Learning Curve for Plug In Effects

[Chris F]

Hi all. I'm brand new to computer recording, having just bought and set up a new system: G4 800, MOTU 1224, Soundcraft Spirit M12. I'm finding Audio Desk to be a program with a lot of flexibility and potential even though the manual blows large fetid chunks, and in general, I'm excited to be entering into this whole new area. BUT...

What's up with the plug in effects? I freely admit to being a cyber-moron, but I'm having a really difficult time getting used to the idea of tweaking parameters on a screen instead of with my hands and ears. With hardware effects, I can usually find a sound by just twiddling knobs and keeping my ears open, but so far with the plug ins I feel like a blind man in a maze. Is this normal?

I'm starting to get the idea that working with plug ins must be a lot more of an intellectual exercise that the hardware type, since you almost have to really know what each parameter will do on its own before you begin to combine them...I don't feel any intuitive link to these things yet. Does it get better with time, or do they always feel less intuitive? Also, are there any decent "For Dummies" type of books for plug-ins and/or digital audio programs in general? I'd love to have something like that just for Audio Desk, but I doubt one exists. Is there any printed material out there that might help at all for these type of questions?

Thanks,

Chris

 

[M.Brane]

Nice setup!

The first place you'll want to check out is Unicornation BBS.

I look at plug-ins like this: the less I need to tweak, the better I am at recording. I also believe if it sounds good, it is good. The most important rule is knowing when to quit tweaking.

Try this: after you track make a mix of your session with NO plug-ins. Make a copy of it and store it somewhere safe. Then tweak to your hearts content. When you think you've got it nailed, go back to that original session and compare. Sometimes it's amazing how far out there you can get!

 

[dachay2tnr]

but I'm having a really difficult time getting used to the idea of tweaking parameters on a screen instead of with my hands and ears.

Not sure I fully understand the problem. If you are using the plug-ins in "real-time" you should be able to tweak them and listen for the sound you want, just like you would with hardware.

One advatage of plug-ins is that most come with some *pre-sets*. You might want to consider using these pre-sets. Generally what I do is run through several of the pre-sets looking for something that sounds close to what I want. Then once I find something close, I start tweaking from that point.

I helps to know the effect each parameter will have on the sound as it will cut down on the guess work - but it's not a requirement. Let your ears guide you.