URS Saturation Classic Console Strip Pro: A Versatile and Powerful Plug-in for Analog Sound and Feel

URS Saturation Classic Console Strip Pro AU VST RTAS TDM Intel k: A Review

If you are looking for a versatile and powerful plug-in that can emulate the sound and feel of various vintage consoles and processors, you might want to check out URS Saturation Classic Console Strip Pro. This plug-in is designed to give you access to a wide range of input stages, compressors, filters, equalizers, and output stages that can transform your digital audio into warm and rich analog sound. In this review, we will take a closer look at what URS Saturation Classic Console Strip Pro can do, how it works, and how it compares to other similar plug-ins on the market.

URS Saturation Classic Console Strip Pro AU VST RTAS TDM Intel k

Introduction

URS Saturation Classic Console Strip Pro is a plug-in that combines several modules that can be used individually or together to create your own custom console strip. You can choose from 30 different input stage algorithms, 60 different compressor algorithms, 5 different filter algorithms, 60 different equalizer algorithms, and 30 different output stage algorithms. Each module has its own set of controls and presets that allow you to tweak every aspect of your sound. You can also reorder the modules using the pre and post switches, or bypass them individually using the signal flow section. The plug-in is available in TDM and all major native formats on Mac and PC, and is authorized to an iLok key.

The main features and benefits of using URS Saturation Classic Console Strip Pro are:

• It can emulate the sound of various vintage consoles and processors, such as Neve, API, SSL, Trident, Helios, Pultec, Fairchild, LA2A, 1176, Tube-Tech, Manley, Avalon, Focusrite, SPL, Chandler, Empirical Labs, Summit Audio, Drawmer, dbx, EMI, Studer, Ampex, Otari, MCI, Sony, Telefunken, RCA, Altec Lansing, Western Electric, Siemens, Teletronix, UREI, Universal Audio, Harrison.

It can add warmth, saturation, coloration, as follows:

Input Stage Algorithm

Description

Iron 1

Class A American input transformer with a smooth and warm sound.

Iron 2

Class A British input transformer with a punchy and bright sound.

Iron 3

Class A German input transformer with a clean and transparent sound.

Tube 1

Class A tube input stage with a soft and round sound.

Tube 2

Class A tube input stage with a more aggressive and distorted sound.

Tape 1

15ips 2" tape electronics/head bump with a fat and warm sound.

Tape 2

30ips 2" tape electronics/head bump with a more detailed and crisp sound.

Tape 3

30ips 1/2" tape electronics/head bump with a more open and airy sound.

Iron/Tape 1-15

A combination of different input transformers and tape machines for various sonic flavors.

Console 1-5

A simulation of different console input/summing buss stages for different console sounds.

Digital

A transparent input stage that adds no colorization, harmonics, or saturation.

The input stage is a great way to add some character and vibe to your audio before applying any other processing. You can experiment with different input stage algorithms and see how they affect the sound of your source. You can also use the input gain, drive, and trim controls to adjust the amount and type of saturation you want. The input gain control sets the level of the signal entering the input stage. The drive control sets the amount of saturation applied by the input stage algorithm. The trim control sets the level of the signal leaving the input stage. You can use these controls to create subtle or extreme saturation effects, depending on your preference. You can also use the input stage presets to quickly access some common console sounds, such as Neve, API, SSL, Trident, Helios, etc. These presets are based on the input stage algorithms and their corresponding drive settings. You can further tweak these presets using the input gain and trim controls if needed.

Compressor

The compressor is the second module in URS Saturation Classic Console Strip Pro. It is where you can choose from 60 different compressor algorithms that emulate the sound and behavior of various vintage compressors and limiters. Each algorithm has its own unique compression curve and response that can shape the dynamics of your audio in different ways. You can also adjust the threshold, ratio, attack, release, knee, and makeup gain controls to fine-tune the compression effect. The compressor also has 60 presets that let you quickly access some classic compressor sounds with one click.

The different compressor algorithms are as follows:

Compressor AlgorithmDescription

American Channel Comp 1-2A simulation of two different American console channel compressors from the late 1960s.

British Channel Comp 1-5A simulation of five different British console channel compressors from the early 1970s.

British Channel Limiter 1-2A simulation of two different British console channel limiters from the early 1970s.

British VCA Channel Comp 1-5A simulation of five different British VCA console channel compressors from the early 1980s.

Fet Comp 1-5A simulation of five different Fet-based compressors from various eras and manufacturers.

Opto Comp 1-4A simulation of four different Opto-based compressors from various eras and manufacturers.

Tape Comp 1-5A simulation of five different tape machine compression effects from various eras and models.

Tube Comp 1-12A simulation of twelve different tube-based compressors from various eras and manufacturers.

Digital Comp A transparent compressor that adds no colorization or distortion.

