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How To Add Excitement To Your Drum Mix [Lindell 354E Multiband Compressor]

How To Add Excitement To Your Drum Mix With The Lindell 354E Multiband Compressor From Plugin Alliance

I have been a fan of Plugin Alliance for years, and have gotten many of their great plugins. So when a new one comes out I am always curious. Recently Plugin Alliance released the Lindell 354E Multiband Compressor. Well of course I checked it out and wanted to share with you what I discovered!

I figured a great way to do that would be to shoot a live video (pardon the imperfections) about using it to excite your drums in your mix.​

"The Lindell 354E sounds great! I give it the @RSRockstars thumbs up stamp of approval." Lij Shaw @PluginAlliance @LindellAudio

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Lindell354-E

From the Plugin Alliance Website:

OVERVIEW

The Lindell 354E is a multiband model of the most famous vintage diode bridge compressor, the Neve 2254E, precisely replicating its distinctive behavior and rich sonic character in each of its three bands. But in practical use, the 354E really is two compressors in one: Turn on its Nuke mode to radically shape individual tracks, and turn it off for lighter, more nuanced compression when mastering or for surgical mixing. Both modes yield the same lush coloration and smooth presence that made the 2254E one of the most revered and highly sought after compressors in the world.

The 354E is one of the very best plugins you can use to compress drums, electric guitars, and rock vocals. Unlike its single-banded cousin, the 254E, three independent compression bands (Low, Mid and High), powerful Nuke mode, and Niveau and highpass sidechain filters let you dramatically reshape tracks for maximum size, punch and bottom-end weight. And with an adjustable attack time as fast as 2µsec (two millionths of a second), the 354E is one of the fastest compressors available, capable of shaping sounds in extreme ways most other compressors can only dream of.

Fatten Up Individual Tracks

The 354E’s Nuke mode is the poster child for rock ‘n’ roll excess. It’s like throwing TNT on drum room mics. Use Nuke mode to explode the room ambience and make the drums pump like a jackhammer. Use the built-in filters to shield bass frequencies from compression, inflating the kick drum in the room mics to monster size. Then adjust the three bands’ ratio and gain controls to balance the level of hi hat and cymbals with that of the trap drums for the perfect blend.

The 354’s Niveau filter and Nuke mode are also your tickets to making thin-sounding floor and rack toms thunder with deep, long sustain and rock vocals hyperventilate with urgency. The 354E will also quickly become your go-to guitar-track shaper: on electric guitar vamps, the multiband controls and filters let you compress the bottom and top strings’ output to different degrees to boost chunky, palm-muted bass notes or blazing, high chords to the front of the mix. Compress heavily to add intensely colorful character, and then use the Mix control to dial some pristine dry signal back into the 354E’s output for the perfect blend of mayhem and detail.

Mix and Master with Kid Gloves

When you turn off Nuke mode, the 354E takes on the highly nuanced behavior needed for master-bus compression and mastering. Use the 354E’s mild 1.5:1 ratio to add solidifying glue to mixes. Kick in the Niveau filter to add punch, fullness and weight to the bottom end of thin mixes. Use the 354E’s M/S (mid-side) mode to compress hard-panned guitars without affecting the kick drum, bass and lead vocals. Calibrate the 354E’s internal operating levels to adapt to any mastering situation and handle the hottest or weakest mix with equal ease and grace. A and B workspaces let you compare alternate control setups for perfect, nuanced results.

Whether using it to pump up individual tracks to ginormous size, add density to full mixes, or apply subtle surgical compression to correct imbalanced masters, the versatile Lindell 354E is your paint brush for colorful vintage sound.

Activate the fully functional 14-day demo with your Plugin Alliance account today to hear for yourself (no dongle required)!

Legal Disclaimer: Neve and 2254E are registered trademarks of AMS/Neve Inc. The Lindell 354E was developed by Lindell Audio based on its own modeling techniques. AMS/Neve has not endorsed nor sponsored the 354E in any manner, nor licensed any intellectual property for use in this product.

FEATURES

  • Faithfully models the most famous vintage diode bridge compressor, the Neve 2254E, in each of its three independent frequency bands
  • Adjustable crossover frequencies between bands allow you to home in on where compression is needed most
  • Ratios range, in five steps, from 1.5:1 for mastering and master-bus compression to as high as 6:1 for shaping individual tracks
  • Switchable Nuke mode over-compresses tracks to dramatic effect
  • Mid/Side mode focuses compression on mid or side channel—or in stereo—for surgical precision
  • Highpass filter in sidechain lends greater punch to compressed drums, bass guitar and other bass-heavy instruments
  • Switchable Niveau filter tilts sidechain’s frequency response to preserve bass energy—great for creating the killer API “thrust” compression effect
  • Mix control provides instant parallel processing, especially useful for blending radically compressed signal with pristine dry input when compressing drums, adding density to rock guitars and more
  • Bands can be linked and soloed
  • Adjustable, wide-ranging attack and release controls include blazing-fast 2µsec attack time for radical compression and Auto release for artifact-free processing
  • Optional auto-makeup gain for each band
  • Three-way meter displays I/O and gain-reduction levels in turn
  • Internal operating levels can be calibrated in nine 1dB steps for precise mastering applications
  • Resizable user interface and up to 16x oversampling for digital precision in any environment

