Nebula 3 Free programs!

AeternusEternus · May 11th, 2009, 09:35 PM

If you've never experienced Nebula, or you've never been able to bring yourself to spend the money on the full version based on the free releases, this thread is directed at you. Recently, I picked Nebula back up and overcame the previous obstacles to come up with near-perfect cab simulation. Maybe cab simulation isn't what you need, but if it is, this is the program to use. I'll have free releases here, and I want the rest of this thread devoted to using Nebula 3 Free effectively, feedback on what you experience (sound quality, usability, etc), and such discussion.

Nebula's ridiculously powerful, but easy to misuse and misunderstand. Hopefully, this thread can be used to get you started with Nebula 3 Free, get you using it effectively, and help make your mind up about buying the full version to gain access to -TONS- of fantastic-sounding programs.

What is a program? Nebula's presets, patches, sounds, whatever. They're called programs. They're typically very small, only a few KB in size. The audio data (called vector files) for each program can be enormous.

How do Nebula Free? ¯\(°_o)/¯ Well, first, you need the Nebula 3 Free VST. You can get it from www.acusticaudio.net under the Downloads section. Under Free Releases, look for Nebula 3 Free. At the time of posting, the version was 1.3.251. After you download and install it, you'll be able to load it into your favorite VST host, Cubase or something.

I see Nebula 3, but I also see Nebula 3 Reverb. What is this? This is the same thing as Nebula 3. The EXACT same thing. EXCEPT for the fact that there's a very large latency. The reason is so that it lightens the strain on your CPU, and gives you the ability to use more intense programs at a better quality. I always use Neb 3 Reverb when I'm not tracking. But if you're tracking, it's almost impossible to cope with the latency. The point is, they're the same!

How do I load your programs? First, you download them from the section below. Second, you will need to put the .n2p and .n2v files in the correct spot. In your Nebula installation folder (default is c:\nebulatemprepository), there's a folder called "Programs" and a folder called "Vectors" and you will put the corresponding files in those folders. So, you'll put file.n2p in the Programs folder, and file.n2v in the Vectors folder. Then, when you load Nebula (if it's already open, you will have to close it and reopen it completely), the programs will show up!

But, be careful. Nebula 3 Free can ONLY use programs that have been designated to be free. It will not load commercial plugins. For those, you will have to buy the full version.

When Nebula loads up, for my programs, look for the AE group on the right side of the miniature LCD screen. If you click that, on the left, my cab programs should appear. Select any one of them.

Once you load one of the programs, that should be IT! Don't mess with the attack knob or the release knob, and don't mess with the drive knob. Those have no affect on the sound other than icky gross stuff. These cab programs were created to be loaded and be good to go! The only knob that may sometimes make a difference is the Liquidity knob, which is sort of a complex thing anyway. It doesn't make a huge difference in the end.

---

Free releases -- I will update this area with free releases as they come, just for you, my lovely little moochers.

AE

2 x Audix I5 / Marshall 9100 power amp / '74 Marshall cab with V30s & Marshall MG series cab with Eminence Legend 125s
- MP3 by AE: Two tracks of 8505, slight mid boost, no other processing - x
LA610 preamp / Sennheiser MD421 / Marshall 9100 / Marshall '74 cab / Program #4 from 6-pack
LA610 preamp / Neumann TLM103 / Marshall 9100 / Marshall '74 cab / Program #3 from 6-pack
LA610 preamp / Shure SM57 / Marshall 9100 / Marshall '74 cab / Program #5 from 6-pack

---

Tips

Don't drive the input too hard. Nebula can distort very easily if your input signal is too loud, but you'll also be missing a fair amount of detail if your input signal is too low.
Nebula's a tank. It's powerful and accurate, but it comes with a price. You may find that tracking with an impulse and later applying Nebula to mix is the best way to go.
Bounce your tracks down! If you bounce your tracks to .wav and re-import them, you'll be able to mix with greater agility and have a larger impact. Treat it like a real cab recording, because that's what it is.
Don't be afraid to ask questions. This is still uncharted territory, and even if you can figure it out, someone else might not be able to. Let's document everything we do and make this mainstream!

If you have any questions about the program or feedback about the quality, this is the place. Let's hear your first impressions and your concerns! I'll do what I can to help.

---

*05-12-09 - Added three free programs, created today.

Maamar Huq · May 11th, 2009, 09:42 PM

SWEET!

jauernis · May 11th, 2009, 10:32 PM

AE this is some astonishing stuff! I dont think I'll leave my computer for the next 48 hours. Installed this about 5 minutes ago and my jaw dropped im in shock the chugging on this with 8505!! Man thanks so much for all your hard work!!

