Analog Gear vs. Plugins: See if Pro Mixers Can Hear a Difference

[@josepapiii]

I really like how you are doing this with an open mind and just being honest about what you hear. So many engineers do these tests with the mindset of preferring analog

[@Il-Cane]

ANALOG IS FASTER, faster mean better result, so analog is better, end of the story. But analog is bettere isnt enough because if you are poor and you sell your car for a compressor, u will sound anyway shitty, because converters cost 1000x that compressor, u need them to take the advantage of analog. otherwise is useless. having said that, I buy analog because I have cash and I like touching things, and if I'm happy I automatically mix better :)

[@samuelbeltrami5647]

@@Il-Cane what do you mean by faster?

[@mohammedabduljabbar-kg4wp]

I dont think its an openmind, i think Waves us sponsering this video😂

[@entity9588]

@@samuelbeltrami5647 Transients almost always sound better with hardware ESPECIALLY when the plugin has oversampling. Hardware just reacts to everything in a faster way, whether it be saturation compression. It's just tighter without compromising as much as a plugin. You just have to know what to listen for.

[@Funkojazzist]

@@entity9588 exactly

[@Jamusictv]

I remember back in 2000. When I first starting learning all this stuff. Everyone was saying a plugin could never get close to the hardware. And now in 2023 the closeness is insane. Don't get me wrong. The hardware units in this test had a just a bit of 3d feel to them and the mids felt more analog in general. But not enough to say paying 10k more plus is worth it. You can absolutely get great sounding mixes with plugins in 2023. Mind blown! and thanks for this test!

[@shevyjohn9308]

Plugins are different and still not close to hardware sorry

[@Hovss]

you could also just widen the software audio or give it more mids, etc. its never worth it to use analog anymore, UNLESS your a label or a huge engineer.

[@strakhovmixing]

Hardware is a little bit smoother than plugins, but this difference so subtle. If you can't get a good mix with plugins, your mix wouldn't be good enough with hardware. Another awesome and eye-opening video for engineers. Thank you, Jordan!)

[@jodlex_music]

I guessed everything except the last Fairchild, because the first One seemed to me deeper and warmer, and the second one seemed to have become thin and low frequencies were cut off

[@seanp2k617]

it’s also just so easy to swap plugins, AB settings, automate any tweaks or gear swaps, and CHEAP to try a lot of different things that I don’t feel like I’m missing out on much by mixing in the box. I’ve got a nice stereo 500 channel strip in a lunchbox with Neve and elysia stuff into an RME interface and it’s safe to say that with anything I’m doing here at home, the performance, room, and my abilities as an engineer are going to be the weak points before any further improvements will be realized through better gear. The investment I’ve found most valuable has been spending time mastering (ha) the stuff I’ve already got vs worrying about gear…but it is a fun hobby, hence why I’m even watching this 😊

[@mcgritty8842]

@@jodlex_musicdoubt it dude. Quit being pretentious

[@Malc180s]

@@jodlex_music First one was 1db louder. Of course it as deeper and warmer. It was exactly one db deeper and warmer.

[@symonmarcusmusic2403]

I think, hardware are a little bit rounder but not better. Its just the taste of Analog. But the Fairchild I like the plugin over the hardware wirh my headphones. But maby its just on that Headphones :)) I think it really doesn‘t matter anymore. Its just taste and the Way we hear things…

[@echodream]

I'm glad I also achieved a 100% success rate on this test! In my opinion, the most noticeable difference is in the vocal breaths and all the micro transients, which tend to stand out more prominently in plugin emulations compared to being softer and more relaxed in real hardware. Thank you for taking the time to produce these high-quality tests!

[@storytimesongs1]

I wish I DIDN’T get them all right, considering how plugins are infinitely cheaper and more convenient lol! Granted, there are much better emulations that have come out over the last 2 decades or so since Waves. I’ve decided to spend my money on the front end (instruments, high quality sample libraries, amps, mics, preamps, acoustic treatment, etc) and back end (sending off to an analog mastering house). I’m happy using plugins for the mixing phase, and I’d probably find analog mixing impractical for my workflow anyways. Still not cheap by any means, but it’s the best bang for my buck

[@Wbajus]

It's not that they're softer and more relaxed, they aren't there! Digital output from the plugin likely destroyed all the clarity. I'm starting to wonder if every digital interface has the same problem

[@SenseiKreese]

Would really like to hear this done with newer emulations from other companies besides Waves. Make it harder for the engineers - A, B, C, D. Get 4x of each going, 1x hardware, 3x emulations.

[@who_is_dis]

Honestly... I'm sat here like "Waves...?! Seriously?"

[@landwirtschaft2116]

@@who_is_dis Currently trying Waves' NLS (Analog Summing Plugin) - can anybody recommend an alternative / something similar?

[@risingphoenix1484]

I want to see and hear a complete mix with plugin vs hardware as a total mix I believe the accumulation is really where the hardware will completely show its metal.

[@breezyoakk]

that would be great

[@moe47988]

And the youtuber's testing with vocals is flawed, hardware really shines in the slap and thunk with drums.

[@LafemmebearMusic]

@@moe47988can you elaborate? Cus this maybe isn’t hitting like you think. I definitely think the bus compression and outboard eq mic pre make a difference on the vocals, so what do you mean?

[@moe47988]

@@LafemmebearMusic I mean that the strength with hardware compressors is on drums, with vocals the difference with software emulations are less noticeable.

[@TiamatSorakaSolotop]

The pros said it sounded different, not better. If you have to squint really really hard to notice a difference to the point you actually stop paying attention to the artistic part of the music, does it really matter then? In my opinion, no.