SPECIFICATION

Supported Plugin Formats
AAX Native, AU, VST2, VST3

Supported Operating Systems
Mac OS X 10.8 through 10.12
Windows 7 through 10
Pro Tools 10.3.10 or higher or any VST/VST3/AU-compatible host running on a supported operating system

Mac
Intel CPU only (minimum 2 GHz recommended)

PC
Intel-compatible CPU with SSE2 instruction set (Pentium 4 compatible or higher; minimum 2 GHz recommended)

System Requirements
Display resolution: 1440 × 900px or 1280 × 960px or higher
Memory: 2 GB RAM

DOWNLOADS

With the Installation Manager, you can select, download and install just the Plugin Alliance products and formats you need for your system. During this initial release, we at Plugin Alliance look forward to hearing the feedback of our valued customers, as your input will help shape future versions of this utility.

354E Installers

Installation Manager

Manuals

How To Make A FREE Hip Hop Beat Machine [Plugin Alliance – Brainworx bx_subfilter]

How To Make A FREE Hip Hop Beat Machine [Plugin Alliance - Brainworx bx_subfilter]

Here are a couple of FREE things you can use right now to make some killer Hip Hop beats. I recently got a copy of bx_subfilter from Brainworx and wanted to check it out. So I started digging around in my dropbox for some sounds to load up into Pro Tools.

I had already downloaded some great drum loops from The Drum Broker at HipHopSamples.com and forgotten about them because they were sitting in a folder untouched. So I loaded those up in my session and threw the Brainworx bx_subfilter on. Holy Shnikees, 

This combo sounds incredible!

The bx_subfilter is the perfect plugin to add that fat resonant low end onto a hip hop sample. It can totally transform a kick drum inside a loop. I was able to turn a couple of knobs and go from the loop sounding like a single drum head on the kick to a nice big double head. It sounds like I put an actual resonant kick mic in front of the drums. So cool!

But don't take my word for it. Listen to this video and you can hear how quickly I was able to get a really cool sound. And remember both these things are FREE. So you can go get them right now:

Here is what you need to get:

1 - Go To The Drum Broker​: HipHopSamples.com

2 - Go to Plugin Alliance: bx_subfilter

This combo sounds incredible! The bx_subfilter is the perfect plugin to add that fat resonant low end onto a hop hop sample. It can totally transform a kick drum inside a loop. I was able to turn a couple of knobs and go from the loop sounding like a single drum head on the kick to a nice big double head. It sounds like I put an actual resonant kick mic in front of the drums. So cool!

Brainworx bx_subfilter

Overview:

This free plugin will be added to your account automatically when you join Plugin Alliance. If you already have an account you can download and start using this plugin today.

Polishing your mix’s low end can be tricky. Bass DI tracks can sound mushy, and kick tracks can lose their “pop.” Sometimes everything below 100Hz can become such an undifferentiated soup of noise that you just don’t know where to start! Start here: The bx_subfilter is just the ticket for adding clarity and definition to tracks that have troublesome low frequencies. There are lots of expensive and complicated EQ plugins out there, but when it comes to shaping your low end, the bx_subfilter is unique for its ease and simplicity. With just a few quick adjustments to its four-knob interface, you can breathe new life into those 808s that have been muddying your mix.

The bx_subfilter is a free plugin that borrows from the “Filter” section of its larger counterpart, the bx_subsynth. It’s the perfect plugin for anyone who loves the bx_subsynth’s unique approach to low-end filtering, but doesn’t need the subharmonic synthesis. If you think that cleaning up your low end shouldn’t break the bank or require twenty knobs, we’ve got a plugin for you.

Sign up at Plugin Alliance today and you’ll get instant access to the bx_subfilter, along with our five other free plugins. No dongles, no hassles, and no payment required!

FEATURES

  • Tight Punch knob implements a resonant high pass filter that’s especially formulated for cutting problem frequencies in bass-heavy tracks
  • Resonance selector applies three peak settings to the filter – Low, High and Extreme – for accentuating punch while taming low-end rumble
  • Low End control applies a post-Tight Punch fixed bandpass filter, to achieve that perfect frequency balance
  • Input/output gain controls for level matching and preventing clipping

SPECIFICATION

Supported Plugin Formats
AAX DSP, AAX Native, AU, AAX AudioSuite, Venue AAX, VST2, VST3

Supported Operating Systems
Mac OS X 10.8 through 10.12
Windows 7 through 10
Pro Tools 10.3.10 or higher or any VST/VST3/AU-compatible host running on a supported operating system

Mac
Intel CPU only (minimum 2 GHz recommended)

PC
Intel-compatible CPU with SSE2 instruction set (Pentium 4 compatible or higher; minimum 2 GHz recommended)

System Requirements
Display resolution: 1440 × 900px or 1280 × 960px or higher
Memory: 2 GB RAM

DOWNLOADS

Use the links below to download your free copy of this plugin.

bx_subfilter Installers

Installation Manager

Manuals

Instant Suspense & Insanely Cool Soundscapes – Introducing Phobos From Spitfire Audio

Introducing - BT Phobos from Spitfire Audio

You know that scene in a movie or a video game where the character enters a mysterious room or is exploring a giant space ship? You know... suddenly there is this huge spacious soundtrack that you can't quite put your finger on, but it just gives you a sense of awe? Like giant breathing metal monsters floating on galactic winds?

