• SONAR
  • Suitable alternative to the Softube Focusing EQ and FET Compressor?
2013/02/22 12:12:28
Beepster
This Groove3 Mixing with X1 tutorial is turning into a BLEEPING commercial for the Softube bundle which I do not have and am not particularly interested in buying. He's using the Focusing EQ and the FET compressor extensively and it's getting a little annoying because I just want to learn how to accomplish this stuff with what I already have. I've been trying to write down approximately what I THINK is happening as he tweaks them so I can attempt to duplicate it with other modules.

So yeah... are there any included EQ/compressors with X2 that might accomplish the same effects? I also have the PC2A add on as well as the Focusrite effects bundle that came with my interface (which I have not installed yet but probably will at some point).

Cheers and I hope you are all having a good day.
2013/02/22 12:21:18
Beepster
Okay... he just mentioned that the Softube FET Compressor is like an 1176 compressor except it has a low/high cut feature. From what I understand the PC76 U-Type is supposed to emulate an 1176 so that's cool... however because this is a bass track I would like to be able to cut the compressor on the low end. I'm assuming I won't be able to do this.
2013/02/22 12:27:18
Lanceindastudio
Yeah that switch seems handy to lower compression amount on the low end like a multiband.

Lance

2013/02/22 12:38:58
Beepster
  Hi, Lance. It is definitely a cool idea and I'd like to use it but I guess I'm out of luck. Maybe that multiband compressor will do it but I find it not as warm as other comps and usually use it more for mastering. Granted I haven't really learned how to use it to its fullest extent. 
2013/02/23 00:22:15
lawajava
Beepster - hang tight and when the Softube Bundle is offered again you might consider it. I use the modules in it all the time with great satisfaction. I totally think it's a great option addition to Sonar.
2013/02/23 10:07:12
Beepster
Hi, lj. How much was that bundle going for last time it was around? I looked around for it in the Cake store before I posted this thread but couldn't find it. I'm guessing unless there is some kind of promo the modules have to be bought from Softube directly. Cheers.
2013/02/23 10:52:16
Eddie TX
Beepster


Hi, lj. How much was that bundle going for last time it was around? I looked around for it in the Cake store before I posted this thread but couldn't find it. I'm guessing unless there is some kind of promo the modules have to be bought from Softube directly. Cheers.

You can get the same bundle from Audio Deluxe right now for $157.99 -- no need to wait for CW to offer it again for $179.  One of the best buys around ... I know of nothing that duplicates all the features of those plugins.


http://audiodeluxe.com/products/softube-mix-bundle

Cheers,
Eddie
2013/02/23 10:55:51
Beepster
Thanks, Eddie. I forgot it required an iLok though which is a little offputting for me. I'm sure I can find alternate routes to achieve the same results. Cheers.
2013/02/23 12:35:13
Razorwit
Hi Beeps, The pc76 is a perfectly good substitute for the softube fet (I find they sound a bit different but are pretty similar). You can certainly use a multiband to simulate the frequency dependent compression characteristics, but another way is to duplicate the bass git track and then use EQ shelving to make one track only contain the low frequency material and one only the highs. Then just drop the pc76 on each and compress to taste. Alternately, use the pc76 on the highs and the CA2A on the lows. I split bass guitar tracks like that all the time these days, sometimes into 3 or 4 different tracks.


As far as the focusing EQ, I don't know one that does things the same way, but IIRC it's just a two band EQ with a high and low cut, so just about any EQ should work OK.


Good luck
Dean
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