Nomad Factory- Blue Tubes

[String7th]

I have the Blue tubes bundle which includes 3 types of EQ, 2 compressors, 2 Limiters, and an echo.

My fav EQ is the 3-band british style EQ. It's awesome on bass guitar to get some lower-mid range rumble. I love it on snare because it gets the snap to distort slightly and cut through the mix. And Matched with a good mic on guitar cabinets, the EQ brings out some much character. After using this, I realized how ugly and dull the track-EQ on Cubase really is.

The compressor sounds similar to the standard Steinberg and a few Waves compressors. Mainly because I haven't developed an ear for compression yet, but what I like about it it the 1-10 knobs rather than exact decible levels and ms attack/release. I can get a smoothed out level by ear and not think, "Oh, 3 ms is way too fast". If it sounds good, then keep it. The post gain does have a bit of color, and that can be usefull.

I love the echo! It is not intended for matching the click track but sounds great when you adjust the 1-10 knob by ear. And you control the tone of the delay by choosing 1 of 4 era's it emmulating. The first is a dark, low end echo from the 60's tape machines. The top is more of a 90's modern echo with a little gain.

The limiters are very colorful. The brickwall has no adjustments, or knobs. Plug it in on the master fx, post-fader and you will immediately hear the differences. It's a smoother, soft-knee style limiter, with a 1:1 ratio, nothing peaks at all. The 2nd limiter has your speed adjustments, and a post EQ that's very VERY sensitive. I've used for snares to get a celing but with a boost of 2-4khz for more top-end.

Not sure how the EQ sounds against the Waves API, but that's my next purchase.

[Bigduggieface]

Yep, Nomad Factory is making good plugins at a fine price. You didn't mention if you're using version 2 or 3. Judging by your glowing review, I suspect it's V3. V3 does have a more transparent sound, not as 'digital' sounding.

The comps, eq's & of course the 'analog' echo sound great. This is one of the best emulation of tape and transistor-based vintage echoes I've heard. Most other echoes and delays sound quite similar to one another to me.

The limiters have a lot of character. I'd use them on individual tracks, but perhaps not in a mastering situation due to the specific personality it imparts and the less-than-accurate output and gain reduction metering. The vintage-looking VU meter looks cool, but I don't find it detailed enough for mastering purposes.

String7th, you mention the Waves API. I personally haven't used it, but I've got the Waves SSL4000, and it works great for me. Its eq is often the first I go for. The SSL4000 channel strip kicks the hell out of the stock Cubase SX3 strip.

[pounamu]

Thought I might write on the "now" special on Nomad Factory "Integral Studio" upgrade.
I am a fan of these plugin guy's.
I just downloaded these and paid for the upgrade, in these hard times of recession I could not have afforded them at an increased price.
I have been listening quickly through the new ones to my arsenal that I did not have and they are wonderful,these are,
Rock Amp Legends
British Comp Tone
British EQ Tone
Pulse-Tec EQs
with ALL-TECH 9063B to come. I have to tell you I am not disapointed!
I have some big hardware including Groove Tubes, Neve and Crane Song.
I love hardware, so why do I like what Nomad Factory do?
They deliver and that is all I can say. Well worth it!

Best
Pounamu