Imagine to try to create that sound! I wouldn't even really know where to begin...

Enter BT PHOBOS from Spitfire Audio

Phobos is like a one stop shop for instant suspense and insanely cool ​soundscapes! Within seconds you can create sounds that will transport you to another world if you jump right into the presets. And even without understanding whats going on under the hood you can still easily grab cool looking graphical controls and start morphing your sounds to taste.

Phobos is a ​"POLYCONVOLUTION SYNTHESIZER" which as I understand it means that it takes multiple sound source inputs (think wav files and loop samples) and convolves them against other impulse responses. This essentially transforms input sounds that might be sort of "plain vanilla" to start into wide new soundscapes that can have a huge sense of depth and mystery.

I found the explainer videos from Spitfire really fascinating, leaving me excited to dive into this synth and put in some fun time learning it. But you don't have to. The presets alone would give you plenty of great sounds for the right uses without ever even turning a knob.

And while I believe this plugin was really created for the sound designer, sometimes you just need something in the studio that sounds really different from the band. You know what I mean? Especially if you are creating analog meets electronic hybrid music!

Phobos is a must-have synthesizer for composers writing epic, cinematic electronic and hybrid compositions. Conceived by renowned composer and electronic music pioneer BT (The Fast and The Furious, Monster, Lara Croft: Tomb Raider), we’ve together developed a powerful new device to add a unique timbral expansion to your compositions by unlocking the liquid, morphing and transforming capabilities of convolution. With an asset base featuring over 20GB of unique hand built BT rhythms, pulses, textures and atmospheres, and a revolutionary polyconvolver engine, you can quickly and easily create molecular loops, patterns and textures to energise your music and hold your audience at the edge of their seats. - Spitfire Audio

PHOBOS WEBSITE
PHOBOS
FROM SPITFIRE AUDIO

OVERVIEW

Together with Spitfire, BT has combined over 20GB of his own personal bespoke new libraries (following on from Breaks from the Nu Skool and Twisted Textures) into a convolution synthesis engine that allows you to sculpt, filter, rhythmically cut and pulse impulse responses that are tonal, melodic and harmonic. Most importantly you can play them polyphonically.

This synthesizer, sound engine and bespoke library package represents years of diligent searching for new awe-inspiring sounds and sound design techniques. If you, like BT, are looking for a new wave of inspiration for your compositions that are evocative, emotional, expressive and truly new, you owe it to yourself to check out Phobos. It is a well of endless inspiration.

One of the greatest solutions Phobos provides is for composers wanting to engage their audiences for extended sequences and cues without things sounding repetitive or ‘loopy’. Phobos allows for an all new real-time interface interaction that allows the user to evolve, warp and transform their molecular patterns according to nuanced changes within a scene.

BACKGROUND

What is Phobos?

One of Mars’ moons? A synthesizer? A tool for creating massive cinematic and electronic rhythms? An engine for endless spectral combinations of wide, lush pads and ambiences with propulsive rhythmic figures? Is it a sound library of bespoke percussion, beats, micro rhythms, field recordings, live acoustic and orchestral treatments, textures and a massive vintage synthesizer collection? That is just scratching the surface.

At its core, Phobos is a synthesizer based on the unexplored precept of polyconvolution as a synthesis engine. BT came up with this idea many years ago doing sound design. What does that mean exactly? Polyconvolution as a synthesizer? Well, it means instead of using convolution for reverb or modeling an amplifier's distortion circuit, why not make a “reverb” impulse response tonal?

Combining something rhythmic with something tonal (as an impulse response) yielded some of the most modern, liquid and percolating ambiences and textures BT had ever heard. These are the kinds of sounds he has been searching for whilst scoring; those elusive sounds where the director asks for “movement and a feeling of drive, yet subtly”. That’s not to say that Phobos only excels at subtlety - it can sound massive, driving and aggressive, like an army of monsters in its scope and power.

PHOBOS

FEATURES

  • Revolutionary polyconvolution synthesizer, across 3 separate convolvers
  • Contains more than 2000 unique sounds, created by BT, that can be used both as a source or as an impulse response
  • Over 650 presets showcasing the possibilities of Phobos
  • Plugin that loads directly into any DAW that supports VST / VST3 / AU / AAX.
  • IRs in Convolvers are polyphonic, track pitch played and render in realtime
  • Loops as sound source / or as IR track host tempo
  • MPE Compatible (for use with multidimensional controllers such as ROLI Rise or Roger Linn Linnstrument)
  • Dedicated Gate Stages and Filters on each sounds source / convolver unit
  • All controllers mappable to controller and / or multiple LFOs
Please visit the Spitfire Audio website to learn more about BT Phobos