Thanks Mike for always giving great teachings on plugins. U were born to do it. This is my new baby I absolutely love its character, Ive heard its absolutely spot on with the console itself, I can't wait to get that one! Thanks a lot!
I really like your reviews. Not only you are very good at teaching, but also you share technical information about the plugin and the actual unit. This depth of content is rarely offered in UA-cam videos. Thank you!
Excellent review. Picked up one of these recently after hearing good things, feature and control set is very impressive if a little overwhelming. Your breakdown has made its operation more digestible. Great work Mike.
Thanks for the walkthrough. I picked this up and once I got my head around it I really enjoyed what it does. I love that it's very clean, transparent and easy to dial in the sound that you're looking for.
I had this plugin for a year and never used it. And then I watched your video yesterday on this and used it as the last comp, end of my chain, on my lead vocals and man it was exactly what i was looking for. this is my new go-to. thanks mike
From my experience the input gain has quite an effect on the compression characteristics, low gain with high threshold gives a different response to high gain low threshold, also numbing the input gain and adjusting headroom gives different results too, I assume this is the input transformers and throughput drive level altering the sound characteristics, this is where many people do not get the results that they expect, being able to see the input level on the VU meters is your best friend here I believe
The steps in the dials on this type of equipment is not really designed for replication purposes (though it is useful for this too) but rather to eliminate the use of potentiometers which are not as good in passing signal as the switches used behind these knobs. My 2 cents here, great video regardless, as usual :)
Hi there Mike! I just love your videos! You explain it so naturally and very clear and clean and yet ultra precise and professional! Thank you! You have regular follower in Zagreb, Croatia (Europe). Sincerest regards. Krešo
I'm no expert, unlike Mike, just a keen amateur home recording producer/engineer but I have to say; I've put this compressor in my mastering chain and I'm simply blown away by it. Apart from the audible difference which, in itself is awesome, it just seems to add something else harder to explain - some "musical magic" is the only way I can think of describing it. I don't often make a decision so quickly about a relatively expensive plugin but Plugin Alliance has my money for this one.
Hey Michael, really appreciate these videos! Keep up the good work. Just a small suggestion if I may, I think for future videos on really deep products like this, I would make 2 separate videos. One explaining the technicalities of the unit and the second just strictly demos. You will also have "twice" the content footprint online compared to just one really long video. Additionally, perhaps open with a demo on how amazing the plugin sounds and then people can keep watching the end to learn how it achieves it's amazing sound. It really sucks to go through 15 or so minutes of "dry" technicalities only to be disappointed with the results that the viewer waited patiently for...which wasn't the case this time, thank gawd. Just my two cents! Again, amazing stuff and ignore this feedback if it's not applicable =)
Thanks, Mike. Your reviews are always excellent. This plug in has just gone on sale and I've been sitting on the fence about getting it, since I have so many mastering compressor plugs at the moment (UAD SSL G, TDR Kotelnikov, Sknote SDC... ). But you've shown that this one seems to have some great thick and solid tone. Quite complex so a bit of a learning curve, but maybe worth it.
@@mixingwithmike Yes, I did buy it... a steal for $49! I am just giving it a shot now, comparing it to my other bus compressor plugs. But honestly, not being a mastering specialist, I find the array of controls on Iron (as well as TDR's Kotelnikov) a bit overwhelming. Nice to have options, but wow! Having said that, I am already finding Iron to be a very cool sounding thing... big, warm, dense in a good way. It may win out over the cleaner SSL and Kotelnikov for most of my rock-oriented tracks. Thanks again!
@@macreviewz7187 Sorry, you are right, I paid $99 for Iron. Can't remember if it was a coupon price, or just an intro pricing. But that was a great discount on its regular $299 pricing. It's an excellent plug in for mastering. If you can get a discount, I recommend it.
Thanks! Walkthrough is an interesting idea. I do very in depth descriptions in the Mixing With Mike live classes every Wednesday. go to the website for details (mpginsider.com)
I know you put this vid out long ago I have a lot of plugins sometimes i go back when I see it on the list when I'm checking out a new plugin on your channel ,good Job ! is the song you use on this particular tutorial a released song ? if so whats the name of the tune and artist. really like the melodies and vibe
First off - as to stepped output you really don't want to use a limiter as one poster said. Use a trim plugin. I know - another plugin to use as a workaround. Further there are at least 3 bugs as mentioned over on Gearslutz. First is sometimes the left meter doesn't work (compression still happens though); turning the plugin on & off via it's power switch cures that. Second is the color choice is not retained after saving, closing and reopening the session. Third is there's a pronounced chirp when switching between LR and MS modes and back. Iron's meters don't show it but you can hear it and it's loud enough to trigger an over as shown on the bx_meter on a following insert.
