Studio Effects 
List of user reviews Studio Effects
- Product FMR Audio PBC-6A By moosers on 02/06/2010 Music is my profession
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Characteristics 
- The FMR Audio PBC-6A is a single channel compressor, and is the newest that FMR Audio has to offer. It has both XLR and 1/4" connections and isn't in a traditional rack mountable case, as it is in a box about half the size. I have though, seen two units of this size made by FMR Audio in a custom rack.
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Utilization
- If you've ever used a compressor before, you will be able to use the FMR Audio PBC-6A without a problem. It has pretty much all of the basic parameters associated with compressors. You've got knobs for drive, knee, attack, release, and output, as well as switches for 'thick' and bypass. It also has LED metering for gain reduction. Not too much else that you need to know about this unit, so unless you don't understand what these parameters do, a manual is not needed.
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Sound Quality
- While a bit different than it's counterpart, the RNC (Really Nice Compressor), the FMR Audio PBC-6A has an overall very impressive tone. It is versatile as I've found it useful in just about every situation I've used it in. However, I do feel that you need to know this compressor in order to use it in the right spots, as it isn't for use with everything. It will hit your signal very hard! Of course you can back off a little bit depending on how you set the parameters, but in general this is a heavy compressor for sure...
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Overall Opinion
- When compared with the Really Nice Compressor, the FMR Audio PBC-6A isn't the same type of bang for your buck deal, but is nonetheless a very good deal. They set the bar very high with the RNC, which is probably the best deal on a compressor out there. Having said this, the PBC-6A comes quite close, as you're getting a top of the line compressor for around $500 USD. Absolutely worth looking into for both home and professional studio owners alike.
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- Product Pendulum Audio OCL-2 By moosers on 02/06/2010 Music is my profession
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Characteristics
- The Pendulum Audio OCL-2 is a dual channel compressor/limiter that runs on vacuum tubes. The unit is made up of analog parts, with the two channels having the same make up. I can't say what types of connections the OCL-2 has in the back, as the one that I've used was already racked in the studio that I used it in. This is indeed a rackable piece of gear that will take up two rack spaces.
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Utilization
- Even though there are a lot of parameters to work with on the Pendulum Audio OCL-2, most of the parameters should be very familiar to those with experience using compressors. Each of the channels has knobs for threshold, ratio, and output. It also has a mode knob which allows you to either choose a fast attack/release, a preset one, or to use the attack and release knobs manually. There is also a VU meter that is programmable and allows you to choose metering of either input, output, or gain reduction. Each channel also has a bypass switch, and the whole unit also has a link/split switch as well. Unless you're a beginner with dynamic processors, and manually isn't necessary but I can't say anything about its make up since I haven't seen it myself.
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Sound Quality
- The sound of the Pendulum Audio OCL-2 is super clean and it sure gives you a lot of features and options to control your sound as well. It is suitable for use with any instrument or voice that you might want compression with, as I've found it easy to adapt to most any situation that might arise. This isn't the thickest sounding compressor out there, but is more of the transparent type, which is definitely something that I don't mind as it adds to options available when I'm mixing or tracking. Overall, the OCL-2 has a very impressive sound.
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Overall Opinion
- Of course any dynamic processor with Class A circuits and two channels of high quality compression will cost you a bit of change, as is the case with the Pendulum Audio OCL-2. However, if you're a professional engineer or studio owner looking for a top tier stereo compressor regardless of price and are just looking for a great sound, this is definitely a piece of gear worth investigating.
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- Product Great River EQ-1NV By moosers on 02/03/2010 Music is my profession
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Characteristics
- The Great River EQ-1NV is a single channel, four band equalizer with an addition high pass filter. The EQ is made up of all analog parts, and has 1/4" TRS connections. It isn't a rack mountable piece of gear as it has its own shape and size that will sit on any sort of desk or table top.
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Utilization
- If you are familiar with the way parametric EQs are set up and how they are used, the Great River EQ-1NV won't present any problems for you. Each of the four bands of EQ have the standard parameters of gain and frequency, and each also has a button to choose between a few different bandwidth settings. In addition, there is a knob to choose the high pass frequency, as well as a bypass button for it. There is also an overall bypass button and an input level knob. I've never seen the manual for this, so I can't say too much about its make up.
