Got the Wes buss comp 2 months ago, got the ng 76 a few weeks ago...gotta to save up to get the eq now. I might make detour for that drawmer though. Wes Audio/Audioscape have changed my life these last two months going hybrid. So many thanks to you!
Awesome video, thanks David.!I love getting a window into the world of high end analog gear... it gives me ideas of where to aim my budget when the time is right.
Hey man, I bought the SymphEQ years ago when you first explained its strengths and weaknesses in a video, and it has been perfect as my two-bus EQ. Going to NAMM this week? Hope to see you there! 🥃
Game over guys! I hope that pro-Q guys have learn something! Man, really lovely stuff! Some of them (if not all) just make everything pass through them sound better with all knobs at unity!
Thanks once again for a very informative video. I knew a few things and had some of the eq’s. Got the ng tube now. I feel this is a precursor to the black box turning up. I didn’t realise it was digital recall until I looked at it on the website. I have a sneaky feeling that eq is going to be on a whole new level of WOW. Waiting for it must be like a kid waiting for Christmas 😊
Thanks for this. High quality stereo EQs for 2 bus do not run cheap. Considering the Wes Unit - currently have an IGS IQ Inductor Mastering EQ, 5500, and a Gainlab Empress, but would like to add something. Either a Curve Bender (which has a lot in common tonally with the IGS) or the Wes. Hell maybe even a GML. Decisions decisions..
The Kush Clariphonic is not dissimilar to the MAAG air band and can be useful (Pensado and others are users) and Crane Song Ibis can impart a similar beautiful sheen. Another excellent detailed video of your tools, David. Grazie
Very nice rundown of your great EQ hardware. 1) as an owner of the Wes NGtubeEQ I agree with everything you said about it. 2) As an owner of a Hendy Amps Michelangelo (speaking of sweetening and harmonic goodness), I'd be curious for you to try one out.
Awesome video!!!! I really enjoyed it. Thank you Dave. I am not sure if you can hear what appears to be maybe your shirt rubbing on your mic throughout the video.
I've had the Massive Passive, the SPL PQ and now the Wesaudio Ngtubeeq. The Massive Passive was great for shaping a track but I didn't like the tubes on some tracks, too much color for mastering. I preferred the SPL PQ for mastering over the Massive Massive for it being less colored. However it was so clean and after ABing with Izotope Ozone plugin eq I decided to sell the PQ. The PQ was better than the ozone but not $6k better. Now I have the ngtubeeq. I'm in love. Just so much precision and options. Applying a 1db setting and then altering it by 0.08db later is pretty cool. Also being able to apply a stereo setting with one knob instead of manually turning the left and right channels is so nice. Going from tube to tubeless is a game changer. You can really shape the track if wanted or just make subtle changes. If you can only have one expensive mastering eq I'd go with the ngtubeeq and then add any additional clean eq changes with an ozone eq type plugin.
I have an MP in my mastering chain and the color you're talking about probably had more to do with the IRON transfos than the tubes. This is the reason they included TRS outs that bypass the IRON and give you a noticeably cleaner signal. I actually have my MP on a switcher that lets me choose between IRON and clean/no transfos at the flick of a switch and its like having two EQs in one. Definitely worth trying for anyone who has an MP.
Ufff such a tough battle.. Granted you'd be happy with both but personally I'd go with SSL. Here's why: unless you change the opamps, 550B's ones are gonna blow up here and there, very annoying. And you have a tiny bit more versatility with the SSL, their 611 are really gret eqs. Thank you for the support!
On a totally different note. I’m not sure whether you know about Present Day Production making the MUM monitor collection. But you should really get a hold of those guys and get a pair of their monitors to review. I have a feeling that you will be blown away 😊
wow, some days after the best video the new best video! but not helpful :) so now I know that I need a lot of EQs :D Question: did you ever own the Wes Prometheus? You did a review some years ago, but now have the stam pultec. 2nd question: you commented under the last video recommending the Curve Bender, but you don't have one? Or did I understand you wrong?