About 34-35 minutes into the video, the UI of the plugin used for the vocal was a single channel version. Is this a different plug in? or is there a different mode (for use on mono busses)?
SPL Iron on 60% of the material, in some other cases the Shadow Class A. But close call either way. Speaking of mastering, haven't tried on instruments.
Can you do. Top 10 plugin video before the year out you reviewed a lot I wanna buy all the plugins u have that you thought was great and worth the price
Hey, Mike! Great video, as usual. For some reason, I can see you doing a review on Acustica Audio's El Rey compressor plugin! I feel it may fit the music you mix, but could be wrong! Regardless, I'd love your opinion on this. LOL Cheers!
There seem to be a lot of requests for the Acoustica Audio plugin reviews, wish my experience with using them was as favorable. That said, I have not checked out the El Ray
This and Masterdesk are two completely different beasts. This is only a compressor; MD is way more than that. Also you wouldn't use MD on single tracks whereas you can do that with Iron. For me and assembling my own mastering chain I'd have this in the first slot, Fabfilter Pro Q3 or Dangerous BAX or Millenia NSEQ in slot 2 and for a limiter Fabfilter Pro L2 all followed up with the metering plugin of your own choice.
@@musicman8942 Good advice. I am also experimenting with having the UAD Ampex as the first plug in the chain, with very conservative levels, for just a bit of tape glue and warmth, but honestly not sure if it is doing all good things to the mix. Another cool plug I just grabbed on sale from Plugin Alliance is the Black Box HG-2 tube/transformer saturation box... which I learned a bunch of big names like to put in their chain as well, but driven/mixed in very conservatively. So far I'm digging that for adding a bit of energy and sizzle.
@@musicman8942 nice. I use MasterDesk on some tracks. there is some serious Mojo under the hood - things sound better - not the loudest - but just more together... For my loud stuff I use my own mastering Chain, Shadow Hills, AMEK 200 etc. but even with all that, it rarely sounds better Tham MD. Just different.
Mike, for the love of God, and our ears: Please adjust the gain of the music examples, relative to your voice! Even my dog got a shock when you began demo'ing! Can't your hear the music is way too loud, vs your voice??? In radio, I was taught to let the voice sit 3-6 db above the music (peak-wise). Try that:)
News flash! It's not the real thing. It's digital, not analog. 2 completely different worlds. The real thing is designed to respond to analog signals. The plugin, at best, attempts to emulate the same behavior in a completely different reality. Never said it was the same, but still a very useful tool and I do hear a difference. Cheers!
better than the original......original too unreliable....unless you're in 1985...this emulation is done at the highest grade...mastering compressor means it' subtle..u need better ears!
@@nadersharif i do work with the hardware in our studio. Also with SHMC , and with both plugins... You just a youtuber repeating prefabricated messages. And you probably 40 ,50 or above so u can't even hear 15k and above...it won't .after what is in front of you..you're talking wishful thinking....
@@macreviewz7187 yes your right, i am above 50 but for your information I can still hear 15k, as a matter of fact I actually did try even 17k and managed to hear. I also have the hardware and the software but it doesn't come close to the real thing. Try an analog synth verses software for example and tell me they sound the same. The real problem these days are that everyone is an expert. Look what happened to the music, 90% crap. No wonder they can't hear any difference.
I have one issue. The repetitive comments about what is or is going to happen. Just do it, dagnabbit! This would dramatically cut down on time. And not every one of Michael White's videos also needs to be a beginner course in whatever the component type is and how to use it. I guess that's two issues. So i have two issues: The repetition, and the reprogramming of the essentials, and the over analytical tone in his voice... Ok, so THREE issues! Four if we're scoring on time as its own category. What's next: torturing me with soft cushions and the comfy chair?
@@mixingwithmike I like how you share a lot of knowledge in every sentence. Repetition is essential to teach and remind important stuff to the audience. Great teaching Mike!
Sehr sehr sehr langatmiges Tutorial! Man hätte alles viel konkreter und schneller auf den "Punkt" bringen können, mit noch mehr praktischen Musikbeispielen und nicht nur mit "elektronischer Musik"...
Quick translation: you think the video is too long and should have been approached with other types of music. I have more recently started to separate the workflow and settings separately from the audio examples. Maybe i should have done this here as well.
@@mixingwithmike Ja Michael das würde ganz sicher den meisten helfen. Ich bin seit 40 Jahren als Produzent tätig, ahbe selbst noch eine große Analogkonsole mit allem Drum und Dran...
