Slate Digital VMR | Every Plugin Reviewed

[@jason_hustla67]

first time i watched a whole 1.53 hour video without skipping or pausing the vid...U ARE THE BEST

[@AudioSorcerer]

I'm glad you found it helpful! The slate stuff is awesome. 👍

[@curtismenezes4748]

You're an actual legend! I have finally found a guy who knows how to explain plugins and review them!! Amazinggg

[@AudioSorcerer]

Haha thanks Curtis! I try my best. 👍

[@VenoMusic5]

I love how well you explained everything + the organized timestamps in the video, thank you so much.

[@AudioSorcerer]

No problem! Thanks for taking the time to check out the video. 🤘🤘🤘

[@TimDavies-j4v]

Apparently I’m a little late in finding this video, but I’m grateful to have found it. I’m just getting started with Slate after a long hiatus that’s seen so much advancement in plug-in technology (I’m coming from an old Roland standalone multitrack lol), and I can’t thank you enough for taking the time to unpack this. For whatever it’s worth, this is a treasure trove for those just getting started with Slate.

[@AudioSorcerer]

Thanks for checking out the video and I'm glad you found it helpful. Feel free to look through my "Slate Digital" video playlist as I have made videos of modules added to the VMR since I made this initial one. 🤘🤘🤘

[@tenzel1231]

Seriously my dude thank you for this. This was the best explanation of any plug in i have ever seen. MY MAN!!!!!

[@AudioSorcerer]

Glad you liked it and thanks for checking out the video! 🤘

[@rickysad]

After searching around for an explanation of what plugin matched which hardware device, I finally watched this video and it explained everything... Thank you!

[@AudioSorcerer]

No problem! I'm glad it helped.🤘🤘🤘

[@donnythompson408]

The VMR holds up to 8 modules. On the whole, CPU usage is pretty typical, and similar to other manufacturers, though a few of the modules are heavier than others in CPU usage; the Audified U73b (modeling a vintage Telefunken VariMu broadcast limiter) is one of these. And, obviously, the more modules loaded into the VMR, the higher the CPU usage. While it’s fairly easy to figure out what hardware most of the modules are emulating by their appearance (like “Neve” blue and the recreation of their distinctive looking pots), and subtle hints in the numbers (or letters, such as the FG-116 compressor, modeled after a Urei 1176), I did find a link to a list that might be helpful for those who aren’t as familiar with classic hardware; the list describes what each VMR module is, and the hardware that was used for modeling, (it’s not totally current as of this writing, though, as Slate has added other modules since, including noise gates, an API-style EQ, and just a few weeks ago, an LA-2A... but the list is still a good reference for the modules it covers. There are a few VMR modules that aren’t sourced to replicate any one specific hardware model, such as the “Custom EQ” which is a “hybrid” of several different analog EQ’s, or, the London, NY and Hollywood preamps, that are each blends of different preamps and their character. The link: theproaudiofiles.com/virtual-mix-rack-by-slate-digital/

[@MyToasterIsMoist]

Dude I was looking for exactly this! Much appreciated!

[@salo6564]

This channel is incredibly underrated, not long now brother, it’ll blow up as word gets out about how informational and helpful your vids are, keep going!

[@AudioSorcerer]

Thanks man! I appreciate the kind words. 🤘🤘🤘

[@jonasandersson705]

Really so great man. Love what you’re doing . It’s all so helpful in the jungle of plugins. I’m using the Slate bundle myself and your guidance is so helpful 😊👍🏻

[@AudioSorcerer]

Thanks for the kind words Jonas. The Slate bundle is definitely amazing and I don't know what I would do without it! 🤘🤘🤘

[@waynebo248]

I've had the Slate all-access pass for about 2½ years and I LOVE it. This is the best comprehensive review I have come across. It gives me the detailed description I need for each processor. I know I'm late, but THANK YOU.

