setting up rack effects

[asv]

Hi guys,

I'm planning to get a decent rack-mount effect processors (compressor, EQ, reverb) in the near future.

Some ppl said that i can use those external processors by putting them directly to audio interface and use the effects just like VST plugins.

Although i know it may seem simple but it's just pretty hard for me to understand.
Can someone draw me a signal-chain-diagram of how this works?

Do i need to get several EQ's or compressors for all instruments that are plugged in to the interface?

thanks guys

 

[mixsit]

Depends on how you want to work it. If you mean mixing in the DAW and using a few external effects then you use a D/A output and A/D input pair from your converter/interface for each of the tracks or signals you want to use per hardware channel.
You might consider doing that for effects you already have, or things specifically do something special or better than what's available as a plugin. And the plugs are getting pretty good- so the cost benefit gets pretty tough fast.
Make it dual purpose hardware- for example maybe a good tracking compressor.