All user reviews for the PSP Audioware VintageWarmer 2

The Vintage Warmer is a plug-in that has become incredibly popular recently thanks to the fact that it offers musicians the ability of having a processing unit which can create an Analog sound, as well as many other warm effects. The sound of analogue has always been desired since software has become more and more popular and now devices such as the Vintage Warmer are being developed so as to create an artificial sense of warmth that resembles that of hardware. In this review I will take a look at the Vintage Warmer and will outline its main features.

Features

I acquired the Vintage Warmer with the hope that it would warm up my mixes and my individual sounds. It has an effect of creating a virtual analog simulation and has saturation effects when it is over driven which is similar to that of analogue. The Vintage Warmer is essentially a multi-band compressor that has a selection of features that imitate analogue devices.

The thing that I first noticed about the Vintage Warmer is that it doesn't really look like a modern plug-in and has quite a good traditional visual style. It was however easy to use and I quickly started getting good results.

Pros and cons

I really liked this plug-in thanks to its cheap price and its effective use on a wide range of sounds. I found it to be exceptionally good on sounds such as drums, bass and vocals and began also experimenting with it on the master channel for a warmer mix.

What I've found to be really nice about the Vintage Warmer was that it was a very dynamic plug-in which could be used on many different sounds for a positive effect. It can also be used on the master channel to boost a mix and add warmth. The problem that I think it will bring to many producers who use this device is that they will become reliant on in all of their mixes and will not be able to decide when to use it and when not to use it. This may become a problem because I found that sometimes the Vintage Warmer did make certain sounds more muddy and this was especially true when I used it on the whole mix for certain tracks. It is important that you use your ears when doing drastic processing like this so that you can be sure that you're not detracting from the mix rather than adding to it.

Comparisons to the Vintage Warmer

I found the Vintage Warmer to be in a league of its own when comparing it to other multi-band compressors. However, I found that there were several other plug-ins that are now imitating the design of the vintage warmer, but none are quite as good. One of those that was good was that of the URS saturation plug-in. This is a popular device that has a slightly more crunchy sound than that of the vintage warmer.

Summary

The Vintage Warmer is a brilliant plug-in that I really appreciate, thanks to its cheap price and its access to demos around the web which also allow individuals the ability to test it out before they buy. I also liked the ease-of-use and was able to add it to sounds and tweak the plug-in very quickly in order to get a good result. I think that it may get overused if the individual does not pay attention to the sound and it is important to stay vigilant with the plug-in when you do choose to use it on your mix and on certain sounds. However, if you use a sequencer which allows plug-ins, then investing in the Vintage Warmer is certainly a good idea.

No problem with the installation: all formats are managed and the licensing system does not pose a problem while being relatively flexible.

SUITABILITY/PERFORMANCE

I useful in Studio One with a M-Audio C600 or a Gina3G Windows 7 (Core i7, 16GB RAM, SSD hyrbide). No problem in terms of performance, even though I rarely use more than two or three occurrences of the plug-in.

OVERALL OPINION

I use it for several years on the Master used to heat a mix bus or the battery for more or less violent treatment (combined with EZdrummer Vintage Rock, it allows me to get the crispy to perfection, even if 'I must then adjust the treble to soften the cymbals).

This really is an excellent plug-in that I probably operates by using it for its ability to saturate the signal as a nag. To the side Tape Simulator, it is my least subtle and realistic sense that Slate VTM or Roundtone, but he knows the twist signal with great musicality and I can not imagine for a second that leaves my VST directory. In my view, this is a classic which I have also never found an equivalent that satisfies me so much.

No special installation problem.
The handling is simple enough, but remember that the Vintage Warmer is not a simple compressor: It is not transparent at all and it saturates. And that's why we love it.
Everything revolves around the big knob "Drive" which increases the input to saturation and "Ceiling" which sets the output level that does not want to exceed. The settings of attack and release are via "Speed" and "Release" (the latter can be automated). The "knee" in deciding whether the compression is done smoothly or abruptly. Can equalize the high and low frequencies, which is always handy. The "Mix" for the determination of the signals treated and untreated which is moderately useful on this kind of effect. We finally have an output level which can be useful on occasion.
Do not forget that this plug-in can be used in single mode or multi-band (three in this case.) In the latter case, the knobs "Freq" define the frequency and you must click on the "PSP logo Vintage Warmer "to find the back of the level settings and release per band. Also on the back different settings for the meters.
This device is really not difficult to adjust and, if necessary, it is helped by a thirty "factory-preset" and a manual in English, but detailed and practical.

SUITABILITY/PERFORMANCE

I use this effect on Mac Pro (MacOS 10.6.8) in Digital Performer. I never found any malfunction. It consumes little CPU, especially if the function is switched over-sampling ("FAT" button, new in version 2), but not excessive on a modern computer. I frequently open many instances without problem.