Audio examples begin at 15:38 ua-cam.com/video/ckPMpcAzgZY/v-deo.html
Thanks Mike for always giving great teachings on plugins. U were born to do it. This is my new baby I absolutely love its character, Ive heard its absolutely spot on with the console itself, I can't wait to get that one! Thanks a lot!
I really like your reviews. Not only you are very good at teaching, but also you share technical information about the plugin and the actual unit. This depth of content is rarely offered in UA-cam videos. Thank you!
Cheers!
❤
After so many years I still love this compressor, it's very musical in my opinion.
Excellent review. Picked up one of these recently after hearing good things, feature and control set is very impressive if a little overwhelming. Your breakdown has made its operation more digestible. Great work Mike.
Your reviews are simply the best and still relevant.
Thank you!
Thanks for the walkthrough. I picked this up and once I got my head around it I really enjoyed what it does. I love that it's very clean, transparent and easy to dial in the sound that you're looking for.
I had this plugin for a year and never used it. And then I watched your video yesterday on this and used it as the last comp, end of my chain, on my lead vocals and man it was exactly what i was looking for. this is my new go-to. thanks mike
From my experience the input gain has quite an effect on the compression characteristics, low gain with high threshold gives a different response to high gain low threshold, also numbing the input gain and adjusting headroom gives different results too, I assume this is the input transformers and throughput drive level altering the sound characteristics, this is where many people do not get the results that they expect, being able to see the input level on the VU meters is your best friend here I believe
I come to your reviews when I am on the fence. Great job!!
Thank you Michael. Its a pleasure to see you explain everything so detiled.
You are the best! Thank you for all of this Mixing with Mike videos!
Cheers Viktor!
+1
Please do one on the SPL PQ. I'd really like to know what you think.
Love when they say when the signal goes through the tubes, lol its a plugin bro what tubes??
The steps in the dials on this type of equipment is not really designed for replication purposes (though it is useful for this too) but rather to eliminate the use of potentiometers which are not as good in passing signal as the switches used behind these knobs. My 2 cents here, great video regardless, as usual :)
This explains as well why these units are so expensive !
Yes, that is also an important reason, and a very expensive one too.
09:30 Headroom, its the opposite - left turns the input gain up, left turns it down.
thanks Mike , one of the few I can tune into for these plugs! thorough and detailed , well balanced!cheers
Cheers!
Hi there Mike! I just love your videos! You explain it so naturally and very clear and clean and yet ultra precise and professional! Thank you! You have regular follower in Zagreb, Croatia (Europe). Sincerest regards. Krešo
Cheers!
Great video Mike! Thanks for the thorough coverage of this plugin.
I'm no expert, unlike Mike, just a keen amateur home recording producer/engineer but I have to say; I've put this compressor in my mastering chain and I'm simply blown away by it. Apart from the audible difference which, in itself is awesome, it just seems to add something else harder to explain - some "musical magic" is the only way I can think of describing it. I don't often make a decision so quickly about a relatively expensive plugin but Plugin Alliance has my money for this one.
Yes, it's a great plugin for sure
Thanks Mike. Great tutorial and demonstration. Just starting to use this tool and I can see how useful it can be.
Hey Michael, really appreciate these videos! Keep up the good work. Just a small suggestion if I may, I think for future videos on really deep products like this, I would make 2 separate videos. One explaining the technicalities of the unit and the second just strictly demos. You will also have "twice" the content footprint online compared to just one really long video.
Additionally, perhaps open with a demo on how amazing the plugin sounds and then people can keep watching the end to learn how it achieves it's amazing sound. It really sucks to go through 15 or so minutes of "dry" technicalities only to be disappointed with the results that the viewer waited patiently for...which wasn't the case this time, thank gawd.
Just my two cents! Again, amazing stuff and ignore this feedback if it's not applicable =)
I have been following this approach for the more in depth plugins, should have done the same here.
I REALLY appreciate your videos!
Thanks, Mike. Your reviews are always excellent. This plug in has just gone on sale and I've been sitting on the fence about getting it, since I have so many mastering compressor plugs at the moment (UAD SSL G, TDR Kotelnikov, Sknote SDC... ). But you've shown that this one seems to have some great thick and solid tone. Quite complex so a bit of a learning curve, but maybe worth it.
Hope you picked it up, it's a regular for my mastering work
@@mixingwithmike Yes, I did buy it... a steal for $49! I am just giving it a shot now, comparing it to my other bus compressor plugs. But honestly, not being a mastering specialist, I find the array of controls on Iron (as well as TDR's Kotelnikov) a bit overwhelming. Nice to have options, but wow! Having said that, I am already finding Iron to be a very cool sounding thing... big, warm, dense in a good way. It may win out over the cleaner SSL and Kotelnikov for most of my rock-oriented tracks. Thanks again!
