plugin/mixing question

[D.M.P studio]

For awhile now ive been using the same saved plugins for my vocal editing. usually its, waves cla compressor,  slate digital preamp and waves API 550 eq. ive always wondered why when i usually tweak the api 550 i get a slight fuzzy sound...its only there and gets louder as the signal for the vocal comes up. since the api is a analog modeled plugin..do you think this is mimicking a natural line noise sound...or does this mean that my vocal level is being pushed so high that im getting the airy fuzzy sound? its only there if i add certain plugins..being that im recording with a u87 through a couple other outboard gear and my booth is treated...its pretty silent in the raw recording. any suggestions?

[SteveG_AudioMasters_]

I think that the SOS review of the API EQ sums it up pretty well:

"Ah yes: the sound. As I just mentioned, these Waves API EQs are not like stereotypical digital equalisers. The effect of even the smallest cut or boost is immediately obvious on any source, and although a maximum gain change of 12dB either way might seem modest compared to many plugins, it certainly doesn't sound that way. These are not what you'd call transparent equalisers; instead, they impart a substance and richness at the low end, while midfrequencies are dealt with in a punchy and aggressive fashion, and a highfrequency shelving boost delivers something thicker and more substantial than your typical 'air'."

It really isn't going to take much to overdrive that, I'd say...

[SuiteSpot]

If you are using a U87 in a treated environment I wouldn't think that you would need anything more than a little compression (perhaps), the Audition parametric EQ, a touch of reverb and possibly a little delay if required

But that's just me - each to their own