n-track sound processing

[digitcallous]

I have just started playing around with n-track and have some questions. I am specifically interested in sound processing of already recorded tracks, and some of these questions really apply to any mixing software.

I understand n-track comes with some effect plug-ins(?) like reverb and delay, and I believe I know how to use those. If I want to carve out space (I borrowed this term from some other discussion) in the frequency spectrum, I understand that I need to use EQ. For n-track, will the 3-band eq for each track be the tool to do that, or do I need some other specific plug-in? Any details about how to use the eq on n-track would be useful too. I read the manual, but still am a little bit lost.

My other question is on compression. It appears that n-track comes with a compression plug-in, but how specifically do you use it? Do you do that on each track, or the whole song?

The last question is really just a general one about any other tools that will help make a better mix. Anything aside from the ones I mentioned already that I will find useful?

Thanks.

DC

[Slackmaster2K]

Really, your questions are less about n-Track and more about tracking and mixing in general. Whether you use a hardware compressor or a software plugin compressor, the concepts are exactly the same. Whether you use software EQ or hardware EQ, same deal.

So your questions almost kind of sum up to "how do I make a good recording", and boy oh boy, there's no good answer to that question.

What I can say specifically about n-Track, is that it supports both DX (directx) and VST plugins, of which there are hundreds available. The default plugins that ship with n-Track are ok, but not stellar. I think the default n-Track reverb sounds like crap. The delay is ok. The compressor isn't free and will cut out every 10 seconds unless you register it...I've never used it. The per-track parametric EQ is workable, although I try to EQ as little as possible. For free plugins, try http://www.thepluginlist.com and my own somewhat out-of-date list: http://www.slackmaster2000.com/articles/freeplugs.htm

As far as how to use all these tools, you've got a lot of learning to do. Recently I've been hosting a couple articles written by a couple of the professionals that frequent this site (shailat and sonusman)...they cover compression, reverb, and drum mixing, with audio examples! Some of the writing is a little "first draft" here and there, but the information is solid. Check them out:

http://www.slackmaster2000.com/info.php

Slackmaster 2000