Late to the party. The original gives you a bit of a ‘sounds like a record’ feel but the Class A sounds absolutely like a great record. You can hear everything so much more clearly, especially the individual instruments. Great walkthrough.
Thank you so much for going in depth with the parameters! It’s amazing to hear the culminated sound with groups together on the Class A! Full, warm, punchy, “analog”, rich, powerful
The original sounded nice, thick, and forward when the whole mix was in. The Class A sounded very clear, open & set back from the listener. Definitely could use this to your advantage, leveraging the advantages and strengths of both within the same mix.
Hey Mike! I had to check your comments section to see if you had any questions. I don’t have any. You precisely explain every section of every plugin you review. Thanks!
I wanted the Shadow Hills comp for a long time, mainly because of its cool look and reputation. I grabbed this as soon as it came out and used it a lot for a while. Nowadays, though, I hardly touch it. I don’t know if it’s just something I’m doing wrong, but I never seem to get good results with it.
Hi! I had the same issue. I think it works best with very gentle compression. Rarely do I do more than a single db with either comp. Also, I generally don’t use sidechain filters in my compressors, but Shadow Hills is an exception. I think the Discrete compressor sometimes benefits very strongly with the sidechain in.
@@zachary963 Lol I absolutely slammed this korg bass I made with it and it sounds great. Sounds pretty analog in the sense that I'm doing like -7db and it sounds natural.
Greatest reviews. One thing I would like to see is you smashing the dynamic processors you test, so we can hear the units at their extreme. Thanks for your time.
Yes, you are not the first to recommend this. I try to demonstrate the primary use first as this is the way most would use it. Perhaps this approach is worth a separate vid.
Very glad you made this review! I liked seeing what settings you recommend and how much gain reduction to use. I was impressed by the clarity and depth the plugin gave to your mix and you didn't even use the mono maker or stereo width features!
Same here , however only had the original. I recently tried it out again and was so pleased with it that I bought the class A and now I'm just loving the gentle clear compression.
It may be feeling weird, sure, deny of moving from town to town, this works. But for instance- drum, splash, drum also there is sound like rolling with deep metallic
Saar Dean make a setting state that you like and save it as a default preset. That way you can start fresh with your basic default setting every time and tweak the setting from there. I would however, recommend you start completely fresh for every treatment because your source material isn’t likely to sound and need the same settings from song to song. Hope this helps.
Enjoy your videos Mike. Always concise and so easy to follow... much appreciated. Could you please give Acustica's El Rey a look over? Keen to get your thoughts! Cheers from downunder...
I have a solid mastering chain already. I think I will try this on the mix buss as the final out. I had been using the Slate as my final mix out plug in before master. I like it, but I want to see how the color of this sounds on my tracks.
I kind of like the high end on the old version...the new one does have a pretty forward mid range overall with just a tad more detail on some material.
Hi! Nice video. Question: How do you compensate for the HIGH CUT which starts at 15000kHz and goes down to 22000kHz on the Shadow Hills Mastering Compressor Class A? This high cut is only active when the First OPTO Compressor is turned on. It really knocks me off my feet every time - when I'm Mastering an already well balanced mix in frequency response. How do you deal with this "problem" - CUT? In the old version (green) - we know that this "problem" is not present.
Thanks for the review Michael... Apart from looking great. Is it something a stock compressor can't do? I've been A/B and can't find a reason to buy it...
I love the Iron transformer, it reminds me of the SPL Iron, but for mastering the TMT is off. I hate what it does to linearity. TMT does a good job on their chanelstrips. But there are plugins where the TMT is making a song worse. That's my humble opinion. Thanks for the review.
Love the videos mike! One of my favorite channels. Btw, can you elaborate a little about that snare sound? I love the sound of it and wanted to know how to get it!
and that doesn't mean Plugin. It means Graphical User Interface, basically the appearance of a software, or a plugin (how it's designed) - in case you didn't already know.
