Thanks for the links.   I'll check them out.

Out of all the stuff I've been tempted to buy, the only thing i DID buy was this:

http://www.stillwellaudio.com/?page_id=68
 
and so far it's been a very good friend.
Packed with presets for idiots like me and also quite versatile.

I do recommend highly.

Jumping in late.....
 
I wouldn't sweat the "sounds old" syndrome.
 
A good example of a recent CD (well 2 years ago I think) is Wolfmother. Total 70's old school production based on borrowed licks and styles from all the heavy bands of that era...especially Black Sabbath. Lots of "stoner" lyrics that don't make a whole lot of sense.
 
Absolutely nothing new there at all, and the CD suffers from another case of "loudness war" level smashing....but they've sold over two million copies.
 
If the songs are good, presented well, and the performance sounds honest & not contrived, people will buy it.

Beagle: I agree! You brought up a very good point, the rhythm does play an important role.  Funny coincidence, I was working on rhythms last night.

Middleman: Again, thanks for that info' worth printing out on gold edge paper. ;-)

James: That's what I do, it's everywhere LOL!! I just need to use better compressors, and I certainly need a darn good one on the vocal bus....

Munmun: Thanks for posting that link! I read the comments, I'm definitely going to take DensitymkII for a spin on the vocal bus! WOW!! It's free, how can anyone pass that up :-)

Rick: Thanks for the link, that's a good deal on the Stillwell.

Next important piece I need is a good Pultec EQ (can't afford the 'real' thing') but T-Racks has a pretty good one for $99. (singles: 'Pultec EQP-1A') from reviews I've read this may do the trick. This is what's been missing from my mixes... a good 'vintage tube EQ'.  I wonder if there's a 'Free version' of a decent Pultec EQ (emulation) plugin available?

Bonzos Ghost: I agree, the song is the most important thing, this has always been my philosophy! The greater the song the more 'timeless' appeal it will have.

When you check out density also check out epicverb as well as all the other free plugs.  I have sleepless nights thinking that this guy Bootsy might start to charge.  I have used Density on my last song and I was floored.

"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."

 An example of how rhythm patterns effect the vibe of a song... consider the Run DMC/Aerosmith combo that reinvigorated two ailing genres with the remake of Walk This Way.

best,
mike

munmun


When you check out density also check out epicverb as well as all the other free plugs.  I have sleepless nights thinking that this guy Bootsy might start to charge.  I have used Density on my last song and I was floored.

Their "RESCUE" plug is also very very handy.

I gave DensityMkII, BoostEQ, EpicVerb a go, so far I'm very impressed :-)

Density nailed (glued) the vocal in the mix much better since before it was drifting in places (using trk envelopes helps but) using Density made the vocal sound richer, warmer and with greater consistancy of levels, definition and tone. A noticeable improvement.   EpicVerb has a very smooth, warm sound with a good selection of algorithims such as Plate, Hall, Echo.   BoostEQ seemed to have mostly the right settings on loading presets I didn't have to tweak it much to get a satisfying result.  CPU load runing all three plugins are good, only 2%.  These FX's would also sound great on drums and other instruments.

I can't compare DensityMkII with UAD and Wave's (because I don't have them), but the comments on that thread (Link: see Munmun post #80) from people who have made the comparisons is interesting, some actually preferred Density.  I'm really starting to warm up to Boosty Effects. I'm impressed. :-)

No How

munmun


When you check out density also check out epicverb as well as all the other free plugs.  I have sleepless nights thinking that this guy Bootsy might start to charge.  I have used Density on my last song and I was floored.

Their "RESCUE" plug is also very very handy.

That's an interesting plugin.  Haven't used it yet but it's good to know it's another piece that will come in handy.  I think what I have now along with T-Racks3, Ozone.3, and 4 there can't be no excuse not to get a good sounding mix. Although I only have the standard T-Racks suite I may later get the Brickall limiter and Vintage Tube (Pultec emulation) the 'Singles' at $99 each is pretty good value.

The closest thing in the UA bundle to the Density is probably the Distressor Junior. I just tried the Density as well and that is a very nice utililty plug in. Kind of a "make me warm and toasty sound".

Middleman


The closest thing in the UA bundle to the Density is probably the Distressor Junior. I just tried the Density as well and that is a very nice utililty plug in. Kind of a "make me warm and toasty sound".

'Warm and Toasty' is a good description.   Well suited for my voice, reminded me of the Avalon used on my voice when I was recording at a studio in Sydney, Australia.   I've been after that nice tonal 'toasty' character, I think Density does a pretty darn good job when used with the the BootEQ.MkII (Tube Pre-amp & EQ), although the Pultec EQ is probably better, T-Racks Vintage Tube Program Equalizer (modelled on the Pultec EQP-1A) costs $99 (T-Racks..Singles) it's an affordable option.   Waves and UAD is top-notch gear but unfortunately they're above my budget.