[@AudioSorcerer]

Thanks for checking out the video. I'm glad you ended up digging it! The Slate stuff is great!🤘🤘🤘

[@axel.lessio]

Great video, I watched it all and only then realised it's 2 hours long haha. I love how each single unit adds something subtle but then when you combine everything together it's literally night and day. I usually put the preamps and the tape machines in each track, and then in the mix bus. I hear very subtle changes in each track individually but then it all adds up to a sound that has a lot of warmth, depth, character, smooth transients and everything you'd want from analog gear. VMR is amazing!

[@AudioSorcerer]

Thanks for taking time out of your day to watch this whole video. Slate products are great! I own almost all of them and I use them all the time. They really do make a difference. 👍👍👍

[@rodgre]

This is fantastic. Thank you. Exactly what I was looking for. When I started making music and engineering a thousand years ago, I would buy one specific piece of gear and I would spend a lot of time with just that thing, figuring out what it did, how it did it, pushing it to it's limits and finding what it was useful for. This is why I still prefer singular discrete guitar pedals versus anything multi that tries to do too much at once. When digital stuff, especially when I switched to a DAW from tape-based recording around 1999, I was inundated with options and had to figure out how to streamline my recording process as to not get overwhelmed by not making a decision and sticking with it. Now I can't even tell you how many hundreds, if not more, plugins I have access to (like all of us). If I had a year of free time, I could go through each and every individual plugin and get to know it intimately and find out what it does that makes it unique. I don't. No one does. I get something like VMR and it's a seemingly endless toolbox that I wouldn't know where to start because there are probably 100 ways to accomplish the same task with it, each with a subtle difference to the others. This tutorial gives me exactly what I wished I had the time to have figured out myself. You've saved me a good year of fiddling! Thank you. By the way, I have been using VMR on my mix bus for every project I've done over the last year. I've become a big fan of it for several reasons. I can tackle anything I would want to accomplish on a master bus to season and glue a mix together the way I want to hear it. I use it quite subtly, as far as EQ is concerned and your tutorial on what makes the various modules unique has been really helpful in letting me know why I don't love one EQ module to do one task, but love it for a different task. Like I said, there are so many different ways to, say, enhance the top end and they won't all be the right one for a particular mix. This tutorial went a long way in helping me figure out what that is. Thank you!

[@rodgre]

PS. The V76 module is an emulation of an old Telefunken V76

[@AudioSorcerer]

Rodgre, thanks for taking the time to check out the tutorial. The slate VMR is definitely a great plugin and I find use for it in every mix that I do. 👍

[@LBT-sy4dp]

I watch this while i was taking breakfast at 8am, 10:30 o boughtem jajaja Nice video man

[@AudioSorcerer]

haha nice! I'm glad you enjoyed the video. 🤘🤘🤘

[@IDRIS-Music]

Thanks man. All jokes aside god bless you my man. From the heart. This really helps me a lot

[@AudioSorcerer]

I'm glad it was helpful. 👍

[@lilithr666]

Love this, I just got slate plugins maybe 2 weeks ago. This helped even more so thank you 👍

[@AudioSorcerer]

Thanks for checking out the video and glad to hear! 🤘🤘🤘

[@lilithr666]

@@AudioSorcerer question??! Would you look at Melting Through. On me 🙋‍♀️. It’s on here mine. And let me know if my dynamics are okay? Please 🙏

[@lilithr666]

@@AudioSorcerer I had to mess the sentence up or you know how YT gets

[@andytheproducer_]

This is exactly what I was hoping to find after purchasing VMR from Slate. Thank you so much!!

[@AudioSorcerer]

No problem Andrew. I'm glad you found the video helpful! 👍

[@venemushunter25]

Awesome tutorial dude…. I didn’t mind the length because you made it interesting. Keep up the great work!

[@AudioSorcerer]

Thanks so much for checking out the video! 🤘🤘🤘

[@venemushunter25]

No problem dude keep making awesome vids

[@RolandDeschain1]

I just bit the bullet and got my free month trial of the Slate bundle, so this video is very helpful.