The compressor is a great way to control the dynamics and loudness of your audio, as well as to add some punch and character to it. You can experiment with different compressor algorithms and see how they affect the sound of your source. You can also use the threshold, ratio, attack, release, knee, and makeup gain controls to adjust the parameters of the compression effect. The threshold control sets the level at which the compression starts to kick in. The ratio control sets the amount of compression applied to the signal above the threshold. The attack control sets how fast the compressor reacts to the signal exceeding the threshold. The release control sets how fast the compressor returns to its normal state after the signal drops below the threshold. The knee control sets how smooth or hard the transition between compressed and uncompressed signal is. The makeup gain control sets the level of the signal after the compression. You can use these controls to create subtle or extreme compression effects, depending on your preference. You can also use the sidechain filter, detector mode, and mix controls to fine-tune the compression effect. The sidechain filter lets you choose a frequency range that triggers the compression, allowing you to compress only certain parts of the spectrum. The detector mode lets you choose between peak or RMS detection, allowing you to compress based on either the peak or average level of the signal. The mix control lets you blend between the dry and wet signals, allowing you to create parallel compression effects. You can also use the compressor presets to quickly access some classic compressor sounds, such as LA2A, 1176, Fairchild, Tube-Tech, etc. These presets are based on the compressor algorithms and their corresponding settings. You can further tweak these presets using the other controls if needed.

Filters

The filters are the third module in URS Saturation Classic Console Strip Pro. They are where you can choose from 5 different filter algorithms that emulate the sound of various vintage console filters. Each algorithm has its own unique frequency response and resonance that can cut or boost certain frequencies in your audio. You can also adjust the high-pass and low-pass filters to set the cutoff frequency and slope of each filter. The filters also have 5 presets that let you quickly apply different filter curves with one click.

The different filter algorithms are as follows:

Filter Algorithm

Description

American Filter

A simulation of an American console filter from the late 1960s with a gentle slope and a smooth sound.

British Filter

A simulation of a British console filter from the early 1970s with a steeper slope and a more aggressive sound.

German FilterA simulation of a German console filter from the late 1970s with a variable slope and a clean sound.

Tube Filter

A simulation of a tube-based filter from the early 1950s with a resonant peak and a warm sound.

Digital Filter

A transparent filter that adds no colorization or distortion.

The filters are a great way to cut or boost certain frequencies in your audio, as well as to add some character and vibe to it. You can experiment with different filter algorithms and see how they affect the sound of your source. You can also use the high-pass and low-pass filters to set the cutoff frequency and slope of each filter. The high-pass filter lets you remove the low frequencies below the cutoff frequency, while the low-pass filter lets you remove the high frequencies above the cutoff frequency. The slope control lets you choose between 6dB, 12dB, 18dB, or 24dB per octave, which determines how steep or gentle the filter curve is. You can use these controls to create subtle or extreme filtering effects, depending on your preference. You can also use the filter presets to quickly apply different filter curves, such as subsonic, rumble, hiss, air, etc. These presets are based on the filter algorithms and their corresponding settings. You can further tweak these presets using the other controls if needed.

Equalizer

The equalizer is the fourth module in URS Saturation Classic Console Strip Pro. It is where you can choose from 60 different equalizer algorithms that emulate the sound and behavior of various vintage EQs. Each algorithm has its own unique frequency response and curve that can boost or cut specific frequency ranges in your audio. You can also adjust the four bands of parametric EQ to set the frequency, gain, bandwidth, and shape of each band. The equalizer also has 60 presets that let you quickly access some classic EQ sounds with one click.

The different equalizer algorithms are as follows:

Equalizer Algorithm

Description

American EQ 1-5

A simulation of five different American console EQs from the late 1960s.

British EQ 1-10A simulation of ten different British console EQs from the early 1970s.

British VCA EQ 1-5

A simulation of five different British VCA console EQs from the early 1980s.

German EQ 1-5

A simulation of five different German console EQs from the late 1970s.

Tube EQ 1-10

A simulation of ten different tube-based EQs from various eras and manufacturers.

Passive EQ 1-10

A simulation of ten different passive-based EQs from various eras and manufacturers.

Graphic EQ 1-5

A simulation of five different graphic-based EQs from various eras and models.

Digital EQ

A transparent EQ that adds no colorization or distortion.

The equalizer is a great way to boost or cut specific frequencies in your audio, as well as to add some character and vibe to it. You can experiment with different equalizer algorithms and see how they affect the sound of your source. You can also use the four bands of parametric EQ to set the frequency, gain, bandwidth, and shape of each band. The frequency control sets the center frequency of each band. The gain control sets the amount of boost or cut applied to each band. The bandwidth control sets the width or narrowness of each band. The shape control lets you choose between bell, shelf, or notch shapes for each band. You can use these controls to create subtle or extreme equalization effects, depending on your preference. You can also use the equalizer presets to quickly access some classic EQ sounds, such as Pultec, Neve, API, SSL, etc. These presets are based on the equalizer algorithms and their corresponding settings. You can further tweak these presets using the other controls if needed.