David, offtopic but how happy are you with the SSL The Bus+, i just see it there and considering buying one along with my SSL Fusion. Also how do you compare it with SSL G Bus plugin from UAD which i found the best sounding emulation. Great stuff as always, Thanks
Interesting to see the ngtube relegated to vocals but not mastering and prioritize PQ for those duties. Funny, AudioAnimal said he’s replacing the PQ with the ngtube eq. It’s great how we all have different approaches and tastes. All of these are quality kit. As always, appreciate your thoughts.
For sure, although there's no scenario in which you'd replace PQ with TubeEq. They're completely different, one doesn't do what the other does and vice versa, maybe they don't fully understand the use cases.
Hi david. Can you make a video on the minimum acceptable vocal or guitar recording by which it can be made to sound professional after processing. Also record something that is just not acceptable quality. This is very important as many home studio guys dont know what to set expectations for themselves.
Although I understand the intent, nobody should ever aim for "the lowest acceptable when doing music. Acoustic guitar and vocals aren't hard or expensive to track correctly. Sure you can have a 20K chain and it will sound better but you can record great tracks with a good interface' preamp, a good pair of mics. The most important thing is placement, room and matching the right mic to the right performer and guitar
Greetings; this is an amazing video. That being said, i heard you say you use the maag for vocals and the api 5500 on drum bus. So you never place these mastering eqs on the mixbus or your mastering chain? If not why? I get that you have other transparent/coloring eqs, but both of these eqs are known to be mastering eqs. (People love using them in the same manner you do during mixing, but they are great on the mix/master bus).
Is some of the gear given or at a decent discount? (I have some of the same models etc) I know you use the stuff you have so not trying to pry, just good to know how arrangements work at your level.
Awesome collection! Are their all noisy?I usually hear all analog adds a lot of noise. Are there any magical trick to make them less noisy beasts?Some magical noise canceling box?
You seem to have picked each of them for a specific reason! Speaking of analog equalizers, should they be something an engineer who's just begun to get out of the box should consider early on, or would it be a better idea to invest in compressors when starting out? I've heard several takes saying that the difference between plugins and hardware is the most prominent with compressors and saturators.
You should balance your chain at all times. Many feel plugins are closer to analog EQs than they're to compressors and saturators but it's not the case. There's equal distance so, I'd still start with a comp but then it would be eq next
Hi David, yes you're spoiled. Anyway, all jokes aside. IGS 825 EQ caught my attention in particular, then I found your review video of this EQ. I was blown away. Quick question about IGS (since it was hard to hear from RUclips video). Tube EQs tend to fold low end and smooth out the transients which is not desired for modern music. Does IGS also smooths out the transients and fold the low up end like most tube EQs? Is it a versatile mastering EQ? Thank you
Hi David, I hope you, your family and friends are safe from the wild fires. And thanks for this video. What would be a good first analog choice for the 2bus ?
If you Google SSL 4K black vs brown eq you will find a ton of info. In short, brown came first, they were more broad, less capacitors in the path, more gritty, they have divider and multiplier for mid bands, you couldn't turn the filters off (on the console), black were supposed to be a bit clearer, more punchy to some, no divider or multiplier and the gain was 18 instead of 12. But, then you could configure a 4K E to have the G eq and combine them etc.. but that's the gist of it.
I have an API 5500, Rupert Neve MBT, and SPL Iron V2. The last thing I really want to get my hands on is the SPL PQ before going down the road of Flock Patch and AD convertors (Still confused on how those route).
@@karandhaliwal8352 Does mastering without a good AD really affect the sound that much in a small chain like mine? I was thinking of grabbing Dangerous AD+ down the road.
@ yes it does a lot , even if u just have fusion, just hitting the clipper makes the biggest difference . And Dangerous ad+ is best value for every penny 🔥cheers
@@karandhaliwal8352 i'm actually really interested in the ad+ now after watching more videos on it. I'm still confused by the routing. i have a pro tools carbon, so i'm assuming i need to free up two of the inputs to print the mix.
