Should I buy Effects card(s) for VS1680 ?

[frozen]

I'm probably gonna buy it, but I would like to hear the opinions of those who have been there.

I am an amateur "stay at home" guitar/sing/bass player who records myself and a few friends. Right now I'm using a Quadraverb 2 for effects (voice). I do play a bit in public but depend on my "day job".

I think that the compressor and EQ etc. might justify the card.

Any thoughts?

What would you do?

Cheers

Alan

 

[timothydog]

I bought the 1680 back in August 1998.. (you don't want to know what I paid for it). Right now it is a very expensing 16 track mixer that I plug into my computer

I got 1 fx card with it when I bought it and it was well worth the money. If you are using it solely for recording (and not a DAW) then I say totally go for it. It's one of the things that makes the 1680 stand out from other multi-track machines.

 

[frozen]

I just bought it, will receive it Monday!

I have spoken to others and they said the same as you! (good idea)

Actually one salesman suggested 2 are an even better idea!

Dumb Question.. what's a DAW? .

I am really embarrassed. I bought the 1680 as a replacement for my Marrantz 4 track. Took me about 2 years to get the courage to tackle the manual, but I finally did and realize it's perfect. (kickin myself for not doing it sooner) I use it mostly as a mixer/mini headphone amp and occassionally for recording myself and some friends.

How do you connect to your computer? I have a Mac and will try a USB/MIDI cable for the software upgrades.

Cheers Alan

 

[Skycries57]

i thought the 1680 comes with built in effects? My 890 has 2 effects built in. For the money that you pay for the 1680, I would think it should. Unfortunately I ended up selling most of my rack gear cause of the built in effects in the 890. I'm still contemplating on ridding of my Chandler Stereo Echo rack mount. I love that thing too much

 

[timothydog]

A DAW is a digital audio workstation. Like a computer set up to record. I think you are making the right decision. I started out with a cassette 4 track about 7 years ago.. got some good mileage out of it. In '98 I picked up the 1680 and really enjoyed it for a couple years. I eventually grew out of it and now have my computer set up for recording using Cakewalk Sonar and some excellent plug-ins.

You don't need 2 fx boards for the 1680.. I got by with one.

 

[frozen]

Thanks Timothy!

What do you use the Cakewalk for? Amateur or Pro?

Why would you go the Cakewalk route as opposed to the DAW route? I would tend to think the DAW would be easier than clicking a mouse etc..

When you recorded to the 1680, were you able to transfer it to the computer for processing?

PS I will be receiving the effects board in one hour... can't wait!

Cheer Alan