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Software » Windows
Acustica Audio Howie Weinberg Mastering Console 2023-R2R screenshot
Team R2R | 21 Nov 2023 | 86.1MB
Diamond - HWMC Howie Weinberg Mastering Console has been created by Acustica Audio and Studio DMI in collaboration with Howie Weinberg. The award-winning mastering engineer has 200+ platinum and gold records, 15 Grammy Awards, 31 Grammy nominations, 19k album credits and 25 billion streams to his name.

For the first time, Howie Weinberg opens the doors of his studio to bring you the benefit of his 30+ years of elite mastering experience in an exciting new plugin. Don’t miss the opportunity to take your music to the next level thanks to the workflow and closely-guarded mastering chain of one of the world’s most sought-after pro audio gurus.
Golden ears make gold records

For the first time, Howie Weinberg opens the doors of his studio to bring you the benefit of his 30+ years of elite mastering experience in an exciting new plugin. Don’t miss the opportunity to take your music to the next level thanks to the workflow and closely-guarded mastering chain of one of the world’s most sought-after pro audio gurus.

What You Get

HWMC Howie Weinberg Mastering Console features six different sections:

C: A β€œCoral-style” mastering tube compressor with 4 different switchable compressor operating modes, which depends on the rectifier circuit emulations selected (GERM, GERM2, SILIC or LED)
E: A β€œScarlet-style” parametric stereo mastering EQ with LF/MF, HF/MF bands offering Β±9dB gain.
F: High and low shelf filters, plus continuously variable high-pass (20Hz - 20kHz) and low-pass (20Hz - 30kHz) mastering cutting filters with a 12dB per octave slope, implemented to Weinberg’s exact specifications.
L: An ultra-transparent, algorithmic brickwall limiter with oversampling rate buttons (1x, 4x, and 8x).
ADC: A clipping stage that includes 3 different models ranging from least to most aggressive (C1, C2, C3), created from the sampling of Howie Weinberg’s various analog-to-digital converters. Controllable via the clipper knob and the oversampling rate buttons (1x, 4x, 8x).
DAC: A preamp stage including 3 modes from the sampling of different digital-to-analog converters (DCS, Mytek, Mytek+Tape), effectively reproducing Weinberg’s signature sound.

To top it all off, this plugin also comes with a series of additional controls, including control link, M/S - LR, HQ, dim buttons, a complete meter section, and a series of routing buttons/functions enabling you to change the plugin’s internal routing.

Check out the manual's β€œOperation” chapter for more details.



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comments

  Resident 27.05.2022 37 678
+2350
From the Unofficial Acustica Master List:

Howie Weinberg Mastering Console (17) - The elite mastering engineer's hardware chain sampling.
Includes: (C) SPL Iron Compressor, (E) Sontec 432 equalizer parts, (F) Fixed 100 Hz low shelf and 10 kHz high shelf filters and Variable 12 db/octave high/low pass filters, (L) algorithmic brickwall limiter, (DAC) digital to analog converters. Includes mid-side processing capability.

Default Chain: DAC --> SPL Compressor --> Sontec Equalizer --> Filters --> Limiter --> ADC Clipper.

Compression modes affect attack/release times.
LIM IN light indicates excessive clipping.
Oversampling the limiter is possible.
The HQ button enables FIR mode at the expense of CPU processing.

ADC C1 to C3 are in order of least aggressive clipping to most aggressive.
C-LINK: Links the stereo controls of the EQ, DAC and Limiter.

ADC section
Antelope Audio Eclipse384

DAC section
dCS : dCS - 954 DA Converter
Mytek : MYTEK - Brooklyn DACοΌ‹
(thanks "N"!)
  Resident 29.11.2020 29 3021
+3072
remember to OS to 96kHz (Reaper FX instance, Bluecat Patchwork) if your project sample rate is 48kHz or else it will sound weird, EQ not working correctly and Low Pass will mute the entire track. 44.1/88/96kHz is fine.