OVERALL OPINION

I use PSP Vintage Warmer for a really long time. I was already working with the first name when I was under MacOS 9. I do not think I noticed a significant difference though between the two versions.
Still, this is a plug-in that I use most regularly .. Vintage Warmer has a sound, and I love that sound. In fact, I use it almost always on my tracks of synths on my samples and occasionally on other instruments (bass, drums, guitars and unsaturated voice.) In fact, most of the time, I just keep the default settings and push a little drive, say from 2 to 6dBs as appropriate. And his name does not lie, it really adds to the heat and consistency of sound, a very natural way.
For cons, I do've never used pre-mastering. I never felt the need to warm up my mix, and if at this point I need a little compression, I've always preferred him another "dinosaur": R-Compressor from Waves I love too much sound.
In short, I can not talk too much about the "multi-band" mode I never use. Still Vintage Warmer is an indispensable tool for me has never really had a competitor to do what he did. There is of course the Bad Buss Mojo Stillwell Audio (see my review on this app very interesting), but I often use the latter in conjunction with PSP when I want a slightly more pronounced saturation.
In total and for many years, I can not imagine a mix without this plug-in to appear here and there.

Transparent installation, no setup problems. The manual is clear, it explains the use of each of the controls. The software comes with lots of good presets that can be used right away to find your personal sound.

PERFORMANCE

I use a PC, P2 350 with 384 mb ram, which is pretty old for current standards, with Logic Audio Gold 4.8.1 and Wavelab: No issues whatsoever.
In terms of performance, it's a bit resource-intensive, I can only use one when mixing with Logic. Hence I use it for pre-mixes as soon as I have more then 20 audio tracks, EQs, compressors, and two reverbs, so no surprises in that respect. With a more modern setup, you should be able to use it on several tracks without a sweat.
So, considering this limitation, I have a good stability.
As far as Wavelab is concerned, it's more of a coloration and mastering tool, so no problemo...

OVERALL OPINION

I just bought it after having abused the demo, especially to give some warmth to vocals. The sound is awesome, I no longer have to pass my recordings through a tape recorder, it's very effective!
I tested Steinberg's tape recorder, but it sounds like a toy compared to the PSP, it's cold an aggressive: It seems they wanted to emulate a distortion...besides, I think it's more resource-intensive.
So, for a similar price, the Vintage Warmer gives you better quality and delicacy for mixing and pre-mastering: It's amazing!

Bottom line, I haven't found anything better in its genre and, even if it's new, I feel I won't be able to do without it.

Quick installation.

Irreproachable manual (it's PSP).

PERFORMANCE

The best software compressor I have ever tried.

If you are looking for the ultimate transparency for pre-mastering, you'd better turn to Waves (C-4) or Oxford.

OVERALL OPINION

I've been using it systematically on every track for two years, this plug-in is indispensable!

It's not transparent...It's simply beautiful.

Value for money: 150 euros for a download it's not easy to stomach. Two years later, it's a bargain, free, zilch!

It's the only plug-in I'd take with me to a desert island!

One thing I can say about PSP plugins is that they are stable, light, and quick to install. I've never had a single issue and I've been using them for years. Well, I used 1 forever and finally got 2 because I liked the original so much. The manual is great and informative, although I must say after all these years of using Vintage Warmer I'm still not entirely sure what it is exactly. I'm fairly sure it's a tube compressor or preamp emulation. At this point I really don't care because I know what it does, and I like what it does. The manual isn't totally required because if you've used anything like this before you won't have trouble figuring out the controls.

SUITABILITY/PERFORMANCE

I originally used Vintage Warmer as a mastering plugin. It just makes the mixes POP more to my ears. I use it with Cubase and Pro Tools sometimes. I later found that if I used it on tracks that sounded muffled or bland it would magically liven them up and bring them into the mix with a lot more grace. It really became my "last resort" plugin before I forced myself to do a retake of a bad track. Just when I think a track is beyond saving, I put vintage warmer on it and I swear more times than not it's suddenly usable. Not only usable but actually really great. Usually there's not even much tweaking involved. I can actually run a bus with VW in it and run whatever bad tracks I have through that bus. It does the same magic to all of them.

When I got Vintage Warmer 2 I was a little upset at first. I felt like I couldn't get the same sound out of it that I got with 1 and I didn't like that. However once I figured out the new controls it won me over. I now like it even more.

OVERALL OPINION

I think Vintage Warmer might be my favorite plugin. Okay, that's a stretch. But in terms of most used plugins, it's probably in the top 3. There's always one or two tracks on every song I do that want to be difficult. PSP VW fixes them right up most of the time. A warning though, too much of this plugin can really kill a mix big time if you aren't careful. Especially if it's in your master bus. It's a supplemental plugin. Not made for extreme use.

