can of worms

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DucesWild

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I'm new to this forum, and fairly new the home recording process.... my big question is what is the main difference between software and hardware for plugin or sound modulation/correction?
 
Hardware is an outboard rack mounted unit and software is with in you recording software via plugin software located within your computer.
 
Yeah, what he said! ^^^^

Hardware is like something SOLID. A piece of equipment you can touch.

Software is built-in crap...like programs/plug-ins and junk!
 
I'm new to this forum, and fairly new the home recording process.... my big question is what is the main difference between software and hardware for plugin or sound modulation/correction?

Hardware processors aren't called plugins. You need input/output connections on your system and cabling for each processor.

With software effects if you have XYZ effect you can use multiple instances of it. For example, you could insert it on a vocal, on a guitar, on whatever you want, and you don't have to buy a copy for each instance.
 
Hardware is more likely to do it's task in real time. And can be inserted before any sampling is done, so infinite bitrate and the lack of artifacts that gives you access to. But if you go there, you don't have an undo button.

Software is more flexible since you can start with an unedited track and try things out first. With undo and revert and other I didn't want to go there things. And if the software is improved, you can revisit and redo your previous work better from the same source material. But software takes time to do it's things (thinking / processing / cpu cycles) so not that great for real time needs. i.e. Live use is better served with hardware.
 
Well there you go Deucewild ..... just don't ask which one is the best way to go for there are multiple pages in many threads here debating those preferences. ;)
 
Hardware is the real deal, plugins are emulations of the real deal. its like having a shmolex instead of a rolex, it looks simalar, does the same job, but the rolex is just better.
 
Hardware is the real deal, plugins are emulations of the real deal. its like having a shmolex instead of a rolex, it looks simalar, does the same job, but the rolex is just better.

Total agreement.
 
Hardware is the real deal, plugins are emulations of the real deal. its like having a shmolex instead of a rolex, it looks simalar, does the same job, but the rolex is just better.

Maybe with analog hardware, but with digital processors the plugin could be using the same algorithm as the hardware while avoiding ADDA conversion and cabling. Considering the limited budgets people on this forum probably have, plugins will offer way more performance and quality than analog hardware.
 
Maybe with analog hardware, but with digital processors the plugin could be using the same algorithm as the hardware while avoiding ADDA conversion and cabling. Considering the limited budgets people on this forum probably have, plugins will offer way more performance and quality than analog hardware.

I was just going to make that point. . . I cant wait untill I have the money to buy some proper nice analog hadware :)
 
It's all much of a muchness. The main difference is.......our preferences ! Obviously, as has been explained, there are differences but the reality is that both get the job done excellently and those that use or prefer either have their equally valid reason for doing so.
 
wow. alot of responses. i know the elementary differances between what hardware and software are.... i was talking about sound quality. the reason i ask is i have already accuired a ton of software. but am unsure if its nessesary to invest in hardware as well.... or is top notch software like wave mercury good enough
 
Well if you already have the software then your all set but they are just emulations !! You'll ever know the beauty of the real thing.
 
Well if you already have the software then your all set but they are just emulations !! You'll ever know the beauty of the real thing.

Agreed, but at the same time. Unless you have a limitless supply of money, it's impossible to have "all" of the real thing. I think balance is what is best. Find the hardware that you like the most. Test hardware, read reviews, listen to samples. Buy the hardware that you LOVE and use plugins for the rest.
 
Yo Duces! The difference in the sound depends mainly on *money*. Not unlike analog vs. digital recording, FX hardware might sound real good, but not for cheap. Most affordable FX boxes do the same thing as the computer software. When you get into top of the line outboard FX, you are generally talking sticker shock. Of course, affordable digital outboard FX may have some benefits- like when you *aren't* recording to a computer. I've got a TC electronics M300, a $200 outboard digital multi-FX box. Damned if it isn't a pretty good standalone A-D converter. Try to do that with a plugin!. For most folks recording on a computer, you get more bang for buck with software FX, until you get into pretty big bucks.-Richie
 
Agreed, but at the same time. Unless you have a limitless supply of money, it's impossible to have "all" of the real thing. I think balance is what is best. Find the hardware that you like the most. Test hardware, read reviews, listen to samples. Buy the hardware that you LOVE and use plugins for the rest.

Nothing can beat my Eventide Eclipse.
 
Yo Duces! The difference in the sound depends mainly on *money*. Not unlike analog vs. digital recording, FX hardware might sound real good, but not for cheap. Most affordable FX boxes do the same thing as the computer software. When you get into top of the line outboard FX, you are generally talking sticker shock. Of course, affordable digital outboard FX may have some benefits- like when you *aren't* recording to a computer. I've got a TC electronics M300, a $200 outboard digital multi-FX box. Damned if it isn't a pretty good standalone A-D converter. Try to do that with a plugin!. For most folks recording on a computer, you get more bang for buck with software FX, until you get into pretty big bucks.-Richie

Isn't that with firewire?
 
Hardware is the real deal, plugins are emulations of the real deal. its like having a shmolex instead of a rolex, it looks simalar, does the same job, but the rolex is just better.

That's becoming less true nowadays, as a lot of new hardware devices are DSP-based.
 
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