I would put it in the beginning of the mastering chain to spice things up (make it more alive), add a little high end "analog" sparkle and lower (warm) density (not too much, max. 2db difference) with the nice separation of the elements that this unit does like a pro, and than go to the "all in" mastering assoult with the in the box plugins (eq, comp. mastering limiters, additional tape emulations if needed) and that's it. It should work like solt and peppor. :) warm and cold combo for larger than life final master. The key is to catch the "ballance" of all the elements (low, highs, wide) with this unit without distroying the whole mix right form the start.
Yeah that was my idea when I thought the same question. Of course no objective rule to this but I kinda think of it as an EQ and using that earlier in the chain before compression and the rest may be a good place to start.
@@OkayyyBee you can find the mk2 around $700-$800 used I believe.. but I mean, if you have that to spend then you might as well save a few hundred more and get the mk3. That’s just me though
I cant speak on the hardware version of SPL Big, however if I had to guess, because its not the main focus of the vitalizer, I would assume the SPL big does a better job being it has slightly more controls. BUT, the one on the vitalizer does very well for me
@ I’ve had the Big unit on the end of my mix buss for about 6months now and love it. Used sparingly it does a nice finishing touch to my ears. That vitalizer is on my list though. Good video man 👌🤘
Nice review, subscribed! This unit can be subtle, obvious or too much, but always in a pleasant way, hope that makes sense. You made yourself a beautiful Xmas present! P.S.: If that was my unit I would put a ☹ on top of the bypass button LMAO!!
By chance, have you used the SPL big 1505 500 series module and if so how does the vitalizer stereo expander compare? I would think they are probably the same or very close. Thinking of selling my 1505 in favor of the vitalizer. Thanks for the video, very helpful.
After looking at Oto boum and Elektron Analog Heat i thought how great it would be if the big guns like SPL also brought something like this to the table. Like a little multi purpose coloring box with an adjustable SC filter i order to exclude low end and in a Desktop format between the Boum and the Analog Heat. I find desktop devices more aesthetically pleasing for some certain studio or home studio setups. Price point between 500-800 and count me in!
@@NRVE8 I was looking at some of the exciters from behringer but I’m still keeping my options open on other brands so far the one in your video sounds really good 😌
Classy ... The sound is superb, you can use this on all kinds of material and not go wrong. The highs are not anoying even when pushed to the max. Like a mastering Navy seal team :))
I bought the MK2 for 200 bucks at first I thought I wouldn’t use it that much, but after some tweaking it really sounds amazing. I like the hardware over the plugin, it sounds way better to my ears. (but I am an analog guy and maybe biased) I love the transient designer a lot too, all the SPL stuff seems great to me. I would love to play with the 120v pre-amps but I don’t do tracking anymore. 😊
If only I had enough money to afford the rest of their line, I’d have an entire studio of SPL products if I could. I really want one of their EQs and their new channel strip
@@NRVE8 Yeah I know what you mean. SPL and Drawmer are my favorites, also because they’re not the standard that everyone uses, like Neve, SSL and API. Don’t get me wrong I would love a 33609, a BUS+ or a 2500 but a Drawmer 1978 is a different beast in itself and on my 2024 wishlist 😎
@@NRVE8 I just bought their plugins of the PQ equalizer and the Iron compressor today because they are unobtainable in the hardware version for now. I must say that I really have great results with them so far. I’m just trying them out on anything, gives a very nice smooth sound. They honor the brand name Sound Performance Laboratories they definitely perform 👍🏼
Hello. Just a quick question: I bought this one but the switch is never blinking for warm-up when power is set to ON. Is it normal? thanks for the reply.
