Wes Audio ng76: The Future of Analog outboard?
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- Опубліковано 4 жов 2024
- Contact: info@thecabinrecordings.com
Instagram: @musicinthecabin
Twitter: Alec Brits
WES AUDIO NG76:
wesaudio.com/p...
Hey there, welcome back to the cabin! I'm Alec Brits, and today we're diving into the WES Audio NG 76 compressor. This sleek piece of gear takes classic compression into the modern era, emulating the revered revisions F and G.
I'll walk you through how it sounds and what I appreciate about it, along with some areas I think could see improvement.
Before we jump in, I'd like to ask for your support. Sharing this video would be a huge help in growing our channel. If that's too much, a thumbs-up would be greatly appreciated. And for those who'd like to go the extra mile, consider a super chat to support consistent uploads.
Full disclosure, I reached out to WES Audio to try these units, and they sent them over. But remember, they won't see this video until you do.
Now, let's get into it. The NG 76 introduces digital recall, which is a game-changer for me. It means I can pull up a session and instantly have all my settings back, a real time-saver.
Digital recall also raises the question of digital automation, and I'll explore that shortly.
This compressor offers comprehensive controls, including input, output, attack, release, mix, and a versatile sidechain filter with nine options. A nifty feature is the ability to switch between two settings, allowing easy A/B comparisons.
The NG 76 also has a saturation mode for adding a touch of warmth or driving it to distortion. It comes with both vintage and modern flavors, with low and high settings, all controlled through LEDs.
The NG 76 includes a VU meter for monitoring gain reduction, and there's an on/off switch for saturation.
The NG 76 can be controlled via the dedicated GCon software, which handles firmware updates, plug-in downloads, and diagnostics.
In terms of usage, it's all managed within your DAW. If you have one unit, you get a mono plugin; with two units, like I have, you get a stereo plugin.
Digital control allows for saving presets, a real convenience for both tracking and mixing.
Now, there are a few things I'd like to see improved. First, I had hoped for automation without introducing noise, especially for dynamic recordings. That could be a valuable enhancement down the road.
On my wishlist, a tempo sync button for release times would be fantastic, opening up creative possibilities.
Another useful addition could be an auto-gain feature for linked inputs and outputs, simplifying gain reduction adjustments.
Lastly, a separate mix control would be great for parallel processing, allowing for a blend of dry and wet signals.
Overall, the NG 76 is an impressive piece of gear. It combines classic design with modern functionality, excelling in recall and flexibility. The ability to shift from clean modern tones to harmonically rich vintage vibes, with the option for harmonic distortion, makes it a forward-thinking product.
Built with precision, this device embodies the spirit of innovation, pushing the boundaries of analog equipment. Kudos to the team at WES Audio for keeping the industry buzzing.
Thanks for joining me today. If you could help by sharing this video, it would mean the world to me and the channel. If that's too much, a subscription or a super chat for direct support is greatly appreciated. Most importantly, take care and be kind. I'll catch you in the next video.
#musicproduction #mixing #recordingstudio #audiogear #gearreview #review #songwriter #compression #1176
One of the most underrated content creators on this platform. Your content is top notch. You deserve a million subscribers.
For sure. Best music production channel I’ve ever come across.
Thank you so much!! :)
totally agree :)
100%
Another excellent video presentation. Very nice style, presentation and production values.
Thanks so much! :)
Alec, your videos are fantastic my dude. I'm a fellow engineer and songwriter and your videos are incredibly inspirational. Keep up the good work!
Thank you so much Ryan! :)
Great review, Alec! The "static" noise while the automation is changing levels sounds to me like high-speed digital clock/signals coupling in to nearby analog circuitry, similar to when a mobile phone is placed next to analog equipment. I'm curious whether that noise changes when using USB vs Ethernet to control it? If not, it's probably emanating from the processors and digital control bus circuitry inside the unit, and there may be a different routing of cables, shielding, or some other countermeasure that Wes Audio could implement to help tame it.
Thank you so much! :)
I’m not an expert on electronics, but perhaps Wes audio can weigh in on this.
The noise / or artifacts rather - is caused by micro changes in digitally controlled potentiometers (plural on purpose). One thing to note, that Input and Output going up also increases the noise floor as it is being amplified - thus it is hard to differentiate the actual potentiometer artifacts, with the noise being amplified. Of course the artifacts are there as Alec is showcasing, but those are quite low in volume reasonably above the noise floor. To maintain the same logarithmic scale with proper resolution, there are two pots for each control in a row - to get the same feeling as the analog pot provides - thus there is a lot going on under the hood when You move either input or output pots. I hope You enjoied it!