AeternusEternus · May 11th, 2009, 10:48 PM

Dude, it gets better, too. I just made a 421 program, hahaha. It rules.

cobhc · May 11th, 2009, 11:02 PM

Ok, I made some comparison clips, first we have Ryans awesome4pulse.wav.

https://dl.getdropbox.com/u/371262/8505TestFinal.mp3

Then with no settings changed, the free Nebula program, trying to match volumes as close as I could.

https://dl.getdropbox.com/u/371262/8...inalNebula.mp3

The Nebula program seems to have a lot more high end to me, but maybe that's just my ears right now, as it's 4:01AM here. Let me know what you guys think though.

AeternusEternus · May 11th, 2009, 11:13 PM

It definitely does have a lot more in the highs, but he's better at micing than I am. Plus, we had different microphones, different cabs, different rooms, power amps, and I'm sure volumes. You ought to mix it!

jhrv · May 12th, 2009, 02:30 AM

Can you share the 8505 settings? Guitar chain, etc.

cobhc · May 12th, 2009, 06:50 AM

Ok, tweaked the settings on the amp sim to more suit Nebula, and this is what I came up with.

https://dl.getdropbox.com/u/371262/8...ulaTweaked.mp3

RaDiKaL · May 12th, 2009, 08:12 AM

I finally got to play with this and ummm

HOLY SHIT!

grywolf627 · May 12th, 2009, 08:54 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cobhc

Ok, tweaked the settings on the amp sim to more suit Nebula, and this is what I came up with.

https://dl.getdropbox.com/u/371262/8...ulaTweaked.mp3

Steve...that sounds just awesome and gloriously thick!

Damphire · May 12th, 2009, 09:51 AM

+1 on the pursuit of vikings !!! I just saw Amon Amarth live the other day and it was awesome. Nice sounding clip BTW

skeksis268 · May 12th, 2009, 10:11 AM

I just tried this out, and i fucking love it!

Can't wait to get my mits on a variety of these programs

cobhc · May 12th, 2009, 10:45 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by grywolf627

gloriously thick!

Just like me!

grywolf627 · May 12th, 2009, 12:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cobhc

Just like me!

Haahaahaaa

skeksis268 · May 12th, 2009, 03:12 PM

http://dl.getdropbox.com/u/910836/nebulatest.mp3

gave this a test with a thrashy riff, just bass and guitars, no drums as i'm pretty clueless about programming them in reaper

chain is EMG 81 @ 18V -> krank distortus maximus -> Nebula -> eq -> multiband on all the low mids and lows

bass was roughly the same, without nebula and with an extra comp and eq stage

AeternusEternus · May 12th, 2009, 08:36 PM

Bump because I created some LA610 programs today, and have three for free. Try them out!

johnnypreset · May 12th, 2009, 09:05 PM

Many thanks for your work here bud, really liked the tone I got from the last freebie.

SpewChunks · May 13th, 2009, 03:37 AM

sweet...these test's are good, finally guitars that sound like they're jumping out of the speakers.

David Lee Hasselhoff · May 13th, 2009, 11:53 AM

AE, you're legend material. Thanks a ton for pushing this forward!

P-E · May 13th, 2009, 06:06 PM

Dammit cobhc that's legendary. Btw really nice bass mixing, fits perfectly and makes everything sound huge.

Ben Johnson · May 13th, 2009, 06:28 PM

Why are there so many of these threads?

drew_drummer · May 13th, 2009, 06:33 PM

Eagerly await a Mac version of Nebula

According to their Myspace, they're working on it.

kev · May 13th, 2009, 06:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cobhc

Ok, I made some comparison clips, first we have Ryans awesome4pulse.wav.

https://dl.getdropbox.com/u/371262/8505TestFinal.mp3

Then with no settings changed, the free Nebula program, trying to match volumes as close as I could.

https://dl.getdropbox.com/u/371262/8...inalNebula.mp3

The Nebula program seems to have a lot more high end to me, but maybe that's just my ears right now, as it's 4:01AM here. Let me know what you guys think though.

This is a complete bummer for me (as i own nebula 2) but i still think that nebula hasnt got a patch on the impulse

I find the nebula tone much much different, and also of lesser quality. But i figure this might not be the fairest of tests

Thanks for the tone test tho Stee, and also many thanks to Aternus for keeping Nebula rolling!!! Im still hoping we'll get there some time.