[@homestudioculture]

The difference is audible, but it definitely does not make one better than the other. I think it's safe to say that in these days mixing with plugins gets you results that can sit on the same shelve next to completely analog productions. Great episode!

[@RealHomeRecording]

Indeed. To further your comments, I would say the less pressing issue these days is plugins versus hardware and more that limiters are still being abused. Meaning, the dynamic range of music is crush due to the so-called loudness wars that should have ended many years ago.

[@scrapethebottom]

Come on the difference between the 2 g bus compressors was there and the hardware was simply BETTER. plug in was dull and small sounding. IMO

[@jodlex_music]

I guessed everything except the last Fairchild, because the first One seemed to me deeper and warmer, and the second one seemed to have become thin and low frequencies were cut off

[@Reggi_Sample]

Small differences over 50 tracks that end up being limited and compressed is like putting a microscope to those changes which suddenly become massive jumps

[@homestudioculture]

Definitely, love your channel btw!@@RealHomeRecording

[@midlifeadventures3138]

It was subtle on here but I still picked all them right. There is a 3d element I get mixing into hardware that I cannot get in the box yet. When using hardware vs plugin for me. I feel hardware. I hear plugins. Thats the best way I can describe the experience.

[@drummerguyron]

I started my music production journey in the box.. Actually named my home studio InaBox.. Can definitely hear the subtle differences. But considering the lack of cash flow in this industry for us small guys.. I could never justify that kind of money for the hardware. Plus the space it takes to have them. Great video! Thanks!

[@squeakyproductions]

It would be an interesting test to ask which they preferred rather than if it was hardware or software.

[@plaguebearermetal]

I love that lots of people that I've listened to for metal production are on this video! It makes me realise that the world of metal production is quite small, but also very tight-knit!

[@pablokagioglu2546]

These comparisons are great and it goes to show how much progress Digital Recording has made in the last 40 years. It also explains why so many top level professionals are mixing in-the-box. Suggestion: use 4 choices instead of 2. With two choices it is a 50/50 chance. With 4 choices however, you could have 3 copies or two and two in random order, more of a challenge that way. In the end, the differences are so small, they could easily represent the differences between two analog units; nothing you couldn’t tweak with some EQ or other processing. If you got enough CPU power; for the money, go Digital. 😎

[@RabiaNEW16]

Dang! I got all of them right, I guess after working with analog and pluings for so long you get to know the sound and characteristics of each one of them. Great video by the way 👍🏽

[@kyolic]

I guessed all of them correctly, yet I don't think the hardware sounds so much better to justify $60.000. Also, these were just Waves plugins. There are plugins out there which are even closer to those analog units tested.

[@xxsouthxxsidexxroyxx]

Hardware is so much more affordable than what he is showing. The $10,000 compressor he shows...there are modern clones that go for $400. You don't need a $50,000 neve console...you can get the warm audio neve clone channel strip for $700. This video is very disingenuous.

[@adamphillips6747]

@@xxsouthxxsidexxroyxxbut he is talking about the actual machine that were cloned.

[@dickdanson]

​@@xxsouthxxsidexxroyxxthat would just get criticized for not using the actual hardware the plugins are emulating if he used cheaper clones

[@xxsouthxxsidexxroyxx]

@@dickdanson the cloned hardware would still sound better and be picked out by the professionals. 🤷‍♂️

[@dickdanson]

@xxsouthxxsidexxroyxx the people in this video are professionals and while they were able to pick out the hardware, they didnt seem to have much of any preference for how it sounded. Dont see how that changes by using cheaper hardware clones instead of the real thing

[@MarcusSt0ne]

I feel like the main thing I noticed is that the plugin versions are a tad brighter. Like the hardware naturally rounds off in the higher frequencies making it sound a little smoother. Character wise they all basically sounded the same lol

[@choosers5177]

Allways master at highest khz posible with plugins and than covert to 44.1 aatter. Youll remove the digital harshnes this way

[@siriusfun]

This was great. Yes, subtle difference in most cases, however subtle adds up across 40+ tracks! Cheers.

[@audiobunny1767]

Agreed

[@mariomaslik]

As long as you can afford to buy 40+ hardware preamps, compressors and EQs

[@dans5529]

@@mariomaslik Well, you don't need to record all 40 tracks simultaneously.

[@OrangeMicMusic]

This means top mixing engineers, making real money without using any real hardware at all, aren’t aware of this 😮 You can try sending them emails teaching them 😂

[@dans5529]

​@@OrangeMicMusic It's important to remember that in most cases those top mixing engineers are working with tracks that have been processed with hardware in the recording phase, usually with great mics and in great rooms. The final mixes will often get sent to a mastering engineer who will apply more analog processing at that stage too.

[@SaintJosh]

I got them all right except the last one! Blown away to know the plug-in version can achieve this level of sound. I would also love to see what things can be done to compensate in the plug-in versions to make them a little more brighter or fuller sounding. To me the analog versions were my favorite but it’s so subtle, I’m sure things can be done digitally to make up the difference

[@willsantos3781]

would be interesting to compare how it fares with a full song (drums, vocals, gtrs etc.) and see if that extra bit of low mid bump or 3d depth paints a greater picture when comparing to all digital mix.

[@NikolausBrocke]

That's exactly the point. My guess, no one will ever hear a difference in the full mix. But it's not only hearing. Operating hardware is much more fun. Some original hardware keeps the value of your investment for decades. Plugins might not work anymore after some years.