I’ve noticed that too, I’m not sure why it does that randomly. Perhaps the room temperature make a difference?? Or maybe when you already have the power on and since the power button works as a bypass, it’s still getting power? Idk that’s my assumption
Man, very good review . . . Amazing unity 👏👏👏👏. Love from Mozambique. The stereo expander of this unit is real. Previous unit and plugin did not convince me. But you, this one is amazing. Bass sits well Very good rap skills too . . . Looks like it is not only engineer😅😂
Sounds solid. I own a Mk2 and love it though it is not meant to be on every mix tbh. Its magic for dull mixes but if the mix is bright and saturated already i find it too much at times. On this mix here in the video it works like a charm. Would love an A-B comparison of Mk2 to Mk3 hardware. I think now would be the most interesting time cause you can get a Mk2 new for around 800 while Mk3 goes around 1080 euros (plus the fact thatMk3 did not exist a few months back) . So basically 1/3 more expensive thats what makes such a comparison so intriguing
I totally agree, I wouldn’t mind doing that, but I have no desire to purchase a MK2 now haha If I had to guess there’s lower floor noise, and cleaner signal path There are updated higher quality parts here, but for the average person these changes wouldn’t be significant enough for a video imo
@@NRVE8 Cool review. In this vid, the difference is pretty drastic. For the MK2 comparison, you could potentially reserve the MK2 off Access Analog virtually.
@@Sance21 that would be dope. I always forget that’s a service people can use. Hopefully one day that will accessible for everyone to rent out there gear virtually
I have SPL (sound-percussion-labs) shells I mic-up sometimes, smaller toms, kinda cool in some spots. I thought they were a low-end$ kit brand. That's bizarre. I'm an audio degenerate myself. Never seen SPL outboard gear. My brain is still importing hippocampus files. Is it the same company?
My degenerate drum brother! No they’re not the same SPL, the Vitalizer from sound performance labs which is a German company… however I have that same drumset just in dark cherry red, fully mic up as well. Love em! Affordable with a great sound
If the only section was the LC EQ, it would still be a steal at $1,000. Super useful on spoken word, too, especially when it's someone without training.
I forgot to ask ... When you turn the bass comp. knob "the make up gain" is also raised (the ratio etc. alles is fixed:) or better said included in the "automatic adjustment" and the "process knob" for mid- high tune is rasing the level of only mid hi frequencies or both - the bass and the mid - high's? Or there's no make up gain included in compressor section, so you're adjusting highs according to the compressed bass (so down, when you're driving the whole mix through) :)) ? or the "drive" is somekind of general "make up gain" ? :))
Unlike the plug-in, there is no make up gain, the drive is only the input signal. The bass comp does attenuate low frequencies based upon mid hi tune adjustment of the process knob TO MY UNDERSTANDING, and MY HEARING. hope that helps
very cool review bRo ...this piece of gear has always facinated me... but i think the real mojo that is bringing is overestimated i have a cheap Art Pro VLA2 with ECC83 Genalex Gold Lion tubes (instead of the stock 12At7 Ruby) +++ an Aphex exciter n it does wonders 💎
Pushing the unit too much gets you over the edge fast. You have to dial it in and then back it off a little bit to get it into the sweet spot. You can go easy to far with it. Maybe driving the low frequency compressor would be nice to demonstrate but overkill here means the mix wasn’t right in the first place. The unit is definitely designed as the icing on the cake. The less is more thingy 👌🏼
Build this unit is one thing. But think about the problems to solve while developing, is another. Great thinking and engineering of SPL. They build great stuff, one step ahead. Didn't they also invented the first Transient Designer?
You mention "the look" of the unit...while looking like a frat-bro with your sunglasses (in a dark studio, mind you) on your hat....I had to fast forward to hear how you use it. "Tracks to roofie freshmen-the sound track". PS: Please don't give me a wedgie and tie me up naked in the quad, if we ever meet.
Sure, again I spent 20 minutes making that song, but also the vocal should sit a little louder and once you increase the stereo width you will lose a bit of perceived loudness in something like a vocal as it sits in the center… make sense?
Yeah I’m a degenerate too lol. I like what this does to the audio. I have used the plugin version and I honestly didn’t like it. I am slowly getting into hardware and I probably will get this.
Welcome brother! Lmao This is definitely one to check out if you’re thinking about hardware. I know a lot of people say this, but this is definitely different from the plugin version by a long shot
I can definitely hear the difference and it sounds so smooth! I have a pair of upgraded NS10’s and a mix treated room. I am also looking into getting a stereo EQ and diode bridge compressor
They are versatile and you can use them on a variety of sources. They all sound a bit different too. Neve and Heritage Audio both make good stereo compressors although Neve is always gonna more expensive.
Finally someone did a video on this new unit, been super curious about this one so thanks for making it.
I saw the opportunity and figured I’d do it for the boys
Cool stuff man keep it up! Considering the unit!