[@AudioSorcerer]

Thanks for checking out the video. You will enjoy the Slate plugins a lot! There were two other modules added to the VMR since I made this video. These two videos here explain good use cases for them. kzbin.info/www/bejne/gZakoaFtpsqHeZI kzbin.info/www/bejne/e6q5kmyObc1oidk

[@troutstudio]

I have a Slate subscription and this was such a helpful tutorial. I really appreciate all your hard work - thank you.

[@AudioSorcerer]

You're Welcome! 🤘🤘🤘

[@jamescuttsmusicjcm5013]

I know it wasn't how it was intended to be used, but experimenting with the mic modules even without the proper mic can be interesting / useful on various sources. Just throwing that one out there. :D.

[@donteschner8604]

Watched this whole thing and learned so much. Ireally wish you used a real drum kit for the dynamics and acoustics which would have really showed the capabilities of some of the plugins. Excellent job just the same. Thank you.

[@AudioSorcerer]

Hey Don, thanks for checking out the video. I'm glad you found it helpful. The VMR is definitely awesome on real drums. Especially the gates they have in there. 🤘🤘🤘

[@fantaztikbeatz]

Best Slate vid out here now i know everything i need to know Thanks alot.

[@AudioSorcerer]

Thanks for the kind words and checking out the video! 🤘🤘🤘

[@larsthomasdenstad9082]

I just got into the Slate plugins myself, so this is very helpful. Always good to see a fellow Falcon user. :) Good job!

[@AudioSorcerer]

I'm glad you found this tutorial helpful Lars. I love the Slate stuff! Also, I do find myself using the Falcon plugin quite a bit! 👍

[@BrentIraEnman]

Awesome demo man!

[@AudioSorcerer]

Thanks so much! 👍

[@carlosm8303]

Thank you for doing this. It took a while to get through but it was worth it.

[@AudioSorcerer]

No problem Carlos. Thanks for watching the video! 👍

[@markqualter5016]

Great review - very clear - thanks.

[@AudioSorcerer]

Glad you enjoyed it!🤘

[@lightningthorak7756]

Finally ...someone who explains everything ! Thank You !

[@AudioSorcerer]

You're welcome! 🤘🤘🤘

[@flwerproducer9774]

Thank you so much, this was very very useful!

[@AudioSorcerer]

Glad I could help! 🤘🤘🤘

[@pooriapouria]

Thanks for the video. I just subscribed and liked the video. By any chacnce do you have any other video discussing and analyzing this very same music project? It's sounds spectacular. I'd love to have a closer look at the production.

[@AudioSorcerer]

Thanks for subscribing! I have used that song for a couple other videos, but I don't remember which ones.

[@lilithr666]

Omg I just noticed, your chord progression is Abandoned all ships - take one last breath

[@moce727]

I thought it would be a good video about this, but didn't think it would be as good as this one damn you're great! thank you so much!!!

[@AudioSorcerer]

Thanks so much! I'm glad you dug the video! 🤘🤘🤘

[@Willigrow]

Great and comprehensive review. Helped me a lot in deciding should I get the subscription and move from Waves plugins, I pretty sure I will.

[@AudioSorcerer]

Glad it was helpful 👍

[@addhanushdu]

This helped me so much. Thanks for this video fam

[@AudioSorcerer]

No problem! Glad I could help 👍

[@Nobodyimportant696]

amazing review!

[@AudioSorcerer]

Thanks for checking out the video! I'm glad you enjoyed it. 🤘🤘🤘

[@donnythompson408]

I don’t know if it’s been mentioned in one of the comments already, but the FG76 is Slate’s version of the Telefunken V76 preamp. 😊

[@AudioSorcerer]

Thanks for checking out the video! I think someone mentioned it in the comments.

[@sonicpalacevideos]

Nice work, glad to know you can control click on the FG-A to scroll through frequencies. BTW, Op Amp is pronounced like operational amplifier.

[@AudioSorcerer]

Thanks for checking out the video! 🤘🤘🤘

[@beatcrafter]

That final comparison 🤯

[@AudioSorcerer]

The Slate stuff can definitely work wonders! 👍

[@alunaritualmusic]

That was epic Dan!!! Thanks so much for all the great tutorials. I have been using the VMR plugins for almost a year now more or less intuitively but your tutorial gives a lot of clarity and great examples on how to make good use of each of the modules. Some i havent even used like the tube series but I am super curious to try them on my next mixes. Greetings and Blessings from Costa Rica!

