Channel strips offer a lot of flexibility when processing vocals. Here are my favorite channel strips I use for mixing vocals, with some tips on how I may use them.
Jan 20, 2009 Massive Passive EQ is a freeware mastering equalizer effect for Windows. Massive Passive EQ features. Signal flow: IN + LP & HP + R1 (peaking & shelving) + R2 + R3 + R4 + OUT. Q is -3 db point and -6 db point. All frequencies based on Manley Hardware Equalizer (Massive Passive Stereo EQ). Red Led Meter (in & out). Mar 16, 2010 Universal Audio has announced the release of the highly anticipated Manley Massive Passive EQ plug-in. Working with Manley Labs, Universal Audio's Massive Passive EQ plug-in represents the most ambitious hardware EQ modeling project to date, bringing UAD-2 users both the standard and mastering versions of this world-renowned EQ in one package. Siren was recorded with a Neuman TLM103 and processed with the finest gear from Universal Audio for analog warmth such as Studer A800, Empirical Labs Fatso, LA2A compressor, EMT250, Valhalla Room, Harrison 32C EQ, SSL E Channel Strip, Manley Massive Passive EQ. All recordings are relatively dry however to ensure the producer has maximum.
1. UAD API Vision Channel Strip
I keep going back to the API Vision for its unmatched sound quality. It's clear, clean, open and beautiful. It can also get a little bit crunchy (if you want it to be). There's very little you can't do with this thing when mixing vocals. It can't be completely reconfigured like some of the others on this list, and there's no dedicated de-esser, but it doesn't matter. The API Vision does not sound like a plugin.
I like it so much that I've begun using it when recording voiceover for my tutorial videos. If something can make my voice sound listenable, I know it's special.
Mix Tip:
Drive the input gain for crunch. It's a pleasant sound even when pushed to the extreme. Combine the gain with some extreme compression and EQ settings for a brash, bold, mangled vocal sound.
2. Waves Scheps Omni Channel
Arguably the most versatile and re-configurable channel strip listed here, you can easily move the modules on the Omni Channel around. Combine that with the fact that it has Saturation, Filters, EQ, Compression, two De-essers, a Gate, Limiter and more — and we've got an extremely flexible tool when mixing most any signal. The dual-band de-esser makes it a truly standout plugin for vocal mixing.
Mix Tip:
I know this is sort of a 'cheap' mix tip, but because this thing has so many features, it can seem a bit overwhelming at first. Some of the artist presets are awesome and showcase what this thing can really do. You'll see the Omni Channel used in ways you probably never would've tried yourself if you toggle through the presets. My favorites are the ones created by Andrew Scheps himself, and I've found spots in several recent mixes where the 'Radio' preset works great.
3. Soundtoys Effect Rack
Alright, so I admit that the Effect Rack, which allows you to reconfigure all of the Soundtoys plugins in a virtually unlimited number of ways, is not technically a channel strip. However, this hasn't stopped me from creating presets that I keep going back to when I mix vocals.
I usually start with the Decapitator used as a preamp — saturation to warm the vocals up, and then the low cut to remove mud. Sometimes I'll swap out Decapitator with Radiator. The Sie-Q is a great EQ for adding color, and when the mix knob is scaled back, Devil-Loc/Deluxe is a nice up-front compressor. I do wish that Soundtoys had another compressor in their arsenal that was a bit more subtle, with more control. I'm not complaining, I just love the vibe of their plugins so much and would love to see their take on a more traditional compressor.
Mix Tip:
This whole point is a mixing tip. I suppose the global dry/wet blend? That's something not many channel strips offer.
4. UAD Manley VOXBOX
Having used the hardware on numerous occasions, I was super excited when I heard UAD was releasing an emulation of this legendary unit. It has pretty much everything you want in a channel strip, even if the individual modules can't be moved around like some of the others on this list.