Green is a lil dirtier colour mildy lesser punch and depth imo but very subtle are these things, so it is quite objective if you have both and what choice of mix bus or master bus to drop them on, I only have the red lights, but studied and listened to enough examples and comparisons by some of the super trooper folk on here, enjoy
Finally! A comparison. Btw Michael, have you noticed that brainworx version (original green one) is still different to uad. Supposed to be same but very different. And flipping the phase doesnt cancel out which proves the point
Dear Micheal - thanks for this awsome video !!! NOBODY explains plugins like you do. I have a question, maybe stupid, but can you tell us which MASTERING compressor plugin is YOUR go-to mastering compressor when you wish to make it sound BIGGER, as in WIDER as in MORE SPACE between the elements ???? To make make jump out FRONT and SIDE of the speakers ????
Great review, as always. Your mix sound so good, so well balanced, esp. the instruments bus. And I haven’t see any plugins other than shadow hills. Thx again ✌🏼
Michael White quick question Michael. Is TMT necessary in mastering ? I would think that mastering engineers like both of their L&R to be identical right ?
Great Videos thank you mike, I've been watching many of them today as I am buying yet more plugins as AP have another sale offer, looking at the Iron and class A Shadow Hills as I can get each one for $29.99! My Music is mostly in the box other than some percussion tracks I include being a percussionist, problem is I write many different genres for EDM to classical using spitfire Audio. Before I hit the buy button is there anything you can recommend? I'm running Logic Pro x with Focusrite 18i8. Thanks again.. Sy
Hey mike, great review as always. I suggest you to try out Aquamarine 4 by Acustica Audio, it’s also an emulation of Shadow Hills Mastering Compressor, and a very good one. Some think it’s better than the Plugin Alliance one.
i wonder how it sounds if you set the Sc to 666 . Will it sound like a beast? Funny , there is another plugin called Atheos. A greek buddy told me it means "Godless" in greek. Arent these two plugins funny?
Maybe the hardware version is great, but the software sounds like dick. I got it for $30 on special. Don't spend the $299. The Opti section is really unpleasant. The Discrete is a butcher. The mix of the two is pure dread. Spent two days tweaking different multitrack projects through it. Doesn't make the mix or the master any better. I have 20 other software compressors I'd use for glue. The FabFilter compressor's way better. Or the SSL's. Or the Focusrite. Or Newfangled Audio... Or the friggin' onboard Logic Pro X compressor is better. As you can hear on this demo, which was very well presented, it sounds.. unimpressive and barely audible. That's because if he notched it any more than that, the sound literally gets obliterated.
Late to the party. The original gives you a bit of a ‘sounds like a record’ feel but the Class A sounds absolutely like a great record. You can hear everything so much more clearly, especially the individual instruments. Great walkthrough.
Thank you so much for going in depth with the parameters! It’s amazing to hear the culminated sound with groups together on the Class A! Full, warm, punchy, “analog”, rich, powerful
Best reviews on YT, thank you Michael!!
your to reviews on YT spoiler me
Cheers!
The original sounded nice, thick, and forward when the whole mix was in. The Class A sounded very clear, open & set back from the listener. Definitely could use this to your advantage, leveraging the advantages and strengths of both within the same mix.
Hey Mike! I had to check your comments section to see if you had any questions. I don’t have any. You precisely explain every section of every plugin you review. Thanks!
I wanted the Shadow Hills comp for a long time, mainly because of its cool look and reputation. I grabbed this as soon as it came out and used it a lot for a while. Nowadays, though, I hardly touch it. I don’t know if it’s just something I’m doing wrong, but I never seem to get good results with it.
Hi! I had the same issue. I think it works best with very gentle compression. Rarely do I do more than a single db with either comp. Also, I generally don’t use sidechain filters in my compressors, but Shadow Hills is an exception. I think the Discrete compressor sometimes benefits very strongly with the sidechain in.
@@zachary963 Lol I absolutely slammed this korg bass I made with it and it sounds great. Sounds pretty analog in the sense that I'm doing like -7db and it sounds natural.
There is high freq roll-off on the optical session of the Class A version but the original version doesn't have it.
Another incredibly helpful runthrough of another killer plugin. That final example, with everything up--holy crap, I about headed to the river! XD
Greatest reviews. One thing I would like to see is you smashing the dynamic processors you test, so we can hear the units at their extreme. Thanks for your time.
Yes, you are not the first to recommend this. I try to demonstrate the primary use first as this is the way most would use it. Perhaps this approach is worth a separate vid.
