Hi!

Hi - I'm looking to start using side-chain inputs, and also Multiband compression, for the first time. I have some UAD-1 compressors, but none have those features, so I'm starting to look around to see what I might use.

Some questions re: the included Cubase 6 compressors:

1) What is the difference between "Compressor" and "Vintage Compressor" in terms of quality? Is the "Vintage ..." better sounding, and if so, why would Cubase offer both (CPU demand, I'm guessing, but it's just a guess)?

2) Of the three compressors in Cubase: "Compressor", "Vintage Compressor", and "Multiband Compressor" - do people consider them good quality? If not, is there any freeware out there that might be better (with side-chain)?

3) Finally, re: the Cubase De-esser - considered good, or should I "build my own" using the above, or should I use a freeware (like Spitfish by Digital Fishphones)?

Thanks much!

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Alexis -Cubase 6.5.0/SX3.1.1.944, XP SP2, 4GB RAM (1GB not accessible, but used just to balance the computer so it doesn't tip over); Delta 66 in Omni i/O Studio; Motif8; UAD-1

Sorry, I meant to add I also have an FMR RNC (Real Nice Compressor), but would prefer to work ITB if the quality is there. Also, I am a little hesitant to set it up as an External FX given the problems described in the steinberg.net forum a while back regarding problems with the "ping" time by Cubase.

Hmm, forum down again, or at least very slow ... don't know if this is going to kick in and get posted. Off to bed for me now!

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Alexis -Cubase 6.5.0/SX3.1.1.944, XP SP2, 4GB RAM (1GB not accessible, but used just to balance the computer so it doesn't tip over); Delta 66 in Omni i/O Studio; Motif8; UAD-1

Sorry, I meant to add I also have an FMR RNC (Real Nice Compressor), but would prefer to work ITB if the quality is there. Also, I am a little hesitant to set it up as an External FX given the problems described in the steinberg.net forum a while back regarding problems with the "ping" time by Cubase.

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Alexis -Cubase 6.5.0/SX3.1.1.944, XP SP2, 4GB RAM (1GB not accessible, but used just to balance the computer so it doesn't tip over); Delta 66 in Omni i/O Studio; Motif8; UAD-1

(Sorry for the duplicate post above - the forum was frozen up for a while last night ...).

I found this nice article by John Walden on how to use the Cubase Multiband Compressor in Cubase 4: http://www.soundonsound.com/sos/apr07/articles/cubasetech_0407.htm . Though it doesn't explicitly say so, I assume that it is better than any freeware out there (otherwise why write an article about it?). I assume if the Cubase Multiband Compressor has been revised since then, it would only be for the better.

So at this point then, it is down to my deciding, in cases where a side-chain key is necessary, whether to start a project with the Cubase Compressor and Vintage Compressor, or use freeware (or my RNC).

Similarly, whether to use the Cubase De-Esser, or "build my own" by EQing the offensive frequency up and feeding into a sidechain of a standard compresser (a lot of unnecessary work if Cubase's De-Esser is thought to be pretty good).

Thanks -

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Alexis -Cubase 6.5.0/SX3.1.1.944, XP SP2, 4GB RAM (1GB not accessible, but used just to balance the computer so it doesn't tip over); Delta 66 in Omni i/O Studio; Motif8; UAD-1

Quote alexis:

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Sorry, I meant to add I also have an FMR RNC (Real Nice Compressor), but would prefer to work ITB if the quality is there. Also, I am a little hesitant to set it up as an External FX given the problems described in the steinberg.net forum a while back regarding problems with the "ping" time by Cubase.

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i have no prolems using a drawmer M500 as an external insert in cubase 5, even parallel compression doesnt get all phasey so it damn tight. just try it out, you can always fine tune it by ear if you dont like the numbers it comes up with.

At last! Another happy M500 user! You know there's only the two of us, don't you?

Have you noticed how the M500 scares the mightiest of tecchies? It remains one of my best loved 'secret weapons'!

Whether you get phase problems using external hardware for parallel compression is very much down to how accurately the latency is being calculated, and has little to do with the external hardware itself, (assuming it is analogue). I often find it best to record external parallel compression and align it manually to sample accuracy.

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An Eagle for an Emperor, A Kestrel for a Knave.