It has a warm low-end and is transparent and airy on top — qualities found in most Manley gear — and a perfect match for many vocalists. https://muscwolllancha1980.mystrikingly.com/blog/add-a-blog-post-title-125b0b55-1650-4ba8-833e-1db9f8a36064. You can also push the compressor pretty hard without it sounding smashed. This is one of those plugins that you don't realize how good it sounds until you bypass it.
Mix Tip:
Sure, it's called the VOXBOX, but don't hesitate to use it on a variety of sources. The rich Manley sound works well on virtually anything, and I often find myself using this on Acoustic Guitar, Bass, and a variety of Drums.
5. Softube Summit Audio Grand Channel
This thing is big and vibey, and the large, luxurious user interface is a pleasure to look at and operate. Out of all these listed channel strips, I can dial in a sound most quickly with the Grand Channel. This is in part because the compressor only has two settings each for attack and release with no ratio control. You can place the compressor before or after the equalizer, which is always helpful, and you have control over a dry/wet blend for the saturator.
Mix Tip:
The saturator gets pretty hairy, and I find that if I want to create an up-front, in-your-face sound with a lot of excitement and energy, the Grand Channel fares better than most other channel strips. If your source material is lacking in energy, and you need to add some intensity to a vocalist, this might be the best option on the list.
6. UAD Neve 1073
Most UAD plugins do this special thing that their hardware counterparts do — not only are they great for sculpting tone and dynamics, but they help your tracks sit right. Something about the space and depth changes when they're used properly, and I find that's exactly what the 1073 does. Technically not a channel strip, I can still dial in a vocal sound that sits perfectly among other tracks, despite the 1073 not having a compressor or de-esser.
Mix Tip:
Crank the preamp. It's an absolutely bonkers sound. I use it on things that really need attention, and for a distorted special-effect vocal, almost megaphone-like, the 1073 is what I reach for.
7. UAD Century Tube Channel Strip
Certain UAD plugins including the Ampex ATR-102, the Vertigo Sound VSM-3, and the Ocean Way Studios rank among some of the deepest and complex pieces of audio processing software currently available. Wisely, Universal Audio has begun releasing plugins that are simpler to learn and operate, but at no detriment to the sound quality, whatsoever.
The Century Tube Channel Strip represents one of the easiest to use channel strips I've come across. It features a preamp, 3-band equalizer, and opto-leveler/compressor. The sound ranges from transparent, to highly colored, depending on how hard you drive the plugin. I've found it great for adding vintage vibe and weight to a wide variety of sound sources including vocals, bass, and drum buss, but I can't picture any sound source that the Century Tube Channel Strip wouldn't fare wonderfully on. The plugin is designed to work with Unison Mic Preamp technology, so UAD interface users can benefit from tracking through it if they're looking to add inspiring color and vintage characteristics to their recordings.
Mix Tip:
More and more often these days, plugins are designed to be able to be pushed hard and introduce pleasing harmonic characteristics, and I've found that to be the case with the Century Tube Channel Strip. From a grinding bass, to an explosive snare, to a howling lead vocal, I've had a lot of fun dialing back the master output, and then driving the preamp section until I've achieved the desired effect. I often use a parallel buss to blend in some subtle pumping and warmth to certain elements of the mix, and recently have had great luck using the Century Tube Channel Strip for that exact application. Having saturation, equalization, and compression available in one place allows for a fast and efficient workflow, regardless of how you use this plugin.
Free Video on Mixing Low End
Download a FREE 40-minute tutorial from Matthew Weiss on mixing low end.
https://muscwolllancha1980.mystrikingly.com/blog/antares-autotune-v7-5-5-vst-crack. Auto-Tune Pro is the most complete and advanced edition of Auto-Tune. It includes Auto Mode, for real-time correction and effects, Graph Mode, for detailed pitch and time editing, and the Auto-Key plug-in for automatic key and scale detection.