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Sound Quality
- Like pretty much all of the gear that I've used from Great River, the EQ-1NV is a top tier sounding equalizer. It has a very full inherent tone, and does exactly what it is told in terms of sculpting your sound. I've used it for EQing vocals, snare drum, and acoustic guitar, but it's capabilities definitely range far beyond this as I do believe that it would be suitable in any situation where you might want some EQ. I find that the four bands are more than enough to work with...
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Overall Opinion
- I first used the Great River EQ-1NV about six or eight months ago, and I'm eagerly awaiting another chance to use this as it sounds absolutely awesome. Though pretty expensive, those who are seriously interested in something like this probably already understand that this is around the price that you're going to pay for top end quality. If you're a studio owner of any type looking to add some serious tone for equalization, look no further than the EQ-1NV.
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- Product Retro Instruments 2A3 Dual Channel Tube EQ By moosers on 01/31/2010 Music is my profession
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Characteristics
- The Retro Instruments 2A3 Dual Channel Tube EQ is a high quality equalizer designed for use in the recording studio. It is made up of all analog components, including four 12AX7 tubes. It has XLR inputs and outputs in the back, and will take up two spaces in a traditional rack mount.
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Utilization
- Each of the channels on the Retro Instruments 2A3 Dual Channel Tube EQ has the exact same make up. Each has two bands for low and high, each with knobs for boost and attenuation. Each band has knobs with fixed frequencies to choose from, and a bypass switch as well. A unique filter that it also has is for both of the channels is known as the subsonic filter, which has filtering options at 40 and 90 Hz. This is pretty much an identical configuration to the classic Pultec EQs, but even if you don't have experience with them you should be able to figure out how to use this without the assistance of the manual.
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Sound Quality
- Without a doubt, the Retro Instruments 2A3 Dual Channel Tube EQ is one of the best sounding outboard equalizers that I have used. The tubes really make a huge difference in the sound as it makes it a thick and warm sounding EQ that does its job perfectly. While you might not have as many bands here as you would with some other parametric EQs out there, this isn't too big of a concern for me because I find that I'm able to do with it what I would like regardless. There are definitely no limitations on what the 2A3 can be used on, as it can adapt to any application that you'd like to throw its way for sure...
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Overall Opinion
- I first used the Retro Instruments 2A3 Dual Channel Tube EQ less than a year ago, and have only had the chance to use it a few times here and there since then. I would definitely use the 2A3 on every single session if it was possible, as it just sounds that good. Of course with a top notch piece of gear like this comes a big price tag, but since it is designed for professionals, this is probably an after though for those who are seriously considering a piece of gear like this, but it certainly does cost a lot. If you can afford this or get a chance to use it, definitely take full advantage of the 2A3 as it is a special piece of outboard gear without a doubt.
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- Product Chandler Limited Little Devil Compressor By moosers on 01/30/2010 Music is my profession
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Characteristics
- The Chandler Limited Little Devil Compressor is a FET based dynamic processor in 500 series of modules which fit into the lunchbox style rack made famous by API. This is a single channel compressor which I'm not sure of the connections since it was already racked up in a lunchbox style rack in the studio that I used it at. The unit is made up of all analog components and isn't rack mountable in a traditional rack space.
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Utilization
- The configuration of the Chandler Limited Little Devil Compressor shouldn't be anything too hard to decipher for experienced users, and even for those without too much experience. As long as you have basic knowledge of what a compressor does and the parameters that go along with it, I think you be able to figure out how to use this without a problem. The unit has parameters in form of knobs for input, make up, attack, release, and a side chain filter. There are also switches for ratio, curve, and bypass. I don't believe that a manual will be needed beyond perhaps for the process of setting this up.
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Sound Quality
- The sound of the Chandler Limited Little Devil Compressor is pretty outstanding in general. Every sound that I've been able to get with the compressor has been nothing short of impressive. It is also a versatile piece of gear considering how many different parameters that you have to work with, as the palette extends beyond just your standard compression parameters. The Little Devil is suitable for use with anything that you'd like to compress. A few applications that I've used it for include drums and electric guitar, which are two situations where compression is used pretty often as far as I'm concerned. I do believe however that this compressor would be able to adapt to just about any situation that you threw its way...
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Overall Opinion
- Like all top tier pieces of equipment, the Chandler Limited Little Devil Compressor isn't your cheap compressor. It will cost you about a grand in USD, which is about right for a compressor of this quality, and is actually a pretty good deal. I guess you save the money on this because it isn't as large as a traditional rack mountable piece of gear. I'd really only recommend this if you have a lunchbox to put it in and to power it up, although this wouldn't be a bad place to start your lunchbox collection either...Simply put the Chandler Limited Little Devil is a great sounding compressor...
