Software Compression and Limiting and Fostex MR8 Master Effects

[crgl]

I have read here that most of you preamplify the signal externally using a mixer. Then transfer individual tracks to PC for editing and mixing ( Rokket, Cellardweller and Dave in Toledo ).

I know I have read here that you can add compression ( and limiting ) using software. I have Cakewalk ProStudio and have not seen such function.

Which software you use to add compression if you use it ?
and, do you add it individually to tracks or just to the final mix ?

I know that you don't like them but ...do the "master effects" on the MR8 ( Powerful, Natural, Bright ) add compression or equalization ?

Thanks.

[junplugged]

the problem is that there's very little documentation on the fx so you have to just experiment with them. They are a little weird, but they do compress or limit, I haven't used them in a while. I used to compress a little on the way in w/ outboard gear, and then maybe compress a little on mixdown w/ external gear, then sometimes i would use the outs and the ins and master back onto the mr8 w/ rack gear, but I couldn't monitor it that way within the unit so it was tricky.

when the signal was hot and the int fx were up, the compression was way too obvious and i couldn't use it, but if you have patience, maybe you can.

[Rokket]

I've tried to use the mastering effects on the MR-8 and didn't like them. I found it much easier to add compression if I needed it on the individual tracks on my pc. I use Sony Vegas 5.0 to mix.

I am not familiar with Cakewalk, but I am certain there must be an FX tab on the individual tracks that you can add them in. It's not a good idea to add compression to the whole mix because it can ruin your mix (try it and you will be able to see what it does).
As far as what the mastering buttons on the unit do, I can't be sure (there is nothing in depth on them in the manual), but it does seem to add limiter or compression to the whole mix. I still say you are better off not trying to mix on the unit, and leave the mastering buttons alone...

[Rokket]

Here is a link to the cakewalk forum, where you can ask specific questions about your software:

http://forum.cakewalk.com/