[@RealHomeRecording]

​@@NikolausBrockeOne reason I prefer hardware is for recording because why not get equalization and a little bit of compression done while tracks are being laid down? Saves time and frustration when the mix begins. And overall I think it results in a better mix. That said I've been mixing with plugins for a long time now and am confident that professional results can be delivered either all in the box or a hybrid.

[@NikolausBrocke]

@@RealHomeRecording Thank's for your quick answer. In the end it's a matter of taste and how it's comfortable for you. Most of the mixes in the charts are done in the box. Tracking is of course different. But you don't need much character gear, when you have a composer studio. There are not many big studios left for tracking bands and orchestras. It simply is way too expensive. If you can't make a great mix in the box you can't do it on hardware either.

[@Arcessitor]

@@RealHomeRecording In case the settings are wrong and you want to adjust? Seems pretty obvious. Whatever is run through hardware is committed, and you'd need to rerecord or process from scratch. That's why you'd use software. I really don't feel like I need to explain this, but here we are.

[@RealHomeRecording]

@@Arcessitor The beauty of modern audio hardware is that you can actually split a preamp signal two or even three ways using something like what Radial Engineering has on offer. That way you can get a raw signal along with processed analog if you want to and can spare the expense. Best of both worlds!

[@MisuAlexandru1]

wow, thank you for this video! The differences are so tiny, I had to listen multiple times and really, now, after I saw your video, I can't believe how close they are. I never got a chance to work with the hardware stuff, so it's important to me to realise that the differences probably don't matter that much, it's more about the experience you guys have

[@MrVleker]

A lot of it is experience, but once you have the experience those small differences add up. Especially in production/recording ;)

[@MisuAlexandru1]

@@MrVleker yeah, I believe you :D

[@flotopo]

I absolutely LOVE this video because it proves that if we're having a hard time telling the differences between the analog and the digital emulations, not that there are aren't differences, then the general public listening to the songs that are mixed and mastered is not going to be to tell the difference. And also, the general public does not even think about that difference. If a song is good and it's well mixed and mastered, they'll like it, if not, they just won't like it and that's what it boils down to. So, we should definitely focus all of our attention and energy in becoming better at our craft and not obsessing over differences between analog vs digital.

[@TheRealKeetHarris]

yes this!!!! I always say this. We hear differences because we work with audio. the average consumer is not playing a song sayin damn they recorded this on a Neve console.

[@flotopo]

@@TheRealKeetHarris , exactly!

[@AlessioGaravelloMusic]

Really cool. i think that subtle on a lot of tracks = Big difference. To achieve the last few percentage points of excellence you have to invest A LOT. In any field. Audio is no different.

[@steveglenister4939]

This is such a good video for many reasons. Hats off to your professionals, they really show their worth. And really pleased to hear their opinions that you don't need to spend to sound good if you've learned your craft.

[@atgred]

For me the real game changer was when CLA mixed a song, IVO "let her know" for MWTMs both analog and digital. For those who have a paid subscription you can download the session and both mixes come included. And when I would A/B them to my clients, most of the time they couldn't hear the difference. They were very subtle. I did prefer the analog mix, but for the thousands of dollars that would involve, I get why many, including me, have decided to sell all outboard gear! Except mic pres of course!

[@DavidLuchow]

Great video! The big difference comes when this adds up to over 24 tracks then the sound will definitely make a bigger difference. At the end it’s work flow and budget.

[@trancepyorailija]

Would you or anyone else buy 24 blue stripe 76's for the cumulative effect? Probably not. Would you or anyone else print your two blue stripe 76's over and over to get 24 tracks worth of cumulative effect on your mix because it makes a difference compared to the plugin counterpart? Probably not, because this is not how engineers think to begin with. Like you said it's about workflow and therefore you don't see anyone stacking up their hardware compressors to get that "big difference". Use what you have people, in this day of age it's more than good enough.

[@W4TSKY]

@@trancepyorailija "Would you or anyone else print your two blue stripe 76's over and over to get 24 tracks worth of cumulative effect on your mix because it makes a difference compared to the plugin counterpart?" Jack Antonoff, you know, the most in demand producer in pop music right now - literally does this lol. I've watched tons of interviews and both of his MWTM courses and he works completely analog ~90% of the time. Quickly recording takes, printing effects, and then moving on. I agree that plugins sound great and they are more than enough in this day and age, but you gotta stop acting like people still don't use and buy tons of analog hardware and effects and print them individually on tracks. I'm moving out of the box and more into a hybrid setup myself and got a 500 series lunchbox with an EQ and compressor and a Echo-Fix EF-X3. I'm a mid-20s gen Z so it's not going away any time soon.

[@trancepyorailija]

​@@W4TSKY I highly doubt he has ever said in his interviews that he chose to use same one hardware compressors 24+ times in a mix just to get cumulative harmonic effect. Since you own gear yourself you must know that using one same unit in 24 tracks would be anything but quick. I'm well aware people buy and still use analog gear, but there isn't anyone even the people who could afford it and mix for their living who would buy 24 of the same compressor for summing purpose or tries to replicate this type of effect by printing 1 by 1. Therefore in this situation talking about cumulative effects and how hardware is better because of it is just pointless. To recap in studio setting you won't ever see 24 ssl bus compressors, fairchilds, pultecs etc. anywhere but in the box.