P-E · May 13th, 2009, 06:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ben Johnson

Why are there so many of these threads?

Forgive me if I'm wrong

One for the paying users, free users, original thread (findings)... they all are connected but do not serve the same purpose.

AeternusEternus · May 13th, 2009, 06:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by P-E

Forgive me if I'm wrong

One for the paying users, free users, original thread (findings)... they all are connected but do not serve the same purpose.

Correct.

May 11th, 2009, 09:35 PM	#1 (permalink)
AeternusEternus Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2008 Posts: 384	Nebula 3 Free programs! If you've never experienced Nebula, or you've never been able to bring yourself to spend the money on the full version based on the free releases, this thread is directed at you. Recently, I picked Nebula back up and overcame the previous obstacles to come up with near-perfect cab simulation. Maybe cab simulation isn't what you need, but if it is, this is the program to use. I'll have free releases here, and I want the rest of this thread devoted to using Nebula 3 Free effectively, feedback on what you experience (sound quality, usability, etc), and such discussion. Nebula's ridiculously powerful, but easy to misuse and misunderstand. Hopefully, this thread can be used to get you started with Nebula 3 Free, get you using it effectively, and help make your mind up about buying the full version to gain access to -TONS- of fantastic-sounding programs. What is a program? Nebula's presets, patches, sounds, whatever. They're called programs. They're typically very small, only a few KB in size. The audio data (called vector files) for each program can be enormous. How do Nebula Free? ¯\(°_o)/¯ Well, first, you need the Nebula 3 Free VST. You can get it from www.acusticaudio.net under the Downloads section. Under Free Releases, look for Nebula 3 Free. At the time of posting, the version was 1.3.251. After you download and install it, you'll be able to load it into your favorite VST host, Cubase or something. I see Nebula 3, but I also see Nebula 3 Reverb. What is this? This is the same thing as Nebula 3. The EXACT same thing. EXCEPT for the fact that there's a very large latency. The reason is so that it lightens the strain on your CPU, and gives you the ability to use more intense programs at a better quality. I always use Neb 3 Reverb when I'm not tracking. But if you're tracking, it's almost impossible to cope with the latency. The point is, they're the same! How do I load your programs? First, you download them from the section below. Second, you will need to put the .n2p and .n2v files in the correct spot. In your Nebula installation folder (default is c:\nebulatemprepository), there's a folder called "Programs" and a folder called "Vectors" and you will put the corresponding files in those folders. So, you'll put file.n2p in the Programs folder, and file.n2v in the Vectors folder. Then, when you load Nebula (if it's already open, you will have to close it and reopen it completely), the programs will show up! But, be careful. Nebula 3 Free can ONLY use programs that have been designated to be free. It will not load commercial plugins. For those, you will have to buy the full version. When Nebula loads up, for my programs, look for the AE group on the right side of the miniature LCD screen. If you click that, on the left, my cab programs should appear. Select any one of them. Once you load one of the programs, that should be IT! Don't mess with the attack knob or the release knob, and don't mess with the drive knob. Those have no affect on the sound other than icky gross stuff. These cab programs were created to be loaded and be good to go! The only knob that may sometimes make a difference is the Liquidity knob, which is sort of a complex thing anyway. It doesn't make a huge difference in the end. --- Free releases -- I will update this area with free releases as they come, just for you, my lovely little moochers. AE 2 x Audix I5 / Marshall 9100 power amp / '74 Marshall cab with V30s & Marshall MG series cab with Eminence Legend 125s MP3 by AE: Two tracks of 8505, slight mid boost, no other processing - x LA610 preamp / Sennheiser MD421 / Marshall 9100 / Marshall '74 cab / Program #4 from 6-pack LA610 preamp / Neumann TLM103 / Marshall 9100 / Marshall '74 cab / Program #3 from 6-pack LA610 preamp / Shure SM57 / Marshall 9100 / Marshall '74 cab / Program #5 from 6-pack --- Tips Don't drive the input too hard. Nebula can distort very easily if your input signal is too loud, but you'll also be missing a fair amount of detail if your input signal is too low. Nebula's a tank. It's powerful and accurate, but it comes with a price. You may find that tracking with an impulse and later applying Nebula to mix is the best way to go. Bounce your tracks down! If you bounce your tracks to .wav and re-import them, you'll be able to mix with greater agility and have a larger impact. Treat it like a real cab recording, because that's what it is. Don't be afraid to ask questions. This is still uncharted territory, and even if you can figure it out, someone else might not be able to. Let's document everything we do and make this mainstream! If you have any questions about the program or feedback about the quality, this is the place. Let's hear your first impressions and your concerns! I'll do what I can to help. --- 05-12-09 - Added three free programs, created today. __________________ My LA610 impulse collection - AEmpulses v1 - New Nebula thread - Nebula Free thread (noobs come here) Last edited by AeternusEternus : May 13th, 2009 at 08:12 AM.*

