15:59:22
(permalink)
Thanks everyone, very helpful feedback!
I'll checkout Sonar LA-2A first then others.
|
backwoods
Max Output Level: -49.5 dBFS
- Total Posts : 2571
- Joined: 2011/03/23 17:24:50
- Location: South Pacific
- Status: offline
Re: Vintage Compressor Plugins - Recommendations?
2013/10/12 16:09:28
(permalink)
|
Andrew Rossa
Max Output Level: -56 dBFS
- Total Posts : 1910
- Joined: 2006/04/14 13:33:18
- Status: offline
Re: Vintage Compressor Plugins - Recommendations?
2013/10/12 16:41:54
(permalink)
Nuchal Translucent
Thanks everyone, very helpful feedback!
I'll checkout Sonar LA-2A first then others.
It's called the CA-2A Leveling Amplifier. It's available as both a VST and ProChannel module.
|
AT
Max Output Level: 0 dBFS
- Total Posts : 10654
- Joined: 2004/01/09 10:42:46
- Location: TeXaS
- Status: offline
Re: Vintage Compressor Plugins - Recommendations?
2013/10/12 18:25:31
(permalink)
THe CA-2A is very good. For an 1176 try the softube Mix bundle that Cake had special priced a while back. A half step up from the SONAR one, plus you get some other goodies.
But the SONAR 1176 ain't bad, just not so "vintage", but if you get X3 producer you have Nomad Audio blue tubes, which is vintage and you get more modules than you can shake a rattle at.
https://soundcloud.com/a-pleasure-dome
http://www.bnoir-film.com/ there came forth little children out of the city, and mocked him, and said unto him, Go up, thou bald head; go up, thou bald head. 24 And he turned back, and looked on them, and cursed them in the name of the Lord. And there came forth two she bears out of the wood, and tare forty and two children of them.
|
Leadfoot
Max Output Level: -47 dBFS
- Total Posts : 2817
- Joined: 2011/04/26 11:08:38
- Location: Indiana
- Status: offline
Re: Vintage Compressor Plugins - Recommendations?
2013/10/12 18:33:56
(permalink)
Andrew Rossa [Cakewalk]
Nuchal TranslucentThanks everyone, very helpful feedback! I'll checkout Sonar LA-2A first then others.
It's called the CA-2A Leveling Amplifier. It's available as both a VST and ProChannel module.
Mine actually says "PC-2A" 
|
scook
Forum Host
- Total Posts : 24146
- Joined: 2005/07/27 13:43:57
- Location: TX
- Status: offline
Re: Vintage Compressor Plugins - Recommendations?
2013/10/12 18:38:04
(permalink)
Leadfoot
Mine actually says "PC-2A"
That is the original ProChannel only version, it has been replaced with the CA-2A. $19.99 for the upgrade from PC-2A to CA-2A.
|
Leadfoot
Max Output Level: -47 dBFS
- Total Posts : 2817
- Joined: 2011/04/26 11:08:38
- Location: Indiana
- Status: offline
Re: Vintage Compressor Plugins - Recommendations?
2013/10/12 18:43:52
(permalink)
scook
Leadfoot
Mine actually says "PC-2A"
That is the original ProChannel only version, it has been replaced with the CA-2A. $19.99 for the upgrade from PC-2A to CA-2A.
Ahhh... I see. What's the advantage over PC only? More controls or something?
|
scook
Forum Host
- Total Posts : 24146
- Joined: 2005/07/27 13:43:57
- Location: TX
- Status: offline
Re: Vintage Compressor Plugins - Recommendations?
2013/10/12 18:47:31
(permalink)
CA-2A added sidechaining and extra plug-in formats.
|
Leadfoot
Max Output Level: -47 dBFS
- Total Posts : 2817
- Joined: 2011/04/26 11:08:38
- Location: Indiana
- Status: offline
Re: Vintage Compressor Plugins - Recommendations?
2013/10/12 18:50:04
(permalink)
scook
CA-2A added sidechaining and extra plug-in formats.
Cool... thanks scook!
|
clintmartin
Max Output Level: -36.5 dBFS
- Total Posts : 3893
- Joined: 2009/10/11 12:16:43
- Location: Fort Smith, AR
- Status: offline
Re: Vintage Compressor Plugins - Recommendations?
2013/10/12 18:58:41
(permalink)
|
twoifbysea
Max Output Level: -84 dBFS
- Total Posts : 306
- Joined: 2011/04/27 21:26:23
- Location: Northern, CA
- Status: offline
Re: Vintage Compressor Plugins - Recommendations?
2013/10/12 19:15:02
(permalink)
I own several reputable and pricey vst LA-2A, 1176, Fairchild, Hybrid, SSL and DBX-160 compressor models and I've spent many hours making PC FX chains for all of them. I also own every PC module that CW or 3rd party devs have released and 9 times out of ten I end up using the PC modules. Why? Because the just sound so damn good and are dead simple to use. CW have not cut any corners in their development of the PC modules. Thankfully with the release of X3 my digital gear lust is finally winding down and I really don't have anything left of my "must have plugin list".
System: HP Pavilion 450t. Windows 10 Home x64, Intel i7 870: 2.93 Ghz, 8G RAM - NVIDIA GeForce GT 610DAW: Sonar Platinum Audio Interface: Akai EIE ProMidi Controller: Presonus FaderPort Midi Keyboard: M-Audio Axiom 49 https://1208audio.com
|
jb101
Max Output Level: -46 dBFS
- Total Posts : 2946
- Joined: 2011/12/04 05:26:10
- Status: offline
Re: Vintage Compressor Plugins - Recommendations?
2013/10/12 19:39:47
(permalink)
twoifbysea
I own several reputable and pricey vst LA-2A, 1176, Fairchild, Hybrid, SSL and DBX-160 compressor models and I've spent many hours making PC FX chains for all of them. I also own every PC module that CW or 3rd party devs have released and 9 times out of ten I end up using the PC modules. Why? Because the just sound so damn good and are dead simple to use. CW have not cut any corners in their development of the PC modules. Thankfully with the release of X3 my digital gear lust is finally winding down and I really don't have anything left of my "must have plugin list".
+ whatever is the norm for a plus on a forum
|