[@W4TSKY]

@@trancepyorailija I get what you’re saying and agree to a point. But you also use hardware and software differently. You can put 24 compressor plugins on a single project with software. You can only do that with hardware if you are working at a studio that charges $300/hr or are rich AF. If you’re using hardware, you’re either tracking directly through the hardware or running it through outboard gear, printing it, and moving on. A one to one type duplication of this would be pointlessly expensive, but it does still happen in some studios. You may not need 24 1176s, but it’s not uncommon for a studio to have 4-6 to run your instrument busses or track directly through. And assuming you’re not recording a live album/band, that’s more than enough. But what I mean when I was talking about Jack is that he tracks everything analog and will mess around with wet effects until he gets something interesting, print and keep going. So he doesn’t use a lot of plugins besides transparent EQ and utility. And when you work like that, which I assume is how most people who can’t afford to buy the same piece of gear 20+ times to put one on every track work, you’re fine.

[@trancepyorailija]

​@@W4TSKY 4-6 is much more reasonable than 24+ mentioned originally. Now that we're left with a handful you and everyone else might want to ask themselves how much of an cumulative "big difference" will these make compared to the plugin counterpart stacked the same amount.

[@jewelzfinazzo28]

I personally track with hardware and a very nice audio interface and mix in the box while using a very nice DA converter, good monitors and a solid mixing room I built. My whole setup is about $40k. But that's including all the Analog synths, drum machines, hardware, computer and software. So I would consider that a pretty good budget for creating a quality of music that many spend millions of dollars to create. Plugins are priceless for many of us. GREAT VIDEO!

[@marlonjarek9071]

got all of them right, even through yt compression. still huge advocate for software here, since its opened up music production for everyone. and in the end, creative, unique ideas is more important than a perfect mix!

[@secretarchivesofthevatican]

I could just about hear the difference on a couple but I'm one of those who thinks that it is so subtle that the public will never hear it in a track that's released. I am encouraged that the T-Racks emulations of classic kit that I mostly use are definitely good enough for the most professional work.

[@FrightboxRecording]

I'm of the same opinion and I can assure you, the T-Racks stuff is more than good enough to achieve 100% pro-level results.

[@FulvioCuppi]

Did you grab their mixbox for 29$?

[@dereklarance6321]

I favor UAD but that’s because I got into them when I started mixing and I know how to use them well. I have thought about getting some analog gear for my mix bus at some point though.

[@drummersoundguy2722]

Really cool demonstration! I think the big give away for me with the plugin vs hardware is the transients. The hardware versions have a slightly more sharp and “quick” initial hit that give the impression of extra depth, width, and sometimes openness that the plugins can’t quite reproduce in the same way. I guess it’s the difference between electricity and binary code. It’s amazing how close we can get though at a fraction of the cost and no excuse for a bad sounding mix using the plugins over the hardware!

[@damirvucic]

No expert would ever be able to differentiate between a song mixed with plug ins only or a song mixed with hardware only. I like both!!!

[@Hxs28]

Individually each piece of hardware gear contributes with a small difference if compared with its digital counterpart, however when one uses all these unique pieces of gear within a mix or a production, the sum of each individual contributions create a massive difference with a mix or a production created in the box. This is what I experience every day when I use various physical items vs times in which I only use software. The difference of sound in the final masters is evident, especially when one listens to them on a good sound sytem.

[@rl4505]

If there is no difference on AirPods it probably does not matter.

[@LafemmebearMusic]

@@rl4505it’s not that simple. That’s the main take away for me. There’s definitely amazing plug-ins out and there’s a lot of hype on both the hard and plug-in side. But for me I really didn’t get any wrong on the tests either so it tells me we are hearing something different overall is it better, that’s subjective. I will say my mix buss compressor really does some beautiful things to sound that I like. Could I dial it in on a plug-in , definitely but I enjoy getting my hands on experience and I do think I prefer the sound. Is it ultimately necessary, I’d say no but I do think much like loop packs , there’s a place for picking up a real instrument or in this case the actual hardware to get a real hands on understanding of how you’re making sound happen. Also there’s alot of art to this and feeling inspired may not be worth 60k but for me it was worth the 2000 dollar neve eq copy for the buses compressor and mic pre eq s that I use. Go forth make music , it’s all about sonic a subtle differences stacking up to make your unique sound, if that means a mix of in the box and out of the box then awesomeness if not, awesomeness too 🤷🏾‍♀️😌

[@HOLLASOUNDS]

To get the hardware Equivalent of the effects, Compression, mixer and other devices included in My $500 DAW would cost around $100.000.

[@scrapethebottom]

@@Hxs28 amen to that. end of the discussion

[@elreyabeja4539]

Each hardware unit adds say 2% to the sound. But all those percentages together do add up. Is it worth 10s of 1000s of $ to make a track sound 10% "better"? That's up to the individual.

[@andreweilermusic]

Using 3rd party “air pods,” the differences, if any, were so subtle that it proves your point. :)

[@spartahill]

Thanks for this very timely episode, as I'm at a crossroads between hardware and software gear as I move into a different recording phase. Admittedly, I lean toward plugins for their availability, transport, and options, all inescapably tied to one's budget. Still, the software route allows me to grow my skill set much faster based on the abovementioned attributes. Though I will forever be inspired by and in awe of the awesomeness of physical outboard gear, I'm just as inspired by inbox offerings. Thanks again for the objective comparison.

