Heck, even every channel on an SSL 4000G sounds slightly different (as I've worked with it and know it does). Analog emulation plugins even try to emulate this. All analog gear sounds slightly different. We use totally different mics on a drumkit, on amps, on acoustic guitars, etc. They all sound VERY different (LDC, SDC, dynamic, ribbon, proximity cardioid, no proximity omni, etc). The diversity and variation is what makes a song/record sound great imo.
Does it make the end result sound "thin"? Ofc not.

"Thin" is more a matter of incorrect phase, which was much of a problem in the early days (1996-2002-ish) when PDC (plugin delay compensation) or lack thereof could really fuck things up. Then you could have the same source signal routed in parallel to "different" plugins and they would line up incorrectly, making a thin and phasey sound. Maybe that is what the original article was about?
These days all DAWs (except Ableton Live, I hear) have fixed all their delay/latency compensation issues.

Today we take it for granted and don't remember the trouble it could cause in "the old days". But nonetheless, I still hear recordings today where the phase is off (sounding phasey and thin), but that is more due to the guy/girl turning knobs and moving faders (ITB or OTB).

 

Last edited: Apr 23, 2020

Well, yes. But when you've worked with "them", not just "it", one realises this even more so!

 

I was specifically talking about plug-in companies in that sentence. If you're after some history lessons, let me acknowledge you that salesmen and negotiators were using marketing psychology since the invention of money in like 4000 BC. We only started to recognize and study those mind control behaviors around early 1900s.

 

This is so true. Even two models of the same analog unit manufactured in the same place, in the same day, have different responses and characteristics. Just as twin siblings in mammals. Also true for trees, rocks, clouds and planets...
Yet not so true when it comes to digital domain. They are so perfect and predictable that we have to artificially add imperfections to make them sound/look/feel more natural. Or better say more familiar.

This was before version 9.7. Ableton Live PDC issues have been solved since then.

 

Someone can't take a joke and yet they used a ROFL smiley in their reply.

No I don't think I answered my question. I acknowledged his possible situation but OP's question still sounds illogical for a newbie. I'm not trying to offend him/her in anyway but why are you wondering about "various manufactures" if you still don't know how plug-ins work and affect the audio?
You see? I'm asking about that infamous urge to try-them-all.

Do you always change the font size when you're quoting yourself?
Thank God it's not all caps.

Yeah let's all close our Audiosex accounts because if you're not working on a music project 24/7 then you're called a procrastinator.