As a member of AA (Analog Anonymous) I’ve never thanked you for all these videos you post. Taking time out of your busy schedule. It really does help take the guesswork out of some purchases. Nuff respect.
It's as much for my own curiosity as it is to provide content to the audio community. Thanks for watching. Pleased these videos are providing good insight.
Like nearly all HW vs SW comparisons mainly the 3d effect and smoothness/focus is always night and day between them, just like this one too. Man that HW sounds awesome! The only plugin to my ears that have that 3d sound to it is Michelangelo from Toneprojects which i own a license from. Cheers and nice vid Thanks!
I think they made a mistake doing their own distribution. You used to be able to get them through your chosen retailer. Now you can only buy second hand or direct through their site. Which is cool, but being in the UK, you never know how much more you are going to have to pay in import tax and duty. Well worth the money though.
I did this test many years ago and found the exact same thing. Since that time it made me understand, that plug ins have a long way to go. It's a shame really, because digital makes our life a lot easier and less strain on the bank account ;)
Honestly the plugin is pretty damn good. Kush did a great job of making a good plugin, it gives everything a "fowardness" to it. The hardware pushes everything back on SOME material, but gels everything together and has more "width" at times. But that's not necessarily the "goal" of this hardware design. Maybe it was. Greg's a mojo kinda guy. And to be personally honest each track in this demo has various levels of separation from either/or.. The plugin is a fantastic tool. This is one the reasons I decided to use the plugin instead of buying the hardware. But.. having that Mid/side capability is ughhh to die for. So cleverly thought out. Greg is a beast.
I listened on my TV speaker first and the difference is clear on a TV speaker. Truth be told, the clariphonic plugin was the first plugin I ever bought as well as the first time I got an ilok.
I agree with your opinion on the hardware vs plugin. That hardware really sounds so sweet, omg. The plugin introduces too much top-end mush. Really appreciate these hardware vs plugin comparisons, it helps me settle both my plugin purchase list, as well my hardware one. Thanks a mil Paul.... now off to watch the Maag EQ comparison video
The Maag is a lot more impressive. Still sounds like a plugin but it does capture what is great about the hardware. The Kush I just don't get the feeling I'm on a Kush.
I knew I shouldn’t have watched this video lol. I think his plugins are so underrated and top shelf and enjoyed the bubble I lived in that they were as good as his units.
But if you are getting what you want out the plugin that's a good thing. You could always add more plugins before and after that potentially could get you to the hardware result.
I hear a difference for sure -- it's not huge, but noticable. The topend on the plugin sounds frayed around the edges, not as shiny and clean as the hardware. I have the full suite of Kush's plugins and love them.
The hardware obviously has some type of transformer input and/or output or both that for some reason drives the audio further back but has a nice compressed sound. The plugin sounds more forward and straight to the point. That's my take. Thx for the video.
I have something better coming. Just can't talk on it right now. Give it a few months and I'll be back with a video. But in the meantime, I will review the Michelangelo
I am glad you are preparing some novelty ! I think you will like the Michelangelo plugin. It's the first time I hear delicate saturation and not distortion in a digital format. Cheers.@@AudioAnimalsStudio
They sounds as good as the rack versions. It wouldn't surprise me if, like the Elysia rack gear vs 500 series, it isn't the 500 series cards in a 19 inch rack.
Hi off topic here.. But im wondering if you could do a video on the need for Power Conditioners for your hardware if any need at all? I´m looking into a Black lion Audio PG 2 F power conditioner for the gear I have right now, not that I have any noise or electricity problems so far but I think it could be a nice tidy solution for my gear and wondering if you have any thoughts on Power Conditioners. Thanks.
Yeah I like a good power conditioner. One thing to look at is to ensure you get one that staggers turning each unit on. So each unit turns on one at a time rather than them all powering on at the same time.
Yes agree with most of the comment but........This plugin (like others) don´t have the same headroom and input gain of the hardware, so my opinion is about putting the same configuration never be the best scenario for the plugin versions . The hardware of course excels (i have both of them, plugin and hardware) so the plugin works if you dont crack the gain of the different additive EQ with more subtle configurations
Everything you say is true when you compare it to the M/S version. Which is why I didn't use my M/S version and used the the original version instead as this is the version the plugin is modelled on. The M/S version and original version are very different. So it would be very unfair on the plugin to compare it to the M/S version which in my opinion is better. You'll notice on the plugin you have tight and defuse switches like the original, instead of boost and cut on the newer version.