EDIT : at 2X OS (96kHz), when all modules turned ON, it takes a whopping 15-20% of my CPU power.
  Member 29.02.2016 44
+11
Is it how it was in original ones or just in r2r releases?

The screens you've posted looks really weird. It seems it shouldn't be so. Was using other Aquas for years in 48 without such problems.
  Resident 29.11.2020 29 3021
+3072
back when I was using legit, I used it on 44.1k and 48k too but it doesnt sound weird to the point that I want to check it, so I didnt tbh. So I cant say for sure. All their new "Hyper" plugins running fine @ 48kHz. I'm not even done testing them all R2R Acustica releases but for now, only Amber and HWMC need that 96kHz OS to sound right.

There is this one Data folder (name of the plugin Screenshot ) containing all the "Image" files according to R2R which is the IR captures of the device it emulates, the file format is "N2V" "N2S" etc. Inside it for both AMBER and HWMC it only present 44.1kHz and 96kHz version of it Screenshot. Look at the number at the end of the file. Plugins that support 48kHz their folder look like this Screenshot. See the 48 at the end of the filename.

I assume when you run the plugin (AMBER & HWMC) at 48kHz it will get quantization error because the source Image (IR) is not a multiplication of those two sample rate. So it means, it's like that for the legits too if the content of that folder is the same, which I believe should be. R2R just repacked every single file of it removing only the protection. So they got nothing to do with it, nor can do anything about it. The framework, the plugins work as is.

Can you please check that folder in your legit plugin and tell us if there's a 48kHz version of the image file for the 2 plugins in question here.

All the new Hyper plugins and Black however contain a 48kHz version making them run okay on a 48kHz project.

So one need to check that folder first to see the supported sample rate. So far (22 November 2023) :

1) R2R AA plugins that can work with any sample rate :
- Fire The Pump
- Black
- Salt
- Magic Flow
- Space Control
- Gold 5
- Ash
- Ash Ultra

2) R2R AA Plugin that need OS when project sample rate is 48kHz (but run fine at 44.1kHz & 96kHz) :
- Amber
- Howie Weinberg Mastering Console
- Gainstation 1 & 2
- Pink 4

β€œGive me six hours to chop down a tree and I will spend the first four sharpening the axe.”

- Abraham Lincoln
  Member 29.02.2016 44
+11
This explains a lot. And it is actually a bad news cause if it is a way R2R decided to do next releases then they unfortunately misunderstood how AA vectors are structured.

Every full version of plugin contain vectors for every sample rate: 44, 48, 88, 96. And it is a big point over the trial ones for example not only because suited vectors loads faster and doesn't take performance over usage for up or downsampling, but also cause vectors in trials are often very first ones and they are outdated (AA almost never updates trial versions with bag fixed within the full paid ones). Trials have only 44 and 96.

On your 2nd screenshot vectors are from the trial version and 3rd screenshot show correct ones from full. I don't have this plugins but this how they look in Erin folder as example. This is how they look in every proper full versions.

So if R2R do their releases from trials it's a wrong way. And it is clearly explains why there is so many comments about how bad AA sound in Amber and Howie releases. And as shown on your examples we see why. Obviously those flaws are not AA related but sample rate mismatch related.

Also for recent days I read a lot of misunderstanding here from whom who have no experience with AA and they do not understanding the limitations of technology doing things like trying to crank a preamp and got disappointed. With this together it could lead to a lot of people getting the wrong representation out of ignorance.

Lets hope r2r will do it right with next releases. But perhaps we were too quick to rejoice by now.
  Resident 29.11.2020 29 3021
+3072
Thanks, that clears a lot of things for me too. It didnt even crossed my mind. Since they are just "samples" I thought it would've been included doesn't matter it's trial version or full. It makes sense that developer rarely updated their trial plugin if the retail/full version is different.