@@twtobin941 it was never 49, just after u bought a lot of crap there is coupons...but still the real cost I higher....
@@macreviewz7187 Sorry, you are right, I paid $99 for Iron. Can't remember if it was a coupon price, or just an intro pricing. But that was a great discount on its regular $299 pricing. It's an excellent plug in for mastering. If you can get a discount, I recommend it.
@@twtobin941 nice! Glad you did it my friend!
Excellent indepth video imo. Thank you for all that inspiration. Cheers.
That's a killer mix! Maybe you could do mix walkthrough for a change? Pretty sure many would want such content from you. Thanks!
Thanks!
Walkthrough is an interesting idea. I do very in depth descriptions in the Mixing With Mike live classes every Wednesday. go to the website for details (mpginsider.com)
I know you put this vid out long ago I have a lot of plugins sometimes i go back when I see it on the list when I'm checking out a new plugin on your channel ,good Job ! is the song you use on this particular tutorial a released song ? if so whats the name of the tune and artist. really like the melodies and vibe
Always very detailed and informative. Thanks!
Cheers!
First off - as to stepped output you really don't want to use a limiter as one poster said. Use a trim plugin. I know - another plugin to use as a workaround.
Further there are at least 3 bugs as mentioned over on Gearslutz. First is sometimes the left meter doesn't work (compression still happens though); turning the plugin on & off via it's power switch cures that. Second is the color choice is not retained after saving, closing and reopening the session. Third is there's a pronounced chirp when switching between LR and MS modes and back. Iron's meters don't show it but you can hear it and it's loud enough to trigger an over as shown on the bx_meter on a following insert.
Great tutorial. Thank you very much 👍👍👍
Look forward to demo this plugin
Thank you Michael
.Anybody Knows the tracks Name?
About 34-35 minutes into the video, the UI of the plugin used for the vocal was a single channel version. Is this a different plug in? or is there a different mode (for use on mono busses)?
Michael thanks so much for this video! Really puts into focus the underdog the rectifier
Cheers!
Thanks a lot for your detailed explanation of the plugin! It's an awesome plugin :)
Cheers!
really impressive plugin! great demonstration Mike, cheers.
Cheers Ed!
name of the track please🙌
Thanks for your insight on this. What one do you like better. The Shadow Hills Mastering Compressor Class A. Or the SPL Iron?
SPL Iron on 60% of the material, in some other cases the Shadow Class A. But close call either way. Speaking of mastering, haven't tried on instruments.
Thanks. Yeah, I think your mix was not ready for this box...
Can you do. Top 10 plugin video before the year out you reviewed a lot I wanna buy all the plugins u have that you thought was great and worth the price
this plugin seems to bypass itself while i'm working and i'll need to refresh its settings to get it active again. so weird
Also must have hardware on hands 🙏
Thanks Mike, was waiting for your video when Brainworx announce it!
Awesome!
Hey, Mike! Great video, as usual. For some reason, I can see you doing a review on Acustica Audio's El Rey compressor plugin! I feel it may fit the music you mix, but could be wrong! Regardless, I'd love your opinion on this. LOL Cheers!
There seem to be a lot of requests for the Acoustica Audio plugin reviews, wish my experience with using them was as favorable. That said, I have not checked out the El Ray
Thanks for this informative video. Bit off-topic, but whose track is this?
somebody's someone's private person track....
Great Review! thanks!
Thanks Adrian!
Nice video bro.
Cheers!
Cheers!
What exactly do you mean with "focused"? Pls specify this...
Pulling the elements together as one coherent whole.
opposite of ADHD
I bought masterdesk, how much would I need this owning MD?
This and Masterdesk are two completely different beasts. This is only a compressor; MD is way more than that. Also you wouldn't use MD on single tracks whereas you can do that with Iron. For me and assembling my own mastering chain I'd have this in the first slot, Fabfilter Pro Q3 or Dangerous BAX or Millenia NSEQ in slot 2 and for a limiter Fabfilter Pro L2 all followed up with the metering plugin of your own choice.
@@musicman8942 - came for Iron, left with Millenia NSEQ
@@musicman8942 Good advice. I am also experimenting with having the UAD Ampex as the first plug in the chain, with very conservative levels, for just a bit of tape glue and warmth, but honestly not sure if it is doing all good things to the mix. Another cool plug I just grabbed on sale from Plugin Alliance is the Black Box HG-2 tube/transformer saturation box... which I learned a bunch of big names like to put in their chain as well, but driven/mixed in very conservatively. So far I'm digging that for adding a bit of energy and sizzle.
