What 3 Pieces Of Equipment Should I Add To My SSL Fusion?

[@teashea1]

I added a new mixing/mastering station in my studio. It has a Fusion, Bus+, Big Six, UC1 and UF8. They work beautifully together.

[@vigneshkarthikeyan8174]

Gonna get the uf1? :)

[@bigmike2149]

I’d recommend a pair of 500 series Pultecs.

[@KNUX_Austin]

What do you think about Bettermaker Mastering EQ?

[@AudioAnimalsStudio]

It's a good EQ. Affordable, with Recall. You can't go wrong.

[@J-Loe]

Well the density section of the saturation is fantastic for mix down. Guess I wouldn’t use it on mastering but I’m not mastering.

[@riktascale4]

Very good recommendation AA, for a beginning hardware mastering chain. As always l respect your contributions and use your recommendations. I don't think we get much content of this niche. Keep em coming 🔥

[@Peterjdjdjdjdjfjfj]

What is your opinion about the tubecore mastering compressor from IGS?

[@AudioAnimalsStudio]

It isn't my cup of tea, but that's not to say it isn't good.

[@Peterjdjdjdjdjfjfj]

@@AudioAnimalsStudio i wonder why that is, its actually much more affordable than the iron 😅

[@AudioAnimalsStudio]

@Mohammed Abduljabbar it's because every time I've used it I've wanted to reach for something else for a better sound.

[@fb8541]

Nice video. I went with the Custom Audio Germany HDE250 as my eq option. Very nice EQ

[@AudioAnimalsStudio]

Great choice. These are great and I would have said this or the HCL Thermos if they didn't already have MS. I wanted to choose one that made use of the MS option the Fusion has.

[@ilyeshmusic]

Have you ever insert varimu style compressor into fusion ?

[@mau7373]

Would you buy a neve 1073 dpx for the equalizer in this chain with the fusion?

[@TheDukeOfBlues]

Why the iron and not the dangerous compressor which you recommend in your which compressor should i buy Video?

[@AudioAnimalsStudio]

@TheDukeOfBlues I'm more selecting units based on what I had in my chain at the time in this video. If I had to connect 3 of my units to a SSL fusion. There's no reason you couldn't select to add a dangerous compressor. They are great.

[@lynnwalker9650]

Empirical labs Lil Freq x2 for the dual mono eqs on mid-side at a better price point. No complaints with these.

[@AudioAnimalsStudio]

These are very good. But what other EQ are you using them with? I always think of these as an additional EQ not an EQ that will do everything

[@MELOPSMUSIC]

Nice ! I have a fusion, a looptrotter sa2rate 2 , a gainlab empress eq, 2 emi mono eq, a tubecore igs comp. Please what would be your chaining please ? Thx

[@AudioAnimalsStudio]

@MELOPSMUSIC firstly I'd have the Fusion, I would put the two EMI mono EQs on the SSL fusion insert. Reason being is that you can use those in mid side and they don't need to be perfectly matched. I'd then use the empress as my stereo EQ. Then IGS tubecore for compression then into the sa2rate 2.

[@DaveChips]

Regarding the Saturate2... Since it kindish limiter/Clipper... I had similar setup in mind as stated above, it was my ideas to run Saturate2 in mid/side thru Fusion to have some mid/side saturation option as that is something I was using quite often in Saturn and ozone. And Fusion to shape the spectrum and tame it with HFcompressor and final width knob. Would you still go with your option putting sa2rate last, or mid side saturation makes some sense as well? As at the moment my final limiting is done in the box.

[@AudioAnimalsStudio]

@DaveChips no harm using Sat2rate in mid side if it works for you. Id personally prefer it later in the chain.

[@MELOPSMUSIC]

@@AudioAnimalsStudio Thx a lot ! i m gonna try this !