As I demonstrate in-depth in my new online course (Mastering In The Box), equalization can breathe life into a master, or even potentially save it from poor decisions made during mixing. Here are some of my favorite equalizer plugins for mastering …
1. UAD Manley Massive Passive
The hardware version of the Manley Labs Massive Passive is an absolute staple in mastering studios. Having used them before (I've also been lucky enough to have visited the Manley Labs Factory), I can honestly say that the Massive Passive is a work of art, in both functionality and sound.
UAD has done a wonderful job emulating the hardware with this plugin. The high end is silky, the low end is defined, and the quality of everything in between solidifies the Massive Passive as an extremely musical equalizer, great for almost any task an engineer might need it for.
Unique feature: I'd say the unique feature for the Massive Passive is that it has virtually everything a mastering engineer could want in an equalizer. High and low pass, a choice between shelf or bell on each band, Stereo Unlink — it's truly versatile in addition to sounding flawless. Inexperienced engineers may be intimidated by the sheer number of controls found on the Massive Passive, but it's extremely easy to use once you get used to it.
2. Brainworx bx_digital V3
Whereas I use something like the Massive Passive for adding color or sheen to my material, the bx_digital V3 is my go-to subtractive EQ, and is in many cases, found at the beginning of my mastering chain.
I use it to sweep through and find/remove unwanted frequencies before any other processing is applied, avoiding those problematic frequencies triggering, say, a compressor or saturator. It also works in mid-side mode, which is helpful for treating material like vocals, kick or bass independently of any material that might be panned to the sides. It has many other functions, and if you're in the market for a surgical, transparent EQ plugin, I highly recommend this one.
Unique feature: It solos the band as you click on the frequency knob, allowing you to sweep through and find problematic frequencies quickly and accurately.
3. Pultec EQP-1A Emulations
There are a lot of emulations of this classic equalizer, and several of them are really great.
I have my preferences, but my suggestion is to go and demo as many as you can to find the one that works best for you and fits your budget (links below). Though this is traditionally more of a mix buss EQ, if a master needs clarity or low end weight, the Pultec does a fantastic job, and very quickly …
- Softube (technically this is a Tube Tech emulation)
Unique feature: Technically you can boost and attenuate at the same exact frequency, which seems counterintuitive, but because the boost and attenuation curves are different, the resulting curve has its own distinct Pultec flavor. Great for adding weight or sparkle to your material.
4. UAD Chandler Curve Bender
This emulates the classic EMI TG12345 desk from Abbey Road Studios, so anything within six degrees of separation from my beloved Beatles is a must-own. https://muscwolllancha1980.mystrikingly.com/blog/add-a-blog-post-title-877254a2-d3a9-483d-95e4-e9924b4ef5b9.
The functionality is similar to the Massive Passive: four bands allowing for shelving or bell, high and low-pass filters, and the ability to unlink channels. However, I do find the Curve Bender feels more vintage, vibey and colorful. If I need something to feel more expressive, or pronounced in the upper-mids or highs, I'll definitely choose the Curve Bender.
As I demonstrate in-depth in my new online course (Mastering In The Box), equalization can breathe life into a master, or even potentially save it from poor decisions made during mixing. Here are some of my favorite equalizer plugins for mastering …
1. UAD Manley Massive Passive
The hardware version of the Manley Labs Massive Passive is an absolute staple in mastering studios. Having used them before (I've also been lucky enough to have visited the Manley Labs Factory), I can honestly say that the Massive Passive is a work of art, in both functionality and sound.
UAD has done a wonderful job emulating the hardware with this plugin. The high end is silky, the low end is defined, and the quality of everything in between solidifies the Massive Passive as an extremely musical equalizer, great for almost any task an engineer might need it for.
Unique feature: I'd say the unique feature for the Massive Passive is that it has virtually everything a mastering engineer could want in an equalizer. High and low pass, a choice between shelf or bell on each band, Stereo Unlink — it's truly versatile in addition to sounding flawless. Inexperienced engineers may be intimidated by the sheer number of controls found on the Massive Passive, but it's extremely easy to use once you get used to it.
