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Colorful Tones Studio @UCH3lQYKSedExY8eP3-7fLZw@youtube.com

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Mixing-tips, plugin-walkthroughs, comparisons and more. Mix


Welcoem to posts!!

in the future - u will be able to do some more stuff here,,,!! like pat catgirl- i mean um yeah... for now u can only see others's posts :c

Colorful Tones Studio
Posted 2 months ago

Hello everyone!

Waves will release a new plugin this Black Friday, giving away 10,000 licenses for free! Do you already have a guess what it will be?

You can sign up for the new plugin here: waves.alzt.net/QjOX16

(!) Please note: This is an affiliate link and I get paid if you buy a product through this link. If you want to support the channel, this would be a good way :)

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Colorful Tones Studio
Posted 6 months ago

Review: Audified MixChecker Ultra

I approached Audified's new MixChecker with high expectations. The first version of this helpful tool served me well for a long time. Mixchecker Ultra offers numerous new features and useful improvements - but is it worth the upgrade?

First things first: Audified's new MixChecker Ultra is an excellent referencing tool! The plug-in allows you to cross-reference mixes on over 90 different simulated playback systems. But it offers even more: With its extensive visualization options for spectral analysis, stereo analysis, loudness, and dynamics the plug-in is also a versatile audio analyzer.

Features

MixChecker Ultra contains over 90 simulated devices, including consumer devices such as laptop speakers and car radios, as well as professional studio monitors and headphones. In the top section of the plug-in, the devices can be selected and adjusted as required. Background noise and distortion effects can be added as desired. If you prefer to play it safe, you can use one of the useful integrated overall presets, which have been optimized for specific purposes, such as mixing and mastering.
In the lower section of the plug-in, the aforementioned visualizations can be found. This Section can also be customized in many ways. The individual modules can even be expanded to a bigger window to see more details on the analysis. In addition, Mixchecker Ultra offers advanced monitoring modes such as mono mode and channel swap. Even the stereo base can be adjusted as required. The integrated player for reference mixes in WAV or MP3 format is also very useful.

Practice

In the practical test, Audified's Mixchecker Ultra convinced me across the board. The design and the "sound" of the plug-in, as well as the visualizations are very well thought out. The GUI is scalable and can therefore be optimally adapted to the screen size on both particularly large screens as well as smaller laptop displays. The simulated playback systems sound authentic. In the car radio simulation, I particularly like the option of switching between different vehicle types and even between driver and co-driver. A great idea!
Admittedly, I'm still not going to do without the „real“ final car test. However, the plugin offers the opportunity to test this in advance in the studio. This way you are well prepared for any unpleasant surprises during the car test - and you don't even have to set foot outside the studio. In any case, Audifed's Mixchecker Ultra is an excellent and, for me, indispensable tool when it comes to assessing the portability of a mix.

Conclusion

Audified's MixChecker Ultra has met my expectations in every way - and even exceeded them in some cases. The numerous simulated devices make the plug-in an ingenious helper in everyday studio life that I wouldn't want to do without. I also love the integrated visualization, which, thanks to the first-class analysis tools, often makes an additional audio analyzer superfluous. The various new features, the extended functionality and the optimized design make the new version absolutely worthwhile.

Rating

+ Over 90 simulated devices
+ Versatile visualization options
+ Well thought-out design

Price:

Mixchecker Ultra $149
Mixchecker Pro $99

Link: audified.com/products/mixchecker-ultra/

‪@AudifiedOfficial‬


#audified #mixchecker #audio #music #studio #producer #recording #recordingstudio #musicproducer #audioengineer #mixing #sound #studiolife #plugins #studioflow #musicproduction #mastering #mixingstudio #masteringstudio #vstplugins #studiogear

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Colorful Tones Studio
Posted 8 months ago

Review: Fuse Audio Labs - VCE-118 Dynamic Range Enhancer

With the VCE-118, Fuse Audio Labs has emulated a legendary VCA compressor from the early 70s. The original is famous for its powerful compression. In this review, you can find out whether the VCE-118 can keep up with its analog counterpart.

Fuse Audio Labs has been developing professional audio plug-ins since 2017. The Düsseldorf-based company has already given new life to a large number of analog models in digital form. The new VCE-118 is an emulation of the relatively unknown dbx 118 Dynamic Range Enhancer.

Basics

The user interface of the new VCE-118 is very reminiscent of its analog predecessor. The first thing that catches the eye is the lack of a VU meter. With the VCE-118, you can only tell whether compression is taking place or not by looking at the “Below” and “Above” LEDs. If the red “Above” light flashes, the compressor is working. If the yellow “Below” light is lit, no compression is taking place. Good hearing is therefore particularly important when working with the VCE-118, as there is no visual indicator of the gain reduction achieved. As in the good old days, the amount of compression can only be determined by listening carefully. A disadvantage? Not at all! A trained pair of ears is essential for a good mix. In many cases, listening carefully is more profitable than relying on analyzer and metering tools.