@@mixingwithmike nah just crank it quickly a couple times throughout maybe. love ur vids, keep up the great work Mike
yes please!
HI Mike, tks for the review! do you think it would be useful buy the regular version if I already have the class A one? thanks again!!
Having M/S mode on the Class A is a big deal. Really helps in mastering situations. The original has a dual mono mode but doesn't work quite the same.
Very glad you made this review! I liked seeing what settings you recommend and how much gain reduction to use. I was impressed by the clarity and depth the plugin gave to your mix and you didn't even use the mono maker or stereo width features!
Cheers!
Great comparison and a great tutorial. I loved the stems you used in this video.
Same here , however only had the original. I recently tried it out again and was so pleased with it that I bought the class A and now I'm just loving the gentle clear compression.
Amen! Shine God's light brother!
Great video! I want to compare the Class A to the BX Townhouse and the SSL Buss Compressor 2.
It works, for some reason playing drums has new depth, awesome, thanks for vid
It may be feeling weird, sure, deny of moving from town to town, this works. But for instance- drum, splash, drum also there is sound like rolling with deep metallic
Hey Michael. Is there a way to save a wanted state of settings as Default? I cant find a way in the Manual. I hate readjusting every time
Saar Dean make a setting state that you like and save it as a default preset. That way you can start fresh with your basic default setting every time and tweak the setting from there. I would however, recommend you start completely fresh for every treatment because your source material isn’t likely to sound and need the same settings from song to song. Hope this helps.
Enjoy your videos Mike. Always concise and so easy to follow... much appreciated. Could you please give Acustica's El Rey a look over? Keen to get your thoughts! Cheers from downunder...
This
I have a solid mastering chain already. I think I will try this on the mix buss as the final out. I had been using the Slate as my final mix out plug in before master. I like it, but I want to see how the color of this sounds on my tracks.
I think this will do better than Slate for sure.
I kind of like the high end on the old version...the new one does have a pretty forward mid range overall with just a tad more detail on some material.
Pro tip : you can watch series at flixzone. Me and my gf have been using it for watching loads of movies lately.
@Russell Duke Yea, I have been watching on Flixzone} for since november myself :D
@Russell Duke Definitely, have been watching on Flixzone} for months myself =)
@Russell Duke yea, been watching on flixzone} for months myself =)
@Russell Duke Yea, been using Flixzone} for since december myself :)
So "In-Out" In measn ON and Out= Bypassed?
Fantastic and knowledgeable breakdown of this plugin. You get great results with it. Thanks much.
Hi! Nice video. Question: How do you compensate for the HIGH CUT which starts at 15000kHz and goes down to 22000kHz on the Shadow Hills Mastering Compressor Class A? This high cut is only active when the First OPTO Compressor is turned on. It really knocks me off my feet every time - when I'm Mastering an already well balanced mix in frequency response. How do you deal with this "problem" - CUT? In the old version (green) - we know that this "problem" is not present.
Very very good and accurate test ! Thank you so much Michael :)
Cheers!
I like the old compressor
Thanks for the review Michael...
Apart from looking great. Is it something a stock compressor can't do? I've been A/B and can't find a reason to buy it...
and what is the difference with the sknote version?
I love the Iron transformer, it reminds me of the SPL Iron, but for mastering the TMT is off. I hate what it does to linearity. TMT does a good job on their chanelstrips. But there are plugins where the TMT is making a song worse. That's my humble opinion. Thanks for the review.
Well done. I like the song!
Nice toms Mike! I won’t be holding my breath for UAD to deliver that upgrade any time soon. In any case, I love SHMC, thanks for the video!
Are saying I have a great rack? Hahaha
I guess the UA update would depend on the licensing deal they have. Wouldn't hold my breath.
Nice comparison. What are the drums used here? Vst drums or live ones?
Love the videos mike! One of my favorite channels. Btw, can you elaborate a little about that snare sound? I love the sound of it and wanted to know how to get it!
uad one runs at 4 % cpu in stereo ...thats pretty impressive for a all in one
Definitely want to get this one.
Good for mixing into 2-bus and very usable for groups.
that's not a compliment for a MASTERING compressor at all.