2. Brainworx bx_digital V3
Whereas I use something like the Massive Passive for adding color or sheen to my material, the bx_digital V3 is my go-to subtractive EQ, and is in many cases, found at the beginning of my mastering chain.
I use it to sweep through and find/remove unwanted frequencies before any other processing is applied, avoiding those problematic frequencies triggering, say, a compressor or saturator. It also works in mid-side mode, which is helpful for treating material like vocals, kick or bass independently of any material that might be panned to the sides. It has many other functions, and if you're in the market for a surgical, transparent EQ plugin, I highly recommend this one.
Unique feature: It solos the band as you click on the frequency knob, allowing you to sweep through and find problematic frequencies quickly and accurately.
3. Pultec EQP-1A Emulations
There are a lot of emulations of this classic equalizer, and several of them are really great.
I have my preferences, but my suggestion is to go and demo as many as you can to find the one that works best for you and fits your budget (links below). Though this is traditionally more of a mix buss EQ, if a master needs clarity or low end weight, the Pultec does a fantastic job, and very quickly …
- Softube (technically this is a Tube Tech emulation)
Unique feature: Technically you can boost and attenuate at the same exact frequency, which seems counterintuitive, but because the boost and attenuation curves are different, the resulting curve has its own distinct Pultec flavor. Great for adding weight or sparkle to your material.
4. UAD Chandler Curve Bender
This emulates the classic EMI TG12345 desk from Abbey Road Studios, so anything within six degrees of separation from my beloved Beatles is a must-own. https://muscwolllancha1980.mystrikingly.com/blog/add-a-blog-post-title-877254a2-d3a9-483d-95e4-e9924b4ef5b9.
The functionality is similar to the Massive Passive: four bands allowing for shelving or bell, high and low-pass filters, and the ability to unlink channels. However, I do find the Curve Bender feels more vintage, vibey and colorful. If I need something to feel more expressive, or pronounced in the upper-mids or highs, I'll definitely choose the Curve Bender.
Unique feature: It works in mid-side mode. All of the color and tone of the TG12345 available to process content in the center independently from the sides.
5. Ozone 7 (EQ, Dynamic EQ & Vintage EQ)
This is an absolutely feature-packed series of equalizers.
The EQ is surgical and transparent, the Vintage EQ is for color, and the Dynamic EQ allows for a more musical approach to processing different frequency ranges than a traditional EQ. I may reach for one of the aforementioned equalizers for color, but if I need a quick, all-in-one solution, iZotope's Ozone 7 can't be beat.
Live auto tune sond deck. Sep 13, 2008 CLICK MO FOR LYRICZ! Captain: Are ya ready kids? Kids: Aye, Aye captain! Captain: I can't heeeaaar yooouuu! Kids: AYE, AYE CAPTAIN!
Unique feature: Matching EQ. This allows you to identify and capture the frequency spectrum of a chosen mix or master, and then apply it to your own material. At the very least, for analyzing what the professionals are doing, it's a fascinating and educational tool.
6. Fabfilter Pro-Q 3
Fabfilter's flagship equalizer has gotten more robust with each and every update. The Pro-Q 3 is a swiss-army knife equalizer, capable of handling basically any application you throw at it, quickly and effectively. Updates to Pro Q 3 include the ability to make any of the bands dynamic, meaning that they will not any effect on the signal unless it passes a set threshold. This EQ is chock full of features that make it an ideal choice if you're in need of a mostly transparent, surgical tool for mastering including:
Now you can download the final iOS 11.2 from 3uTools to install on iPhone X, 8, 8 Plus, 7, 7 Plus, 6s, 6, SE, 5s, iPad mini 2 and over, and iPod touch 6th-generation.The following guide will help you download and install iOS 11.2 on your compatible iPhone, iPad or iPod touch device the right way.You're suggested to first, just in case.Step1: Connect your iDevice to PC using the USB cable and launch 3uTools on your PC.Step 2: Click ' Flash & JB' - ' Easy Flash', then select the firmware iOS 11.2, finally click ' Flash'. https://muscwolllancha1980.mystrikingly.com/blog/add-a-blog-post-title-41bfdf51-adb2-4dd4-bf81-8f8d9e9090c5. The whole flashing process needs 510 minutes in general, when it's finished, then you can experience iOS 11.2 freely. IOS 11 is Apple's latest major update for iPhone, iPad and iPod touch devices, bringing in a number of new features to one of the world's most popular mobile platform. (If you want to save iDevice's data, you need to select the checkbox that 'Retain User's Data While Flashing')Step3: Keep a good connection between iDevice and PC, and then just wait patiently till this process is finished.