Always loved the plugin version of this thing. The hardware is even more amazing. A must have
Your plug-in is based on the old version from 1998. It's also very old plug-in. Can't compare at all.
Great demo and great energy on camera. Subbed!
Thank you !! Definitely motivation to make more
Hey curious do you go by Akidd and were you on the faders up podcast
Where would this be placed in a chain? In the beginning?
I would put it in the beginning of the mastering chain to spice things up (make it more alive), add a little high end "analog" sparkle and lower (warm) density (not too much, max. 2db difference) with the nice separation of the elements that this unit does like a pro, and than go to the "all in" mastering assoult with the in the box plugins (eq, comp. mastering limiters, additional tape emulations if needed) and that's it. It should work like solt and peppor. :) warm and cold combo for larger than life final master. The key is to catch the "ballance" of all the elements (low, highs, wide) with this unit without distroying the whole mix right form the start.
Yeah that was my idea when I thought the same question. Of course no objective rule to this but I kinda think of it as an EQ and using that earlier in the chain before compression and the rest may be a good place to start.
Man, i was really trying to stay away from more analog gear....mission failed😂. Appreciate the video brotha!
lol as mando would say “this is the way”
Hmmm, should I think about integrating my old Vitalizer "Mk1" into my wokflow?
Why not using the BBE Exciter instead?
Sounds dope. Has a golden sound color to it.
Sounds dope. I hope Access Analog get one.
i bought one and happy with it.... cheers
On your mix bus, would you have this unit last right before a limiter (since you said you like to mix into one)?
I have this last in my analog chain for now, I may find it better somewhere else in the future. But yes it is before my clipper and limiter
@@NRVE8 much appreciated! Thinking about getting this or the mk2 version
@@OkayyyBee you can find the mk2 around $700-$800 used I believe.. but I mean, if you have that to spend then you might as well save a few hundred more and get the mk3. That’s just me though
@@NRVE8 understood bro thanks for your advice!
Just amazing!
Good video man thx for the cool explanation :)
Happy to help my man
I have the spl big hardware. I’m curious how this stereo expanded is similar/different to their Big
I cant speak on the hardware version of SPL Big, however if I had to guess, because its not the main focus of the vitalizer, I would assume the SPL big does a better job being it has slightly more controls. BUT, the one on the vitalizer does very well for me
@ I’ve had the Big unit on the end of my mix buss for about 6months now and love it. Used sparingly it does a nice finishing touch to my ears. That vitalizer is on my list though. Good video man 👌🤘
Nice review, subscribed!
This unit can be subtle, obvious or too much, but always in a pleasant way, hope that makes sense.
You made yourself a beautiful Xmas present!
P.S.: If that was my unit I would put a ☹ on top of the bypass button LMAO!!
Thats a really great piece of german engeenering. Dope!
Germans do make solid audio gear.
🔥🔥🔥🔥 Great video! subbed!
Just sub’d. Sick video bro 👍🏻
Great everything !
Thank you.. great review and sound examples.
By chance, have you used the SPL big 1505 500 series module and if so how does the vitalizer stereo expander compare? I would think they are probably the same or very close. Thinking of selling my 1505 in favor of the vitalizer. Thanks for the video, very helpful.
I have not used it, but have heard great things about it
Different circuit designs.
Cómo encuentro la canción del final? wooww! dope!
lol I just made it on the fly for the video. I suppose I could finish it and post it
After looking at Oto boum and Elektron Analog Heat i thought how great it would be if the big guns like SPL also brought something like this to the table.
Like a little multi purpose coloring box with an adjustable SC filter i order to exclude low end and in a Desktop format between the Boum and the Analog Heat. I find desktop devices more aesthetically pleasing for some certain studio or home studio setups.
Price point between 500-800 and count me in!
Not even SPL has a review. Great stuff I’m definitely getting it
Exactly why I did this. Perfect timing, and great opportunity for my channel
Nice video! I still like my mk2-T its great!
The unit is extremely underrated!
@@NRVE8 Thats true! It takes little bit of time to get used to using it. Many don't use much time... maybe
Works wonders on the kick huh! Nice 👍
It’s an awesome processor for the low end, the tightness is great for kicks and the soft opens up the bass
@@NRVE8 yep 👍 think im going to have to get one at some point in the future.
Cheers for the review 🤛
Is this a maximizer?