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- Product Mutronics Mutator By moosers on 01/24/2010 Music is my profession
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Characteristics
- The Mutronics Mutator is a uniquely designed filter with a whole ton of cool features. It is a stereo unit, so it has two separate channels, and is made up of purely analog components. I'm not sure of the connections that it has since the one that I have used was already pre racked in the studio that I used it in. It is a rack mountable piece of gear and will take up two spaces.
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Utilization
- The Mutronics Mutator is split up into a few different sections. It has two main sections for envelope follower and LFO, and then has a three unnamed section with a few other parameters. The first section (env follower) has three parameters to work with while the LFO section has the same in terms of knobs, but a few more switches. There are also general parameters for envelope sweep, cut off, and resonance. It also a bunch of other switches to work with to control different features. I've never found it a problem to use the Mutronics Mutator, but since this is a unique piece of gear, if you're unfamiliar with filtering I'd suggest having the manual handy.
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Sound Quality
- The sounds heard from the Mutronics Mutator are versatile, unique, and down right awesome. You would usually see this kind of filtering for use with synthesizers, but this is for general audio and can really provide you with some interesting tones. I've used the Mutator on vocals, electric guitars, and even some drums on occasion. This is a really creative piece of equipment, so what you use it for could be totally different from what I might find it useful for. It has the versatility in terms of parameters to adapt and be used in experimental ways. The Mutator is made up of great parts, so it has a really clean sound and everything does exactly what it is supposed to do.
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Overall Opinion
- The Mutronics Mutator is definitely one of the coolest pieces of outboard gear that I have had experience with. I've only seen the one that I have used, so it isn't like these are readily available in any stretch of the term. If you can find one for sale I would imagine that it would cost a great deal of money to acquire it, especially considering that the studio that I used this in was the biggest that I've been in. If money is no object and you find one of these available, I can pretty much guarantee that you will be happy with having this around!
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- Product AnaMod AM660 By moosers on 01/21/2010 Music is my profession
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Characteristics
- The AnaMod AM660 is an exact replica of the classic Fairchild 660 compressor. It has been a compressor that has been copied many times since it was made, both in terms of hardware and plug-ins, but the AM660 is literally an exact copy. Of course it has a different look, but from what I have been told it has the same innards. The unit has a VU meter, isn’t rack mountable and I’m not sure on the exact connections as the one that I’ve used was already racked up in the studio that I used it in.
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Utilization
In terms of easiness of use, the AnaMod AM660 couldn’t be too much easier. You’ve only got three parameters to work with, including input gain, threshold, and time constant, which is like attack. There is also a bypass button that is labeled ‘in.’ The VU meter measure the output I believe, and I don’t think that there is a way to program it.
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Sound Quality
I have used both the original Fairchild 660 and the AnaMod AM660, so I feel like I’m in a good position to judge how the AM660 compares to the original, and I really can’t too much of difference between the units. While I’ve never had the chance to shoot them out at the same time, or even in the same studio, from what I had remembered of the original Fairchild 660, I can confidently say that this version sounds pretty close if not exactly like it.
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Overall Opinion
- Of course it definitely wasn’t a cheap endeavor to recreate the 660, so this will cost you a decent amount of money, but not as much as an original 660 will run you. So if you’re looking for this classic 660 without having to seek one out, I’d recommend going straight for AnaMod’s AM660.
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- Product Summit DCL-200 By moosers on 01/11/2010 Music is my profession
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Characteristics
- The Summit DCL-200 is a dual channel compressor/limiter in the form of an analog piece of outboard gear. The unit has XLR connections for inputs and outputs, and also has 1/4 inch connections for linking and side chain. Each of the two channel has the exact same make up. The DCL-200 is indeed a rackable piece of gear and it will take up two spaces in a traditional rack space.
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Utilization
- If you know how to use a compressor and are aware of the standard parameters that come along with the, the Summit DCL-200 won't present any problems for you. Each of the channels has parameters for gain, threshold, slope, attack, and release, so if you've seen a compressor before you know that these are pretty ubiquitous parameters as far as compressors go. Each channel also has a bypass switch and a switch to choose what type of VU metering you will be witnessing. Since there isn't anything out of the ordinary here, unless you are unfamiliar with the make up of compressors, I don't think that you need to have a manual around.
