Tracking with Effects

[Sennheiser]

For years now I have been tracking with effects instead of mixing down with effects.

I know that it is generally not done this way. I started this thread for some opinions and do's and don'ts regarding this.

The reason I have been tracking with effects is that I don't have, and will probably never be able to afford a whole rack of reverbs, delays, and so on to use during a mixdown for each track.

I don't use the same amount or type of effect on every instrument or vocal so mixing down with effects won't work for me using only a single stereo coupled unit for each effect.

I don't want the whole mix to have the same of every effect. Get it?

Have I been missing something here all these years? Or is the way that I have to do it considering the limited amount of equipment I have?

Thanks

 

[crosstudio]

what do you use to record? i take it you are using an analog reel and ADAT or some other linear device?

 

[Sennheiser]

In the past I had used a Fostex four-track unit.

I'm picking up a used Tascam 488MkII in about two hours.

I haven't yet made a choice as to what to mix down to yet.

If I choose to transfer the eight-track mix to the computer, will I have more choices to be able to use effects on each track independently?

 

[Seanmorse79]

If I choose to transfer the eight-track mix to the computer, will I have more choices to be able to use effects on each track independently?

Good Lord, yes. You can use "insert" plugins on each track, as well as "BUS" effects for the whole mix. Plugins are a lot cheaper than rack units (many good "freeware" ones out there too), and you can use the same plugin differently on each channel.

 

[crosstudio]

some good plug-ins are:

no budget: sonar comes with a scaled down version of dsp-fx

budget conscious: sonitus ultrafunk

rich man: Waves gold bundle

 

[Seanmorse79]

Good point. If you get a decent recording package, likely the plugins that come with it will be decent too. I use almost all of Nuendo's plugins (barely any others) and I don't really need much more (except for mastering). But Sonar's are very good too.

 

[mixmkr]

If I choose to transfer the eight-track mix to the computer, will I have more choices to be able to use effects on each track independently?

Just to make sure things are clear. Transferring the MIX will not give you choice on the individual tracks. But transfering the indie tracks to computer FOR mixing will open up a new world you won't believe is so inexpensive and usable. Personally, you might as well just track in the computer to begin with.....

If you can re sell, or get your money out of the tascam, I'd even opt for that. Otherwise, hang onto it for taking it to friends, ..whatever....you know...for the portability. You'll need an 8 input soundcard to transfer tracks now, however. They're really not so expensive now, though. A used 20 bit Layla on Ebay goes for $300 all the time.