For The Beat Heads... Vintage EQs mixing tips

From the mouth of Mau...

"I'll try to keep it simple

API is used for a more edgy sound (Mostly used on Rock, guitar heavy, drum forward mixes), APIs are known for their character, they can be smooth, but are mostly edgy (not in a bad way)
Neve is used for a more "warm" smooth sound - Think most popular music with digital drums,synths,recording, neve eqs are often used to "phatten up" or "smooth out" the edges of a digital recording - without making it dull.

SSL is known for its choice of harmonic generation, adding those "sparkling highs/deep lows/etc". When pushed hard, you can get a grungy sound, though distortion it is often pleasant and musical, when subtle gain/compression is applied, you get those harmonics that sweeten the sound. Often seen as a median between an API and a Neve.

See, simple. It helps to know why they were used and what they were used on. This isn't to say you can't use a API to sweeten up a vocal, but this will let you know why it may not get you there in some cases. And why a particular plugin sounds good on certain things.

For those who are wondering - the V-Series of plugins from waves are the Neve replicas :-) now you know...

Also, for those buying eqs (you don't need to get waves)
Waves API Collection Eqs = URS A Series Eqs (160.00)
Waves V-Series Eqs = URS N Series Eqs (160.00)
Waves SSL Eqs = URS S Series Eqs (160.00)

BIG MIX TIP AND MONEY SAVER!!!!

Remember, too much color for no reason leads to a muddy mix, and if you have a "saturation plugin" (Sonnox Inflator,VariSaturator, AC1) you can get the same if not better results by using a medium to wide Q when boosting on your stock EQ or transparent eq before the saturator, and drive the saturator to achieve the harmonics that warm up or sweeten the sound.

You can buy Inflator for 190, or Varisaturator for 70, (read the manuals) and use your stock eq or favorite (Digirack3 Eq,Nuendo/Cubase Eq/Logic Eq/Sonitus EQ/Ren EQ/Sonnox EQ) to achieve a similar yet different and often more "you personalized" eq (like making your own eq sound instead of conforming to others.)

Follow this, and I saved you 1200 from buying the Studio Classics from Waves :-)"