@ you don’t need to free up space. As at the last it’s a digital signal. Carbon don’t have AES input but you can use ADAT and use ad+ as a master clock good luck .
Am a bit shocked that you dont have a Knif Audio eq there so ewhere....and here i was, thinking you were all about high quality hardware....geesh....i need to re-evaluate your channel now.....🤣🤣🤣
Thanks for making this! I have the NGTube coming next week 😍 quick question, I have the opportunity to get a Maselec MEA-2 in a trade for a CL1B, have you used one? Is this similar to the SPL?
Hi, the question is…do you need a Clean Eq or do you like Color? As David said, at this level you probably don’t hear any cuts until you hit bypass. I can tell you they are both tremendously musical Eqs. Let the CL1B go Buddy. Just my 2Cents ✌️
I mix on an API 1608. Mixbuss is an Obsidian into a Dangerous BAX. is there anything I’m missing? I was thinking about maybe getting a Maselec EQ for cutting mid range very cleanly. Tracking and mixing on tape.
That's a solid rig. I'm not the biggest fan of the Maselec, and I feel in your case it would be underused if it's just for that. If anything I'd probably want either a second choice for 2bus compression, you have the VCA, I'd probably want a MU as a second option or a Pultec style instead of the Maselec. Both Gainlab and Stam have a great sounding mid band added to the usual EQP-1 design
Depends on the budget, but I'd definitely take a good look at the new Drawmer MQ-1, if you want a colored and versatile EQ. Otherwise SSL is always good
I have harshness in my vocals I use the api 5500 on my vocals it smoothens it out better then my ams neve 1084 on my console also the pultec eq by pulse technique can do the same yeah but sometimes the api 5500 works and when it does for vocals nothing can replace that sound I get as far as my studio I also have the maselec mea 2
can't wait for the video on your compressor collection
Got the Wes buss comp 2 months ago, got the ng 76 a few weeks ago...gotta to save up to get the eq now. I might make detour for that drawmer though. Wes Audio/Audioscape have changed my life these last two months going hybrid. So many thanks to you!
Awesome video, thanks David.!I love getting a window into the world of high end analog gear... it gives me ideas of where to aim my budget when the time is right.
Exact! 💪🏾
Hey man, I bought the SymphEQ years ago when you first explained its strengths and weaknesses in a video, and it has been perfect as my two-bus EQ. Going to NAMM this week? Hope to see you there! 🥃
Hey man! That's great, mine has been patched on 2bus since day one. Yes I am going to NAMM, please say hi if you see me!
Great video -- Thank you for sharing all these tips and gems of knowledge!
Amazing video David !!!! You aren't a man in a world , you are a world yourself !!! 🔥👊🏻😎
🙏🙌
Danke!
Thank you for the support Duke!
Imo. Your Best video ever! Thanks man.
Game over guys! I hope that pro-Q guys have learn something!
Man, really lovely stuff! Some of them (if not all) just make everything pass through them sound better with all knobs at unity!
I have learned that pro-q is still my most used eq
The Gain Lab Empress !!!! INCREDIBLE EQ !!!
Thanks once again for a very informative video. I knew a few things and had some of the eq’s. Got the ng tube now. I feel this is a precursor to the black box turning up. I didn’t realise it was digital recall until I looked at it on the website. I have a sneaky feeling that eq is going to be on a whole new level of WOW. Waiting for it must be like a kid waiting for Christmas 😊
Lately your videos are Epic ❤
🙏
Thanks for this. High quality stereo EQs for 2 bus do not run cheap. Considering the Wes Unit - currently have an IGS IQ Inductor Mastering EQ, 5500, and a Gainlab Empress, but would like to add something. Either a Curve Bender (which has a lot in common tonally with the IGS) or the Wes. Hell maybe even a GML. Decisions decisions..
