Earlier this week I was asked a question via Twitter (by @hackerhaus) about which version of McDSP’s Analog Channel was worth buying (there are basically two, Analog Channel Native and Analog Channel LE). After replying with my take on the matter, it reminded me of my own story of how I first came to know about Analog Channel.
I believe it was the winter of 2000 . . . {cue Wayne’s World flashback effect}
My mixes on my new Pro Tools rig sucked. No matter what I did, there was that certain something I just couldn’t seem to achieve. “It must be me,” I thought. “I’m just never gonna’ be good at this. I might as well give up.”
And then my creative life changed forever.
The first time I heard about, and saw McDSP’s Analog Channel was in the Charles Dye’s instructional DVD, “Mix It Like A Record.” He had it strapped across the stereo mix bus for the purpose of adding analog-style saturation to the digital mix bus. He was actually driving into it without overloading and digital clipping.
This was my first step towards becoming happy with the sound of my mixes in Pro Tools. Up until then I was chasing something that was always just out of my reach. I have no doubt that I probably would never have reached it on my own.
While it’s not a silver bullet, this very cool plugin is certainly very powerful and valuable.
As I mentioned, there are two versions available: Analog Channel Native (included in the Classic Pack bundle – $795.00; occasionally available on special by itself for $295.00) and Analog Channel LE (included in the Project Studio bundle – $295.00; occasionally available on special by itself for $79.00).
There is a significant difference between the LE version and its bigger brother. Here’s the breakdown on each straight from McDSP:
Analog Channel Native
McDSP Analog Channel AC1
Analog Channel is actually 2 plug-ins:
• AC1 – Emulates analog channel amplifier circuits
• AC2 – Emulates analog tape machines
The AC1 configuration acts as a digital pre-amp allowing even excessive amounts of gain without digital distortion. A drive control determines where the audio “sits” in the saturation/compression region, and even the attack and release times of the distortion character are adjustable.
McDSP Analog Channel AC2
Features:
- Library of presets emulating analog mixing systems
- Real-time display of saturation curves and calibrations
- Analog Saturation Modeling
- Double precision processing
- Ultra low latency
- Mono and stereo versions
Analog Channel LE
Analog Channel LE features the Playback Head control from the TEC Award nominated original Analog Channel.
I think it’s obvious that the LE version is a MUCH younger brother (maybe third cousin twice removed) of the venerable Native edition. If you want that signature analog-style saturation as well as a full-featured tape machine emulator (albeit not as aggressive as DUY Tape or Massey Plugins TapeHead), there really is only one choice, Analog Channel Native.
Whenever they run the special where you can buy it on its own for $295.00, grab it.
If you have any questions or would like further info feel free to e-mail me or leave a comment.
