There are a lot of plugins out there that have an option to introduce some emulated analog noise/hiss/buzz/hum, so I thought I'd make a poll to see who actually uses that? Or do people generally prefer a clean signal when possible?

I usually turn it off for most plugins. Especially the hum.. which always seems to be default-ON. Do people actually want 50/60hz hum?

Btw, my poll might be a bit confusing. I meant

No - I don't use it
Yes - I do use it

 

Last edited: Feb 11, 2016

Sometimes, because not every mix/production situation is the same.

 

Same here. I listen both on and off, then take which ever sounds best. However, I do try to limit its use because it can easily build up and become noticeable.

 

"Sometimes" here, too. And I completely agree about the "hum" emulation - generally useless, but usable as a special FX in some rare cases, I guess. I usually don't need to add any noise because I usually process tracks through outboard hardware and I think one layer of noise is enough. However, sometimes I'm too lazy to process through outboard and I like to have some low level noise in my tracks for that fuzzy, warm, analogue feeling, so that's when it comes really handy. I would prefer all plugins to have that feature, but turned off by default!

 

This is ironic, in that in the '70s–'90s, a lot of care and fuss was put into reducing and eliminating noise (remember Dobly, dbx, anyone?), and now there's this thing about putting noise in. Circa 2000, people started putting "analog" noise into mixes because digital audio was too "pure" for really grabbing listeners' attention.

To answer: No, and yes. I try to keep signals as clean as possible, because as I've matured I've come to care about quality. Not only that, I appreciate no longer having to record and mix around how noise-reduction circuits colored sound, or EQing to emphasize or roll-off highs at different stages (recording. bouncing, mixing) so that tape hiss might be mitigated. However, I also like to create audio-art out of terrible noise because I had a horrific childhood, and it's the only way I can get away with "killing" my mommy.

 

actually I use a mix of vintage emulations, eqs, attitude colored comps, and more modern plugs
vintage emulations usually on guitars
and not for the noise, for the saturation
the virtual analog saturation is cool, but still needs more development in my opinion
then the taste is the taste, as istance my fav drum bus comp is the Fairchild plug, which is a tube comp emulation (and on drums transistors are better for me), it also raise up the very low end a bit too much but... I love it

Dolby was expensive and needed the spurg
anyway... a Studer with Dolby... would be nice! last time I ve seen an A800 with Dolby... 15000€ few years ago

Hardware is the best choice
I could only compare few devices: real UA 1176LN vs UAD's and Waves'
the best emulation is: Waves'
yes better than UAD

Zener Limiter vs EMI Abbey Road plug... no way. I m sorry to say that but the plug has nothing to do with the real one

real gear is expensive but that s not esoterism, it really does what it's supposed to do
you don t need a 60 channels console, just a good device to add color, then you can finish the work into the box

PS: you d need good converters to go out and back into the box
I have RME ADI8 DS but I can feel its limit, I m dreaming about Lavry lately

 

Last edited: Feb 11, 2016

in digital world, clean=cold.
in acoustic, clean=organic.
why?

 

u gonna dither with noise anyway

 

I wouldn't necessarily call digital "cold". I think it's just perfect. But we humans perceive analogue as more pleasing sounding to our ears. Maybe because we are too accustomed to hearing analogue recordings? I think today's youth perceive sound differently than older people who know how real analogue recordings sound, though.

 

good point
infact we re ruined lol

But I think you re right, it s a matter of habit and induced taste maybe

I will die ANALOG anyway ahahahahah
OLD I hope, and analogue

bury me in 19"

 

i like it for when im feeling like a dirty fuck...

and im always feeling like a dirty fuck...

so I voted sometimes...

 

I agree, but usually the spectrum of dithering noise is shifted toward less audible frequencies

 

Great question !

i voted "sometimes"
for me it it all depends on the music your creating and what you want to archive

"when" is the best time to noise? :D

"when it feel right" :D