That’s a nice collection of EQs. All I would want is that SPL and I would be satisfied
Waiting for the NG Bus Comp VS NG Tube Comp Video Comparison..! 🙏🙏🙏
Great love your channel 😊
The Kush Clariphonic is not dissimilar to the MAAG air band and can be useful (Pensado and others are users) and Crane Song Ibis can impart a similar beautiful sheen. Another excellent detailed video of your tools, David. Grazie
Very nice rundown of your great EQ hardware. 1) as an owner of the Wes NGtubeEQ I agree with everything you said about it. 2) As an owner of a Hendy Amps Michelangelo (speaking of sweetening and harmonic goodness), I'd be curious for you to try one out.
Awesome video!!!! I really enjoyed it. Thank you Dave. I am not sure if you can hear what appears to be maybe your shirt rubbing on your mic throughout the video.
I've had the Massive Passive, the SPL PQ and now the Wesaudio Ngtubeeq. The Massive Passive was great for shaping a track but I didn't like the tubes on some tracks, too much color for mastering. I preferred the SPL PQ for mastering over the Massive Massive for it being less colored. However it was so clean and after ABing with Izotope Ozone plugin eq I decided to sell the PQ. The PQ was better than the ozone but not $6k better. Now I have the ngtubeeq. I'm in love. Just so much precision and options. Applying a 1db setting and then altering it by 0.08db later is pretty cool. Also being able to apply a stereo setting with one knob instead of manually turning the left and right channels is so nice. Going from tube to tubeless is a game changer. You can really shape the track if wanted or just make subtle changes. If you can only have one expensive mastering eq I'd go with the ngtubeeq and then add any additional clean eq changes with an ozone eq type plugin.
I have an MP in my mastering chain and the color you're talking about probably had more to do with the IRON transfos than the tubes. This is the reason they included TRS outs that bypass the IRON and give you a noticeably cleaner signal. I actually have my MP on a switcher that lets me choose between IRON and clean/no transfos at the flick of a switch and its like having two EQs in one. Definitely worth trying for anyone who has an MP.
Agreed the 40hz on the Maag changed my life. Absolutely love that unit for that band
Dream machines.. Wish I could afford that Wes Audio Tube EQ 😅
Yes, please test the Empress vs Stam EQP's
head to head
Thanks! API 550B or SSL for kick/snare for hard rock/metal?
Ufff such a tough battle.. Granted you'd be happy with both but personally I'd go with SSL. Here's why: unless you change the opamps, 550B's ones are gonna blow up here and there, very annoying. And you have a tiny bit more versatility with the SSL, their 611 are really gret eqs. Thank you for the support!
I have found that the 611 start to fart faster when boosting low end than the 550A, I do not own a B unit
@@victorloya1590 I have both and that is my experience too, I just wanted to get Dave's opinion
On a totally different note. I’m not sure whether you know about Present Day Production making the MUM monitor collection. But you should really get a hold of those guys and get a pair of their monitors to review. I have a feeling that you will be blown away 😊
wow, some days after the best video the new best video! but not helpful :) so now I know that I need a lot of EQs :D
Question: did you ever own the Wes Prometheus? You did a review some years ago, but now have the stam pultec. 2nd question: you commented under the last video recommending the Curve Bender, but you don't have one? Or did I understand you wrong?
Great video again. Do you know Wes Audio's Hyperion? That's also a great one.
ruclips.net/video/gDgN66CNDnc/видео.html
Nice stuff there. I got the tube Drawmer eq
I was just about to buy an eq actually, handy video David. Does the Heritage Symph EQ round-off transients a bit ?
David, offtopic but how happy are you with the SSL The Bus+, i just see it there and considering buying one along with my SSL Fusion. Also how do you compare it with SSL G Bus plugin from UAD which i found the best sounding emulation. Great stuff as always, Thanks
Interesting to see the ngtube relegated to vocals but not mastering and prioritize PQ for those duties. Funny, AudioAnimal said he’s replacing the PQ with the ngtube eq. It’s great how we all have different approaches and tastes. All of these are quality kit. As always, appreciate your thoughts.
