Softube introduces Trident A-range EQ

[David Polich]

Softube has released a Trident A-Range EQ strip plug-in.

http://www.softube.com/trident_arange.php" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

UAD's is actually a little cheaper. It will be interesting to see which
emulation is better.

[stephentayler]

Well I have to say that I am pretty interested. My first 6 years in the business were at Trident Studios, so I was brought up on 2 of the only 13 A Range desks ever made, so I am curious to try this out.

Interestingly a quote from Softube's website:

The A-Range plug-in from Softube is the first and only native and TDM plug-in that has been fully endorsed by original designer Malcolm Toft and Trident Audio.

I have downloaded the 20 day trial and shall give it a good workout!

Strangely enough I was listening to the first album I recorded on the A Range earlier today. It was mastered rather badly to CD, so I was trying to make improvements with the Dynamic Spectrum Mapper....... instantly sounding great!!

Kind regards

Stephen

[Kubi]

It's insanely good...

[David Polich]

It's insanely good...

I take that to mean you've tried the demo..

[KEVORKIAN]

It's insanely good...

I bought it. It's very musical, definitely not a surgical EQ . Sounds good on Drums and adds attitude to Guitars and Bass. Probably not something I'd use on Vocals but that's just me as it could certainly be the right thing in some cases.

I have more than enough useful EQs at this point but the intro price is low and I figured that it was a high quality piece of software.

[gongbass]

Stupid question but before I buy this, I'd want the Native AU for DP 7 right?

[David Polich]

Stupid question but before I buy this, I'd want the Native AU for DP 7 right?

yes.

[mhschmieder]

This is the first Softube demo I haven't downloaded. I've always ended up appreciating their stuff but not finding personal use for it. But based on the comments about it being a great EQ for drums, I'll review some of my projects to see if I found myself struggling with drum EQ or not.

I don't remember the price being low, but maybe relatively low by Softube standards? I seem to recall it being several hundred dollars.

Oh, I found the price after a few clicks -- $229 introductory, a 17% savings. I guess that's not bad for a boutique EQ.

Interesting that we have a forum member who's actually spent a considerable amount of time at Trident Studios. That must be right up there with clocking time at Abbey Road.

I just read the blurb at their site, and they mention this EQ being used for Ziggy Stardust, Queen, and Elton John. Interestingly, I have never liked the production on any of those albums, even though I love the artists and the songwriting, but I think my qualms were more about over-compression.

I'll relisten to some of those albums for context as well, which can be as informative as actually trying the plug-in.

It sure is a gorgeous GUI, at any rate.

[Dunc]

Great Plug
Contact Tony Belmont @ http://www.highprofileaudio.com" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
They are running a special for $169.00 for the month of February

Dunc

[KEVORKIAN]

Great Plug
Contact Tony Belmont @ http://www.highprofileaudio.com" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
They are running a special for $169.00 for the month of February

Dunc

Definitely... Tony always has the best prices.

[KEVORKIAN]

I just read the blurb at their site, and they mention this EQ being used for Ziggy Stardust, Queen, and Elton John. Interestingly, I have never liked the production on any of those albums, even though I love the artists and the songwriting, but I think my qualms were more about over-compression.

I'll relisten to some of those albums for context as well, which can be as informative as actually trying the plug-in.

It sure is a gorgeous GUI, at any rate.

I find that the sound has a vintage flavor but in a modern recording context this takes on a new usefulness.

[gongbass]

I ordered this and IK Classik Reverb from Sweetwater the other day, should be here tomorrow, will let all know what I think!

[mhschmieder]

I'm hoping to have time to try it out this weekend -- downloaded in on Tuesday and have twenty days for the demo license.

Most of the user feedback so far, is that this is more complete and authentic than the one from URS, but that it might be related to serial number of the modeled unit.

Interestingly, one person said it was useless on bass but just the right tool for making a guitar lead sit in the mix. Just goes to show you have to try everything for yourself.

[Fibes]

Well I have to say that I am pretty interested. My first 6 years in the business were at Trident Studios, so I was brought up on 2 of the only 13 A Range desks ever made, so I am curious to try this out.

Interestingly a quote from Softube's website:

The A-Range plug-in from Softube is the first and only native and TDM plug-in that has been fully endorsed by original designer Malcolm Toft and Trident Audio.

Erm.

[mhschmieder]

I managed to squeeze in a quick evaluation session just a few hours before the demo was set to expire.

For some reason, I found that Trident A-Range put a bit of a veil on everything I threw at it. I had the most success with acoustic guitar and vocals, but in the end liked the results I got with MOTU MasterWorks EQ better. Still, I can see that this might be a "quicker" tool when going for that sort of vintage sound, than using a more generic parametric GUI.