Sort of. It’s a mix of an exciter, and a maximizer… somewhere in between I suppose
@@NRVE8 I was looking at some of the exciters from behringer but I’m still keeping my options open on other brands so far the one in your video sounds really good 😌
@@darkestpointofficial haven’t used or heard one of those, but if you can cut cost and still get a sound you want, then by all means brother, send it!
Classy ... The sound is superb, you can use this on all kinds of material and not go wrong. The highs are not anoying even when pushed to the max. Like a mastering Navy seal team :))
Seal team 6 on my master bus!
Mix in to SPL Stereo Vitalizer Mk3-T?
There’s no rules… give it a good ol college try!
Sounds nice!
I bought the MK2 for 200 bucks at first I thought I wouldn’t use it that much, but after some tweaking it really sounds amazing. I like the hardware over the plugin, it sounds way better to my ears. (but I am an analog guy and maybe biased) I love the transient designer a lot too, all the SPL stuff seems great to me. I would love to play with the 120v pre-amps but I don’t do tracking anymore. 😊
If only I had enough money to afford the rest of their line, I’d have an entire studio of SPL products if I could. I really want one of their EQs and their new channel strip
@@NRVE8 Yeah I know what you mean. SPL and Drawmer are my favorites, also because they’re not the standard that everyone uses, like Neve, SSL and API. Don’t get me wrong I would love a 33609, a BUS+ or a 2500 but a Drawmer 1978 is a different beast in itself and on my 2024 wishlist 😎
@@Studio22mix agreed! I’m always looking for unique gear
@@NRVE8 I just bought their plugins of the PQ equalizer and the Iron compressor today because they are unobtainable in the hardware version for now. I must say that I really have great results with them so far. I’m just trying them out on anything, gives a very nice smooth sound. They honor the brand name Sound Performance Laboratories they definitely perform 👍🏼
I own the vitalaizer mk2..Do you thing if there are major improvment soundwise?.thanks.
Yes, they have updated the quality of the unit with the MK3. But is it worth the price if you already have a Mk2? Maybe not…
Thanks!
Thanks for the important video!
Glad it was helpful!
thank you man !
pretty awesome
Witch buss comp your using with it
The Wes audio Ng bus comp! Amazing unit!
Hello. Just a quick question: I bought this one but the switch is never blinking for warm-up when power is set to ON. Is it normal? thanks for the reply.
I’ve noticed that too, I’m not sure why it does that randomly. Perhaps the room temperature make a difference?? Or maybe when you already have the power on and since the power button works as a bypass, it’s still getting power? Idk that’s my assumption
Nice!
Man, very good review . . . Amazing unity 👏👏👏👏. Love from Mozambique.
The stereo expander of this unit is real. Previous unit and plugin did not convince me. But you, this one is amazing. Bass sits well
Very good rap skills too . . . Looks like it is not only engineer😅😂
Thank you for the love!
It’s nothing like the plug-in for sure!
Haha yeah bro I had to come up with a quick hit for the review !
Sounds solid. I own a Mk2 and love it though it is not meant to be on every mix tbh. Its magic for dull mixes but if the mix is bright and saturated already i find it too much at times. On this mix here in the video it works like a charm.
Would love an A-B comparison of Mk2 to Mk3 hardware. I think now would be the most interesting time cause you can get a Mk2 new for around 800 while Mk3 goes around 1080 euros (plus the fact thatMk3 did not exist a few months back) .
So basically 1/3 more expensive thats what makes such a comparison so intriguing
I totally agree, I wouldn’t mind doing that, but I have no desire to purchase a MK2 now haha
If I had to guess there’s lower floor noise, and cleaner signal path
There are updated higher quality parts here, but for the average person these changes wouldn’t be significant enough for a video imo
@@NRVE8 Cool review. In this vid, the difference is pretty drastic. For the MK2 comparison, you could potentially reserve the MK2 off Access Analog virtually.
@@Sance21 that would be dope. I always forget that’s a service people can use. Hopefully one day that will accessible for everyone to rent out there gear virtually
Thanks for helping put another dent in my wallet😎 Got one on the way. It'll be the final leg in my analog mix buss chain. This review helped solidify.