For sure, although there's no scenario in which you'd replace PQ with TubeEq. They're completely different, one doesn't do what the other does and vice versa, maybe they don't fully understand the use cases.
🔥 Another good one
🙏🙌
Hi david. Can you make a video on the minimum acceptable vocal or guitar recording by which it can be made to sound professional after processing. Also record something that is just not acceptable quality. This is very important as many home studio guys dont know what to set expectations for themselves.
Although I understand the intent, nobody should ever aim for "the lowest acceptable when doing music. Acoustic guitar and vocals aren't hard or expensive to track correctly. Sure you can have a 20K chain and it will sound better but you can record great tracks with a good interface' preamp, a good pair of mics. The most important thing is placement, room and matching the right mic to the right performer and guitar
@mixbustv oh. Got it. Thank you 🙏
Greetings; this is an amazing video. That being said, i heard you say you use the maag for vocals and the api 5500 on drum bus. So you never place these mastering eqs on the mixbus or your mastering chain? If not why? I get that you have other transparent/coloring eqs, but both of these eqs are known to be mastering eqs. (People love using them in the same manner you do during mixing, but they are great on the mix/master bus).
Is some of the gear given or at a decent discount? (I have some of the same models etc)
I know you use the stuff you have so not trying to pry, just good to know how arrangements work at your level.
Igs 825 is my current favorite
Awesome collection! Are their all noisy?I usually hear all analog adds a lot of noise. Are there any magical trick to make them less noisy beasts?Some magical noise canceling box?
I'm not sure where did you hear that but lol no they don't add any noise. $hitty gear has noise
noise makes music alive
Are you gonna check out the Stam sontec you think? What would be a better 2bus mixing eq, spl or 432?
You seem to have picked each of them for a specific reason! Speaking of analog equalizers, should they be something an engineer who's just begun to get out of the box should consider early on, or would it be a better idea to invest in compressors when starting out? I've heard several takes saying that the difference between plugins and hardware is the most prominent with compressors and saturators.
You should balance your chain at all times. Many feel plugins are closer to analog EQs than they're to compressors and saturators but it's not the case. There's equal distance so, I'd still start with a comp but then it would be eq next
Hi David, yes you're spoiled. Anyway, all jokes aside. IGS 825 EQ caught my attention in particular, then I found your review video of this EQ. I was blown away. Quick question about IGS (since it was hard to hear from RUclips video). Tube EQs tend to fold low end and smooth out the transients which is not desired for modern music. Does IGS also smooths out the transients and fold the low up end like most tube EQs? Is it a versatile mastering EQ? Thank you
Which one do you use more just for saturation: Drawmer 1971 or Drawmer 1976?
Hi David, I hope you, your family and friends are safe from the wild fires. And thanks for this video. What would be a good first analog choice for the 2bus ?
Depends on the budget. Wes TubeEq if you can, otherwise either the 5500 or the Stam Pultec
Great video! I have an SSL Fusion and a Bus Plus....if I add the SPL PQ would that be enough to start mastering?
this video reminds me of a Bruno Mars song.... I wanna be a millionaire, so F'ing bad 🤣🤣
What are your thoughts on master mixer engineers who are doing all ITB , or apparently they say so, like Serban Ghenea
Whatever works for them!
ive tired looking up what black and brown eqs are in terms of the ssl but im not really geting any scientific answers. anyone care to enlighten me?
If you Google SSL 4K black vs brown eq you will find a ton of info. In short, brown came first, they were more broad, less capacitors in the path, more gritty, they have divider and multiplier for mid bands, you couldn't turn the filters off (on the console), black were supposed to be a bit clearer, more punchy to some, no divider or multiplier and the gain was 18 instead of 12. But, then you could configure a 4K E to have the G eq and combine them etc.. but that's the gist of it.