[@vicneve1169]

I moved to a new house and building my studio up again. In which order would you connect my gear? Rupert Neve Portico MBP 2 Rupert Neve diode bridge compressor Whitestone P331 SPL Passeq Shadow Hills Dual VanderGraph

[@AudioAnimalsStudio]

I'm going to shoot this video now before I leave tonight. Interesting one to do as a video. Full video coming tomorrow for this one

[@StereotacticMusic]

Great options overall,,, I have one question, is the LAAL a must in your opinion? now that you had some time to play with

[@AudioAnimalsStudio]

It isn't a must. No equipment is a must. But it is a tool that achieves you a better sound over someone using a digital limiter in the box. If you are after something that will undoubtedly make your masters better than the next guy. In that case it is a must.

[@StereotacticMusic]

@@AudioAnimalsStudio thanks , yep I want one 🙏

[@puresoundstudios]

No Bus+? I saw your review where you said it would be good in the Fusion insert. What’s your current view of it? Please and thank you!

[@AudioAnimalsStudio]

For a mastering chain, I will always choose a mastering compressor over a mix bus comp. Especially when I have only 3 to select from. The bus plus is a good compressor for a mix bus.

[@mau7373]

Just got the diode bridge compressor from neve, you think it can work for mastering chains?

[@AudioAnimalsStudio]

@Mauricio Mechulam any compressor can work if used correctly. I actually have a video going out today at 5pm, which discusses how I'd use this bridge comp in a mastering chain.

[@ГульчехраХасанова-ч5х]

Bettermaker Mastering EQ? What do you think about?

[@AudioAnimalsStudio]

Yeah brilliant. I'm currently in the process of building a 100% digitally recallable mastering studio which has all the Bettermaker gear in it, Mcdsp APB. I've always been really impressed with Bettermaker.

[@mhstoregameon]

Hi. I have exactly the same equipments like this chain you recommend. The only difference is my EQ got M/S build in already. So what order do you think will suite me best? Thanks

[@AudioAnimalsStudio]

Saturation, Fusion, EQ, Compression. I would still put the EQ on the Fusion insert as you can move it to different points in the fusions chain.

[@mhstoregameon]

@@AudioAnimalsStudio if so. In this case, would you put this EQ pre or post eq of Fusion?

[@AudioAnimalsStudio]

@@mhstoregameon depends on the source. Have a look in the manual at the signal chain for the two and decide where based on what you want to achieve.

[@mhstoregameon]

@@AudioAnimalsStudio thanks

[@mhstoregameon]

@@AudioAnimalsStudio hi how about if i have two EQs (one m/s & one Stereo). Where should i put them in this mastering chain for optimal result?

[@viciousblissvideos]

Thanks for making such a great video response so fast! I watched it a couple times and really studied your advice. Then I went back into Pro Tools and used the Black Box MS plugin with very minimal changes from the default, Violet and the HFC, committed that file, added SPL PQ plugin and Stereo Width section, commit again, then added the Iron plugin and the Oxford Limiter to finish. Yeah, it definitely sounds a lot more balanced than when I had Vintage Drive on, but I really could use better saturation like a hardware Black Box. The PQ plugin was really close to the hardware at least. Airbass on the Iron plugin kinda sucks, so I turned it off. Also tried the DS-1 plugin and still don't find it that easy to work with. This is a DR13 master as I don't really know how to do the whole loudness war thing and am hoping to carve out my own niche where clients will come to me for a high DR master. It's up in the air when I'd have the ability to get the 3 hardware pieces. The 500 series advice is interesting as I really like the sound of the Neve Tape 542. Just using that instead of Vintage Drive could maybe make my masters radically better. If I can't get more hardware soon, I may have to settle for something like the VSM-4 plugin with its 16x oversampling. The VSC3 plugin sounded really close to the hardware, so I got that recently. I wonder if the new things added to VSE-2 made it fair better against the hardware. The comparison video showed that the hardware was way better. Have you tried the MDWDRC2? Some notable forum posters from places like Gearspace say it rivals great hardware, like a Bus+. Saturation has always been this sort of weak point for me, having to use plugins or Fusion. I've been able to do really balanced mixes and masters for over a year, but they'd just sound thin and kinda anemic. A lot like your plugin only master from your other video. Thanks again for the great video!

