Recording - February 2016 - 22

PLUG-IN OUTLET
If that's not enough, the Everything Bundle also
includes the LX480 reverb from software developer
Relab. Slate and Relab were kind enough to send us
this outstanding Lexicon 480 reverb emulation; you
can look for a full review in our Plug-In Outlet in an
upcoming issue.
The VMR modules
FG-N BRIT N EQ: This is a model of a classic 10
Series Neve EQ. Although it has 4 bands of EQ, it's
not a 1081. It's a 1073 to which Slate decided to
add a second matching mid band, just 'cause!
All of the classic fixed EQ frequencies are represented, but the controls are fully variable so you can
hit all points in between as well. For the best of both
worlds, click on the frequency number and the EQ
band snaps into place for authenticity. Like the hardware, there is also a highpass filter and a line out
control that allows the plug-in to be driven into saturation and distortion. It also includes a Drive button to keep
the output level fixed when driven.

FG-116 FET Compressor: This is Slate's take on the
venerable 1176LN FET compressor. All of the original controls are there, although rearranged for vertical layout. Strangely it does not offer an all-buttons-on
mode, but offers a host of extras such as linking the
input and output to maintain consistent volume levels,
a button to bypass the analog noise model, the ability to bypass the compression and just run signal
through the unit's transformers just like the original,
and a mix knob.
It's a touch more aggressive than many competing
1176 models. It distorts and saturates easily when
pushed-a good thing, but one that I am still getting
used to. What threw me the most about this plug-in
was its jumpy, erratic metering. I spoke with Steven at
AES about this, and he explained that as we know,
the metering on the hardware 1176 is more a suggestion than an accurate representation-it's just
what we are used to. For this painstaking plug-in, he
and Fabrice decided to create a meter that represented the
actual ballistics of the unit.

Virtual Mix Rack is a blend of spot-on nuanced analog
recreations, coupled with virtual circuit mods to create
hotrodded classics and new virtual devices.
In use this module captures the Neve sound well, right down
Virtual Channel and Mixbuss: These two modules function
to its weight and saturation characteristics. Having two identical
exactly like the earlier released Slate products, so I won't go
mid bands allows for some interesting carvinto great detail about them here. I'll just
ing and overlap possibilities not found on the
point out that their inclusion in VMR makes
original, and I like the added grit possible
total sense! It allows you to easily build a
from pushing the line out. This is probably
virtual console from input to output. If you
my most-used module in the collection.
want authenticity, you will need to stick with
FG-S Brit 4K EQ: This is of course a 4000
Neve or SSL for now, but there is great fun
Series SSL EQ. It is more modern than the
in crafting your own virtual console chain
Brit EQ and much more sonically neutral. It
that cannot exist in reality. Also note that all
truly defines the classic late '80s and '90s
of the VCC grouping functions work flawconsole sound. It's very full-featured, with
lessly inside of VMR.
Bell/Shelf choices on the high and low
Trimmer: A simple but useful module for
bands, and fully sweepable parametric mid
boosting or attenuating level pre or post
bands with adjustable Q settings. It also
other modules, to keep levels in check and
includes a very tight highpass filter.
avoid (or encourage) clipping. It also
FG-401 VCA Compressor: This is one of
includes a phase flip as well as handy 2the more hotrodded modules in the collection.
stage analog VU and digital scale LED
The 401 is based on the famous SSL Buss
metering.
compressor, but since Slate already offers that
Revival: This is a unique plug-in that is an
one in its Virtual Buss Compressors, here it is
entirely Slate creation. It's a simple 2-knob
heavily modified with broader, variable
attack and release ranges.
It has an added classic Class A British
Delivery: Web download
console transformer section that can be
Format: 32/64-bit VST, VST3, and AAX for Mac OS X 10.7+ and Windows 7+,
engaged for harmonic tonal variation, a
plus 32-bit RTAS for Mac and PC and 32/64-bit AU for Mac
second optional circuit output which tames
Copy Protection: iLok (iLok2 hardware key or disk-based registration)
its well known punchy character to a
License: two activations per iLok account
smoother, gentle one, and lastly it has parDocumentation: PDF manuals and inline help
allel compression/mix knob. This is my
Price: VMR with six modules included, $199; individual modules and bundles
second most-used module in the collection;
$99 and up; Everything Bundle (1-year subscription), $299
it's just a great vibey, versatile compressor
More from: Slate Digital, www.slatedigital.com
for vocals, drum bus and more.
22

RECORDING February 2016

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