I have a decidedly modest project studio: iMac running Logic, Babyface Pro, Neumann monitors.

Thus far, I’ve generally stuck with Logic’s plugins. For tracks, I put an EQ and Gain on each track. I’m wondering if I should invest in a good console emulation plugin.

Thoughts?

Check out Airwindows Console. My favorite versions are 6 (thumpy, good for rock), C5Raw (thick in the warm), PurestConsole2 (airy and gentle), Atmosphere (even airier) and Console7 (refined).

Airwindows also makes a gain plugin (or three) that are even better sounding than Logic's stock Gain plugin! It's called EveryTrim (and there's also PurestGain and BitshiftGain for max transparency). Not that the sound of Logic's gain trim was bothering you. His stuff is all free/patreon supported. And his console plugins are very special sounding, albeit kind of a b*tch to use. Here's a guide: http://www.yewtreemagic.co.uk/soundworlds7.php

If you were looking for subtle saturation, he has tons of those kinds of plugins, too. Spiral2 (most subtle), BussColors4 (Lush mode = Neve-ish thick saturation), Desk4 (awesome 'power sag' algorithm, totally unique among plugins), Focus (5 different saturator modes in one, plus dry/wet and a bandpass 'focus' control which I rarely use), Tape (lean), ToTape6 (fat), ChromeOxide (lofi cassette) and Density (good for adding crunch and/or air to things with the high pass and dry/wet). And Channel9 might appeal to you, given that it's sort of console-related, but I've never used his Channel plugins much, and preferred the other stuff.

And then get Dark, a gorgeous 24-bit or 16-bit dither for your bounce-in-places and master fader (which must remain at unity gain with normalize after bounce turned off in order to work properly).

Analog Obsession also makes some jazzy free plugins, one of them is called Konsol, and it's sweet. His MPreQ is nice, too. And he has a lot of great compressors: Britpressor (2264-ish), BusterSE (SSL bus-like, better than logic's vintage VCA), Kolin (Collins 26U, thick low mids), Varimoon (EAR 660), Fetish (1176), OSS (176), and YALA (Altec 436c/RS124-ish, dark). I also dig his Pultec emu, Rare.

If you want console "flavor" just put some Logic "Vintage EQ" plugins on the tracks. Turn up the drive, don't change the EQ, adjust output level to taste. Voila - colors

So the question here would be, why do you want this? If there's a particular sound you're going for that's one thing, but if you just like the idea of a console workflow, that's another.

If it's the latter, here's my suggestion.

Build yourself a channel strip using Logic plugs (which are quality) and build it in a way that simulates a console. Something like this...

Slot 1 - Tape Delay (with delay at zero... this is a little insider Logic trick for free tape emulation... https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xtoQuRhrFVw)

Slot 2 - Logic Vintage Console EQ (Neve style EQ)

Slot 2 Alternative - Logic Vintage Graphic EQ (API style EQ)

Slot 3 - Logic Vintage VCA Compressor (SSL style)

Set up a template with those three slots filled on, like, 8 or 12 channels or whatever so you see that whenever you open a new project. Pre-populate two or three busses and add those to your template as well with Reverb, Delay, whatever you like. And then, finally, add EQ to your Master Bus in your template (maybe the Logic Vintage Tube EQ or even just the Channel EQ) and Compression.

Mix into the master bus. This is the way it's done on real consoles.

That's a down and dirty version of the console workflow and it will cost you $0.


However...

If theres a sound you're looking for, that's different. My opinion is that the bx_9000J is a really killer SSL channel strip. I also like the Lindell 80 for a Neve emulation. Both of those are well regarded and "look" like a channel strip. They're both available at Plugin Alliance either for purchase or as part of their subscription.

But I think you should try the Logic thing first. Console workflow can be a great creative limitation and a fun approach. Go for it!

I've actually been doing as you suggested for the past few sessions. The Vintage Tube EQ is very nice. That Drive control adds a subtle enough warmth.

I've been mucking around with the Tape Delay trick. It's OK. Maybe I haven't found the right settings for saturation.

But yeah, I prefer to NOT add on a bunch of stuff to stock Logic. I use Trilian Bass, Superior Drums and Sonarworks for speaker/room correction.

Thanks one and all for the suggestions. I think I might be over wanting a separate console emulation plugin. The only sound I'm trying to capture is "good" if that makes any sense.

Makes complete sense. Learn your tools. If you have too many variables (i.e., switching plugins all the time) you'll never know what's working and what's not working.

Sounds like you've got this figured out.

I second the recommendation for Airwindows Console. If you're going for more contemporary music like hiphop, rnb and pop then I'd point to Console6 specifically. Huge sound and plays nice with heavy low end and punchy kicks.

Apart from that tbh I'd keep the bending over backwards in search of an analogue or console sound to a minimum. That said SDRR2 in desk mode at low drive will give you what you're lookin for