Great on snare drum, certain vocals or anything you want to warm up with the sound of tape. Slate Virtual Tape Machine – models the sound of analog tape, adding warmth and that natural tape compression. The Limiter section is great at bringing out loudness and helping to keep the transients) (SOUNDS LIKE: Compressor is transparent and meant for subtle use. Perhaps the best feature, especially for the beginner is the Constant Gain Monitoring button, which allows you to hear your processed master at the same volume level as your unprocessed, which is very helpful to let you dial in tone without being swayed by added loudness. It has very simple, intuitive controls that help add more detail, low end punch or transients. The limiter section is one of my favorite to use. The compressor section is easy to use and transparent, though if I’m using one of the Mix Buss Compressors in front of the FG-X, I usually disable this section. This is a fantastic processor to help make your mixes loud and give them a pseudo-mastered sound quickly. Circuit 1 & 2 provide distinct color options) Great on drums, and vocals)įG-401 ‘VCA Compressortakes its inspiration the famous British Console compressor, with a few added features for tonal options. Brings out presence in the upper mids)įG-116 ‘FET COMPRESSOR,’ inspired by the most famous FET compressor.
(SOUNDS LIKE: Warm and vibey tube inspired sound. The FG-MU – models the Vari Mu style compressors from the 1960s. (SOUNDS LIKE: More driving and hairy character when “Drive” function is engaged.) The FG-Red – models the famous analog compressor used by Chris Lord Alge. The FG-Grey – modeled after the buss compressor from one of the most famous British console buss compressors. This group of plugins includes three stereo buss compressors from Slate digital, meant to be used on the mix bus, but also able to be used on any stereo track. Between what’s in the VMR, the Virtual Buss Compressors, and the FG-X Mastering Processor, there are 6 very different compressors to choose from. (SOUNDS LIKE: Smooth or biting top end and big low end)Įasily the strongest category for Slate is the compression offered by the Mix/Master/FX bundle. Each knob has two different settings, providing a different vibe and sound to the boost. T he Custom Lift – 2-knob processor meant to boost either top end or low end. (SOUNDS LIKE: Smooth slightly hyped top and high mid, round, warm bottom end) Each band has three selectable frequencies, making this a fast and versatile tool that’s easy to use.
The Custom Series EQ – a Slate creation comprised of different characteristics of several famous analog EQs. Great for carving/notching out frequencies) T he FG-S Brit-4K EQ – modeled after the other famous British console EQ, is a 4 band EQ with adjustable frequency, adjustable Q, and a high-pass filter, making it the most versatile EQ in the bundle. Drive function can add some dirt/disortion)
(SOUNDS LIKE: Smooth top end, warm low end. The FG-N Brit-N – modeled after the famous British console EQ that it resembles.
By forming full channel strips inside the VMR, it’s extremely convenient for workflow and also less taxing on CPU. EQĪll of the EQs for the bundle are found in the VMR (Virtual Mix Rack), a 500 series style, multiple module plugin that allows users to swap modules in and out, and order them how they would like. Let’s take a look at what all is included, organized according to our key processing areas. This bundle provides a slew of EQs, compressors, and effects processors, all of which are highly usable in every day mixing. Both bundles include every single plugin offered by Slate Digital (the Mix/Master/FX bundle adds the LX480 reverb). The Slate Mix/Master Bundle and Mix/Master/FX Bundles are the latest releases from Slate Digital. SLATE MIX/MASTER & MIX/MASTER/FX BUNDLES:
My goal is to share what I think is a great option if you’re looking to upgrade your plugin library, especially for the first time, and get the most for your money. I’m not normally a product review guy, so this more of an introduction. Effects (FX) – Reverb – Delay – Distortion/Saturation Now, we’ll look at a new bundle from Slate Digital with plugins that cover each these areas. We also discussed how most plugins can be broken into 3 primary cateorgies: 1.
In my last post on the topic of plugins, we checked out how to evaluate your current system, identify your greatest needs and choose the plugins that will best aid you in improving your mixes.