[@joshwork6585]

I can hear it!!!!!!!!!! There is now way… it’s so so subtle, would not of heard if I didn’t hear the direct comparison in the beginning.. but I’m surprised🤣🤣 hectic Just note this is only for the first.. the rest I had trouble because I didn’t get to compare the difference, but they are so close

[@Jackson-zh2xc]

As an amateur mix engineer who spends all his money on hardware because I love it, I’d like to share the benefit of hardware for myself! Whilst some pieces of gear are very similar to software, some most certainly are not and are leaps and bounds ahead of software in terms of sound (first one that comes to mind is my IGS rubber bands stereo pultec vs waves Puigtec on my drumbus… the Puigtec sounds shocking in comparison) The main benefit from hardware I find is that it actually taught me SO much more about the actual unit and software than I ever would have learned with software… I’m not sure if this is an issue for everyone, but with hardware I learned pretty much which settings I like, how to use the unit and what to use the unit on so much better than I ever could from a KZbin video or online tutorial. I also enjoy using hardware sooo much, it really inspires me in a way that plugins just never made me feel… maybe like when you buy heaps of plugins when you first start out in production and get really excited, but then the excitement goes away and you realise you wasted heaps of money- except my excitement has never left with hardware! No hate at all for what you do Jordan, I look up to your mixes and the work you do so much but I just thought I’d add my two sense in as someone who does this as a hobby but also loves gear and uses it on every mix!

[@doodoogtube]

Dope videos my man! I love that you adjusted the plug-ins for “a good sound” instead of just matching the numbers on the hardware which makes no sense. Although I do agree with a few people down in the comments about a better test. This would be an . 1- Use 4 (or even better 5) test examples instead of just 2. 2-The 4 test examples should be Universal Audio, Waves, Plugin Alliance, Analog (and if 5) another popular plugin favorite. 3-And most importantly, ask the listener which one they “Prefer” (not better)… if you get a whole bunch of different answers, then it proves that it doesn’t really matter between analog and Plugin. -Which would make for an even better video: Ask the listener to place their preferences in order of favorite to least favorite. Then you’ll see heads get blown, and a final nail put in that coffin.✌🏾

[@josipsuker1893]

Nice settings matching! You've got it pretty close! Would like to hear new plugins vs. hardware! I bet there would be more difference with mixing and matching every plugin on the whole mix. I think those subtleties adds up.

[@flowonyourbeat]

Both ways work great, I was lucky to try analog and plugins when I started from 0 with mixing which gave me my own opinion about the differences. The biggest difference in sound (in my opinion) is some kinda hiss in plugins, while analog is more silk. If I had the budget, I would buy an analog mixbus chain. But yeah, if I had… probably the biggest dealbreaker for a lot of us :)

[@badinkstudios]

I could hear a difference but it was subtle, and I'm listening on a decent headphone amp driving Audezes. I would imagine any difference evaporates on 99% of most consumer-available earbuds/speakers/soundbars, etc. It really is a difference only audio enthusiasts will know or detect.

[@joshfairbanks33]

I think the only time I heard a noticeable difference was the SSL Bus comp. My ears are not super trained for mixing, so it was cool to see insight on how the audio engineers tell things apart.

[@audiobunny1767]

The differences are so subtle that it's an absolute safe bet to mix totally itb. That being said hardware does have the mojo, only just. Great video ❤

[@danymalsound]

AGREED

[@bolillo5013]

Absolutely

[@ARKenMan]

I got them all right except the fairchild but I'm at work listening on some crappy computer speakers too. But I admit, wow, they are very close. We live in a great time as music creators....honestly....I think about that all the time and am grateful.

[@albertbatchelor5882]

I heard the difference right away in 1176 BlueStripe. The hardware was warmer and smoother. The plugin had a slight high end spikey sound that I hate, but I can be easily corrected. Those of us that have been doing this a long time can easily hear the differences. 🙂👍

[@steveweilhart2359]

the listener does not think about whether it's digital or analog - they either like what there hearing or do not - plugins are awesome I love them will always use them - great video

[@italrecordsportal]

Thanks for the comparisons. I choose the hardware correctly every time except for the Bass Guitar EQ comparison. That’s the only one where I actually like the plug-in better and so I decided to listen again on my large speaker and found that I liked the hardware better. Hardware one on every test.

[@italrecordsportal]

These plugins are also doable

[@chucksano]

The First one was the only one (for us viewers) that you gave us a chance to listen knowing which was which, then listen again to see if we could identify the difference blind. i.e. I could have guessed and said I hear more low end in B... but I got no reference as to which (plugin or hardware) seeemed to have more low end, so any guess is just a 50/50 shot in the dark.

[@borisvillar]

The difference is so subtle wow amazing

[@alexcampos7953]

Glad that I got all of them right! I think the difference might be in the actual ''analogic flaws'', it feels to my ears that the hardwares in general introduce more character to the sounds, how the bits and bops spike here and there for electrical fluctuations and 0.001% tolerances in the components, while plugins sound great, they sound a little too clean, almost as if trying not to appear in the mix, while the hardwares normally introduce more variance in the inputs.

[@audioglenngineer]

Don’t know if anybody else felt this way, but on the blue-stripe compressor comparison, I almost felt like I was hearing two separate hardware units, hearing the subtle differences in tolerances and parts, rather than a plug-in versus hardware. Impressive!

[@Genital.Wartzenegger]

I'd love to hear a comparison of multiple full mixes where they're done analog (or hybrid) and then done fully in the box and vise versa. Not as an exercise to spot the differences or to fully match the other per but to see which mixes came out better and how easy it was to get there. So maybe the drums hit harder in an analog mix but overall the itb mix came out better and in less time, Or maybe it came out worse and it look way longer to get there.

[@galgogergo]

This, would 100% watch! Also, you have more possibilities with the hardware, pushing them into saturation, etc. Would be curious how a mix would benefit from it.

[@hardcoremusicstudio]

Grab your free Mixing Cheatsheet to learn the go-to starting points for EQ and compression in heavy mixes: hardcoremusicstudio.com/mixcheatsheet

[@HeartDrumMachine_]

Please recreate one of your mixes using the hardware. It's going to be Epic!