- Michal
@@wesaudio thanks for clarifying that Michal. :)
Thanks for the answer Michal and apologies in advance to Alec for dragging this conversation further into the electronic design space …
To me, the noise I hear in Alec’s video sounds very much like the high-speed digital clock and/or data signals of something like an SPI or I2C bus coupling into the analog signal path, which I’m guessing is what the digital potentiometer interface uses. It does not sound like a general noise floor increase due to a higher analog input/output level, which I would expect would have a broader spectrum (e.g., white noise).
It can be tricky to control the digital clock/data lines emission levels of SPI/I2C, but sometimes series resistors between the controller and peripherals can reduce the sharp edges or ringing enough to make it inaudible. Some processors offer the ability to adjust the slew rate / output drive level of the SPI / I2C clock signal lines with software-controlled registers - you may want to see if your processor has that software feature. Or perhaps you can slow the SPI/I2C clock down with software, which may push the noise into a different part of the audio spectrum to make it less noticeable. That clock speed change could affect response time, and doesn’t really change the slew rate of the digital signal edges, but you might get some improvement.
Anyway, thank you and the entire Wes Audio team for pushing the boundaries in this market! I think your products are very well designed and I wish you all the best.
@@number6photo It is neither SPI nor I2C - It is the self-noise of the pots setting change - SPI is 5MHz, I2C 400kHz - it is much higher sound (frequency-wise) when it gets into signal line (of course not the fundamental frequency that we would potentially hear, but still it is much higher). If You think about it that way, when You increase the INPUT - which triggers this artifact, then the OUTPUT, it is of course also amplified by the internal amplifier and the output stage - so getting the output to max, will amplify the artifact from the input stage, which again is amplified but quite heavy FET amplifier. I was not trying to point that this is a noise floor, but those artifacts peaks are always around 15dB above the noise floor (more or less) so depending on the output level those can in very different spot in amplification. Noise is there, but its level highly depends on the testing parameters, but I guess I'm unnecessarily going into too much details :) All the best and huge thanks for Alec for doing the test!
-Michal.
interesting how much faster the VU release time looks in plugin vs hardware
another great vid 😻
Yeah, I noticed this as well.
Good old physics! :)
@@alecbrits Ah, yes, physics. They don't make them like they used to.
As a famous Scot once said ye cannae change the laws of physics
@@helmanfrowyou mean cars used to drive faster? 😂
@3:15 the apparent rate of control noise matches the automation curve. This is disappointing given WA's promise of air-gapping the digital control circuits from the analog circuits.
Perhaps it’s something that can be resolved in the future. :)
I was just reading about this as well as the Beta76 an hour ago... They sound amazing!! For the price it's almost a no-brainer. Their dual-mono/stereo bus compressor looks like another major win. I would definitely get the ng76 and I just might!
100% agree! :)
Looking forward to the next AB insights. Missing you mate!
Thanks mate! :) coming soon!
These sound awesome. The automation noise is a bummer, but I would definitely still pick up a pair of these
100% would love to have a pair of these in the studio. 👌🏽
great review!!!
Thanks so much Jason. :)
We miss you, Alec!
I’m still around! Just been making records. ☺️
@@alecbrits love to hear that. Looking forward to watching new videos in your calm and well informed style!
Hey Alec, miss you.
Thank you so much for the super thanks! :) will be back soooon. 🚀
I'll watch BUT I got to say I know a lot of professionals that won't like any digital anything added to analog equipment because of the way tech changes so much. I mean in ten years if the digital parts break where would you get parts for it? Personally, I haven't taken that step yet. I am all in the box and am getting a wicked tone for my style of music! Not sure but I been looking for some outboard gear for vocals and Bass Di. How much better would it actually sound if you get really good mixing without analog equipment?
Great demonstration. I recently purchased one on sale at Awave here in Oz. Unfortunately a matched pair was not in the ballpark for the same discount which I “Badly” desired. If this one works out, I may well end up with three.
Ooofff.. three of these bad boys would be a serious combo.
Hey Alec! My wife and I are both voice over actors, and she does a ton of audiobooks which I then engineer for her. I have a Neve 88M (your review turned me on to it, and I love it), and I’d like to get into outboard gear starting with a compressor. I’m trying to decide between the WA-2A and the WA-1B. I’ve watched you WA-1B review; it’s very helpful. Do you have any opinion on which of these two might be best for my application, or would either be equally great? Many many thanks for all your great content!
