effects hardware or software

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Hi people,

I use my pc and sonar to record a cd.
What would you suggest to use like, compressors etc, the hardware or the software variant?
 
True dat.

IMO, if you're recording to 16 bits, I'd (carefully) print some effects to the tracks via outboard gear to avoid degredation of your audio - keep the plug-in effects to a minimum. If you're recording 24 bits, keep it all in the PC and don't use the outboard gear (provided you have good plug-ins).
 
I've got a audiophile 24/96. I record in 24 bit and 44.1 khz.
I compressed my bass over a behringer composer and went through my tube amp.
The result is very good but how good or bad is it to use it like that? I have only the cakewalk plug-ins which came with sonar, but are they any good. I did not try the software plug-in with 24 bit recording.
 
That's not bad at all. Generally speaking, I like to record instruments with complex tones (especially guitar) with a good mic. IMO, the idea is to get the instrument to sound exactly how you want it to sound (being careful with your amp's reverb), then mic it. I try not to use outboard effects as mixing tools when they're tracked - there's the difference. The exception to this (for me) is vocals - I do use a small amount of compression and limiting to make sure I'm recording a strong signal. I usually do more refined compressing during the mixing stage.

As I recall, Sonar's plugins are pretty good. I'm sure you have a good paragraphic EQ (at least parametric). I think your plugins are worth getting to know.

So in a nutshell, here's my philosophy:
1) Cleanly record the sound the way you want it to sound
2) Don't add outboard effects trying to anticipate your mix

Hope that makes sense.
 
Unfortunately your options are extremely limited as far as outboard effects go. The audiophile only has 2 analog and 2 digital outputs, so you'd really need either SPDIF outboard effects, or an SPDIF monitoring system, before you could even consider using outboard effects.

Slackmaster 2000
 
Thanks for the replies.
It is true I'm very limited in my hardware. I record for a few years on the pc using every plug-in I have. Now I'm thinking of recording a cd and everybody is telling me I should use hardware effects especially when it comes to compressing signals. I had pretty good results so far.
I better trust my own ears from now on.
By the way slackmaster 2000, I like your music. Very inspiring.
 
Well thank you very much! I haven't done squat for a year though :(

All those people who are telling you what you need to use are just relaying what they've heard. What's really important is that you accept the limitations of your setup and your skills, and realize that your skills are more important than your setup. If your current rig is still making you happy, then adding outboard gear isn't going to magically make any difference...it'll just cause headaches.

You're probably not going to make a "professional" CD in any home studio, but that doesn't mean you can't make a good sounding CD. If your stuff sounds good to you right now, and you think you can do even better with it, then just go for it! Otherwise, rent some studio time and do it "right".

Slackmaster 2000
 
in your situation, its software hands down.....

consider the composer compressor you have.....you now have 2 channels of compression.....had you bought a software compressor for the same $$$, you have as many channels as your CPU will allow.....

i do think outboard compressors are an exception to that rule because they help you get a good signal into the computer...however for effects such as reverbs,delays,etc., i think software is the way to go......

and since you are recording at 24 bit, you do have some room to play with...much better than going thru DA and AD conversions.......
 
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