Tape Saturation tech-niques

[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.