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  1. 10 Modern LA-2A Compressor / Limiter Reproductions For Your Studio

    Posted by Eric Allen

    10 Modern LA-2A Compressor / Limiter Reproductions For Your Studio
    Since Teletronix introduced the LA-2A in the early 1960s, the studio world has gone wild for the legendary opto compressor. And why wouldn't we? The LA-2A features a streamlined design with only three knobs (Gain, Peak Reduction, and Gain Reduction), but everything that passes through it gets a gigantic dose of warmth and fatness. Universal Audio founder Bill Putnam purchased Teletronix in 1967 and began making the LA-2A under the Studio Electronics name (later UREI). When the Putnam family rebooted UA in 1999, they reissued the LA-2A, which gave way to several more incarnations, including plug-ins and guitar pedals. Continue reading →
  2. 10 Modern Fairchild Compressor Reproductions For Your Studio

    Posted by Eric Allen

    10 Modern Fairchild Compressor Reproductions For Your Studio
    Much has been made of the Fairchild 660 and 670 since the release of the former in 1959. Both compressor/limiters have a reputation for sonic superiority and rarity, which has pushed the asking price of some vintage units into the six-figure territory. These high prices have left many engineers scratching their heads, wondering how to get those classic sounds. Thankfully, several impressive reproductions can help you capture the essence without breaking the bank. Continue reading →
  3. The Hottest Plug-Ins of 2023 (So Far)

    Posted by Eric Allen

    The Hottest Plug-Ins of 2023 (So Far)
    There's been a lot going on in the pro audio world, but one thing that can't go overlooked is the sheer amount of incredible software that has been released this year. From meticulously emulated analog classics to mind-bending immersive instruments, our favorite brands have come correct with loads of new tools for us to use. So how do we celebrate all of these releases? It's become somewhat of a tradition around these parts to round up the best new software halfway through the year. Check out some blasts from the past here (2019, 2020, 2021, and 2022), and continue on below to learn more about the hottest plug-ins of 2023 (so far). Continue reading →
  4. The Hottest Plug-Ins of 2021 (So Far)

    Posted by Nathan Doyle

    The Hottest Plug-Ins of 2021 (So Far)
    It's no secret that 2021 has spawned plenty of great hardware gear, but today we're shining a light on the world of software. Whether it’s streamlined, intelligent processing or meticulous analog modeling, the audio plug-in market has seen its share of impressive offerings this year. In this blog, we'll be covering some of our favorite releases of 2021 so far. These tools will be extremely helpful, no matter if you're working completely in the box, sweetening your analog production or just need to edit some tracks. Let’s take a closer look. Continue reading →
  5. VK Shootout: API 2500 vs. API 529 And Plug-In Emulations

    Posted by Eric Allen

    VK Shootout: API 2500 vs. API 529 And Plug-In Emulations
    Update March 2020: API Audio has announced an expanded 2500+ stereo bus compressor with updated features, including an Expanded Threshold control (+20dv to -20dv) and the new Mix/Blend function that was added to the 50th Anniversary Edition of the 2500 released last year. Learn more here. Finding a stereo bus compressor that works for you is an important part of being a mix engineer. For many, the API 2500 has become the industry standard, as the discrete compressor offers you the ability to glue together mixes via two distinct styles of compression and add punch to the low end. API 2500 features a dual-channel design that can be used individually for single-channel compression or paired together in tandem for stereo use. When it comes to the styles of compression, users are able to choose between “old” and “new.” Old style employs the “feed back” compression of the API 525, while the new style gives a “feed forward” compression feeding the side chain directly from the input. Continue reading →
  6. VK Shootout: Vintage dbx 160 vs. dbx 560a And Plug-ins

    Posted by Eric Allen

    VK Shootout: Vintage dbx 160 vs. dbx 560a And Plug-ins
    A few weeks back, we did a shootout comparing the Urei/Universal Audio 1176 to a reproduction, plug-in emulations and some guitar pedals based on the classic compressor. We're back at it again in our latest VK Shootout, but this time we're using another beloved piece of outboard gear, the dbx 160. If you're like us and spend a lot of time visiting recording studios, the dbx 160 is a very familiar sight. The wooden cheeked beauty was first introduced in 1971 and features three dials for threshold, compression and outboard gain. Try to find an album from the 70s and 80s that doesn't feature this compressor on the mix... Go on, we'll wait. This thing has glued together more than Elmer's. Continue reading →
  7. VK Shootout: Vintage EMT 140 Plate Reverb vs. Reverb Plug-Ins

    Posted by Eric Allen

    VK Shootout: Vintage EMT 140 Plate Reverb vs. Reverb Plug-Ins
    In the early years of the recording studio, engineers had to rely on microphone placement and echo chambers to get the reverb that they desired for certain tracks. This all would change when the German company EMT built the first artificial reverb unit in 1957.  Dubbed the EMT 140, this plate reverb would go on to become one of the most revered and often copied sounds in audio history. What exactly is the EMT 140 Plate Reverb? While the unit itself is pretty massive, the concept of how it works is pretty simple. A steel frame holds a large thin piece of sheet metal via springs attached to each corner of the outer structure. At the center of the piece of sheet metal,  there is a transducer, which gets a signal from the studio's control room. The transducer vibrates the sheet metal and two pickups mounted to the plate pick up the resulting vibrations. The EMT 140 also features a dampener that allows you to dial in decay time. Continue reading →

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