So I'm finally trying to implement Sonimus in the last stages of mixing, using that console module of theirs. I've followed all the steps, gain structure is well and good, all buses have been properly routed. Now when I push down the fader, each bus dies in the mix, as expected. When I push it all the way up, I don't really get 12 db in volume, more like 5, and with a very compressed sound. It doesn't sound bad, but it's a rather take or leave it kind of deal, no usual compressor parameters. Now my first question is, is this 'the Neve sound'? Are Neve consoles known for compressing when you push up the faders? I love Sonimus for gainstaging with an added subtle saturation and crosstalk... but was expecting something more 'functional' from this mixer. I remember some Audiosex users saying good things about it, so I thought I'd ask and check if I'm doing something wrong. BASS IS THUMPING LIKE A MOTHERF

 

Saturation/clipping ceiling being breached is probably what's going on

 

its not a compressor, but does saturate, and can saturate heavily. I dont have the n console, but do have a console, which is similar. The goal with these sort of emulations is to add subtle glue, depth, width etc, whatever buzzword you want to throw in. Similar to acustica pre's or lindell like clone pointed out. Plenty of other similar plugins out there as well. You can abuse them, but their intended use generally is subtleties.

 

I did, yes! I ran into some issues with the Lindell stuff.

I see. I thought the mixer module was something else, but thanks! I'll just keep using Sonimus as a subtle colorbox anyway. Along with the TBTECH Vintage Suite, this is really good stuff: warm without too much grit, unlike Golden 58 and the like!

 

Saturation will result in dynamics change, so yes, technically it is compressing (more like waveshaping, but those are just one of many flavors of dynamics). Normally, the point is to keep everything within the safe area of the VU meter. Pushing further is often intentional.

 

@Shiori Oishi I own the A and the T and @clone nailed it.

I read this and for whatever reason, that old "danger zone" song from the 80s popped into my head.
I'm not saying it's your fault its stuck in my head without most the lyrics... but nonetheless, I'm blaming you.

 

BEFORE U KNOW IT

 

Last edited: Mar 21, 2025

You are probably using "trim as drive" - if you have enabled global trim as drive in the master grouping.. then what you describe happens - it's in the manual lol

 

No, the trim as drive option does something else. Trim as drive adds saturation and no relevant change in volume. Regular faders do what I described. It's an 1176 thumping sound. It's an easy test lol. But yeah, since I discovered that, now I'll only use trim as drive, for buttery bass lines!