[@jamesmullins1990]

WOW, Waves is very impressive. This is a test that they should have ran from day one as part of their promotions. If you need more body on certain tracks just add a minute bit of high-quality e.q. to make the adjustment.

[@superdeeptom]

Exactly my first thought but does show us how far plugs have come. Quality of source material makes a huge difference too

[@ReneVignoli]

O GRINGO!!! QUE TAL USAR O ANALÓGICO COM VONTADE AÍ VOCÊ TENTA COPIAR COM PLUGIN. (O que eu duvido) Caralho, ou você é muito desonesto ou muito ruim de serviço. Lógico que em uma faixa confortável eles ficam praticamente iguais. Mas usar o analógico dessa maneira é perda de tempo. Arranca o som de verdade. O analógico só responde se você fazer ele trabalhar no limite. Até porque o analógico não clipa. Se eu meter 30 decibéis a mais do que "deveria" em qualquer equipo meu analógico, ele fica uma delicia. Enfia 30db acima do seu máximo no plugin pra ver o que acontece. 😂😂😂😂 DESONESTIDADE. A WAVES ESTÁ PAGANDO NÉ?

[@MidianLoveCraft]

Listening on the phone. I did however spot the correct on all. It’s just a little more Airy on the hardware than it is on the plugins. NOT by much. It’s super subtle!

[@LogicKeyz]

The plugins are a great tool however, when pushed, that's when the Hardware shines and shows difference in sound, headroom, etc. I just did the same thing to one of my guys that came through my studio. I actually have the Audioscape bluestripe units. They really do shine. Difference is evident.

[@darkozoric4184]

What an amazing time we live in. We get access to the sound of a $60k compressor in plugin form whereas in the analog days 99% of us would only dream about using such gear. Even if digital is a few percent off the hardware, I much rather use it than resorting to using an affordable sub standard analog compressor that was commonly used by smaller studio owners back during analog days.

[@aaroncampmusic]

Great video! I would echo what some are saying which is that when you add up tracks in a mix, these differences become more apparent. I think a mix through a console with outboard on every track will certainly sound more different than solo'd track comparisons. But then you have to ask, can't you also make up for that difference with some small tweaks? It also matters which makes more sense business wise - and that's why so many are ITB now at least with a little hardware here and there.

[@alstontyler4788]

The biggest surprise for me was the 660, I liked the waves version much more.. like the warmth it has was awesome.. All the other gear was an easy pick for the Hardware My question for the G Bus, is how accurate were the settings? Because any differences in attack and release times would give it that more open feel But with that being said even if you selected the exact same settings, they might not be the same in reality Definitely like the G Bus hardware a lot and considering I use that plugin on every Mix it might be worth it to get the hardware Great video, God Bless you

[@thejonathandoan]

I’m happy I could hear the minute differences, but they’re so subtle, that it really does the plugins justice for their price and ease of use. If you don’t have the hardware and can’t stomach the steep prices, you can still get amazing results with plugins, and it’s easier to implement. At this point in time, hardware is really just a way to flex. I’m sure you’ll draw in more clients when they see all that expensive hardware! ;)

[@denniskielton2447]

dude you seriously sent these to every single one of the people I follow on KZbin haha damn, small world. That's so awesome. I hate to say it, but I could legit tell the difference and spotted the hardware each time. the SSL Bus especially made the point to me though, that it doesn't matter. It's like 2 flavors of the same thing, the exact type of thing us guitarists seem to seek out & spend far too much time on with our tones haha

[@АнтонК-ф7д]

Nice. This is so cool that I can record music at home using pretty old notebook and use such awesome soft. Really all we born and live in a great time.

[@krissheehy]

Awesome video! I agree the lines are close. I still prefer to touch knobs whenever I can. Keeping my hands off the mouse makes a huge impact on the overall experience for me. Not to mention it holds real value (can be sold) and never needs to be "updated" when my OS doesn't like it anymore.

[@BrokeTheGamer]

I think it’s important and cannot be understated that in modern mixing and mastering, hardware processing when possible serves a specific purpose… CPU and ram workload. This is especially important, when the recording artist has a label paying $900 an hour, and they expect to hear in their monitor the IPS, instantly processed sound. There is only so much main output throughput, bus throughput, processing power and headroom within each track on a song - and hardware off-loads that portion of the work… Resulting in more space within the tracks to work digitally.

[@pro_influence]

That's a brilliant one Brother, I love it, and I think there will always be a subtle deference in better the two because during the process the signal still pass through the Analog Console which I believe will add characters to the response of the Hardware Compressor, and the plugin I want You to consider one thing which I have studied about Audio Interfaces no matter what their Tone or Character and or Frequency Responses will also tell, no matter what's the tone of the plugin, even if You test same plugin on deferent Audio Interfaces, I watched Jacquire King comparison on hardware versus UAD LA2A Compressor, and truly the deference was more subtle. I really appreciate this because it will answer so many questions and lack of confidence in using virtual plugins which many People has. Thanks ❤

[@DanRelayer_Ukraine]

amazing stuff. Taking into account how old the plugins are - even more so stellar!