Features

The plug-in can be activated or deactivated using the button at the top left. The green power LED indicates whether the plug-in is active. At the bottom left is a switch for activating linear mode (more on this in a moment). The threshold control to the right is used to set the threshold value, i.e. the point at which the compressor starts to work. The large knob in the middle of the plug-in can be used to adjust the ratio. On the far right is the trim control for adjusting the output level. All rotary controls are stepless. The mix control at the top right is used to set the dry/wet balance, which enables parallel compression. The headroom control (HR) can be used to set the level above which the signal peaks are cut off. This can be used to attenuate over-shoots caused by strong upward expansion or downward compression in linear mode.

The central knob offers compression ratios between 1:1 and ∞:1 or expansion between 1:1 and 1:2. The intensity can be adjusted with the threshold control. The Mode button switches from normal gain reduction or expansion, where only levels above the threshold are processed, to linear operation, which takes into account the entire level range above and below the threshold.

Practice

In the practical test, the VCE-118 particularly impressed me with the linear mode and the expansion option, which can be used to create fascinating effects reminiscent of gates and transient shapers. For example, you can create punchy, pumping drums that stand out particularly well in the mix. The controls for the headroom (HR) and the mixing ratio (MIX) allow further fine-tuning of the effect achieved.

The sound and vintage feel of the VCE-118 are excellent, as you would expect from Fuse Audio Labs' plug-ins. Working with the compressor is a breeze. I was able to get used to the missing VU meter after a short time. Even better: since you can't monitor the gain reduction achieved, you even save time and keep your ears fresh.

Conclusion

The VCE-118 offers the legendary, powerful compression of early VCA compressor flagships such as the famous '160. The new plug-in from Fuse Audio Labs is a true compressor secret weapon that relies on a distinctive ratio implementation to provide both compression and expansion. The Linear mode is a powerful creative effect that can be used, for example, to create strongly pumping beats. If you are looking for the ultimate vintage compressor emulation, you should definitely take a closer look at the VCE-118 - this plug-in is truly a secret weapon!

Rating
+ Powerful vintage VCA compression
+ Expansion and ingenious linear mode

Price: $59

Link: fuseaudiolabs.de/#/pages/product?id=301086159

‪@fuseaudiolabs‬

#mixing #mastering #mixingtips #howtomix #plugins #vstplugins #plugintutorial #musicproduction #mixingstudio #studiogear #mastering #audiogear #musicstudios #analogaudio #producer #audioproduction #mixingengineer #studiosetup #producerlife #audiotips #compressors #fuseaudiolabs #vce118 #dbx160 #pluginreview #dbx118 #compressor

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Colorful Tones Studio
Posted 10 months ago

Review: Eplex7 DSP - Vintage vacuum tube VD76

Hello there, I had the opportunity to review a VST plugin called "Vintage vacuum tube VD76 plugin effect" developed by Eplex7 DSP team. Link to the plugin: eplex7.com/vintage-vacuum-tube-vd76-plugin.../

Guys developed their own analog emulation technology combining virtual analog circuits, emulation of individual components (like tubes) and hardware capturing methods in selected parts of virtual circuit / scheme of plugin. I looked in detail at the individual features, like Input knob, Triode, Pentode, Circuit power, Bass cut filter, Tube temperature. These features allow you to play with the settings of the output sound. In addition, you can choose a character of the tube sound - tube age between the 50s, 70s and the current modern tube sound. I love the dust of the sound, vintage feeling, nice harmonics with a little bit of noise. You have a lot of possibilities to edit the sound.

In conclusion, I think the Vintage Vacuum Tube VD76 Plugin from Eplex 7 DSP is an excellent and very versatile tube emulation VST, especially suitable as drum / bass enhancer. It gives tracks a pleasant vintage sound character and realistic analog saturation. If you're looking for a great sounding tube saturation plugin, look no further: the VD76 is just the thing you should try!

So, friends, how do you like the VD76 plugin?

‪@Eplex7DSP‬

#analogvsdigital #vstplugins #vintagemusic #vintagesynths #mixing #mixingandmastering #studiogear #PlugIns #tubesaturation #mixingstudio #mixingengineer #mixingtips #mixing #vacuumtube #vintageplugins #pluginreview #review #producer #recording #musicstudio

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Colorful Tones Studio
Posted 10 months ago

Review: Black Rooster Audio VTC-2 | Compressor plug-in

The VTC-2 from Black Rooster Audio is designed to faithfully capture the sound of vintage tube compressors. The plug-in can give productions new life and analog warmth.
The German company Black Rooster Audio has been developing professional plug-ins since 2016. With the VTC-2, a new vintage compressor in the style of analog tube compressors has now been released. The warm and characterful sound of the new plug-in is intended to faithfully reproduce the sound of the analog models and thus give productions a pleasant density and saturation. Black Rooster Audio has skillfully combined the magic of vintage gear with modern features such as advanced stereo linking, dual mono and parallel compression.

