Plug-In Power: The Precision Enhancer kHz and the VCA VU Reviews Are In
By Dave Crane

Earlier this month, UA released version 4.10 of the UAD drivers and software, and two fantastic plug-ins were released as well: The VCA VU, an exacting model of the legendary dbx 160 compressor, and the Precision Enhancer kHz, a high-frequency enhancement and expansion plug-in. Last month, I demonstrated how to use these plug-ins on their own; now I'm going to let the online community demonstrate how to use them together on various sources, as well as use them on other sources.

The UAD VCA VU Compressor Plug-In

VCA VU

When we released the VCA VU, we thought some people might ask, “Why do I need another compressor?” Well, we wouldn’t have modeled this compressor if we didn’t think it brought something special to the UAD platform. We liked its unique release characteristics, and its ability to impart an “old-school sound” when you needed it. And, because its reputation preceded it, we knew it would be a hit. In the days following the release, users responded and agreed.

Many people are excited about the VCA VU, and are finding all sorts of uses for it. Here are some quotes from several popular online audio forums:

“I bought the UAD VU after trying it for 2 minutes. I used to own a studio with another guy, who had two of the 160s, so I had gotten quite used to them, and how they sounded. The UAD VU sounded extremely close ... even with the threshold turned off, and the output at 0 dB, it still added that 'ever-so-slight' light upper harmonic distortion that I remember the 160 adding when it was just passing signal through it. And the VU meter is backlit (digitally, of course) ... that sealed it for me!”–Jim Frazier, ProSoundWeb Forum

“Used it all day yesterday and the 160 is excellent ... much better than I thought. ... I used with great result on the drums buss. Great on bass too. I like the LA-3A on bass but the 160 is also brilliant ... completely different tone/behavior. But I really thought I was not going to need another compressor and ... I was wrong! This is going to be one of the most used UA comp in my arsenal. Well done UA.”–baikonour, Gearslutz Forum

“I have been trying the VCA since Friday and it is definitely one of the best comps in the UAD arsenal--only the 1176 beats it in my opinion. I do reggae music and tried the VCA on Bass, Vocals and Backing Vocals so far. On the Main Vox I still prefer the 1176. But on the backing vox it's just set and forget--also on the bass it creates a lot of punch which is just the thing to look for in reggae. This release is the best thing for me to happen since I got rid of my outboard. I could emulate my 1178s with the 1176 plug and that worked out fine but what I really missed after switching completely to digital mixing were my two 160 XTs. Now the VCA sounds very close (if not even better) and I instantly fell in love;-) THANKS UAD. - w-indie, Gearslutz Forum

“Just activated the 160vu demo. Holy smoke this thing rocks and you can run about 17 on a card.”–redroom, Gearslutz Forum

“I am floored by this thing. It might be one of the most authentic sounding compressors that software has delivered (er hardware too in this case). It actually pumps the sound vs. many that color the sound but don't actually push it.”–Oldone, Gearslutz Forum

“I'm afraid I need to buy the dbx clone. Since I activated the demo I've used it on every mix. Replacing it with another comp doesn't give a similar result.”–boody, UAD Forum

The Precision Enhancer kHz Plug-In

Precision Enhancer kHz

The Precision Enhancer kHz also generated quite a buzz on the forums. At first people might think, “Why do I need an Enhancer plug-in when UA provides me with so many great EQ and compressor plug-ins (at such great prices!)?” Well, the short answer is the Precision Enhancer can do in one or two button clicks that would take 10 or 20 minutes of tweaking with other EQ plug-ins. Of course, it might not be exactly what the doctor ordered, and in that case you’ll reach for our vintage hardware emulation plug-ins. But the Precision Enhancer kHz can quickly turn any track (poorly or well recorded) into a shining masterpiece. Do you have an extensive tape collection you’ve wanted to put onto CD? Try the Precision Enhancer to rescue the high frequencies. Do you download live music recorded by “tapers” back by the soundboard? Try the Precision Enhancer to bring out the instruments that get lost in the wash of low frequencies.

But the best testimonials are from the many people who bought the plug-in. Here are some quotes from the UAD Forum:

“The enhancer works great, I used it on some dull voices recorded with bad room/mic and it really added a nice thing, that I probably could have with some nice EQ (1073 or Pultec), but it was fast. ... Mode B, 35% input et voila... And it's a lot less power consuming! I tried it on a drum bus who was lacking some air, and same thing, 2 minutes after it did some miracles. I found it to be a really useful tool, because it's fast to set up and low on DSP usage (how did they do that ??), even if I think you can obtain nearly same results with careful EQ/Comp combos.”--KaNeT, UAD Forum

“The enhancer is sweet--it's really handy for those tracks that could use a bit of the Neve sheen, but where you don't want to blow the DSP on a full 1073/1081. It's nice for rescuing dull stuff too--usually where it has been badly recorded in most cases (often by people monitoring far too loud, and as a result killing too much top end) rather than as a straight mix tool.”–Niel Wilkes, UAD Forum

“As for the sound, the Enhancer seems to preserve HF texture and tone much better than EQ boosting. I'm often frustrated with the sound of hi-hat and cymbals when I have to EQ a dull recording. But I have this jazz trio live recording the client made with cheap mics, and between this and a Waves RenBass I've made it sound far nicer than it has any excuse to sound!”--svs95, UAD Forum

“The enhancer is quite good. I've tried a number of 'exciter' type plug-ins and this beats them all. It can sound very natural on voices at lower settings. I really like it on rock piano in dense mixes.”–MarsBot, UAD Forum

“Being a fan of enhancers, I try them all, and I am very pleased by UA's new one. I tried it on several single tracks like organ, drums, guitars and compared it to my other enhancers (Hydratone with its fire-knob, Voxengo Saturator, Colortone Pro, etc.). What I think is that it makes the sound a bit more 'expensive,' adding a bit of 'noblesse' in a good way. Others do it in a rather plastic way, but not this one. I also tried it on the master channel and got good results. Well, that’s all just a matter of taste. I’ll buy it.”--putte, UAD Forum

“I love the new enhancer, not on every track, just where needed, like to put more 'snare sound' to a snare drum track. The different settings the plug has really run the range. This plug is a tool for fixing dull/lifeless tracks. I own a BBE plug and a few other enhancers and this one really works in lots of different situations and doesn't add the phase-ness that the BBE does.”–dlbmusic, UAD Forum

Questions or comments on this article?