May 11th, 2009, 10:32 PM	#3 (permalink)
jauernis Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Frisco, CA Posts: 580	AE this is some astonishing stuff! I dont think I'll leave my computer for the next 48 hours. Installed this about 5 minutes ago and my jaw dropped im in shock the chugging on this with 8505!! Man thanks so much for all your hard work!! __________________ Cheverie http://www.myspace.com/pieceofcheverie Last edited by jauernis : May 11th, 2009 at 10:42 PM.

May 11th, 2009, 10:48 PM	#4 (permalink)
AeternusEternus Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2008 Posts: 384	Dude, it gets better, too. I just made a 421 program, hahaha. It rules. __________________ My LA610 impulse collection - AEmpulses v1 - New Nebula thread - Nebula Free thread (noobs come here)

May 11th, 2009, 11:13 PM	#6 (permalink)
AeternusEternus Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2008 Posts: 384	It definitely does have a lot more in the highs, but he's better at micing than I am. Plus, we had different microphones, different cabs, different rooms, power amps, and I'm sure volumes. You ought to mix it! __________________ My LA610 impulse collection - AEmpulses v1 - New Nebula thread - Nebula Free thread (noobs come here)

May 12th, 2009, 08:36 PM	#16 (permalink)
AeternusEternus Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2008 Posts: 384	Bump because I created some LA610 programs today, and have three for free. Try them out! __________________ My LA610 impulse collection - AEmpulses v1 - New Nebula thread - Nebula Free thread (noobs come here)

May 12th, 2009, 02:30 AM	#7 (permalink)
jhrv Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2007 Posts: 657	Can you share the 8505 settings? Guitar chain, etc.

May 12th, 2009, 08:12 AM	#9 (permalink)
RaDiKaL Junior Member Join Date: May 2008 Location: Thessaloniki, Greece Posts: 27	I finally got to play with this and ummm HOLY SHIT!

May 12th, 2009, 09:51 AM	#11 (permalink)
Damphire Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2008 Posts: 296	+1 on the pursuit of vikings !!! I just saw Amon Amarth live the other day and it was awesome. Nice sounding clip BTW

May 12th, 2009, 10:11 AM	#12 (permalink)
skeksis268 Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: Shropshire, UK Posts: 1,368	I just tried this out, and i fucking love it! Can't wait to get my mits on a variety of these programs

May 12th, 2009, 03:12 PM	#15 (permalink)
skeksis268 Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: Shropshire, UK Posts: 1,368	http://dl.getdropbox.com/u/910836/nebulatest.mp3 gave this a test with a thrashy riff, just bass and guitars, no drums as i'm pretty clueless about programming them in reaper chain is EMG 81 @ 18V -> krank distortus maximus -> Nebula -> eq -> multiband on all the low mids and lows bass was roughly the same, without nebula and with an extra comp and eq stage

May 12th, 2009, 09:05 PM	#17 (permalink)
johnnypreset The melter of heads Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Glasgow, Scotland. Posts: 59	Many thanks for your work here bud, really liked the tone I got from the last freebie.

May 13th, 2009, 03:37 AM	#18 (permalink)
SpewChunks Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: Wollongong, Australia Posts: 140	sweet...these test's are good, finally guitars that sound like they're jumping out of the speakers.

May 13th, 2009, 11:53 AM	#19 (permalink)
David Lee Hasselhoff Junior Member Join Date: Apr 2009 Posts: 27	AE, you're legend material. Thanks a ton for pushing this forward!

May 13th, 2009, 06:06 PM	#20 (permalink)
P-E Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: St-Jérôme, QC Posts: 999	Dammit cobhc that's legendary. Btw really nice bass mixing, fits perfectly and makes everything sound huge.

May 13th, 2009, 06:28 PM	#21 (permalink)
Ben Johnson Señor Member Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Chicago Posts: 1,491	Why are there so many of these threads?

May 13th, 2009, 06:33 PM	#22 (permalink)
drew_drummer Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: London, UK Posts: 1,346	Eagerly await a Mac version of Nebula According to their Myspace, they're working on it. __________________ www.myspace.com/tacomanarrowsbridgedisaster

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