The WA-1B is more versatile for me personally. :)
200th like. Thanks for a nice video. Cheers.
Thank you so much!
That high THD is kinda crazy! They should also send you some of their remote controlled 500 series stuff 👀
I’d love to try out their 500 series rack with all the units in it. Looks insane! :)
awesome video man!! quick question: if you could only choose one hardware compressor for vocals, which would you choose?
The Distressor. :)
bro where did you go homie we miss you any where we can get updates?
Still here! :) currently wrapping up albums with clients.
Hi Alec, great video as usual. What studio monitors do you like best? Am looking to upgrade
Thanks so much. I’ve done a video on my monitors. The ATC SCM45 Pro’s. Generally I recommend ATC monitors as their midrange and reliability are pretty incredible. :)
Congratulations on excellent vídeo.
May you recommend for worship?
Greeting from Brazil
I would assume it to be really solid in a FOH situation. :)
Did you by any chance live in Brooklyn when you were young?
Nope! :) I grew up in South Africa.
Alec i saw you have a plastic dust cap for your U67 or U87 mics, would you mind sharing where you got those from please i couldn't find them online
Indeed you did, great attention to detail! :) Feel free to email me about it info@thecabinrecordings.com :)
Hi Alec. Just want to ask from you how do you find the neumann ndh 30 for mixing? Do the mixes done on them translate well to other systems? Do they require dedicated amp? Thanks.
I’m a big fan of them, I’ve been using them as my primary reference with my ATC SCM40’s. They do need a solid amount of power for the bottom end to be rock solid, but having said that, I’ve mixed several UA-cam videos straight from my MacBook headphone output and it sounds solid!
@@alecbrits I really appreciate your reply and your valuable knowledge. You are the one that can be trusted with. Your reviews and feedbacks are on point and trustworthy. I would go to the extent to say that you are far better than many with better reach and tons of subscribers.
Beautifull 🥰, the THD means it’s react like a little bit like a Rave A 1176 ? Can I use it in this way? Iam thinking to buy a AudioScape 1176A , but the shipping to Austria costs are 300€ that’s a lot money😓. In Fakt there is much more versatility on the Wes 🤔🥰!
I think it’s not quite an A, more the F & G. :) the flexibility is where this one wins.
Printing the audio? Traditional routing or any help like easy plugin compressor ??
You can print the audio as you would with any hardware compressor. The routing can be done with the hardware insert plugin :)
thanks a lot for the great simple reaply,ur contents are amazing@@alecbrits
Features aside, sonically how does this hold up next to a “real” UA 1176
It’s a lot quieter and flexible than my UREI Rev H. :)
How does the hardware react to having the plugin instantiated on multiple tracks? Do you have to remove the plugin after you print the track?
I found that it was best to have a stereo channel at the top of the session that had the plug-in on, then moved my I/O plug-in around. That seemed to work best and easiest. :)
I might in the minority but i really don't liek this whole wes audio concept of plugin hardware gear.
IMO analog gear NOT having recall ability is not only true full analog but it also forces you to move and make decisions in a more finite and confident manner.
With a plug-in you can go and mess with the ratio and attack one time on your 1176 and then lets say without a care go adjust an eq on a different track for some reason but then say okay nvm i wanna mess with the compressor again no problem, with a click of the mouse but still not being happy saying okay nvm i want to adjust that eq and click over....
In the analog world you go and adjust the compressor - one time in a few minutes you dial it with your hands and ears and then leave it because you physically have to go back to the desk. So it's all with your ears so you make moves more quickly and confidently because it kind of one and done when it's not just clicking with the mouse.
I just think the workflow benefits you jsut as much if not more than the sound improvement which analog gear does still 100% have going for it.
Wea Audio IMO doesn't sound as good as some other gear in the same price point but also is supporting the "fix it in the mix" mindset.
Thanks for your point of view. :)
you don't have to use the plug in. just turn the nobs if that's the case. in no way is recall ever a bad thing though.
i was thinking about that a long long time ago. why they didnt do that realyer?
There have been attempts in the past on digital recall devices, but I think this is the first time the cost has lined up with a wider audience. :)
Where did this dude disappear to?
He’s still around. :) working on albums. New videos coming soon.
@@alecbrits Here whenever they drop.
Oi! Is that a hint of a saffer accent I detect? You from SA boet?
Jaaaa!! 🇿🇦
Lot of clicks and pops
Thanks for your input :)