[@AudioAnimalsStudio]

Saturation is one thing that I feel isn't achieved yet in the box in a way that would rival hardware. I would really recommend the blackbox. It honestly blew me away and it's very affordable compared to a VSM-2 or Whitestone. The Rpert Never 542s are good. I used to have 2 but they aren't anywhere near the blackbox. I recently added 2 Roger Mayer 456hd modules. These are the ones to get if you want that tape sound.

[@viciousblissvideos]

@@AudioAnimalsStudio So, I just did a test where I had every module of Fusion engaged and compared it to files I did where I was swapping in those plugin versions. Then I ran the Fusion-only files through Oxford Limiter. I can say that it sounded best with Vintage Drive at a minimal setting but that even with it at 5, it was vastly superior to my hybrid chain. To me, that means the analog saturation is critical, even if you have to use Vintage Drive. The Fusion-only files were much, much smoother and fuller. I can only imagine the increase in quality if I could add several more good hardware pieces. Maybe I'll try the Access Analog Black Box and see what that changes for me.

[@AndrewCCM]

@@AudioAnimalsStudio Using my 542's and 2 mono EQs in the mid/side insert. Pretty darn cool being able to modify silk/tape differently in m/s.

[@dronbana]

Interesting stuff! As my first hardware unit, i was looking at the RND 5075 summing mixer or the burl b2 AD. I’m happy with most things ITB besides the saturation and compression and from what I understand, these units do a bit of both if used in the right way. Thoughts? 🙏🏼

[@appiappi8354]

What aboud the Zähl eq1 as a go to eq…

[@AudioAnimalsStudio]

It's a nice EQ

[@CT-ho6si]

Having such a difficult time choosing between the REQ and the PQ... Watched your reviews/comparisons but I like them both so much. Seems you definitely favor the REQ these days?

[@AudioAnimalsStudio]

Get the REQ 2.2 it is a better EQ. The PQ is great for surgical EQ. The Buzz is just so pleasing to the ear. As someone that has both in the same chain. If I had to lose one I'd be really upset to lose the REQ.

[@OfficialAlexZitto]

Paul is right, I just got mine and I’m so happy with it. Thanks Paul for your earlier video of the EQs that really helped me out. I’m waiting for my Black Box which is back ordered. Oh least I forgot just got the alpha. For Atmos I guess we will send them to you 😊. We enjoyed your videos keep them coming . ✌🏾

[@AudioAnimalsStudio]

@OfficialAlexZitto great to hear my recommendations have served you well.

[@MMSMUZIK]

You are a breath of fresh air in the pro audio community! Your expertise, knowledge, and most importantly(REALNESS), is greatly appreciated and relieving! Thank you very much for taking the time to give us this content! I have the spl pq, would you recommend I pair it with the spl iron v2? Last question i was thinking of getting the HCL THERMOS for mid/side to go with the slp pq, what do you think?

[@AudioAnimalsStudio]

These are a match made in heaven. I have mine paired together in the same chain. I would highly recommend the Goly Porter Grinder for MS over the Thermos. I recently sold mine to swap for the PG. The PG is very special but as I say in this video it isn't your one EQ that will do everything. Paired with a PQ like I have it. They are a brilliant pairing. I will review the PG ASAP for you. It's important to hear how good it is and how smooth it sounds.

[@MMSMUZIK]

@Audio Animals Studio Thank you so much for replying! I was on the fence about the Iron, but I think i will go ahead and purchase it! I was not aware you sold your thermos(you had previously raved about it), what made u change your mind? So the Goly is a better fit for mid side with the PQ?

[@AudioAnimalsStudio]

@MYSTA MYSTA SMOOTH I do love the sound of the Thermos but one thing I will say is it isn't top end. I did a shootout with the Buzz, PQ and Maselec. The Thermos was really exposed as a cheap EQ when compared to them. The Porter Grinder however is quite reasonably priced but is insanely good all be it a very subtle niche EQ. The PG brought a lot more to the table as a high end EQ that complimented my other EQs well. I would recommend the Porter Grinder in all honesty over the Thermos. The Thermos is good don't get me wrong. You'd love it.