Design and features

The user interface of the VTC-2 is clearly structured and well laid out. This allows all settings of the new compressor to be set quickly and precisely. Despite the clear interface, the VTC-2 is extremely comprehensive. In addition to values for threshold, ratio, attack and release, the drive and mix components can also be adjusted. The output level of the plug-in can be adjusted via a trim control. A VU meter provides an overview of the output level and the gain reduction.

Structure

At the top left is a switch that can be used to switch between Stereo Link and Dual Mono. In dual mono mode, the left and right channels are processed independently of each other. The controls for ratio, attack and release are also located at the top of the plug-in. You can choose between four fixed values for the ratio. Attack and release each offer nine fixed settings from fast to slow. The controls for Drive, Threshold, Trim and Mix are located in the lower section of the VTC-2. The VU meter at the top right provides a visualization of the output level and gain reduction. The plug-in can be switched on and off by clicking on the lamp at the bottom right.

In practice

The new vintage compressor particularly impressed me in the practical test with its coloring properties and excellent sound quality. The saturation character never seemed exaggerated to me, but always pleasant and balanced. The intensity of the tube saturation can be adjusted using the Drive control. The plug-in is very easy to use thanks to the well-structured interface. I would have liked an autogain function. The integrated VU meter, which displays both the gain reduction (red needle) and the output level (black needle), is very helpful.

Conclusion

The VTC-2 particularly impressed me with its pleasant sound. I also love the user-friendly interface. The design is very appealing and invites you to try it out. Black Rooster Audio's new vintage compressor also offers all the essential functions. These can be adjusted precisely and conveniently. The sound of the new colorizer is also excellent. All fans of vintage plug-ins should definitely take a closer look at the VTC-2. The plug-in can be tested free of charge for 14 days on the manufacturer's website.


‪@blackroosteraudio2429‬


www.blackroosteraudio.com

Price: $ 49,00

Rating

+ Warm and characterful sound
+ Precise adjustment options
- No auto gain

#pluginreview #blackroosteraudio #tubecompressor #vintageplugins #analogplugin #mixingtips #mixing #vstplugins #plugins #vintagecompressor

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Colorful Tones Studio
Posted 1 year ago

UVI’s Opal is a solide optical compressor. It’s not a mojo-something-plug-in. It does it’s job -and it does it well! It’s well thought out and has everything a modern compressor plug-in needs (exept for auto-gain). The modern Gain-Reduction-Meter is a great feature and the Drive-Section is nice, especially on vocals!

Link to the Plugin: www.uvi.net/de/effects/opal.html

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Colorful Tones Studio
Posted 1 year ago

Review: Eplex7 DSP Cardiam D-142k vacuum tube passive equalizer

Eplex7 DSP's Cardiam D-142k is a passive tube equalizer based on classic American coil and vacuum tube EQs. The plugin offers three frequency bands as well as a low-cut and high-cut filter. Eplex 7 has developed a believable tube emulation that produces a pleasant and colorful tube sound. The also integrated zero harshness technology ensures smooth highs and transients without digital harshness.

The Cardiam EQ is a versatile tool with a distinct vintage flair, which can be a characterful stylistic device. Listening closely is very important when working with the Cardiam. If you only work with your eyes here, you may expect different results than the EQ delivers. However, if you're used to mix with your ears like in the good old days, or if you want to learn how, you won't be disappointed. While its coloring is undeniable, the Cardiam D-142k can be used profitably on most sources thanks to its versatility and wide range of tube settings.

Conclusion: The Cardiam D-142k EQ impresses with its vintage charm and the wide range of setting options. The basic sound and the modeling are excellent, which means that the EQ can come up with a pleasant analogue character. The zero-harshness technology gives harsh digital signals a pleasant analogue sound. If you are looking for an characterful EQ plugin, you should definitely take a closer look at the Cardiam D-142k! The plugin's versatility makes it suitable for both technical and coloring EQing, making it a great addition to any plugin library.

Link to the plugin: eplex7.com/cardiam-d-142k-vacuum-tube-passive-equa…

‪@Eplex7DSP‬

#equalizer #passiveeq #tubeeq #eplex7dsp #plugins #vstplugins #analogeq #mixingtips #mixing #eqplugin

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Colorful Tones Studio
Posted 1 year ago

Universal Audio's Fairchild 670 Tube Limiter Collection includes the famous Fairchild 670 and 660 compressors as plugin versions. With these we should be able to create the classic Fairchild Tube Character in the box. Can the plugins keep what they promise?

Videolink: https://youtu.be/tBmr2_9_Mq8

#mixing #mastering #fairchild #uadspark #musicproduction #plugins #compressor

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