[@peterheinen6110]

Waves are good. But my PA plugins would stand the tests even better. It's the awesome results of the tech guys writing the emulations and getting them endorsed by the license owners that move our trade further, not dust collecting, buzzing and hard to maintain -though the mothers of analog warmth- hardware😊

[@MariooDisco]

Analog definitely sound better and can forgive you more mistakes than digital but it is not as convenient to work with and quality difference isn't often worth the jaw dropping price :) and usually analog shows its dominance in extreme conditions. It's like driving corsa and ferrari in a 50 speed limit area, and arguing which has more power ;)

[@joeyf808]

Good Point about the Waves modeling, old, be great to see Waves revamp them. I felt with some small amounts of extra saturation, You could have gotten there. Would have been interesting to hear other Manufacturers SSL, 1176, & Fairchild plugins.

[@crookman42]

whoop whoop! I got 100% right! Damn, that feels good... sorry for being that guy. But for real tho, the differences are super subtle and most of them could easily be adjusted with another plugin, i.e. an additional Param.EQ or some smooth type of subtle saturation.... I'll keep mixing in the box, but I'm also kinda glad to hear that there ARE differences and I CAN pick up on them. That definitely hasn't always been the case, that's why it really makes me happy :)

[@GgWhyfye]

I got em all right off the phone speaker ! But its all in the box for me! Once you add a tape saturation plugin it really doesnt matter. Abbey road vinyl is that thang. Also SAPHIRA harmonics plugin is really good

[@jimbotski]

I think plugs on mono sources is fine. Stereo tracks or 2bus, my personal preference will always be hardware.

[@ogedayerguven5642]

I think same as you, plugins makes a little bit mono and slightly darker sound in stereo files.

[@emrahalpat]

Dual mono.

[@dirkbrouns5293]

Great comparison. I have done many tests myself and after I found the Xtressor to replace my trusted Distressors on kick and bass while mixing, my search is over. Just from a testing perspective: it would have been interesting to not let them hear the differences first - it gives a clue what to listen for and as is mostly the case, there will be differences. If you would just let them listen blindly first and then pick a favorite - or conclude there is no favorite, that could have been very interesting. What these type of comparisons prove: it's in the mixing skills by now, not these very small differences. There may still be something that has to do with aliasing and accumulation of it, but if you record well, honestly, there is no need for expensive hardware during mixing anymore IMHO.

[@HANGINGOUTWITHAUDIOPHILES]

I really like the way eric valentine does A B tests using Short loops. That way you can really hear beyond general tonal fluctuation which can influence a decision. Short loops and not phrases basically. All that said, digital gear is clearly very good and the differences are very subtle at this point

[@theblowupdollsmusic]

Hardware does have a nice sound, but instant session recall is really nice as well.

[@infojunkie4989]

Ideal is to have both. Plug ins for when the clock matters. Hardware for when you want to get hands on!

[@AlecBridges]

I was able to spot the hardware in all of them. Differences were not huge, but I did like the hardware sound better every time. The one that stood out the most was the Fairchild. Plug-in had a little harsh digital sound, hardware was super smooth. All the others would fall into subjective taste.

[@theAshesofDecember1]

I think it’s fair to say that a decent plug-in will get you really close to the hardware at least close enough that you can compensate for what the plug-in may be lacking. I just know in my own space I can hear a difference when I’m on really awesome speakers, but as soon as I’m going to a different system, you wouldn’t be able to tell if I use plug-in or hardware

[@sergioch1]

I really see the difference Hardware has a touch of harmonic distortion and brilliance that in the sum of all tracks make the difference...I personally dont use many plugins I use mostly analog vintage gear but not studio equipment I use 1970s and 1980s dynamic expanders and compressors made for audio and I run the signals thru them...the result is great and the cost much lower than studio gear.....get to me and I show you my results with all due respecta and humbleness Great video I enjoyed it a lot

[@johnnyq1233]

I got 4 of them right but the last one I kinda prefered the software version.... Mind you I have a sinus infection that might play into my hearing... I personally like hardware because there are no menus, screens to go through...just grab the knob and adjust it. Also, the aesthetics of hardware make it so cool and a tactile experience. You can literally adjust an entire rack in seconds with no fumbling around.

[@franklingenao7418]

At 3:27 I knew B was the hardware as soon as the track started. It sounded right I’m front of you immediately where as A felt a bit behind if that makes sense lol. It also sounded like 1.7db louder

[@xSHAMELLx]

What's the name of the song used?

[@MellowXBrew]

The first example through the iPhone shows the CLA plugin brighter. Tends to be the case with most plugins. Not sure how this wasn’t audible

[@RPMatiussi_]

Jordan is a Gem for the producer comunity. He always brings such precious knowledge for us all. I'm glad i can have a personal point of view from this guy. Thanks, man!

[@BNormousProductions]

It’s so cool to see you finally did this video! You have been talking about doing this for a long time! I have to say I heard zero difference lol ITB all day long especially for the amount of time it saves you with presets and templates! Plugins are gonna be the better option for 99% of mixers and not to mention the $$$ savings and also space you save in the studio. Plugins for me all the time way!!

[@jamisonfrench]

One of the biggest things for me in the relentless battle between ITB or OTB.. (if I may use abbreviations without sounding pretentious..) 😆 is the spread. There is a level of dimension that hardware offers over software, especially when it’s stacked up over x-amount of tracks. Doesn’t mean it’s better.. simply different. However, it’s 2023. The way we hear music has drastically changed with the introduction of software modeling and IR. The average consumer is used to hearing ITB mixes. So that’s the norm. In the end.. dive into the rabbit hole, be a gearhead and nerd out BUT never allow the tech to hinder the creative process. Commit and GO! 👊 🔥 👌

[@SoundKilterStudio]