[@MMSMUZIK]

@Audio Animals Studio Very well explained! Thank you! So lets say budget isn't an option, and I wanted another EQ to go with my Spl PQ, would it be an eq with mid/side or would it be something like the buzz audio! But then you would have no mid side? So what is your overall EQ to pair with the SPL?

[@AudioAnimalsStudio]

@MYSTA MYSTA SMOOTH my mid side EQs are the Porter Grinder and then I use a SPL Gemini to turn the Elysia MusEQ and Vertigo VSE-2 into mid side. I would personally go for the Goly Porter Grinder as it's the best mid side EQ I've used. But you always have the option of buying a SPL Gemini and using any dual mono EQ.

[@Jackson-zh2xc]

Hey mate, have you seen High Voltage Audio gear in Australia? I’m looking at their MS EQ and stereo EQ as the start to a mastering chain. The stereo EQ is basically a Maag without the price tag- would be some interesting gear to check out for you, maybe trial? Cheers!

[@AudioAnimalsStudio]

Interesting. I haven't ever heard any of their gear. But I like the sound of Maag without the price tag.

[@Jackson-zh2xc]

@@AudioAnimalsStudio Definitely give it a crack, Id love to see them tested!

[@ilikemyrealname]

I use a Maag EQ4M as the insert of my SSL Fusion. I think it pairs really well, especially at that price point. It's dual mono so it plays nicely when the insert is in M/S. It's certainly more than just an AirBand. Each band has it's own unique flavor that I enjoy using.

[@Dispatcher813]

So if the saturation sucks what are you paying 2300 for. The violet eq is 549

[@AudioAnimalsStudio]

Mid side encoder and decoder, stereo widener, hf compressor, transformer, violet EQ. The Fusion does a lot more than just saturation.

[@lauraovalle3802]

Hi Paul, how about massive passive + manley varimu ?

[@AudioAnimalsStudio]

Both brilliant and will bring a great flavour to the chain. I certainly wouldn't say no to a massive Passive.

[@lauraovalle3802]

@@AudioAnimalsStudio What order would you put them in? MASSIVE + VARIMU or VARMU+ MASSIVE?

[@AudioAnimalsStudio]

@Laura Ovalle probably massive Passive into the Vari mu

[@lauraovalle3802]

@@AudioAnimalsStudio That is to say, I would place the massive passive first and then the varimu.

[@AudioAnimalsStudio]

@@lauraovalle3802 yes correct

[@djdanger9812]

Its refreshing hearing someone that owns a ton of expensive gear refer to a $5k comp as an expensive purchase. Because it is.

[@gunluv96]

Greetings, Another great video, but i was waiting on you to say the Maag eq4m. But you never named it. Lol

[@AudioAnimalsStudio]

The Maag is more an EQ you would add additionally to a full 4 band EQ. The maag being fixed band and fixed Q is only good for certain things. Brilliant EQ but one that is added in addition to an EQ.

[@gunluv96]

@@AudioAnimalsStudio I use eq in the box mostly. I think that the maag eq4m would be an ideal eq to add to my mastering chain.

[@AudioAnimalsStudio]

@gunluv96 yes it would but not as your only mastering EQ. It is fixed bands so you are locked into only EQing those fixed bands. You would need a surgical EQ with gain, q and frequency.

[@infojunkie4989]

Recommended units are 2x and 3x price of fusion. I know the Q has no budget so all moot, but curious why the advice did not include advice to just sell on the Fusion and start from scratch. 😂

[@AudioAnimalsStudio]

Because the Fusion is the most cost effective way of getting mid side into your chain with a few added extras in the Fusion. I rate the Fusion as a good unit to start with.

[@infojunkie4989]

@@AudioAnimalsStudio thanks. Makes sense.