- Mid/Side capability
- Linear and natural phase modes
- Spectrum grab: This allows you to select and then boost/attenuate frequencies via the spectral analyzer.
Mastering Tip: Use the dynamic EQ mode as a mastering de-esser.
Considering that mastering can often include boosting in the upper mids and highs, de-essing is common during mastering. I often employ the Dynamic EQ mode for this application. Aside from your ears telling you if there are issues in the 6-10khz range, the Pro-Q 3 provides excellent visual feedback via its gorgeous metering and will tell you if there's an excess in this (or any) frequency range. I'll create a band at the problem frequency, engage dynamic EQ mode, and attenuate to taste. What makes this EQ even more powerful is the ability to choose mid/side mode per band. So if the offending vocal-only occurs up the middle, I'll make sure to set the band(s) appropriately.
7. UAD Millennia NSEQ-2
Faithfully emulating the esteemed hardware unit, Universal Audio's Millennia NSEQ-2 brings the clarity, transparency, and versatility of the original unit to your digital audio workstation, and at a fraction of the price. The hardware was lauded for its twin topology design, allowing users to utilize both solid-state and tube signal paths. The differences between the vacuum-tube and J-FET solid-state signal paths are subtle, and regardless of what one chooses, the sound is open, musical and clean.
The stereo NSEQ-2 features four bands which give you control from 20Hz to 21kHz, with the lowest and highest bands allowing to choose a shelving EQ, and the middle two bands allowing for control over the Q/bandwidth. The user can opt to link the stereo channels, or un-link if there are discrepancies between the left and right that require unique equalization of each. The plugin also features a trim control, so you can level match and ensure that the changes you've made actually improve your material, rather than simply make it louder.
Mastering Tip: Use the Mid/Side Mode
Mid/Side processing can be such a flexible tool when mastering. If I want to create a further sonic distinction between the elements that are hard-panned, and the ones that sit straight up the middle, I often reach for some sort of Mid/Side processor. For example, if I want to add some bite to electric guitars which are hard-panned, but I don't want to boost harshness in the lead vocal (which sits in the center), I'll use a Mid-Side EQ to perform that boost on the sides only, perhaps at 1-2kHz, or wherever the guitars need some definition.
If I want to clean up some brittle cymbals in the sides, without sacrificing clarity and detail in the centered vocals and snare, I can quickly and effectively accomplish this with the NSEQ-2. Mid/Side or not, the parametric Millennia NSEQ-2 is one of my go-to ‘clean' equalizers, allowing me to transparently enhance my program material.
Honorable Mention
Massive Passive Eq Plugin
If Universal Audio seems over-represented on this list, I suggest demoing their many great EQ plugins. They really have figured out how to capture and emulate the clean, smooth high end of analog equalizers. The BAX EQ is another emulation of a piece of classic mastering gear, and does a wonderful job cleaning up problematic low frequencies, taming high end, or adding a transparent sheen to your masters.
Mastering in the Box Course
Manley Massive Passive Plugin Free Download
If you're interested in expanding your knowledge and learning effective techniques for getting great sounding masters 100% in the box, check out my debut course: Mastering in the Box
Free Video on Mixing Low End
Download a FREE 40-minute tutorial from Matthew Weiss on mixing low end.
