Why Pro Q4 Matters, Even for Analogue Mastering

Work with me - www.raretonema...
Here's my thoughts on the new Fabfilter ProQ 4 Eq plugin and how digital tools like this work alongside analogue outboard gear to create great sounding masters. I love sharing my thoughts and hearing other people's thoughts on this subject so please leave a comment and let me know what you think below!
Don't forget to like, subscribe, and click the notification bell for more behind-the-scenes content from Rare Tone Mastering!
#VinylRecords #Mastering #VinylCutting #MusicProduction #AnalogueMastering

[@MariJu1ce]

Its kinda funny that All my favourite sounding records were made before plugins existed, something to think about whenever i think i NEED a new plugin. Do we even need spectral eq or narrow digital eq? Certainly didnt stop people in the 70s from making even better sounding music than today.

[@raretonemastering]

Yes I agree, lots of seminal and still popular albums were made before digital (lots of my favs too). I think there's loads to unpack here which goes beyond the technology into the actual industry and the way it's changed.
Artists no longer have the luxury of studio time, prolonged support and multi album deals which offered security, room for experimentation and honing the skill of recording - which is a unique skill, very different to performing live or writing.
I think tools have evolved to help 'fix' a lot of stuff that could have been improved with just more time, more practice, more takes, more conversations with a producer. So while we shouldn't NEED these types of tools and we should get the original source recording right in the first place, most artists don't have the time needed to get the original recordings as good as perhaps they are able to. It's often a case of - You've got a day to track 10 vocals, get 'em done!
People made amazing and arguably some of the best music ever recorded to date before these digital plugins so I don't have an answer or really even a definitive opinion.
I love earlier jazz, funk, soul and actually love the higher noise floor and all the things which would today be edited out. I also love the capability we have with digital tools for creation, restoration and workflow. I remember splicing tape and definitely don't miss doing that!
Thanks for your comment and input, I think I may have to make a video based on this conversation, it has sparked a lot of thoughts!