Quote alexis:

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Of the three compressors in Cubase: "Compressor", "Vintage Compressor", and "Multiband Compressor" - do people consider them good quality? If not, is there any freeware out there that might be better (with side-chain)?

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The bundled compressors will do the job for most run-of-the-mill balancing tasks, but I wouldn't go to them for 'character' applications, where there's masses of more interesting-sounding freeware. If you want something third-party with side-chain access, I've got some suggestions here, although I'm not sure how even the latest version of Cubase deals with those -- I can't seem to access the side-chain of DDMF's NYComp within Cubase 6, for instance, although that might just be my ignorance of some relevant setting in Cubase!

Quote:

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3) Finally, re: the Cubase De-esser - considered good, or should I "build my own" using the above, or should I use a freeware (like Spitfish by Digital Fishphones)?

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I've never had good results with the Cubase de-essers, either the former SPL-branded one, or Steinberg's new v6 one. I'd use Spitfish, or invest $20 in getting the one in the Toneboosters Track Essentials bundle, which I rather like.

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Mixing Secrets for the Small Studio
A complete mixing method based around the techniques of the world's most famous producers.

Quote The Elf:

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At last! Another happy M500 user! You know there's only the two of us, don't you?

Have you noticed how the M500 scares the mightiest of tecchies? It remains one of my best loved 'secret weapons'!

Whether you get phase problems using external hardware for parallel compression is very much down to how accurately the latency is being calculated, and has little to do with the external hardware itself, (assuming it is analogue). I often find it best to record external parallel compression and align it manually to sample accuracy.

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it is great isnt it! ive never used anything other than the comp/limit chain. going to play with triggering the sidechain via midi.

sorry for the hijack!

Quote Mike Senior:

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Quote alexis:

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Of the three compressors in Cubase: "Compressor", "Vintage Compressor", and "Multiband Compressor" - do people consider them good quality? If not, is there any freeware out there that might be better (with side-chain)?

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The bundled compressors will do the job for most run-of-the-mill balancing tasks, but I wouldn't go to them for 'character' applications, where there's masses of more interesting-sounding freeware. If you want something third-party with side-chain access, I've got some suggestions here, although I'm not sure how even the latest version of Cubase deals with those -- I can't seem to access the side-chain of DDMF's NYComp within Cubase 6, for instance, although that might just be my ignorance of some relevant setting in Cubase!

Quote:

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3) Finally, re: the Cubase De-esser - considered good, or should I "build my own" using the above, or should I use a freeware (like Spitfish by Digital Fishphones)?

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I've never had good results with the Cubase de-essers, either the former SPL-branded one, or Steinberg's new v6 one. I'd use Spitfish, or invest $20 in getting the one in the Toneboosters Track Essentials bundle, which I rather like.

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Thank you for that, Mike! I'm having a little trouble finding the right setting for the Cubase 6.5 de-esser. So far in my hands it's either too much, or doesn't seem affect the track at all.

I was coming to the conclusion that by and large I liked the degree of the sibilance on the track as it stood unprocessed (though I did do a little bit of manual volume automation on a few prominent esses) - till I did some parallel compression and then it sounded like a steam kettle factory.

I'll have to figure out whether best to volume automate more before going into the compressor, or with the sound coming out of it. I can spring for $20 for a Mike Senior-recommended piece of software too!

Re: side-chain compressors - thank you for the link - duly bookmarked!

Thanks again!

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Alexis -Cubase 6.5.0/SX3.1.1.944, XP SP2, 4GB RAM (1GB not accessible, but used just to balance the computer so it doesn't tip over); Delta 66 in Omni i/O Studio; Motif8; UAD-1

Quote Mike Senior:

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I can't seem to access the side-chain of DDMF's NYComp within Cubase 6, for instance

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Cubase will only work with side-chain inputs on VST3 plug-ins, not VST2.x.

Cubase's compressors are fine for basic side-chain work. You can always add other plug-ins to add character. Eg, I've often used Cubase's comps for side-chain-triggered gain reduction, and then a model on the Liquid Mix (or even hardware) to add a certain flavour... I see these things as two tasks that are quite separate (unless, of course, the character is coming only from the attack.release curves.)