Awesome video man! You are only one of two producers with a solid presence on KZbin that I watch, listen to, and from whom I trust production/mixing advice and "how-to's". But while I sure as hell wouldn't pay that much more for an actual Faichild, my personal opinion is analog, hands down. This video does show subtle differences. But Ive also heard, and performed A-B's like this that were MUCH more apparent (i.e. my BLA Bluey vs. Waves CLA Bluey, which I love, on a snare). From my experince plug-ins usually seem to be a lot more 2D and some sound like they actually cut off much of the tracks natural ambience. With that said, you can obviously get great results 100% in the box, as has been proven time and time again and shouldnt even be a debate anymore. However it takes more plug-ins, and time for me personally, to get there. And we cant ignore the fact thay many of the huge songs we know that were mixed in the box were recorded on/with the same kinds of analog gear in your videos. Anyways, just my 2 cents on it. Thank for all that you do man! 👊

[@AlucardXIX]

Honestly I felt like it was easy to tell each one with headphones on, there's absolutely a way that hardware hits especially lows and low mids that plugins get close but not close enough, especially on compression. Once I got a hardware compressor I realized I won't go back to doing ITB bus compression on my whole mix anymore. Good video though, because it shows how good even old plugins like those Waves ones actually are.

[@JosePineda-jn8jk]

I was not expecting to be able to get any of them but, I did call the hardware each and every time. Must be the attack or some extra frequencies that I’m picking up that are cluing me in.

[@IJOSoundVideo]

What i am also interested in is the summing aspect of things.. Seems that plugins can nail the sound super accurately that in reality it really is difficult to tell the difference on isolated parts.. But when it comes to analog vs digital summing, there must be differences.. At least i can definitely hear huge different when i mix in the box vs on my cheap analog mixing desk, the analog mixer makes everything sound more organic, everything sits in the mix better and generally sounds more musical to me personally. Would be nice to see you doing that.

[@TommyMarcinek]

Fantastic video.....loved it! It confirms what I had been thinking for the longest time, i.e., that you can get so close with the plugins that it doesn't justify the cost of the hardware. Looking at those professionals struggling to hear the differences, and yet not condemning the plug-in versions, was quite revealing. I mean, if they have to struggle that hard to hear the difference, then the difference is negligible. The ultimate question then becomes, why do people actually salivate when recording in these mega studios with all that hardware? Is it just a psychological thing? The answer must be in the affirmative. Peace. Tom

[@ORACLEBALL]

Imo there are 2 main advantages of using hardware. Capturing your signal in higher fidelity will give you the most out of your headroom to noisefloor. The other is that it makes mixing easier when you already have the tones gently dialed in a bit, which can also help performers be inspired when they hear a nicer tone in their headphones. Both are viable and valuable and their strengths complement each others weaknesses.

[@JarrodHeadleyOfficial]

Honestly, yes I could hear a difference. If we’re taking only a single track into consideration, yes it’s rather subtle however, if we’re taking into consideration all of those subtleties built up over a whole mix with every track, that would be a much larger difference.

[@richardatwood3623]

Your cheat sheet helped me out so much dude. Quick and easy. Huge difference. Thanks!

[@GingerDrums]

Rounding off the highs and adding a little more harmonic distortion with an eq in the box makes up the difference

[@pappamusik]

Would be fun to see a comparison of time-based effects as well !!

[@shan5445]

Good comparisons got most of them right not all but that maybe due to me listening via mobile phone. Hardware enables you to feel the music digital is kind of lifeless. But they were so close that nowadays it's hard to detect.

[@mcpribs]

I got them right, but wouldn’t consider buying any of them (even if I had the money 😉). I would consider a console, however, since that how my brain works, and I love having everything right in front of me. Great vid! Thanks!

[@pedrobossio5440]

Thank you so much for the informative video. It makes it clear how far advanced has technology come. On the bass comparison I coundn't find any difference, very close. I'd like to see these comparisons with UAD plugings, I think it will be harder to tell. I used to use Waves and the difference side by side is notable. Great video!

[@damirvukelic8087]

I got a warm audio bus comp and when tested on a drum bus (vs g-comp), the WA was wider in stereo picture. So, even an inexpensive piece of hardware has advantages over plugins

[@Mr.NovaRecords]

Really nice and eye opener video! To me, the real deal with hardware is to use it on recording and production stages, it really make the difference when you uses nice stuff to get your music recorded. In mixing stages if the job was well done plugins are the way on time saving and nowadays sounds really close. Anyway good music is always good music, if your write and produce nice songs, people will hear you. Focus on creativity, feeling and soul, having an 100k home studio wont make your music better. Have fun guys!!

[@vjrei]

I used to have a Yamaha 01V digital mixer. When I used two channels the console sounded great. When I used all 16 channels it sounded like crap, it was flat. I had a Audio Technica PCI card with only two channels that was as expensive as the mixer. So why the PCI card with two channels cost the same as 16? I ended up selling the mixers and keeping an analog Mackie 1202VLZ. In the mix, those analog mixer should create a difference that the digital ones can't.

[@ThomasJakobMusic]

In the end it's impossible to tell what exactly makes one love a song. It's through all that subtle stuff that amazing songs are made that's why I think hardware is still very important.

[@adkywun]

Never really tried to mimic the Hard and Soft, I think they both are very useful. Let say If I got some tone idea in mind, I will see what work out best, That's it. But I must say, use all plug-ins are easier to deal with trouble client that always look for final final final final. Thats for the vids. love it.

[@rishabhnag]

All my guesses are correct , and realize that analog has something which is sound more natural. eye opening video. bdw I never use hardware personally.

[@CamiloVelandia]

Cool. Would love to hear it with the UAD versions, those are my favorites. Except for G Bus…. SSL one makes the best to my ears