I’m considering an AH mk2. I’m looking for some warming and compression on the master.
I’m using a OT, DT, DN and guitar (plus a Lyra 8 at times) - they all run into a focusrite Claret 4, though generally I sample the guitar (And Lyra) into the OT.
The guitar could do with some warmth adding as that’s using a Strymon Iridium with Meris reverb and delays, some Chase bliss pedals and a ZOIA for effects. I think the digitone would really benefit too.
What would be the best way to connect this all up?
OT, DT & DN into Claret and back out to AH, then in on my last pair of inputs to record that stereo mix? Would that introduce noise and needless AD/DA conversions? I’m guessing a mixer may be better as I could run it in a Aux send/return and add the AH to parts individually to taste? Not massively up for the extra cost of a mixer though and I’m REALLY tight on space.
Just seen this. I was sure it had compression. Dohhh. Hmmmmm. AH or OTO Boum I guess. Still interested to how I’d connect it all up. I just feel everything needs some warmth adding and something to gel it all together at the moment
Using it as OB host seems like your best case. Can you run your guitar through the DN? If that’s possible, then you could sample your guitar into Ableton, through the AH in the end. It makes a great sound card/end of everything processor
Be careful with AH on the master. You will add a 500€ subtle saturation on your master. AH add lot of color and 6 of 8 distortion circuit are unusable on the master. You don’t have any compression and with time you will use always in the same preset.
I think AH is an excellent tool for sound design behind a gear but not on the master.
If you use a computer, buy a good mastering VST (check brainworx on plugin-alliance, lot of sales) it will add warm, deep and compression to your master for a fraction of the price.
I’m not sure I agree with you about this, but then again we all have our own likes and dislikes. I’ve had my AH mk1 for a couple of years now, and most always use it on my master. I don’t have a preset. I just start it up with my computer and it starts at default. Then as I start to work, I adjust it, depending on the material I’m working on.
But, I do agree that you could get close to it with a vst, but vst’s don’t have knobs, or analogue EQ/Filter’s. If you do get a mk1, you will feel much less guilty. I got mine for 400 bucks used. It’s always on. Love it.
I had the AH originally on the master and liked it very much, but rarely went beyond the Enhancement circuit. Since I use it as a send effect on my mixer, I go much further with distortion but don’t use the subtle circuits any more. I think it is great that it allows for many different use cases.
I agree with the idea that, instead of using the AH on the master, yeah you could just use a VST for a lot less cash. you could also use a Culture Vulture at four times the cash (or some things that are even more). the point of the AH is you can use it for subtle or extreme. but yes, clearly you get your money’s worth using it for both.