Glad to help! It’s been awesome for my chain since posting this video
Awesome
I have SPL (sound-percussion-labs) shells I mic-up sometimes, smaller toms, kinda cool in some spots. I thought they were a low-end$ kit brand. That's bizarre. I'm an audio degenerate myself. Never seen SPL outboard gear. My brain is still importing hippocampus files. Is it the same company?
My degenerate drum brother! No they’re not the same SPL, the Vitalizer from sound performance labs which is a German company…
however I have that same drumset just in dark cherry red, fully mic up as well. Love em! Affordable with a great sound
If the only section was the LC EQ, it would still be a steal at $1,000. Super useful on spoken word, too, especially when it's someone without training.
I forgot to ask ... When you turn the bass comp. knob "the make up gain" is also raised (the ratio etc. alles is fixed:) or better said included in the "automatic adjustment" and the "process knob" for mid- high tune is rasing the level of only mid hi frequencies or both - the bass and the mid - high's? Or there's no make up gain included in compressor section, so you're adjusting highs according to the compressed bass (so down, when you're driving the whole mix through) :)) ? or the "drive" is somekind of general "make up gain" ? :))
Unlike the plug-in, there is no make up gain, the drive is only the input signal. The bass comp does attenuate low frequencies based upon mid hi tune adjustment of the process knob TO MY UNDERSTANDING, and MY HEARING. hope that helps
very cool review bRo ...this piece of gear has always facinated me... but i think the real mojo that is bringing is overestimated
i have a cheap Art Pro VLA2 with ECC83 Genalex Gold Lion tubes (instead of the stock 12At7 Ruby) +++ an Aphex exciter n it does wonders 💎
You were too careful in this demo. I wanted to hear the gear pushed to the limit. You were backing up too much! Nice demo, though!
Pushing the unit too much gets you over the edge fast. You have to dial it in and then back it off a little bit to get it into the sweet spot. You can go easy to far with it. Maybe driving the low frequency compressor would be nice to demonstrate but overkill here means the mix wasn’t right in the first place. The unit is definitely designed as the icing on the cake. The less is more thingy 👌🏼
I tried to push everything to the max, and then back off. I didn’t want to leave it too long in that state. But I will note that for next time
@@Studio22mixexactly
Build this unit is one thing. But think about the problems to solve while developing, is another. Great thinking and engineering of SPL. They build great stuff, one step ahead. Didn't they also invented the first Transient Designer?
Ooooh idk did they? They have definitely made some amazing gear that has become respectable amongst all professionals
Hidden option of the VITALIZER MK3-T is turning on/off ambient light :)
You mention "the look" of the unit...while looking like a frat-bro with your sunglasses (in a dark studio, mind you) on your hat....I had to fast forward to hear how you use it. "Tracks to roofie freshmen-the sound track". PS: Please don't give me a wedgie and tie me up naked in the quad, if we ever meet.
I look how I look, I dress how I dress, just live and let live man…
Surprisingly sexy looking for a German made Ferrari!
voice is really loud in the mix
Sure, again I spent 20 minutes making that song, but also the vocal should sit a little louder and once you increase the stereo width you will lose a bit of perceived loudness in something like a vocal as it sits in the center… make sense?
Yeah I’m a degenerate too lol. I like what this does to the audio. I have used the plugin version and I honestly didn’t like it. I am slowly getting into hardware and I probably will get this.
Welcome brother! Lmao
This is definitely one to check out if you’re thinking about hardware. I know a lot of people say this, but this is definitely different from the plugin version by a long shot
I can definitely hear the difference and it sounds so smooth! I have a pair of upgraded NS10’s and a mix treated room. I am also looking into getting a stereo EQ and diode bridge compressor
im looking for a stereo EQ for mastering, alot of great choices but I want something unique. why do you want a Diode bridge Comp? @@dereklarance6321
They are versatile and you can use them on a variety of sources. They all sound a bit different too. Neve and Heritage Audio both make good stereo compressors although Neve is always gonna more expensive.
@@dereklarance6321 for sure, I honestly think it’s ridiculously overpriced
watching too much hodgetwins lol
Hahaha I was waiting for someone to call me out
😂 are yew a degenerate engineer like me dude??
Tarzan turn knob.. make noise different than other noise
Get some proper lights or maybe you are not telling the truth so you keeping it dark so no one can see what you are doing
My bad man, I was trying to be creative with the lighting, when I was editing the video everything seemed bright enough. Noted for future videos
This comment is ridiculous man