For crackers, I think it's unspoken scene rule that they used the retail version instead of the trial. Even when anyone supplying, the retail installer must be sent together. Dunno what's the story here.

If R2R don't have access to it, they'll usually ask the community to gather those needed files, like what happened back when they first released Falcon where some of the library comes from the community. It's doable. Majority of the people in Audio works in 48kHz. So this needs a solution somehow.

Hopefully R2R will read this and see what they think about it or will enlighten us about what we don't know. Tbh, having to oversample an already CPU hungry plugin making it twice unusable. I played around with this HWMC earlier and it feels like I'm torturing my CPU having to run it at 2X OS.

Yeah, AA been getting bad rep for the Amber, it does sound like shit at 48kHz. That's not how I remember AA plugins. Too shitty that it feels weird to me and I feel like I need to investigate further. Now we know why.
  Resident 27.05.2022 37 678
+2350
I was wondering about that but i haven't been able to install them and check myself because i don't wanna spoil my legit license. But yeah, if r2r are using the trial versions then i will be staying legit for sure. As you say, the trial versions aren't the same as the full versions. There's compromises, and they don't get updated by AA.

That would be super disappointing if these releases are from the trials data
  Resident 29.11.2020 29 3021
+3072
am more and more glad that R2R chose to release them slowly instead of dropping them all at once. So problem like this can be solved before the entire collection dropped and then people can choose which path they are going to pick. ForeverGiancarlo or ForeverR2R.

I don't think many even noticed that something is wrong with the plugin and I believe 70% that thought Amber was a shit plugin, tested it at 48kHz. 20% dont have clear understanding the gain-staging, Input trim, optimal operation level and how AA metering works with fast and slow transients. The rest probably have their own other reasons nobody needs to fully understand, like taste and feel, subjective which is the only valid one.
  Member 29.02.2016 44
+11
I agree I think it is exactly how it became for the most. Usually first impression of AA stuff is quite opposite and even flat preamp are doing wonderfull things.
  Member 29.02.2016 44
+11
@Barncore, @Stevie Dude
Ok guys, I just installed the Gold5 trial as I have this full to check vectors.

Here what we have. As long as Gold5 trial indeed have all SR vectors presented they are different. Many are same, but many (I'd say 60%) are different. There is also some aren't presented in trial library at all (1.6Gb vs 3.4Gb).

*Update
Checked the R2R release and it looks exactly like trial ones : (
It doesn't have 416 vectors with names: GOLD_PRE2M1, GOLD_PREL24, GOLD_PRELH1 and so on and some *.xml are missed to.
  Resident 29.11.2020 29 3021
+3072
wow, that's like double the content. Knowing the trial version has all the same function as the full, why would they let the potential buyer use the one with half of its possible vectors ? weird marketing.

if say they didnt update the trial version at all and the full version doubled its size like that because of updates, it make zero sense that the plugin still sound the same for both trial and full. Okay, let's assume they did, why it doubles in size with no change in sound ? man this so confusing.
  Member 12.01.2021 600
+294
quote by john-whipperSo if R2R do their releases from trials it's a wrong way

Salt trial contains all 4 SRs...
  Member 29.02.2016 44
+11
Well that means some releases was made properly from full sample library with all SRs. And by the way notice how differs comments in those threads.
  Resident 29.11.2020 29 3021
+3072
some posted on AS Forum :

AA use special additional packs 48/88.2 for some products before, maybe they do this even right now, cant check.
Actually, I remember they had some issues with supporting 48kHz before. Often, these packages were released separately and later from the product, related information can be found on GS for example.


Acust 1
Acust 2

Apparently there's additional Frequency Pack for 48kHz that needed to be downloaded separately. I just found out about this and they announced it back in 2019, so it's safe to say all products have 48kHz additional Frequency Pack by now. Do you see this in the Aquarius. Is it possible to download it ?
  Member 29.02.2016 44
+11
It is true but it is exception just for some plugins. For example: Sand, Green, Emerald. It is unsafe to say it is the case for every plugin cause it's not and it have nothing to do with missed/wrong SR vectors in some trials.

