Hi Middleman,

Thanks for that info.  You're right, the key components are top-notch Compressor/Limiters and Reverb, they're critical for that 'sound' and final polish.

I noticed midiaudio.com have a sale, 51% off on Waves CLA-3A, CLA-2A, CLA-76 Blacky, and CLA-76 Bluey (Bundle for $780), are these the plugins you're talking about?

For my budget it would be cool if I could buy just the CLA-2A Compressor/Limiter for vocals.  Is there anything else that comes close for less at around $200?

Waves has the SSL channel strip which sells for around $450. I would have to save for that.  My budget is $200, with Christmas shopping to do for family I'll have to wait till next year.

One thing that I think has been overlooked here.  certain rhythms are considered "modern" or "dated."  Current trends in contemporary music have lately been using a particular rhythm throughout the melody.  I believe this to be true for modern songs of all genres, but different rhythms from genre to genre. 

the rhythms I'm speaking of are just small phrases included usually in the chorus, sometimes once, sometimes more than once (with that same rhythm).  just about 4 notes (in an example) with a particular pattern to the rhythm of that phrase. 
the rhythms can have any particular melody, but they might follow a particular melodic pattern in reference to the beginning note of that phrase.  for example, a pattern might be dotted 8th, 8th, 8th, dotted 8th with a melodic pattern of an initial pitch, 1/2 step up, another 1/2 step up, back to initial pitch (this is a made up example and does not convey any particular genre's modern pattern).

I know that modern Contemporary Christian Music has these "modern patterns" and I believe that it is probably true for all modern genres, but I haven't studied them to find out what those patterns might be. 

this might be what the reviewers are looking for - and they might not even know that this is what they're looking for - they just don't "hear" it and therefore they think it's not "modern."

Question on bus compression.  Are these guys mixing through the bus compressor or do they add compression once the mix is done?

Middleman


I think we all just need to be aware of a few things when creating music with regard to preventing it from being stylized for lack of a better word.

1. Effects will date your music. For example, gated massive room drums are 1980s sounding. However you can gate toms today just to get the resonance out of the mix. Same technique but adding too much verb is the defining issue.

2. Bad reverb is bad for everyone.

3. Robotic Autotune will eventually make the music today sound old.

4. Poorly tracked or computer generated sounds rarely keep a listeners interest. It immediately detracts the ear from the song.

At the same time there seems to be some long term trends in place that while indicative of today's music will probably be with us for some while to come. The SSL buss compression sound; it's snappy, its pumped but we like it on everything. CLA and his brother have made quite the living on that sound. Although, I saw recently he is now mixing on a Sony desk but with either an SSL or C2 compressor at the end. That's a definite Sonic Stamp.

In the country genre, the CL1B is the vocal compressor of choice and its on everybody's vocal in Nashville. Big, breathy and clean. This too is a standardized Sonic Stamp.

There are others like the Mastering Chains that many people use.

The point being, that the sonics of the instruments or the voice can lower your inspired song to amateurish status. Most listeners will never get past this and hear the song. In my experience few of the people that make the decisions on what will be signed/sold/presented, have the imagination to hear a good song masked in amateur sound or production. Your safest bet is to take your prized inspirations to a studio you trust and focus on production. Better chance that way. But if you must go the DIY route, then focus on what is in the market place versus what was.

This is golden.
 
Thank you.

Beagle


One thing that I think has been overlooked here.  certain rhythms are considered "modern" or "dated."  Current trends in contemporary music have lately been using a particular rhythm throughout the melody.  I believe this to be true for modern songs of all genres, but different rhythms from genre to genre. 

the rhythms I'm speaking of are just small phrases included usually in the chorus, sometimes once, sometimes more than once (with that same rhythm).  just about 4 notes (in an example) with a particular pattern to the rhythm of that phrase. 
the rhythms can have any particular melody, but they might follow a particular melodic pattern in reference to the beginning note of that phrase.  for example, a pattern might be dotted 8th, 8th, 8th, dotted 8th with a melodic pattern of an initial pitch, 1/2 step up, another 1/2 step up, back to initial pitch (this is a made up example and does not convey any particular genre's modern pattern).

I know that modern Contemporary Christian Music has these "modern patterns" and I believe that it is probably true for all modern genres, but I haven't studied them to find out what those patterns might be. 

this might be what the reviewers are looking for - and they might not even know that this is what they're looking for - they just don't "hear" it and therefore they think it's not "modern."

How true!   I think this is the case in lots of corporate music houses.  It's the stuff i'm in constant rebellion to.  That stylized sound is what is immediately a shoe in but also the mark of cookie cutter songcrafting...IMO.
 

Munmun:Question on bus compression.  Are these guys mixing through the bus compressor or do they add compression once the mix is done?

They compress everywhere and anywhere they can. That is why it sounds so immediate and in your face.

So what would be the best SSL bus compressor emulation that would not break the bank or require a dongle.  Noticed that Waves only sells the SSL  4000 in bundle form and not as individual plugins.

Songcraft - Yeah those plugins are a good start. I am using the precision buss compressor right now from UA for that duty. But nothing emulates the real thing. I was referring to an actual CL1B compressor which is around $2500 used. A good alternative is a Crane Song Trakker which can be had for $1800 used.

Beagle - Exactly the point, the rhythm patterns or vibe of the song is THE most important thing for sounding contemporary. If you're writing 3/4 time in a 4/4 world then just jump off the high speed train now.

munmun - I used the UAD2 card for the SSL sound i.e. the 4k channel strip and the 4k Buss compressor. Yes, many do mix through buss compressors but very low ratios. Golden tip of the year: Put a Pultec EQ followed by a Neve 33609 on your master buss. Set the compressor for 1.5:1 ratio with no more than 2 db gain reduction. Set the Pultec to 22k attenuation and roll it back to about 5 reduction. That will take your crappy digital sounding tunes into analog warmth heaven. Alternatively use the 4k Buss compressor instead of the Neve for a more pumping sound.

Always the part of the story where i have to shut the book.  $$$

Check out this FREE bus compressor:  DensitymkII
 
http://varietyofsound.wordpress.com/2009/08/28/density-mkii-released-today/

Then head on over to Gearslutz and check out the number of Waves SSL 4000 users who prefer this.
 
http://www.gearslutz.com/board/new-product-alert/418133-density-mkii-bus-compressor.html
http://www.gearslutz.com/board/rap-hip-hop-engineering-production/422414-best-free-compressor-ever-density-mkii-bus-compressor.html