Brainworx bx_console AMEK 9099 is a meticulously crafted digital emulation of the legendary AMEK 9098i analog mixing console, designed by the renowned audio engineer Rupert Neve. This plugin brings the warmth, character, and functionality of the original hardware into the digital realm, offering a comprehensive channel strip that includes EQ, dynamics processing, and various other mixing tools. The bx_console AMEK 9099 faithfully recreates the sonic signature of its hardware counterpart, providing users with the ability to shape their audio with the same finesse and precision that made the original console a studio favorite. The plugin’s interface is thoughtfully designed to mirror the layout of the physical console, making it intuitive for those familiar with analog gear while still being accessible to digital natives. With its attention to detail in both sound and functionality, the bx_console AMEK 9099 aims to bridge the gap between analog warmth and digital convenience, offering a powerful tool for mixing and mastering across various genres of music.
Pros:
• Authentic emulation of the AMEK 9098i console sound
• Comprehensive channel strip with EQ, dynamics, and additional mixing tools
• Intuitive interface mirroring the original hardware layout
• Flexible routing options for creative signal processing
• TMT (Tolerance Modeling Technology) for added analog realism
Cons:
• Relatively high CPU usage, especially when using multiple instances
The bx_console AMEK 9099 boasts an impressive array of features that contribute to its versatility and sonic capabilities. At the heart of the plugin is its four-band parametric EQ section, which faithfully reproduces the musical and transparent sound of the original console. Each band offers precise control over frequency, gain, and Q, allowing for both subtle tonal shaping and dramatic sound sculpting. The EQ section also includes high-pass and low-pass filters, providing additional flexibility for managing the frequency spectrum.
The dynamics section of the bx_console AMEK 9099 is equally comprehensive, featuring a compressor and expander/gate. The compressor offers a range of controls, including threshold, ratio, attack, release, and makeup gain, allowing users to achieve anything from gentle compression to more aggressive dynamic control. The expander/gate is particularly useful for cleaning up noisy tracks or shaping the decay of percussive elements. The implementation of Brainworx’s proprietary TMT (Tolerance Modeling Technology). This technology simulates the subtle variations in component tolerances found in analog hardware, resulting in a more authentic and three-dimensional sound when using multiple instances of the plugin across a mix.
The plugin also includes a THD (Total Harmonic Distortion) control, allowing users to add varying degrees of analog-style saturation to their audio. This feature is particularly useful for adding warmth and character to digital recordings, helping to achieve a more analog-like sound. Additionally, the bx_console AMEK 9099 offers flexible routing options, including the ability to change the order of the EQ and dynamics sections in the signal chain. This feature provides users with greater creative control and the ability to achieve different sonic results depending on the processing order.
The plugin’s interface is designed to be both visually appealing and functional, with a skeuomorphic design that closely resembles the original hardware. This attention to detail extends to the plugin’s metering, which includes accurate VU meters for monitoring levels and gain reduction.
Unlike some other console emulations that focus solely on EQ or dynamics, the bx_console AMEK 9099 provides a complete channel strip solution, offering users the ability to shape their sound using multiple processing stages within a single plugin. This integrated approach can lead to more efficient workflows and potentially better CPU performance compared to using separate plugins for each processing stage. The implementation of TMT in the bx_console AMEK 9099 is also a distinguishing factor, as it adds an extra layer of analog realism that is not present in many competing products. This feature is particularly valuable for users seeking to achieve a more authentic analog sound in their digital productions.
When compared to similar products in the market, the bx_console AMEK 9099 stands out for its attention to detail and authentic sound. While other console emulations like the Waves SSL G-Channel or the Universal Audio Neve 88RS offer their own takes on classic analog consoles, the AMEK 9099 brings a unique flavor to the table. Its comprehensive feature set and flexible routing options make it more versatile than some competitors, although it may be more CPU-intensive as a result. The inclusion of TMT sets it apart from many other console emulations, offering a level of analog authenticity that is hard to match in the digital domain. However, some users might find plugins like the Slate Digital Virtual Console Collection easier to use for quick results, as the AMEK 9099’s depth of features can be overwhelming for beginners.
This plugin is for:
• Professional mix engineers looking for a high-quality, versatile channel strip
• Producers seeking to add analog warmth and character to their digital productions
• Audio post-production professionals requiring precise and musical EQ and dynamics control
• Mastering engineers in need of transparent yet effective processing tools
• Home studio owners wanting to elevate their mixes with professional-grade plugins
bx_console AMEK 9099 is a powerful and versatile channel strip plugin that successfully captures the essence of the legendary AMEK 9098i console. Its comprehensive feature set, including a musical four-band EQ, flexible dynamics processing, and additional sound-shaping tools, makes it a valuable asset for a wide range of audio production tasks. The plugin’s attention to detail in emulating the original hardware, combined with modern features like TMT and flexible routing options, provides users with a best-of-both-worlds scenario – the warmth and character of analog processing with the convenience and recall capabilities of digital plugins. While the relatively high CPU usage may be a consideration for some users, the sonic quality and versatility offered by the bx_console AMEK 9099 make it a worthwhile investment for those seeking to achieve professional-grade mixes and masters. Whether used on individual tracks or across an entire mix, this plugin has the potential to elevate the sound quality of productions across various genres, making it a valuable tool in any serious audio engineer’s arsenal.