plugins vs. outboard gear

  • Thread starter Thread starter amala
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amala

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What is the difference between theese two(I'm using PT-LE)???

For example,compared to T.C. electronics M-One XL.How big is the difference???

And how can I use T.C. with Digi 001,before the sound is recorded to PT or after?

Is it worth to spend the money on T.C. or should I just stick with the plugins??

Please guys help!!!!!!!!!!!


Thanks!!
 
Well, it is pretty well-known that since these puppies have a dedicated DSP, that they will sound better on more complex tasks like Reverb. So on that merit, I would say it would be a pretty good investment if you get something like that.

But you could also just get a dedicated outboard verb (along with a few other effects) and use the plugs for the rest.

The only thing that would make me nervous is the whole upgrade issue. Who knows how long it would be before something came out that kicked ass over what you just bought, leaving it obsolete. Or worse yet, if someone came along and figured out how to pack a more complex "alg" in to a better reverb plugin (which, theoretically, is possible, right?)
 
"if someone came along and figured out how to pack a more complex "alg" in to a better reverb plugin (which, theoretically, is possible, right?)"


That's really what I struggle with in regards to this arguement, I mean IS this theoretically possible??? If so then wouldn't it be wiser to acclimate ourselves with plug-ins to better prepare for such a day????


Laj
 
chessrock said:
Well, it is pretty well-known that since these puppies have a dedicated DSP, that they will sound better on more complex tasks like Reverb. So on that merit, I would say it would be a pretty good investment if you get something like that.
Click to expand...


Thanks!!!

How can I use T.C. with Digi 001, before the sound is recorded to PT or after? Do I loose sound quality if I use it after??
 
Laj,

> I mean IS this theoretically possible??? <

Yes. A hardware reverb box is a computer running a reverb program - just like a plug-in. But with plug-ins, the designers have to balance the density of the reflections (more = better) with an acceptable amount of CPU use. In two or three years, when you'll be able to buy a Pentium 5 at 4 GHz. with higher speed memory for $1000, plug-in reverbs will be as good as the hardware boxes sold today.

--Ethan
 
If it is that simple - and I'm certain that it is, at least from a technical point of view - then why not have a "Sound great as hell" button in the reverb plugin that you can push to render the worlds greatest sounding reverb over lunch, over the weekend, or perhaps over the summer? :)
 
The plug-in vs. hardware question is a complex one. There are advantages to each.

First there is economics: If you have a LA-2A plug-in for instance, you can use it on many tracks, or at least until you run out of DSP. If you have a real LA-2A you can use it on one track. And it costs about 7x as much.

However, in most cases most people will still find that the "real" unit sounds better than the plug-in emulation. The other advantage of the hardware unit is you can insert it into the recording chain BEFORE it goes to the A/D converter - helping to get a better sound on the way in while it is still an analog signal.

The other advantage to hardware is it won't need to be upgraded with each new version of your recording software. And if it is a decent piece, it won't diminish much in value (it may even increase!) Something that can NEVER be said about software.

Now, another big software advantage: full automation and recall of parameters. No need to carefully write down the settings of every knob on every piece of gear in case you need to revisit the mix someday.

So, you may find yourself doing what many of us do - using software plug-ins a lot, but gradually over time acquiring (as opportunity allows) a small but growing collection of key hardware pieces to use in conjunction with the software.
 
BasPer said:
If it is that simple - and I'm certain that it is, at least from a technical point of view - then why not have a "Sound great as hell" button in the reverb plugin that you can push to render the worlds greatest sounding reverb over lunch, over the weekend, or perhaps over the summer? :)
Click to expand...

I like that idea. Good one, bas.
 
Thanks guys!!


But I'm still confused about on thing:

How can I use T.C. with Digi 001, before the sound is recorded to PT or after? Do I loose sound quality if I use it after??
 
I don't think I understand your question, but don't you just use it like a regular plugin? But the plugin just uses the pci card/dsp for processing?
 
chessrock said:
I don't think I understand your question, but don't you just use it like a regular plugin? But the plugin just uses the pci card/dsp for processing?
Click to expand...


I mean.how can I influence the sound that is already recorded into PT with outboard gear??

Thanks!!
 
You need to send only the track or tracks you want processed to an output or outputs and into the hardware processor - then back out of the processor into the computer to be recorded on a new track or tracks. If your hardware box is digital, and you have digital outputs on your computer or interface, it is probably best to stay in the digital domain and avoid multiple D/A and A/D conversions. You need to be careful to make sure the sampling rate is set the same for both, and that both are running off the same clock. If you can't work that out, you'll have to do it analog.

If you are adding reverb or effects, you can use the wet/dry mix on your effects box and record a track or tracks with the blended signal. Of you can record a new set of tracks 100% wet and blend it with the original "dry" tracks.

If your card or interface has limited inputs and outputs, you may need to temporarily mute all the other tracks so that only the desired ones get "effected".
 
Nice response, Little Dog.

Welcome aboard. You know, they say it isn't the size of the little dog in the fight, it's the size of the fight's little dog or the little dog's fight or . . . I forget.
 
Nice to make your acquaintance, Chess! Occasionally I get lucky and write something that actually makes sense! :D
 
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