Same here. Don't wanna hate on plugins but it's like comparing a 3D video game to a 2D video game. Think plugins will never get there. Must be physics. Listening on my AKG K872 with a Phonitor 2.
Comparing Hw to Sw in a AB test doesn't really make sense obviously they're different. The question should be can you get the same result or close to Hw using SW it doesn't matter if the settings are the same what matters is the end result
@bangubw736 the software is an emulation of the hardware. By definition, in the same settings, the intention of the plugin is to emulate the hardware exactly. At different settings to the hardware it is not accurately emilaing the hardware.
In Luna it sounds more like the hardware. DAWS have an affect on how plugins sound. I use 3 different DAWS in my workflow and plugins sound slightly different in each. They're close enough to make up the difference with other tools. Sometimes I'll add a Black Box or True Iron to dial plugins to sound more like the hardware if its a color thing. Sometimes just eq. But at the end of the day its usually more that 1 plugin on a signal chain anyway that contribute to the overall sound you're going for . Most of the time those subtleties get buried in the mix anyway. A lot of folks can't A/B the real HW, or heard them in real life to know what's missing in the plugins . Thanks for the demonstration!
As a member of AA (Analog Anonymous) I’ve never thanked you for all these videos you post. Taking time out of your busy schedule. It really does help take the guesswork out of some purchases. Nuff respect.
It's as much for my own curiosity as it is to provide content to the audio community. Thanks for watching. Pleased these videos are providing good insight.
Like nearly all HW vs SW comparisons mainly the 3d effect and smoothness/focus is always night and day between them, just like this one too. Man that HW sounds awesome! The only plugin to my ears that have that 3d sound to it is Michelangelo from Toneprojects which i own a license from. Cheers and nice vid Thanks!
Part of that 3d could just be the fact these guys run their signals through the best converters
Nice Paul, i'm waiting for this eq and i had the plugin before. I want this eq about 10years now and i will take it thx Paul again
I think they made a mistake doing their own distribution. You used to be able to get them through your chosen retailer. Now you can only buy second hand or direct through their site. Which is cool, but being in the UK, you never know how much more you are going to have to pay in import tax and duty. Well worth the money though.
Hardware is brighter, sweeter, that opens it all up. Do you use an EQ analyser to try and match the curves ? That might change things
I did this test many years ago and found the exact same thing. Since that time it made me understand, that plug ins have a long way to go. It's a shame really, because digital makes our life a lot easier and less strain on the bank account ;)
Honestly the plugin is pretty damn good. Kush did a great job of making a good plugin, it gives everything a "fowardness" to it. The hardware pushes everything back on SOME material, but gels everything together and has more "width" at times. But that's not necessarily the "goal" of this hardware design. Maybe it was. Greg's a mojo kinda guy. And to be personally honest each track in this demo has various levels of separation from either/or.. The plugin is a fantastic tool. This is one the reasons I decided to use the plugin instead of buying the hardware.
But.. having that Mid/side capability is ughhh to die for. So cleverly thought out. Greg is a beast.
I think its super close.....for a fraction of the cost, sounds like a wonderful alternative
I listened on my TV speaker first and the difference is clear on a TV speaker. Truth be told, the clariphonic plugin was the first plugin I ever bought as well as the first time I got an ilok.
I prefer the sound of the plugin in this demo
I agree with your opinion on the hardware vs plugin. That hardware really sounds so sweet, omg. The plugin introduces too much top-end mush. Really appreciate these hardware vs plugin comparisons, it helps me settle both my plugin purchase list, as well my hardware one. Thanks a mil Paul.... now off to watch the Maag EQ comparison video
The Maag is a lot more impressive. Still sounds like a plugin but it does capture what is great about the hardware. The Kush I just don't get the feeling I'm on a Kush.
The airy and openness of the hardware is night and day, even on my ipad. Snares snap more, 3d depth on the hardware is top notch.
I knew I shouldn’t have watched this video lol. I think his plugins are so underrated and top shelf and enjoyed the bubble I lived in that they were as good as his units.
But if you are getting what you want out the plugin that's a good thing. You could always add more plugins before and after that potentially could get you to the hardware result.
I like the lows on the plugin!
Thanks for the video Paul. They don't sound alike, and there is a noticeably big difference
Yeah this ones quite a definitive night and day difference.
I hear a difference for sure -- it's not huge, but noticable. The topend on the plugin sounds frayed around the edges, not as shiny and clean as the hardware. I have the full suite of Kush's plugins and love them.