So looked like R2R stopped posted new releases and it gives hope they realizes current failure. Seems they was too hurry with their vendetta lol
  Resident 29.11.2020 29 3021
+3072
too soon bro, too soon. haha
  Member 3.12.2019 140
+61
quote by Stevie Dudeback when I was using legit, I used it on 44.1k and 48k too but it doesnt sound weird to the point that I want to check it, so I didnt tbh. So I cant say for sure. All their new "Hyper" plugins running fine @ 48kHz. I'm not even done testing them all R2R Acustica releases but for now, only Amber and HWMC need that 96kHz OS to sound right.
 Spoiler


How do you put 2x the blue cats? I don't see the oversampling option
  Resident 29.11.2020 29 3021
+3072
load the plugin inside bluecat patchwork, left (nomal) click on the plugin name, you'll get a menu, choose oversampling from it.
  Resident 11.05.2013 7 308
+208
If you check the R2R release back from 2014 when install you chose the components 44 or 96 , I don't know if its something from the developer or R2R.
I don't have huge knowledge how this stuff work but I assume is something to do Impulse Responses .
Screen View
  Resident 27.08.2023 18 153
+482
The "algorithmic brickwall limiter" is very transparent and you can push it hard but besides that the plugin is "meh"
  Member 17.04.2015 1 383
+143
push hard for what?
-14 lufs is the today limit.

2000 decade is gone!
  Member 28.11.2016 956
+340
LOL... -14 is not how to do it.. leave that to spotify etc. Master to -9 to -6 or be left behind.

It's been proven and shown by pros many many times that this '-14' fallacy is just that, it's people getting the wrong end of the stick and repeating it on the net. LMAO.. master to -14 and you'll sound like a joke.

BTW clip your convertors and do less limiting if you want proper pro loud results (though you need GOOD convertors like Prism as I have)
  Member 28.01.2021 17
+3
Thanks for putting this out there, Dash. Learned some things. Do you have a Prism interface you'd recommend? I already know my 18i20 cant compete lol
  Member 4.05.2021 498
+248
the Comment has been Removed
  Member 3.11.2022 42 197
+1547
the Comment has been Removed
  Member 28.11.2016 956
+340
I learned this from the best (indirectly), the pros are all clipping their convertors at mastering - it's how to get it loud almost 'for free' without squashing the heck out of it with a limiter. STILL use a limiter after clipping but only to get around -0.5 - 1db of GR (or use 2 limiters with very small amounts after the clipping).

At a push you can try hard clip plug-ins but they don't seem to handle it so well as decent convertors, honestly can't think of much below prism level I'd use but there's more expensive ones like lavry, burl etc that do it as well or better. A used Lyra/2 around 1k can get you in (do NOT use the 'overkiller' feature it's not great and not needed for this application). Maybe antelope, lynx etc might be good too but Prism are honestly around the cheapest that are still great at handling clipping without going way more expensive (this came from pro advice)
  Member 12.08.2019 119
+73
I have a prism too and I don't think those over killers sound that good for clipping during mastering. My burl and cranesong yeah. Prism is definitely great on A/d but just okay on D/A
  Member 14.03.2016 3 215
+276
u have all that and still here getting cracked plugs
  Member 12.08.2019 119
+73
Yes correct here is my Lyra next to my neve headphone amp cuz the headphone amp int he prism is really not good.

https://ibb.co/X5GXG8t

One of My racks

https://ibb.co/KrB0FFp

I only download from here to test then I buy what I like and use after a couple months of use.
  Member 28.11.2016 956
+340
I never said use overkillers? I NEVER use them for anything, esp clipping. Leave them disabled, other wise you're not 'hard clipping' anyway and missing the point.

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