Tape Saturation tech-niques

[yellaman]

kokoto robot... can u tell me a bit more about how u use the Nagra.. after reading ur reply ive been lookin around for it on the net and hav found various models of it.. which one would u use and how mate?? techniques etc. They look so sexy and there nice and small unlike studers etc what is the sound like?? there very pricey wuld u say there worth the $$... thanks guyz

[yellaman]

also Dirty Bass.. can u explain anything about certain valve/tube models and how they affect sound please.. ive always been attracted to tubetech but have never really played about on one... if u were to choose between an outboard EQ or Comp which would it be?? thanks Dirty B

[dirty_bass]

also Dirty Bass.. can u explain anything about certain valve/tube models and how they affect sound please.. ive always been attracted to tubetech but have never really played about on one... if u were to choose between an outboard EQ or Comp which would it be?? thanks Dirty B

Outboard compression, without a doubt, first.
And then outboard EQ.

As for which bit of outboard, that`s very difficult to say.
There is little out there under 3 grand that can`t be replicated with software, so I`d have to have a good long think.
Also it depends on the type of music, as when you are spending this kind of money, you are getting stuff with distinct sound and purpose, rather than a catch all multi tasking machine.

The Cranesong STC-8 Mastering processor is great.
Not really tube-tech, but it doesn`t matter. It`s pure sex in a box.

or the Shadow Hills Mastering Compressor, this is amazing too

but if I had to pin it down to just 2 compressors, it would be a toss up between the classic fairchild 670 or the gorgeous Manley Stereo Mu.

I used to have an extremely rare Marshal 1960`s era compressor, and loved it, but once I really learned my shit, it was just far too coloured and mushy for the work I was doing, so I sold it for a mint.

EQ would have to be the Manley Massive Passive EQ. Raw sex.

I recently plumped for the Focusrite liquid mix however, which does an amazing job of emulating old tubetech kit.
Very very happy with this bit of kit, thoroughly recommended.

[Kokotorobot]

kokoto robot... can u tell me a bit more about how u use the Nagra.. after reading ur reply ive been lookin around for it on the net and hav found various models of it.. which one would u use and how mate?? techniques etc. They look so sexy and there nice and small unlike studers etc what is the sound like?? there very pricey wuld u say there worth the $$... thanks guyz

well the nagra is a portable recorder, it's main use is to record shit in the field...it's extremely good at that, very solid construction and the batteries last forever. it's amazing and unbreakable

what i did is to simply run a synths output into it, overdrive and keep it running while playing and messing with the knobs...playback at different speeds and stop the tape by hand here and there.

literally just playing around, but the results are stunning. i wouldn't hesitate to get one of them if i had the cash

i had the mono version, but theres some stereo ones floating around as well - i wouldn't use it to saturate entire mixes but more as a recorder and sound design tool

[stjohn]

what good tape/saturation plugs are u lads using?

think im in need of a new one