I have an API 5500, Rupert Neve MBT, and SPL Iron V2. The last thing I really want to get my hands on is the SPL PQ before going down the road of Flock Patch and AD convertors (Still confused on how those route).
Get a good AD first if not lavry get dangerous one . Gona be your best buy so far
@@karandhaliwal8352 Does mastering without a good AD really affect the sound that much in a small chain like mine? I was thinking of grabbing Dangerous AD+ down the road.
@ yes it does a lot , even if u just have fusion, just hitting the clipper makes the biggest difference . And Dangerous ad+ is best value for every penny 🔥cheers
@@karandhaliwal8352 i'm actually really interested in the ad+ now after watching more videos on it. I'm still confused by the routing. i have a pro tools carbon, so i'm assuming i need to free up two of the inputs to print the mix.
@ you don’t need to free up space. As at the last it’s a digital signal. Carbon don’t have AES input but you can use ADAT and use ad+ as a master clock good luck .
Am a bit shocked that you dont have a Knif Audio eq there so ewhere....and here i was, thinking you were all about high quality hardware....geesh....i need to re-evaluate your channel now.....🤣🤣🤣
They are good units, just not my cup of tea
I wouldn't take any of them because you are pretty jacked. (Probably the Wes Audio, though)
I swore I would lay off of watching porn! Then this video full of gear pops up!!🙄
Do we have any chance to see all your gears on equipboard?
Yeah we can make it happen
Thanks for making this! I have the NGTube coming next week 😍 quick question, I have the opportunity to get a Maselec MEA-2 in a trade for a CL1B, have you used one? Is this similar to the SPL?
Similar as in it's also a Mastering EQ but, different in many ways. First and foremost the 120V rails. Great EQ tho.
Hi, the question is…do you need a Clean Eq or do you like Color? As David said, at this level you probably don’t hear any cuts until you hit bypass. I can tell you they are both tremendously musical Eqs. Let the CL1B go Buddy. Just my 2Cents ✌️
@ thanks! 🙏
I mix on an API 1608. Mixbuss is an Obsidian into a Dangerous BAX. is there anything I’m missing? I was thinking about maybe getting a Maselec EQ for cutting mid range very cleanly.
Tracking and mixing on tape.
That's a solid rig. I'm not the biggest fan of the Maselec, and I feel in your case it would be underused if it's just for that. If anything I'd probably want either a second choice for 2bus compression, you have the VCA, I'd probably want a MU as a second option or a Pultec style instead of the Maselec. Both Gainlab and Stam have a great sounding mid band added to the usual EQP-1 design
@ Ok sweet. by the way, I absolutely hated my SPL PQ lol. I switched to a MusEQ and I did not like that either lol
Hey, David. How to maintain a tight low end without overcooking it?
Thanks
Light on saturation and a pair of really big monitors
Interesting.
WTF: just saw the new Elysia xmax 😮
Hey David, super random question. What EQ would you advise for saxophone in 500 series?
Depends on the budget, but I'd definitely take a good look at the new Drawmer MQ-1, if you want a colored and versatile EQ. Otherwise SSL is always good
Gainlab pul tech or Elysia Xfilter for 2 buss EQ?
That's not even a question Gainlab
@@mixbustv Thank you! Follow up: API 550B or SSL EQ for kick and snare? (Hard Rock genre)
@@woodendoors9532 both
hello im a huge fan please can you listen to this track and give us how to get wide bass like this ? PREMIERE: RUBACK, Blake Light - BACKSEAT
That API 5500 is beautiful have you ever tried on vocals?
Definitely not my first second or third choice for vocals
I have harshness in my vocals I use the api 5500 on my vocals it smoothens it out better then my ams neve 1084 on my console also the pultec eq by pulse technique can do the same yeah but sometimes the api 5500 works and when it does for vocals nothing can replace that sound I get as far as my studio I also have the maselec mea 2
It’s better than porn
Pro Tools EQ-1 is really all you need…
😂