[@AudioSorcerer]

Thanks so much for checking out the video! It definitely is a great plugin. I would say I use at least one module from it in every mix I do.

[@misterkenova6695]

Great video man. Just found your channel. Subbed

[@AudioSorcerer]

Thanks for checking out the video and subscribing! 🤘🤘🤘

[@edisonpep8404]

That was an awesome video!

[@AudioSorcerer]

Thanks for checking it out! 🤘🤘🤘

[@djantonyp]

Very useful review!!! It helps me a lot... thank you!

[@AudioSorcerer]

No problem! I hope you end up liking the Slate bundle as much as I do! 🤘

[@davidperez909]

Great video! I record concerts and these plugins help me overcome the limitations of my gear and the venue sound.

[@LeakBanga]

I stuck to the end and VMR gets the job done

[@AudioSorcerer]

Thanks for checking out the whole video. It's definitely a great plugin! 👍

[@LeakBanga]

@@AudioSorcerer I feel like you should make a vocal video as well as a mix bus video for Vmr

[@retsmej]

superb review ! thanks a lot !

[@AudioSorcerer]

No problem! Thanks for checking out the video. 🤘🤘🤘

[@fancha831]

you are a great instructor sir.....i understood well

[@AudioSorcerer]

I try my best! 🤘🤘🤘

[@ReynaldoIvanPena]

Can I add external plug ins from Brainworx and Lindell on this? Or Slate Digital plugins only?

[@AudioSorcerer]

Only Slate plugins. 👍

[@larrytate1657]

So however much the plugins make the volume increase, just put the trimmer on after and turn it down that much? Thanks for the video

[@AudioSorcerer]

Yes, you can do that. Some of the plugins have output volumes in which you can do that also. 👍

[@buggedmusik]

Excellent video, thanks

[@AudioSorcerer]

Thanks so much for checking out the video! 👍

[@donnythompson408]

Good video. 🙏 As an aside, I don’t know if you’re aware, (or if all your viewers are aware) that on the various FG-116 compressors (as well as on the FG-Stress and FG-401), if you hold down the SHIFT key while moving either the input or output controls on the compressor, both will increase/decrease in equal increments… Now, this is for a PC, though I’m certain that this can also be done on a Mac, though it may be by holding the ALT key instead?…(I’ll let Mac users weigh in on this to either correct me if I’m wrong, or confirm if I’m correct). Moving the input/output controls on the compressors in this way, keeps the gain staging even through the compressor/limiter, and can be a good starting point for initial gain reduction. Please know that I’m not implying that the input/outputs “have” to be even and adjusted in equal increments…that’s certainly not a “must”… I’m just mentioning this as an option for setting the input/output gain on these compressors, if you would want to. 😉🙏

[@AudioSorcerer]

Donny, that's some good information. I wasn't aware of that. Thanks for sharing! 👍

[@donnythompson408]

@@AudioSorcerer you’re very welcome. 😉

[@mickioannisguitar9355]

great work. really helps

[@AudioSorcerer]

Thanks Mick! I'm glad you found it helpful. 🤘

[@chadholdaway2089]

Awesome video

[@AudioSorcerer]

Thank you! 🤘🤘🤘

[@jtmusiclessons21]

You should make an updated video. It would be really good!

[@AudioSorcerer]

This one took forward to make. lol

[@jtmusiclessons21]

@@AudioSorcerer i don’t understand what you said

[@AudioSorcerer]

@@jtmusiclessons21 sorry, forever*

[@jtmusiclessons21]

@@AudioSorcerer Ohhh got ya! Well if you ever get the chance to make an updated video then that would be great but if not then i understand. I was asking because all of the slate digital videos are so so outdated and they add new plugins and it would be good for a new video that feels fresh to learn from.

[@tgstk2]

awesome video!!!

