Waves Scheps Omni Channel
Plug-in
Good job , waves !
Channel strips always look like great deals . They seem to provide an all-in-one solution , especially for sources like drums and electric guitars . Usually modelled after some classic consoles like the widely popular SSL E and Neve strips , they come with presets that set everything from the gate and dynamics to the filter and EQ .
Although this encourages a culture of preset mixing , if used right it can be really useful to set starting points on certain sources .
The Waves Scheps Omni channel looks to provide a very attractive all-in-one solution . One plugin that does most of the heavy lifting .
It is developed by Waves in partnership with Andrew Scheps , a Grammy-winning engineer with some very impressive credits including names like Adele and Metallica . It is quite rare to see a channel strip that is not an emulation , making this plugin a unique experience .
The diversity of this plugin is quite remarkable . There are 5 distinct modules . The Pre amp , the Compressor , the EQ , the De-Esser and the Gate . Each of these features have a range of different and extremely distinct modes . The Pre amp provides 3 different kinds of analog saturation , letting you add Odd / Even harmonics and even a “ THUMP ” button that adds some extra low end . The compressor features 3 kinds of compression- VCA , FET , and Opto . This adds so much control in terms of attack and release times and the amount of harmonic saturation added . The gate features some interesting options as well , including Mid / Side modes that is incidentally featured on all the other modules as well . The De-Esser module features 2 very versatile de-essers while the EQ module stays fairly straightforward with a classic 4 band split . The plugin also features an extremely interesting optionan extra insert which gives you the possibility of adding any waves plugin ( including another OmniChannel !) anywhere in the chain . The plugin features something called “ Focus Mode ” which highlights the most significant controls of a particular preset . We wish more plugins had something similar , it really shows the amount of thought that was put into it .
The plugin sounds great on drum overheads , vocals , electric guitars and bass . The saturation from the preamp is a standout . Overall , it ' s a great plugin . But the question is , is it excessive or does it offer a quick one-stop solution for intense and heavy sessions ?
Apple Logic Pro X 10.4
DAW Software
Worth it !
Apple has been putting out some seriously loaded updates to logic for a while now . The recent 10.4 adds some extremely exciting and interesting features .
The biggest new feature is definitely the most talked about- Smart Tempo . It allows you to record a performance and have the software automatically detect and map out the tempo for the entire performance . This is an absolute game changer when it comes to recording live bands and even in the world of re-recording and post-production . The flex tempo editors have also become better , allowing you to do much more precise and easy edits to tempo and time .
Another plus of the Logic DAW is its built-in virtual instruments . The horn and string sounds have gotten a huge upgrade with Studio Horns and Studio Strings . They have been coupled with a new articulation edit window for extremely delicate and precise orchestral programming . This articulation window also extends to other external software and instruments .
The next upgrade is in the area of plugins . They have now added a vintage EQ collection with plates and Neves . They have also added some new effects to the existing array with Phat FX and Step FX ( based on CamelPhat and CamelSpace from Camel Audio ). They add some interesting new saturation and multi-effect possibilities . Chroma verb is the new and long overdue reverb plugin . It is an addition to the old verbs , an algorithm-based reverb . It ’ s packaged in an extremely beautiful new UI which visualises the verb in the space . ChromaVerb is based on the principle of a circular absorbent structure in which the sound is gradually absorbed , much like in a real room . The absorption characteristics are dependent on the chosen room type and reverb parameter settings . It features a range of parameter edits that make it sufficiently versatile .
These are the major features while a lot of minor tweaks have been made to almost every area .
These updates make logic pro one of the best value-formoney DAWs on the market . An excellent place to start for beginners and a great place to stay when they become pros .
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