The hardware obviously has some type of transformer input and/or output or both that for some reason drives the audio further back but has a nice compressed sound. The plugin sounds more forward and straight to the point. That's my take. Thx for the video.
We need a Michelangelo Toneprojects plugin review. I'm looking foward to see Paul's reaction in disbelieve of what's coming from his speakers :p
I have something better coming. Just can't talk on it right now. Give it a few months and I'll be back with a video. But in the meantime, I will review the Michelangelo
I am glad you are preparing some novelty ! I think you will like the Michelangelo plugin. It's the first time I hear delicate saturation and not distortion in a digital format. Cheers.@@AudioAnimalsStudio
Love the videos!!! Whats your thoughts on the 500 series range of the clariphonics? Im tempted to grab one but unsure if it will sound similar
They sounds as good as the rack versions. It wouldn't surprise me if, like the Elysia rack gear vs 500 series, it isn't the 500 series cards in a 19 inch rack.
what are your daw settings? are you running 32 bit 192 khz or are you running 16 bit 44.1? thats going to make a big difference mate.
@connorharris1900 the session is in 96k 32bit.
No trim output knob? Why do they do that???
The plugin seems to be really good for Vocals....help them break through the mix
Hi off topic here.. But im wondering if you could do a video on the need for Power Conditioners for your hardware if any need at all?
I´m looking into a Black lion Audio PG 2 F power conditioner for the gear I have right now, not that I have any noise or electricity problems so far but I think it could be a nice tidy solution for my gear and wondering if you have any thoughts on Power Conditioners. Thanks.
Yeah I like a good power conditioner. One thing to look at is to ensure you get one that staggers turning each unit on. So each unit turns on one at a time rather than them all powering on at the same time.
@@AudioAnimalsStudio Thanks!
I would like to see Kush vs 1951🤔
Will do this video soon
Yes agree with most of the comment but........This plugin (like others) don´t have the same headroom and input gain of the hardware, so my opinion is about putting the same configuration never be the best scenario for the plugin versions . The hardware of course excels (i have both of them, plugin and hardware) so the plugin works if you dont crack the gain of the different additive EQ with more subtle configurations
Which version of the Kush clariphonic hardware do you own?
@@AudioAnimalsStudio i have the m/s version
Everything you say is true when you compare it to the M/S version. Which is why I didn't use my M/S version and used the the original version instead as this is the version the plugin is modelled on. The M/S version and original version are very different. So it would be very unfair on the plugin to compare it to the M/S version which in my opinion is better. You'll notice on the plugin you have tight and defuse switches like the original, instead of boost and cut on the newer version.
Same here. Don't wanna hate on plugins but it's like comparing a 3D video game to a 2D video game. Think plugins will never get there. Must be physics. Listening on my AKG K872 with a Phonitor 2.
The plugin has more highs, the real thing more mid and bass and sounds mostly much better, not in the last one, though.
Wow, now you have to give me the hardware unit after subjecting me to that!
I'll swap you for your Avalon
I don’t have a 747.. Only a 737.. I love it for tracking female vocals.. 😮.
Comparing Hw to Sw in a AB test doesn't really make sense obviously they're different. The question should be can you get the same result or close to Hw using SW it doesn't matter if the settings are the same what matters is the end result
@bangubw736 the software is an emulation of the hardware. By definition, in the same settings, the intention of the plugin is to emulate the hardware exactly. At different settings to the hardware it is not accurately emilaing the hardware.
@@AudioAnimalsStudio so settings aside, Do you think you can achieve the same results sonically using just your ears?
@bangubw736 you could directly match the EQ curves of the hardware and there still be a sonic difference
Sounds like its 30 seconds of EQ from being identical
In Luna it sounds more like the hardware. DAWS have an affect on how plugins sound. I use 3 different DAWS in my workflow and plugins sound slightly different in each. They're close enough to make up the difference with other tools. Sometimes I'll add a Black Box or True Iron to dial plugins to sound more like the hardware if its a color thing. Sometimes just eq. But at the end of the day its usually more that 1 plugin on a signal chain anyway that contribute to the overall sound you're going for . Most of the time those subtleties get buried in the mix anyway. A lot of folks can't A/B the real HW, or heard them in real life to know what's missing in the plugins . Thanks for the demonstration!
Again and again 3d image. Plugin can never do this.
The plugin sounds flat boring and lifeless