UAD Studio City - jolly good

[Guy Rowland]

I've said a bazillion times I don't any more EQs or compressors. Well, I needed a new compressor. Specifically, UAD's LA-2A. I'd migrated to the free software version as I'm weaning myself off the hardware, but I'd noticed it doesn't handle high levels very well - it would sound square when it absolutely shouldn't. So I decided the next time there was a silly sale, I'd get the proper UAD(x) version, and this hour's current deal of 3 UAD(x) plugins for $50 seemed to fit the bill.

What else to get? No more compressors! EQs! Reverbs! Almost no more anything. I ended up getting the Anthem mono synth for no good reason (no more synths!), but the big surprise was Studio City.

This really is very well done. Never mind the hype of "they recorded Nevermind here - hey, you too can be like Nirvana", what you get are placeable microphones in 3D space, and the ability to switch those mics out for alts, and optionally through speakers, all in a very intuitive interface. The results aren't subtle (unless you want them to be) - it's terrifically versatile, and a lot of fun.

It also has 2 ensemble modes for strings and brass. This isn't a chorus effect, but I think seems to be more about exciting a room - could suit pop very well.

[Luke]

Indeed, Sound City is great for those times when you need that kind of sound/setup. I have used it for both Horns and Strings in pop/rock context and it does work quite well. There's definitely a good level of excitement with horns: you can hear the reflection bouncing off the walls (sort of thing). It doesn't always work for me on account of it being an all-or-nothing proposition. The Re-mic Mode I reckon is how's it's truly meant to be used, while the reverb mode gives you another choice for blending the effect. That's where I get into hit-and-miss territory: once you get the effect blended to where it feels right, much of it has lost its actual charm to me. I'm yet to try it as a send/return setup.

As for the sale, I'm curious because it sounds like you're seeing a different line-up of plugins on that $49 offer than I am. Sound City isn't present for me (even with the "Hide Owned" toggle inactive). I was thinking that I could finally pick up the Capitol Mastering Compressor, ATR-102 and Fairchild just for kicks, but this combination only seems to be available in the $99 offer, which is too much for stuff I definitely DO NOT need.

Famous last words.

[Guy Rowland]

As for the sale, I'm curious because it sounds like you're seeing a different line-up of plugins on that $49 offer than I am. Sound City isn't present for me (even with the "Hide Owned" toggle inactive). I was thinking that I could finally pick up the Capitol Mastering Compressor, ATR-102 and Fairchild just for kicks, but this combination only seems to be available in the $99 offer, which is too much for stuff I definitely DO NOT need.

Famous last words.

That's curious. Maybe Sound City was a glitch in the lower powered 3-plugin option and has been removed - I can't see it now either.

I ruined it for everyone. Soz.

[Guy Rowland]

While Studio City has rudely vanished from the 3 for $50 deal, it's in a 5 for $69 deal

https://www.uaudio.com/products/uad-mix-tape-5

Or UAD Select 3+3 for $79

https://www.uaudio.com/products/uad-sel ... s-3-bundle

[wst3]

I have a real softspot for studio emulations. They aren't perfect, but they add so much to a production.

Sound City is great. as is Ocean Way Studios. I use both frequently.

And while I was hesitant to jump back on the IKMedia bandwagon, I also added their Sunset Sound Studios plugin, and it is everybit as good as I had hoped.

Some of us will likely never have the opportunity to record in these spaces (especially Ocean Way, very sad) so a direct comparison is not possible. HOWEVER, the sound that they add to individual tracks and mixes is just irreplacable.

I'm not giving up on artificial reverb plugins, there are several that are fantastic, but there is just something about emulating the behavior of an actual room, especially a room which one has (unknowingly) heard all one's life that adds a little extra magic.

I wish there were more of these sorts of plugins!

[wst3]

I shouls have included IKM's Fame studios plugin in my list. Not quite as dramatic as the other three, but still really good, and still gets used!