Plug-In's Plug-In's Plug-ins (and updates)

           Hi Everybody! So I know I promised a video walkthrough of the Kramer PIE compressor, but due to some time constraints and technical difficulties I am unable to do so. But rest assured dear reader that you will get your video walkthrough by no later than Saturday, February 1^st, at 11:59pm central time. But enough with the past, lets get to the now. I figured the best use of our time would be having a discussion about plug-ins in general. When I first started my audio education I was completely against the over use of plug-ins (I still am) and thus, I never really took the time to take the time to figure how useful and more importantly musical plug-ins can be. Now mind you, plug-ins aren’t perfect but with a little self control and patience, plug-ins can be your best friend.

Given that our current topic of discussion is highlighting the Kramer PIE Compressor, I’m going to use that as an example. Most times when people think of uses for a compressor they think “Hey, lets make something louder or quieter!” and yes… Compressors can most certainly do that, that’s not all they do. I just want to quickly share with you my new favorite use for a compressor plug-in. (I don’t get enough chances to play with real compressors and am accepting all donations to my don’t have a compressor fund, email phillip.pobanz@gmail.com for more details). My new favorite way to use compressors is to give things prominence within a mix, I’ve found that adjusting a compressor ever so slightly (low ratio, moderate threshold, medium-long release time) in addition to a slight bit of equalization really make things pop within a mix even if the sound source is at low volumes. Go out and give it a try, and again I promise to have a video up before Saturday demoing the Kramer plug-in as well as a new topic I’ve been itching to get to. As always please drop a line with any comments, questions, or concerns and happy hunting.

Kramer PIE Compressor

Hi Everybody! Phillip Pobanz here and welcome to the first of many blog posts on Pobanz’s Audio Tech, Tips, and Tricks. I plan on using this blog to explore a wide range of subject material that pertains to the above mentioned Audio Technology, and some tips and tricks as to how to use said technology in the most effective and sonically pleasing (or displeasing if that’s what your into) manner possible. For this first post I want to talk about plug-ins, well a plug-in to be exact, that plug-in is the Kramer PIE. The Kramer PIE is plug-in by Waves that was made in association with legendary produce Eddie Kramer. The Kramer PIE compressor is based off of a vintage Pye compressor straight out of the 1960’s. The controls on this plug-in so simple that a child could operate it (start hitting your parents up for money kids!) The controls on the PIE features a fixed attack time, release and ratio controls, as well as adjustable threshold and output controls to control how hard you drive the compressor. The plug-in also features a switchable 50 and 60hz ‘Analog’ switch to add color to your sound as well as a switch to choose between three metering options (Input, Gain Reduction, and Output). I really can’t say enough good things about this plug-in, for me it has become the ranch dressing of my mixes, it goes good on almost everything, it works equally effectively as both a bus compressor and an insert compressor. If you haven’t checked this plug-in out you should, it’s a bit pricey but if you buy it with a Waves bundle (a VERY good investment) I think you’ll be very pleased. Now that I’ve given you my two cents on the Kramer PIE plug-in, go out and do some research of your own and stay tuned for part two of this post where I will post a demo video of me using the Kramer PIE and show a few things I like to use it on and give you an idea of what this awesome piece of software is really all about.