Output Stage

The output stage is the fifth and final module in URS Saturation Classic Console Strip Pro. It is where you can choose from 30 different output stage algorithms that emulate the sound of various vintage consoles and tape machines. Each algorithm has its own unique saturation curve and frequency response that can affect the sound of your audio. You can also adjust the output gain and metering controls to monitor and adjust the output level of your signal. The output stage also has 30 presets that let you quickly switch between different output sounds with one click.

The different output stage algorithms are as follows:

Output Stage AlgorithmDescription

Iron 1-3A simulation of three different output transformers with different saturation characteristics.

Tube 1-2A simulation of two different tube output stages with different saturation characteristics.

Tape 1-3A simulation of three different tape machine electronics/head bump with different saturation characteristics.

Iron/Tape 1-15A combination of different output transformers and tape machines for various sonic flavors.

Console 1-5A simulation of five different console output/summing buss stages for different console sounds.

DigitalA transparent output stage that adds no colorization, harmonics, or saturation.

The output stage is a great way to add some final touch and polish to your audio before sending it to your master buss or output device. You can experiment with different output stage algorithms and see how they affect the sound of your source. You can also use the output gain and metering controls to monitor and adjust the output level of your signal. The output gain control sets the level of the signal leaving the output stage. The metering section shows the input and output levels, as well as the peak and RMS values. You can use these controls to avoid clipping or distortion, or to achieve a certain loudness level. You can also use the output stage presets to quickly switch between different output sounds, such as Neve, API, SSL, Trident, Helios, etc. These presets are based on the output stage algorithms and their corresponding settings. You can further tweak these presets using the other controls if needed.

Conclusion

URS Saturation Classic Console Strip Pro is a plug-in that can give you access to a wide range of vintage console and processor sounds that can enhance your digital audio in various ways. You can use it to add warmth, saturation, coloration, harmonics, distortion, compression, filtering, equalization, and dynamics to your audio, making it sound more analog and musical. You can also use it to enhance the clarity, presence, punch, width, depth, and character of your audio, making it stand out in the mix. You can use it on any type of audio source, genre, style, application, or project, and create your own custom console strip using the different modules and controls. You can also use it in conjunction with other plug-ins or hardware devices to create even more sonic possibilities and combinations.

Here are some tips and tricks for getting the most out of URS Saturation Classic Console Strip Pro:

• Experiment with different combinations of input stage, compressor, filter, equalizer, and output stage algorithms and see how they affect your sound.

• Use the presets as a starting point and then tweak them to suit your needs.

• Use the pre and post switches to reorder the modules and create different signal flows.

• Use the bypass switches to compare the processed and unprocessed signals.

• Use the sidechain filter, detector mode, and mix controls to fine-tune the compression effect.

• Use the shape control to choose between bell, shelf, or notch shapes for each EQ band.

• Use the slope control to choose between 6dB, 12dB, 18dB or 24dB per octave for each filter.

• Use the metering section to monitor and adjust the input and output levels, as well as the peak and RMS values.

• Use the iLok key to authorize the plug-in and use it on any computer.

If you are interested in trying out URS Saturation Classic Console Strip Pro, you can download a free 14-day trial from the URS website. You can also buy the full version for $499 USD, or upgrade from any other URS plug-in for a discounted price. URS also offers a bundle of all their plug-ins, including URS Saturation Classic Console Strip Pro, for $999 USD. You can find more information and customer reviews on the URS website, as well as on various online forums and blogs.

FAQs

Here are some frequently asked questions and answers about URS Saturation Classic Console Strip Pro:

• What are the system requirements for URS Saturation Classic Console Strip Pro?

URS Saturation Classic Console Strip Pro is compatible with Mac OS X 10.4 or higher and Windows XP or higher. It supports TDM, RTAS, AU, and VST formats. It requires an iLok key for authorization. It also requires a minimum of 1 GB of RAM and 100 MB of hard disk space.

• How many instances of URS Saturation Classic Console Strip Pro can I run on my system?

The number of instances of URS Saturation Classic Console Strip Pro that you can run on your system depends on your CPU speed, RAM size, buffer size, sample rate, and plug-in format. As a general rule, the higher the CPU speed and RAM size, the lower the buffer size and sample rate, and the more efficient the plug-in format, the more instances you can run. You can also use the DSP usage meter in the plug-in to monitor how much CPU power each instance is using.

• Can I use URS Saturation Classic Console Strip Pro on mono or stereo tracks?

Yes, you can use URS Saturation Classic Console Strip Pro on mono or stereo tracks. The plug-in will automatically detect the track format and adjust accordingly. You can also use the link switch to link or unlink the left and right channels for stereo tracks.

• Can I automate the parameters of URS Saturation Classic Console Strip Pro?

Yes, you can automate the parameters of URS Saturation Classic Console Strip Pro using your host application's automation features. The plug-in supports all standard automation modes and parameters.

• Can I save and recall my own presets in URS Saturation Classic Console Strip Pro?

Yes, you can save and recall your own presets in URS Saturation Classic Console Strip Pro using the preset menu in the plug-in. You can also use the copy a