Sounded awesome! 💯
...omg this is an amazing song....👍
thanks
Cheers!
I've heard a few people call plugins "Gooeys" now whats the back story on this?
GUI, or gooey, saying the letters as a word.
@@burninglcd thank you kind sir
and that doesn't mean Plugin. It means Graphical User Interface, basically the appearance of a software, or a plugin (how it's designed) - in case you didn't already know.
Awesome detailed review. Thank you!
Thanks Mike! Very Good comparison.
how would you use both versions? I only have the green version and am considering buying the red one
Green is a lil dirtier colour mildy lesser punch and depth imo but very subtle are these things, so it is quite objective if you have both and what choice of mix bus or master bus to drop them on, I only have the red lights, but studied and listened to enough examples and comparisons by some of the super trooper folk on here, enjoy
Finally! A comparison. Btw Michael, have you noticed that brainworx version (original green one) is still different to uad. Supposed to be same but very different. And flipping the phase doesnt cancel out which proves the point
I have not compared the native to UA version. I will check that out...
Dear Micheal - thanks for this awsome video !!! NOBODY explains plugins like you do. I have a question, maybe stupid, but can you tell us which MASTERING compressor plugin is YOUR go-to mastering compressor when you wish to make it sound BIGGER, as in WIDER as in MORE SPACE between the elements ???? To make make jump out FRONT and SIDE of the speakers ????
Great review, as always. Your mix sound so good, so well balanced, esp. the instruments bus. And I haven’t see any plugins other than shadow hills.
Thx again ✌🏼
Cheers!
Michael White quick question Michael. Is TMT necessary in mastering ? I would think that mastering engineers like both of their L&R to be identical right ?
Thanks man! awesome information.
Mike´s the best...
Cheers!
Great Videos thank you mike, I've been watching many of them today as I am buying yet more plugins as AP have another sale offer, looking at the Iron and class A Shadow Hills as I can get each one for $29.99! My Music is mostly in the box other than some percussion tracks I include being a percussionist, problem is I write many different genres for EDM to classical using spitfire Audio. Before I hit the buy button is there anything you can recommend? I'm running Logic Pro x with Focusrite 18i8. Thanks again.. Sy
ITB recommendations? This is a great one! I also think the Lindell 80 Series Console is a must buy.
Thank you Mike, I’ll be checking it out tomorrow.
@@mixingwithmike - agree! just grabbed the Lindell 80 and considering the Class A for my other $29 deal.
@@hodshonf Nice!
you're full of sh... Class A Red is 299, on sale sometimes for 99 at best. Keep dreaming at 29...
Hey mike, great review as always.
I suggest you to try out Aquamarine 4 by Acustica Audio, it’s also an emulation of Shadow Hills Mastering Compressor, and a very good one. Some think it’s better than the Plugin Alliance one.
free?
I have a really hard time with Acustica, personally. I ended up removing all my Acustica plugins from my hard drive.
Great review, thank you :)
Thanks.... 🍻
Cheers!
what is the difference between this mastering plugin, and one without Class A, which is on discount now?
You didn't watch the video?
i wonder how it sounds if you set the Sc to 666 . Will it sound like a beast? Funny , there is another plugin called Atheos. A greek buddy told me it means "Godless" in greek. Arent these two plugins funny?
Now I want the real thing........
people who pretend like it's night and day really annoy me
Maybe the hardware version is great, but the software sounds like dick. I got it for $30 on special. Don't spend the $299. The Opti section is really unpleasant. The Discrete is a butcher. The mix of the two is pure dread. Spent two days tweaking different multitrack projects through it. Doesn't make the mix or the master any better. I have 20 other software compressors I'd use for glue. The FabFilter compressor's way better. Or the SSL's. Or the Focusrite. Or Newfangled Audio... Or the friggin' onboard Logic Pro X compressor is better. As you can hear on this demo, which was very well presented, it sounds.. unimpressive and barely audible. That's because if he notched it any more than that, the sound literally gets obliterated.
I hate these kind of 'reviews' with 99% of talking and only 1% of actual audio demos.
Review and demostración are 2 different things
Keep scrolling then.
Boy too much bla bla