Mastering and Effects Hardware?

I'm looking to get some good Hardware for Reverb and Compression (they don't have to be in the same piece of hardware. I'd settle for two quality pieces of hardware)... I've noticed that the Korg Kaoss Pad or Kaoss Pad 2 are supposed to have some real ncie effects and I know El-P uses that for his tracks and he does get some hard hitting, thick, layered drums... But first of all, how customizable are the effects on there? I mean can u adjust threshold on the compression and shit... I'm lost... I wanna start getting into mastering my tracks and making my mixes better... I know compression and reverb are real important in any mix... Right now I do everything in Adobe Audition which is working alright, but I really wanna push the boundaries of the mix and make my shit stand out... Any help would be appreciated... I research everything before I buy it, but I don't even know where to begin... I'm thinking about the Kaoss Pad, but like I said I don't know if thats what I really need... The price is right for sure though... Hit me back.

Whats your budget? Compressors and reverb units can be some of the most expensive pieces you get. I ever used the Kaos pad so I can not tell you how good it is, but I know for quality effects, TC Electronics or Lexicon are the way to go. You can get a multi effects unit from either company anywhere from 200-15,000. I know with the M300 you can use a compressor and reverb at the same time, and its a 200 unit. You can use it as dual mono or stereo and it sounds pretty good for the money also. If you got the extra cash though you might want to pick up a M One XL, they are like 400 and a real solid unit.

All the features on those models, are they fully customizable... For instance, Threshold, ratio, delay on the reverb... or is everything preset???

cause if it's got both FX for that price range then I'm set...

I'm looking to spend between 200 - 400 bucks... so you hit that price range perfect... Thanks for the help.

I think the Kaos pad is not really the perfect tool for mastering. In fact at 200 you won't find both a reverb and compressor worthy of this task. $400 is a challenge too.
Have you considered using Direct-x plug-ins in Audition? There are many plug-ins that outperform hardware at this pricepoint.
I have a focusrite compressor and a lexicon mpx500 in my rack, but they rarely get used for mastering these days.
Even something like T-racks might outperform a $300 compressor for mastering duties cause you've got a decent eq and limiter+output stage included.
Check it out at : http://www.ikmultimedia.com/Main.html?IKInfo
A decent reverb may be a bit harder to find. I use Voxengo's Pristine a lot, and at $160 it sounds a lot beter than my Lexicon. Its not available for Direct-x though, but i'm sure you can find something similar here:
http://www.kvr-vst.com/

Yeah man on the M300 you can custom program it. It is not really for mastering but hey if you know what you are doing it sounds fine. What other gear are you using anyway? I got one and never use the compressor on it. I use the delays mostly, and the reverbs are all right. Multi effects are tricky, some units sound good with some sounds, and others don't. Most of my mastering is done in Pro Tools thru plugs. I will use a compressor in the first insert, limiter on the second, 5-7% wet reverb on the next and a dither on the last slot. I concentrate on getting a nice loud sound that is flat, doesnt clip, and that isn't squashed for my final mix, and plugs work fine for this. Audibility and clarity are going to be a lot more noticeable to most people than the color added by a vaccum tube. I would recommend looking at a few of the TC and Lexicon joints in your price range and buy one. You will find out later on that you need more effects anyway so you aren't really making a bad investment. Stack your chips up in the meantime and if you are staying with production, then go for a BIG DOGG compressor like Avalon 747, Universal Audio, or Emperical Lab. I am copping the 747 in a few weeks. It is kinda hot- stereo vacuum tube compressor and EQ in one unit, perfect for my needs.

If you wanna get a good compressor to mess your drums up then get a

BSS 401 It's a comp/Limiter/dess/ plus it's Dual mono.




Second Hand they go for £350-400. New they are £1000

I don't mind Direct X Plug-ins I just don't have much experience with them... ieism and MPCRipper, you guys seem to know about Direct X... Is it possible you guys could lead me in the direction of some good plug-ins for mastering my tracks...

Also, I don't know if you know of any tutorials or sites on Direct X Plug-ins cause like I said I have almost no experience with them...

I have Adobe Audition, Sound Forge 7.0, and I could get Pro Tools off my boy... Whichever you guys think is best... I've heard Pro Tools is great for it's Direct X capabilities, so I'm guessin I'd have to use this...

As far as compression I'll probably just get a low priced hardware compressor to start with... I've seen some moderately priced ones in rack units, so I could start there lookin at TC or Lexicon compression... Like you guys said it's not a bad investment anyways...

Thanks for the help and please keep the suggestions comin... especially about the Direct X Plug-ins...oNe.

Anybody know anything about the PreSonus Blue Max Compressor... It's inexpensive and sounds like it's an OK compressor... I know it's no Avalon 747, but it sounds like it gets the job done... I'm just gettin my feet wet in compression so this sounds like a good tool to start with.

check the rnc (really nice compressor) and dbx stuff. Most studios have at least 1 dbx compressor.

as far as all the tools in one there is something that Focusrite makes called the MixMaster, its an equalizer, compressor, and limiter in one unit..its gotten some real solid reviews, but sells for about $1000-1500 ..... check www.focusrite.com

It is not really what you have, it's how you use it. I never used Audition, so I have no idea what you can do with it. As long as you have a EQ, compressor, limiter, reverb, and dither in software format, you are straight. Get your feet wet with them. In my opinion, software gates, and limiters are the best way to go because they kick in perfectly with the attack, where some outboard stuff my not hit it with perfection, but some hardware processing is needed for EQ, Reverb, and compression if you want to add color and personality to your sound. A lot of people like the T racks programs, and a lot of people rave about the Waves bundles. Bottom line is don't worry about dropping unnessessary loot on processing/outboard gear, because you can never have enough of it anyway, wheather it is compressors, preamps, or multi effects. Just look at all the Isht they have in the racks of real studios. I never used a RNC, but people love them, and I guess you can't go wrong with one of them or a DBX, which definately seems to be a studio standard. In my opinion, if you really want to spend the dough right now, find out what your software is lacking and attack from that angle. If you dont have a compressor, get one you can afford, but don't be too cheap. I am with El on that going with a DBX or RNC; if you need effects, do the same thing but look at a TC or Lexicon. Just make sure whatever you get you can run it dual mono and stereo because then you allow those piece to grow with your studio.

Can anybody suggest some good Direct X Plug-ins... For Pro Tools or anything else for that matter...

compression- fnr, dbx, focusrite, joe meek...

reverb- lexicon- hands down the best...try looking for the older and cheaper models such as the lxp-1...people swear by them, but also the pcm range are good as many urban artists use the ambience programs on there....



greg

Thanks dubmonkey... I was already lookin at some Lexicon stuff cause I know thats the "best" reverb and I am a fan of using ambient reverb so I might sheck out those ones you named...

As far as compression, I was a little confused because eveyone I know kept saying Avalon this and Avalon that, meanwhile I have no cash for that and I'm really just starting to work with compression... I don't wanna jump into the deep end... The dbx line seems to be moderately priced so I'll prolly check that line out...

Thanks again for all your help.

get the native waves gold bundle for direct x , it works amazing if you kno wut your doing..