Neve Shootout - UAD 33609C vs Analog Neve 33609J/D

This is an A/B comparison of a UAD Neve 33609C Plugin, vs a real Neve 33609J/D compressor. Both are being ran in the same part of the master bus, and I am flipping back and forth for reference. I matched the gain staging as close as possible, and utilized the same compression ratio (2:1) and recovery (a1). Limiter is disengaged on both, and I am instead using a FabFilter Limiter as the last insert on the Master Bus.

Enjoy!

[keyzproductionz]

I prefer the hardware. It definitely sounds tighter, warmer, and cleaner. Thank you for the VCA comparison.

[ustulo]

I borrowed the hardware version of this unit back in '07 to mixdown an EP for a small label...what it did to the sound was incredible, even with very little or no compression. Everything just sat correctly and sounded smoother yet more detailed, as well as added dimension. Biggest difference I ever heard from a hardware unit on anything just engaging it. The uad version in this comparison is not bad, but sounds thinner and flatter...more of an imitation of the real thing but still usable if you don't have the actual unit which I believe is around 5 grand.

[SamIntharaphithakSamSonic]

The hardware is the so warm and 3D, it has this natural saturation. The plugin sounds flat like paper and is a little harsh. Thanks for the VDO.

[jorykevinberger]

Cool shoot out. The plugin was louder so the transients and brightness came forward. So maybe a gain plug after it could have benefited? Once I level matched them I could hear more of the open roundness in the hardware in comparison. The depth and width too. Once level matched, the plugin had more center, less side information. In the low mids and in this case, the hi hats, is where the difference was really clear to me. I work mostly in the box, and one of things I've noticed is that shrill vibe that builds up in the 2-6k frequency range in plugins... After so many years, it's been buggin me more and more. And that's quite literally the thing in hardware shootouts that goes away, no matter the hardware. The hardware does what I'd think I'd still need to eq out after the plugin, and struggle to make it happen. Thank you for the shootout!! :)

[TRACKEARS]

Setting for settings the plug-in just hurts, hardware sounded much more pleasant

[john]

People’s Bias is really on display. These plugins are amazing quality and very close to the hardware. No better emulation in the world. If you have the $4, 000 bucks to spend on hardware then do it. If not then go with the plug in

[MrJayclas]

The hardware is getting converted twice, once out from daw, then back in. The plugin just needs come upper mids reduced and a slight bass bump. I’m the mixing process we should be listening for those differences.

[revelationsoundstudio]

I want the hardware. I love the depth and snap it brings. I agree the plug in is decent but it's not as good as the hardware.

[thebigpicture]

You should've done a blind sound test.

[praxis-living]

Is it just a decebel difference? To my ears the hardware sounds more smooth/silky and the software slightly harsh/brittle...

[Canatend]

This sounds really good! Would love to know your vocal chain. Well done. The Hardware has way more control.

[summerfazed]

OMG even UAD plugins are just for songwriting.

[steveg]

The plugin sounds noticeably better to me in this particular context

[TheVoodoou]

What the hell happened to to all the "S"s? It doesn't matter what 33609 you used if the the vocals are that over processed before you get there.

[romainmartin]

I think Hardware have a little problem .... Not the same sound on left and right with a very little more volume on left...

[JamieCartwright-qtlq]

The UAD 33609 didnt stand a chance but better than I thought. Nice piece of kit though.... What converters are you using?

[byronkleoyang]

The software has a harsher high end and it's flatter in an unpleasant way. The hardware just puts everything into its right place and sounds more 3D with warmth and not as sterile and cold as the plugin.

[greganikin]

To my ear - plugin missing “sides” only… less dimensional

[darkstar.runner]

the plugin sounds like too much high & mids ... the hw sounds more "in the right way of all" ...

[theebob]

very similar. plugin slighty brighter. hardware had slighty more punch on the kick. I'd say overall not worth the money for the hardware in this case.