do i need an eq

[gtr_guy26]

ok here's the deal I've just gotten an Presonus Firepod you know the interface with the 8 xlr inputs a gain knob for each and rack mounted. my question is do i need to run my intruments through and eq first before it goes to my firepod? Will I get a better sound going into my pc when I do this? If so which eq would you reccomend? Are there rackmounted eq's out there that I can eq 8 different channels with? Basically I wanna know everything you know. And for arguments sake let's say that if it does sound better to place an eq before the firepod than i'm going to do it. so as always your help is greatly appreciated.

[notbradsohner]

use a plug-in. (eq in the computer)

[gtr_guy26]

do you think a plug in will sound better than an outboard?

[mattamatta]

Depends on the plugin and depends on the outboard.

Unless you need to do it on the way in for a specific reason, I say just go with a plugin. There is some quality stuff out there.

[SonicAlbert]

There are some good sounding plugins, but when you ask will a plugin sound better than outboard I have to say no. But that doesn't then mean that outboard would be better for you. If you mix in your DAW, then a couple good sounding plugin eq's might be more practical and ultimately work out better than hardware. I use both hardware and plugin eq's, and they both have their place.

The plugins I've listed below would be better to have than any hardware plugin that would cost the same money. Let's put it that way.

As far as suggestions, I've bought the PSP MasterQ and like it. Take a look at it here:

http://www.pspaudioware.com/indexen..../masterq.html;

Be sure to check out the Elemental Audio eq plugin called Eqium. It's one of the cleanest and purest I've heard, really good stuff.

http://www.elementalaudio.com/products/eqium/index.html

Another plugin eq that sounds good is the Sonalksis SV-517. You can find it here:

http://www.sonalksis.com/index.php?section_id=517