[@AudioSorcerer]

Thanks for checking it out! 🤘🤘🤘

[@Lucie_PinkBandit]

Finally someone who talks about the plugins but glossing over some aspects rubbed me the wrong way. You never know how helpful some features can be to someone's mix.

[@AudioSorcerer]

If I would have talked about every aspect of every plugin the video would have been like 5 hours lol.

[@sureshpereira6114]

excellent tutorial 🙏

[@AudioSorcerer]

Thanks so much! It took forever to make. Lol 👍🤘

[@Stratoleox]

thanks for the video!

[@AudioSorcerer]

No problem!

[@jeffwhuffman]

exceptional - Thank you.

[@AudioSorcerer]

I'm glad you liked it. 👍👍👍

[@BamBOOTwoOhhFive]

Thanks for this

[@AudioSorcerer]

No problem!

[@joeyfolis8081]

Excellent!

[@AudioSorcerer]

Thanks man! 👍

[@joeyfolis8081]

@@AudioSorcerer I just purchased the Slate DigitalVMR. This will save me a lot of time learning.

[@AudioSorcerer]

Nice! It's definitely a great set of plugins. It has almost everything you could need.

[@Triumphinchrist1]

Great video.Not sure how you got that automation window on Trimmer.Ic controlled clicked & nothing happened.Is it because I'm using Logic Pro?

[@AudioSorcerer]

It's power claw on a PC. Control+ Windows Button+Alt. I'm not sure what it would be on a Mac.

[@vinodkp2659]

Is this very similar to ikmultimedia mixbox? which one do you think is good for mixing?

[@AudioSorcerer]

This is much better than MixBox. 👍

[@musicbab1]

thank you .....Amazing tutorial

[@AudioSorcerer]

I'm glad you liked it! Thanks for checking it out. 👍🤘👍🤘

[@brycebryant85]

The video is superb you the billy fr

[@AudioSorcerer]

Thanks for checking it out. 👍

[@blown9079]

Is the Monster plug in also good for vocals ? Or mainly instruments.

[@AudioSorcerer]

I would only use it for parallel compression on vocals. 👍

[@Eppie55]

Slate FG76 = Telefunken V76, legendary tube preamp.

[@aaronarandac4]

Hello there! Do you need an ilok dongle to use these? Or are you using ilok cloud?

[@AudioSorcerer]

You can use the cloud.

[@INeedsMoneys]

i think you should keep an eye on the VU meter my guy... not a lot of levels were hitting good on the VU meters.

[@MoneyRouteRay]

How do you make the VMR smaller? I can’t see the bottom of it and I can’t see the beginning since I added to it

[@AudioSorcerer]

The VMR is not resizable on Windows. I'm not sure if it's any different on a Mac.

[@MoneyRouteRay]

@@AudioSorcerer so how the hell I post to use it if I can’t even see all of it ?

[@AudioSorcerer]

@@MoneyRouteRay What is your screen's resolution? My screens are 1920x1080 and the VMR takes up about a 4th of the screen. As long as you aren't using a small laptop or old monitor you should be fine.

[@MoneyRouteRay]

@@AudioSorcerer yeah my laptop kinda small is there any other way i can change it ?

[@AudioSorcerer]

@@MoneyRouteRay It's not a resizable plugin.

[@dhawaljain3837]

superb

[@AudioSorcerer]

Thanks so much!

[@malcolmlewis5102]

Does the order in which you place the rack plug ins affect the sound of the track or bus?

[@AudioSorcerer]

Yes and no. If you want one plug-ins sound to be put into the next, then of course, you will need that one to go first in the chain. It's usually best to start with the VCC plugin.

[@malcolmlewis5102]

@@AudioSorcerer thanks for clarification. Much appreciated. Dope video.

[@Petersimple]

Thank you!

[@AudioSorcerer]

No problem!

[@avitpsyrush4394]

this is so helpfull.

[@AudioSorcerer]

Glad I could help!

[@ReynaldoIvanPena]

Will Pro Tools inactivate this if I enable DSP?

