Hello, nice to see you again guys!
I've been producing for a while and I noticed that a lot of people that uses plugins based on analog equipment always use the waves analog plugins or the slate digital VRM bundle.
If you are one of those, which one "it's better", or may I say, which one do you prefer an why?
I'm thinking about give an opportunity to one of them so I will thank your review.

 

I can work with both in terms of the quality of the effects. I did not check out the slate bundle for a while. So maybe it changed, but the mix rack only version without a stand-alone version of the plugins is a workflow killer for me. Open mix rack insert 1 preamp then stock daw compressor then again a mix rack... no sorry.
I like to use the effect bay of my daw (studio one routing )or a 3rd party vst host for more complex chains. And I like to build my own effects chains from different plugin developers.

In terms of workflow waves for me ...

 

Last edited: Jan 30, 2023

Hmm.. if you choose the Waves bundle or Slate Digital, then of course I chose Waves, they have a LOT of cool plugins, also have analog functions and character. There are several Tape plugins, emulation of classic devices, even retro ones such as Abbey Road

 

What an absolute choice, LOL.
Of these two - probably Waves for their later plugins, but also because they don't shit the sound with undocumented high-shelves as often.
When it comes to large-caliber analog modelling companies with wide library in general, then probably Softube.
When it comes to just analog modelling, then u-he.
But honestly, it's FabFilter.

 

neither

 

Of the two? Waves, hands down. More variety, better workflow, and get this: ilok dongle not required .

Also i love the analog warmth of the aliasing in waves plugins. Idk, there' something special about it.

 

I use Waves plugins because I have been buying them, like them (mostly) and feel comfortable with them. Sound wise, there are certainly other options, maybe better and more advanced, but the older I grow, the more I am aware of the fact that technology isn't a remedy for my flaws and tools are merely tools...

 

If I had to choose, in strict terms of the tools, I'd go with Waves. They are evolving nicely, latest plugins are pretty good and somehow innovative. I read that $late isn't as transparent in terms of license agreement so I only ever use em as the sailor I am. You get the point.

 

Waves. they sound better imo

 

Of those 2, Waves. But really, for about 5 plugins and I could live without all of them. I prefer PA and FabFilter. That said, with either Waves or Slate you'll be able to do great work.

 

It's the psychoacustics of the nº1 Hits from billboard

 

I prefer Waves for the workflow. Slate things sounds better, but waves is fast and sounds very digital, so for the kind of music i produce it's a good thing, because it doesnt sound like a hardware, but something else that has the effect of some hardware. It has it's value. If i was into vintage music i'd probably pick slate.

 

I like slaves plugins

 

that's exactly the problem with bundles you have to install the whole bundle for those 1 or 2 plugins you need

 

Thanks everyone for the replies! C:

 

Hi Steven. Gotta go with Waves here. I used to like your drums though. A long, long, time ago. The pairing with Liquidsonics is very nice, too. Good luck with your company.

 

My humble experience with FX plugins suites.

At the end, i use VERY little because there are redundancies in the suite or better/niche one in another brand.
BUT buying from different brands can be a pain too : different auth, interface, "orientation choice" (fragmentation between plugins) ...

Very difficult to "glue" the puzzle between brands.

As far as Waves/SD goes, Waves is a LOT more complete (RBass MaxxBass being an example).
BUT too much choice/too old plugins is a problem too.

Who NEED all 21 Waves EQ ?

I prefer to choose ONE go-to compressor/EQ/reverb ... in any brand.
And cherry pick for specialized plugins.

80+ plugins bundle ... who REALLY need that ?

On the other side, SD will get limited as far as "go-to" choices : they are all "analog" like GUI and spirit.
Where is the SD equivalent of FabFilter Pro-Q 3 ?

To me, plugin suites are a trap ... and separate plugins are a pain

Good luck !

 

The "best plugins" are whatever works best for you. Unless if our ears were exactly the same when it comes to hearing, I'm talking + or - 0.1db then we'd all hear plugins the same, but no our ears are all unique. Even your left and right ears are different.

 

Except with DMG Audio, Airwindows, Meldaproduction and Voxengo. Those are the building blocks that fit any kind of production you're doing. My life got so much easier with a bunch less plugins with analog GUI that have versatile sound and workflow