PSP Audioware's VintageWarmer 2 is an analog saturation plug-in that has a variety of uses. I only recently starting using the Vintage Warmer 2 plug-in as previously I only had experience with the original one. The plug-in isn't free but it can be had for a rather low price and is downloadable straight from PSP's website. It's not a hard process to get this up and installed so I wouldn't worry about that much at all - just make sure you've got a compatible system, although it will run on both Mac and PC systems and in just about every plug-in format you can think of. The interface of Vintage Warmer 2 has a lot going on, but isn't tough to break down. When you buy the Vintage Warmer 2, you get the full plug-in plus the original version and a Micro Warmer version. The main plug-in has got knobs for controlling the overall output drive, low and high EQ control, a knee compressor with speed and release controls, as well as options for using it as a hard limiter. I haven't had a look at the manual for Vintage Warmer and don't expect to be needing it anytime soon.

SUITABILITY/PERFORMANCE

In recent times I've been using the PSP Audioware VintageWarmer 2 on the master buss only, but I've also used it for mixing, and either way my system has been able to handle it. It doesn't seem like it will take up too much of your processing power to begin with, but of course it helps to have a stable system. I've got Pro Tools 9 running on a Mac Book Pro that has a 2.2 Ghz Intel Core 2 Duo processor and 4 GB of RAM, but I've also used it on other systems without problems. I'd be surprised if anyone had issues related to performance with this one...

OVERALL OPINION

Those in the market for an analog saturation tool to warm up your digital recording need to check out PSP Audioware's VintageWarmer 2. While it's not as good as the Crane Song Phoenix bundle, it's still very good and is great for both mixing and mastering. It will also cost you considerably less than Phoenix. In my opinion, no plug-in is like using real analog gear, but in the absence of having that type of gear, Vintage Warmer will take you a long way. Definitely check out the demo to get an idea of what I'm talking about.

PSP's, which stands for Professional Sound Projects, VintageWarmer is a compressor/limiter and analog emulator plug-in designed for a variety of formats including VST and RTAS. I was running a VST version of this plug-in in Cubase SX until I switched to Pro Tools LE. There is now a PSP VintageWarmer 2 plug-in which comes with this original one and another modified one, but I've only used the original one. The configuration of the plug-in isn't too difficult to follow, as I found it pretty easy to use four or five years ago when I had it and wasn't as experienced as I am today. It's got parameters for drive, knee, speed, release, and ceiling. It also has low and high sections with parameters for adjust, frequency, mix, and output. A manual isn't something that is necessary in my opinion.

SUITABILITY/PERFORMANCE

I was running the PSP VintageWarmer in Cubase SX 2.0 mostly and later SX 3 on a Hewlett Packard Pavilion dv8000 PC lap top with a 3.0 Ghz processor and 2 GB of RAM. I was running everything through a MOTU 896 HD audio interface. I was able to run the VST version of this plug-in pretty smoothly, but I tended only to use one or two of them if at all so I wasn't exactly taxing out my system with it. If you have a decent enough system where you can currently running your DAW with some larger plug-ins already, you should be okay.

OVERALL OPINION

There is definitely a good amount that can be done with the PSP VintageWarmer. It isn't the most realistic analog compressor and saturation emulator that I've used, but it will definitely do an okay enough job for most situations and definitely in home studios. The two best things about it is it's price and it's versatility, as you're definitely getting a good amount of differing tones for a small price. I'd recommend at least trying out the demo version if you're looking to supplement your plug-in suite with something like this.

This program installed without any hitches. I use Mac stuff and there was absolutely no compatibility problems. The general configuration is fairly simple. If you have ever used a tube preamp before, this should be a piece of cake. I do recommend looking at the manual of all the plugins you use. You may not see something, such as a switch or button that might do something very cool, until you read the manual.
The manual is sufficient.

SUITABILITY/PERFORMANCE

My computer setup is as follows: Macbook (2.2ghz, 4gb Ram, 120 hd), with a Presonus Firepod/Firebox, and Logic Pro 8. So far, the software has worked great on every track I have tried to use it on. It really brings life to dull, muddy sounding recordings. So far, the Vintage Warmer 2 has never crashed or screwed up any audio. I am very pleased with this plugin.

OVERALL OPINION

I have been using the Vintage Warmer 2 for roughly 3 months. What I like about it the most is its ability to bring presence, clarity and "thickness" with out mud to my track recordings. For example, I had a drum track that was recorded a few years ago in a good studio, but when I brought the files home, the track sounded weak. I tried EQ and various other plugins to give it some body but was never fully satisfied until I got the Vintage Warmer 2. It instantly sounded better when I turned down the track volume and turned up the VW2 volume. After a few tweaks on the various knobs, I got the sound I was looking for, yay!!! So far there is nothing I can say I really don't like about this plugin. I am sure there is either a better one out there now or soon to be released, but until I find it, this one will serve me very well. Other plugins that I have tried mainly consist of the plugins that came with Logic (fat EQ, combining Compression with EQ, etc...) and the VW2 is certainly a step above those. This plugin costs around $150. It can be hard to fork over that much cash for a computer program, but all in all, if you can afford it, you won't be disappointed. Yes, I would definitely make the same choice and buy this guy again.