signal processors

[Emperor !!!]

what signal processors you use and what for?

Like a compressor/limiter, EQ, effects units. software plugins or rack units, etc

Can I do it all ´in the box´?

 

[elicantu]

yeah you can do it all in the box.. but it never hurts to have a good compressor at hand.

 

[Almy]

In general I think it's better to use software plugins first. That way you can learn what things do before spending money on hardware. Plus with hardware you can't undo what you've done when recording. I actually use software exclusively, then again I'm a hobbyist.

 

[SonicAlbert]

I use both plugins and hardware. There are very few plugins I like, but those that I do like I use all the time.

Favorite plugins:

Steve Massey: Tape-Head, TD5 delay, L2007 limiter, CT4 compressor, VT3 eq

PSP Audioware: Vintage Warmer 2, MasterQ

Elemental Audio (now Roger Nichols Digital): Finis, Eqium, Inspector XL

That's really it as far as plugins. I findit possible to do virtually all of the plugin work I need to with the Massey and PSP plugs. And that's about 90% Massey plugs at that.

As far as hardware, my favorites are:

EQ: Manley Massive Passive

Compressors: Empirical Labs Distressor, Avalon 2044, Aphex 320A (for super invisible gain riding)

FX: Lexicon PCM-91, Eventide Reverb 2016, Kurzweil KSP-8

You can do it all in the box, but I personally prefer mixing outside the box, or at least summing outside the box. It just sounds better to me, and no plugin can do what great outboard can as far as mojo and color.