@@musicman8942 nice. I use MasterDesk on some tracks. there is some serious Mojo under the hood - things sound better - not the loudest - but just more together... For my loud stuff I use my own mastering Chain, Shadow Hills, AMEK 200 etc. but even with all that, it rarely sounds better Tham MD. Just different.
i could release 10 albums before i learn this plugin )))
All men were not created equal and certainly, all compressors were not created equal.
I think attack was fast
Don't hear any difference...Maybe my hearings in adolence stages
it's a varimu so the effect is really transparent.
The red skin compresses faster...
For those of you not interested in all the nerd babbling, audio demo's start at 15:50.
Is this the mic a pilot uses on an airplane? Lol
$29 bucks for another two days. It is good indeed, but the musical example doesn't do it full justice IMO.
Mike, for the love of God, and our ears:
Please adjust the gain of the music examples, relative to your voice! Even my dog got a shock when you began demo'ing!
Can't your hear the music is way too loud, vs your voice???
In radio, I was taught to let the voice sit 3-6 db above the music (peak-wise). Try that:)
actually this video isn't as bad as some here on YT
musicman8942 It's a common problem, sure;) But easily solved by the creators.
just wanted to say the same. very nice presentation, but please give the audio a bit of fader riding, before you upload. my ears =(
Tubes software tubes!
Pressing the plugin in or out i hear no difference.
Try the real thing and you will hear the difference
News flash! It's not the real thing. It's digital, not analog. 2 completely different worlds. The real thing is designed to respond to analog signals. The plugin, at best, attempts to emulate the same behavior in a completely different reality. Never said it was the same, but still a very useful tool and I do hear a difference.
Cheers!
better than the original......original too unreliable....unless you're in 1985...this emulation is done at the highest grade...mastering compressor means it' subtle..u need better ears!
@@macreviewz7187 do you have the original. Have you used the hardware?
Cause if you have one then im not sure who needs a better ear.
@@nadersharif i do work with the hardware in our studio. Also with SHMC , and with both plugins... You just a youtuber repeating prefabricated messages. And you probably 40 ,50 or above so u can't even hear 15k and above...it won't .after what is in front of you..you're talking wishful thinking....
@@macreviewz7187 yes your right, i am above 50 but for your information I can still hear 15k, as a matter of fact I actually did try even 17k and managed to hear. I also have the hardware and the software but it doesn't come close to the real thing. Try an analog synth verses software for example and tell me they sound the same. The real problem these days are that everyone is an expert.
Look what happened to the music, 90% crap. No wonder they can't hear any difference.
Its good to know that Sheldon got work after the big bang.
Sheldon? How millennial of you. I think I've earned a bit more street cred than that. I'm a more OG like Kermit the Frog.
@@mixingwithmike I think that' the highest compliment one can get though. Sheldon Cooper....
I don't hear much of a difference... are my ears Fu**ed or is this snake oil....
amen
Snake oil
Crap pop song but we gotta live with the mainstream life too.
The examples already sound processed to the nines to begin with...snorrrrrrrrre. A pointless nerd-out over software,, unfortunately.
I've lost my faith that you're going to play anything through the plugin.
Stop talking
I have one issue. The repetitive comments about what is or is going to happen. Just do it, dagnabbit! This would dramatically cut down on time.
And not every one of Michael White's videos also needs to be a beginner course in whatever the component type is and how to use it. I guess that's two issues.
So i have two issues: The repetition, and the reprogramming of the essentials, and the over analytical tone in his voice...
Ok, so THREE issues! Four if we're scoring on time as its own category.
What's next: torturing me with soft cushions and the comfy chair?
Guess this is not the channel for you...
@@mixingwithmike Definitely can't disagree with that.
I don't want to have Mr. White cut it down. I'm here for the reason he doesn't do that. Cheers
@@mixingwithmike I like how you share a lot of knowledge in every sentence. Repetition is essential to teach and remind important stuff to the audience. Great teaching Mike!
Sehr sehr sehr langatmiges Tutorial! Man hätte alles viel konkreter und schneller auf den "Punkt" bringen können, mit noch mehr praktischen Musikbeispielen und nicht nur mit "elektronischer Musik"...
Quick translation: you think the video is too long and should have been approached with other types of music. I have more recently started to separate the workflow and settings separately from the audio examples. Maybe i should have done this here as well.
@@mixingwithmike Ja Michael das würde ganz sicher den meisten helfen. Ich bin seit 40 Jahren als Produzent tätig, ahbe selbst noch eine große Analogkonsole mit allem Drum und Dran...