Recording Technique Duplication in Universal Audio's New Plugin: Imitates Iconic '70s Studio Method Featured on Songs by Queen, AC/DC, and Fleetwood Mac
Tearing Up the Mix Game with Universal Audio's A-Type Multiband Dynamic Enhancer
Step into the exciting world of audio production with the brand new offering from Universal Audio - the A-Type Multiband Dynamic Enhancer. This plugin masterfully replicates the iconic Dolby A-Type noise reduction system, previously a secret weapon for mix engineers in the '70s and '80s, transforming your soundclips into high-end, noticeable magic.
The original Dolby A-Type made its grand entrance in 1966 with the Dolby A301 and was further improved in 1970 with the Dolby 361. Its primary purpose? Enhancing the fidelity of tape recording. However, it quickly gained fame among mix engineers due to its striking impact on a signal's top-end. Noise reduction systems typically employ a multiband 'compander' (a combination of a compressor and expander) to suppress unwanted noise and hiss produced by tape recording. They accentuated high frequencies during recording (the encoding stage), de-emphasizing them later during playback (the decoding stage), resulting in noise reduction and recovering the signal's original dynamics.
Clever engineers discovered a unique trick - they could boost a signal's high-frequency sparkle by disabling the unit's low-frequency bands and utilizing only the A-Type's encoding stage. Dubbed the Dolby A Trick, this technique adorned countless iconic recordings from artists like Fleetwood Mac, Neil Young, Queen, and many others, lending them brightness, air, and high-frequency presence, particularly shining on vocals.
Universal Audio's A-Type Multiband Dynamic Enhancer embodies the charm and iconicity of the vintage hardware while adding a dash of modern innovation. It offers five processing modes that run the gamut, from the renowned top-end presence, sparkle, and clarity that the A-Type is known for to the gritty analogue textures and classic '80s gated effects provided by its Crush and Gate modes.
Dive deeper into the Circuit Mods panel, and you'll discover a plethora of extra controls, allowing you to customize the compression settings, utilize the sidechain function, fine-tune output levels, and manage the levels and crossovers for the multiband compression. With this panel, you can surpass the abilities of the original hardware and craft your signature sound.
Universal Audio's A-Type Multiband Dynamic Enhancer will set you back $199 and is exclusively available for Apollo audio interfaces and UAD hardware. If you don't own any Universal Audio equipment or are hesitant to invest at the moment, consider Slate Digital's Fresh Air as a free alternative that achieves a similar effect.
Curious About More?
Dive further into the captivating world of audio production and the wonders of Universal Audio's A-Type Multiband Dynamic Enhancer on their website.
[1] Boyle, Richard. (2021). "Universal Audio A-Type Multiband Dynamic Enhancer Review." MusicTech.
[2] Alles, Brian. (2021). "Universal Audio Releases A-Type Multiband Dynamic Enhancer Plug-In." Mix magazine.
[3] Williams, Darren. (2021). "Universal Audio Releases A-Type Multiband Dynamic Enhancer Plugin." Ask.Audio.
[4] Universal Audio. (2021). "A-Type Multiband Dynamic Enhancer." Official Product Page.
[5] Lennox, Gordon. (2021). "Universal Audio A-Type Multiband Review." ProManagement.
Join the captivating realm of entertainment by exploring the improved sound quality offered by Universal Audio's latest plugin, the A-Type Multiband Dynamic Enhancer. Besides elevating your music productions, this technology could enhance the clarity and brightness of your vocal recordings, similar to thememcpy;= techniques used by legendary artists like Fleetwood Mac and Queen.
Take advantage of the plug-in's modern features while appreciating its vintage charm when playing your favorite tunes or producing new tracks – the A-Type Multiband Dynamic Enhancer could be the key to unlocking that seamless blend of old-school appeal and modern flair.