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Sound Quality
- It's hard to describe the sound of the Summit DCL-200, as it is really something that needs to be heard for yourself. Summit is known for their top notch outboard gear, and the DCL-200 maybe their most impressive piece of gear. It sounds great on just about anything that you would want to try compression on, as I've had success with it on vocals, drums, bass guitar, electric guitar, and electric piano (Rhodes). I can't say that I've ever set a signal to it that I didn't end up liking on the other end. The vast amount of parameters this has to offer makes it easy for it to adapt to just about any situation...
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Overall Opinion
- Although expensive, the Summit DCL-200 is one of the best modern day made compressors that I've used. You really can't go wrong with a piece of Summit Audio gear, as every piece of equipment that I've used made by them has helped me out immensely. The price will undoubtedly make this inaccessible for most home studio owners, but for those that can afford it and for those that are looking for a high quality stereo compressor regardless of price...
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- Product PreSonus EQ 3 B By moosers on 01/11/2010 Music is my profession
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Characteristics
- The Presonus EQ 3 B is a three band parametric equalizer in the form of a boxed piece of outboard gear. The unit has both XLR and 1/4" inputs and outputs and I had it powered with the power supply that came with it. It isn't rack mountable as it is about half the size of a traditional rackable piece of gear.
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Utilization
- If you know how to use a simple parametric EQ, you know how to use the Presonus EQ 3 B. Each of the three bands each have the standard parameters of frequency, gain, and Q (bandwidth). There are also buttons for both bypass and a high pass filter at 80 Hz. That is all there is to the unit, so as you can see everything is pretty straight forward. Since it is so easy to use, I don't think that a manual is necessary.
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Sound Quality
- The Presonus EQ 3 B will definitely get the job done as far as sound quality is concerned in home studios, but probably isn't up to par for professional engineers and studio owners to be using. It does have a pretty clean sound, but when compared to top tier pieces of equipment, this really can't touch them. However, if you're looking for a cheap option in terms of EQ in the form of outboard gear, the EQ 3B will get the job done more times than not. It is pretty versatile and can be used on just about anything. While it would never be my first choice for outboard EQ as I generally use the console's EQ, this is a cheap way for home studio owner to get outside of the box EQ.
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Overall Opinion
- The price of the Presonus EQ 3 B is the best feature, as it makes it the perfect option for the smaller studio owner looking to get their feet wet with outboard EQ, or simply to get a more realistic sounding EQ than what their plug-ins are offering them. Like I said, this wouldn't be my first choice for outboard EQ, but in terms of models in this price range, this is one of the best on the market. The Presonus EQ 3 B definitely fits in the 'bang for your buck' category...
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- Product Avalon AD2055 By moosers on 01/10/2010 Music is my profession
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Characteristics
- The Avalon AD2055 is a dual channel parametric EQ. It can be used either in stereo mode, or as two mono channels. The AD2055 has XLR inputs and outputs and is indeed a rack mountable unit that will take up two rack spaces.
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Utilization
- The make up of the Avalon AD2055 parametric EQ is pretty easy to follow. Each of the two channels each has four bands of equalization. The low and high bands have parameters for frequency and gain, while the two middle channels have the same as well as a width parameter. If you've got any experience with parametric EQs, or know how they work, I believe that you'll be able to catch on quickly as everything should seem pretty self explanatory to you. For this reason, I've never needed to look at the manual and don't believe that one is necessary.
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Sound Quality
- As far as parametric EQs go, the Avalon AD2055 has a top notch sound quality. It can be used for any and all applications as this is a versatile piece of equipment that is able to adapt to most situations. Since the inherent tone quality is clean and the EQ does its job extremely well, this should apply to everything from vocals to guitars to drums, all of which I have tried the AD2055 with. The unit is simply a great sounding EQ, which like all good EQs, can be used for any application that you would like to use it with.
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Overall Opinion
- While expensive, the Avalon AD2055 is aimed for those who are looking for a top tier stereo parametric EQ, regardless of price. For this reason I can't say that I would recommend this to home studio owners, but for professionals this would be a great choice for a stereo EQ. It is built extremely well and is a unit that should last a very long time as long as you treat it properly. I have no complaints about the Avalon AD2055, as they are a company that I trust and this is a unit that is made with the utmost of quality...
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