[@AudioSorcerer]

It shouldn't

[@ReynaldoIvanPena]

@@AudioSorcerer it does : / I’m spoiled, Pro Tools Carbon will need the smoothness of DSP capability since I record and engineer myself.

[@izvarzone]

Do they still have "subscribe for year and get any 1 free plugin forever" or it's not anymore? I've seen some old posts about it but don't see any mention of it anymore.

[@AudioSorcerer]

I don't believe they have that any more. I think think they are doing a 90 day free trial right now.

[@gelatinous6915]

It's pronounced awhp-amp :) the API console was famous for it's discrete operational amplifier (or op-amp for short) that was the heart of the console preamp. It provided a completely different sound to the transistor-based Neve and earlier tube-based console preamps.

[@luv-tsa3692]

Somebody explain the bell on fgs

[@cccccccmc]

thank you sir

[@AudioSorcerer]

No problem! Glad I could help. 👍👍👍

[@frankieC31]

How heavy are the plugins on CPU?

[@AudioSorcerer]

I would say they are middle of the road CPU intensive.

[@frankieC31]

@@AudioSorcerer is there anywhere online where there is a size chart more or less like UAD has? Thank you for taking the time to reply, really appreciate it

[@AudioSorcerer]

No problem man. I looked through out their website and the VMR manual but I can find anything on their CPU measurements.

[@angelweaberr]

Hi there. How did you get this unusual transport ? Thanks for the feedback.

[@AudioSorcerer]

That's part of my Slate Raven.

[@donnas8408]

All musicians listen up. STOP supporting plugin subscription companies! They don’t have your back! You are renting! Not owning! Most importantly if they all have their way you will be adding 5 to 10 or more monthly bills! On top of most important life’s bills!!!! All these companies end game is wanting this including digital distribution companies now. You will go thru life within more bills than you ever imagined! Because you didn’t fight back the greedy system! And own NOTHING! STAND UP! SPREAD THE WORD!!

[@AudioSorcerer]

Donna, almost all plugin companies that offer subscription services also offer you the opportunity to buy the plugins out right. This includes Slate Digital. I actually enjoy the subscription model and use it where it makes sense and don't where it doesn't. 👍

[@michaelwrider]

DAN!!!!!!!!

[@AudioSorcerer]

Mikey!

[@dfgvjnkjdsnbkjsbdvjkhdsb]

how dare you pick a song without vocals?

[@promchord978]

Lol, noise reduction in fg116 is about internal plugin noise

[@MarkyGoldstein]

It doesn't make sense to have an extra rack in a DAW

[@humansrants1694]

One click they all pop up.

[@christianglomb6740]

Great tutorial but dude please find a phrase other than "with that being said." You might have set a record.

[@AudioSorcerer]

With that being said, thanks for checking out the video! 😋

[@danielkavanagh1994]

Great video, really.. but man.. 15 year olds from 2005 want their hair back!

[@AudioSorcerer]

Thanks for checking out the video! 🤘🤘🤘

[@kennedylee2248]

Please naming everything, ensemble Equalizer... ok good. and FG 116 for what?

[@AudioSorcerer]

I use the FG116 for vocals. The white one.

[@danepaulstewart8464]

I can’t even… 🤦🏻‍♂️ What’s the game the kids play?… “Never have I ever”? Wow… just… wow.

[@philipcarroll7151]

The choice of song has ruined this tutorial. Alot if slate plugins do something very subtle...that's completely lost in the choice of material. One big over complex arpeggio. Ah man...I wish you would have done this tutorial with more subtle instrumentation. Simple snare section, a bass, a clear vocal, a banjo or mandolin...you spend massive time on explaining how these work and I heard virtually no real change on the track. I might be wrong here as I stopped listening to you within 10 mins...the sample tune made my head hurt. Thanks for you effort though.

[@mentalprogram5256]

You call the Fg bomber "drastically different" I can't tell any difference at all. fml

[@AudioSorcerer]

Are you listening in headphones?

[@mentalprogram5256]

@@AudioSorcerer Samsung wireless earbuds.