Use pedals & boxes or the DAW's effects?

[boyceman]

Are there any effects / processors that you should really have the real deal instead of using the software version? I know that you can buy better sounding boxes than software can emulate, but is that it? For example, I always read a good compressor box is a must. But if you assure through your mixer that there is no clipping, can you just use a software compressor? I have put together most everything I need for a studio but I haven't invested any money in effects or processors, deciding that since I am so inexperienced, I should try the software versions first. Any help would be appreciated. Thanks!

boyceman

 

[apl]

Ethan said

Hi, boyceman.

See this thread, scroll down to Ethan Winer's post.

 

[boyceman]

Thanks! Missed that while searching the forum.

I'm glad to hear I don't have to plunk down oodles of cash to get up and running. Now if I could just figure out how to plug everything in...

 

[apl]

...I don't have to plunk down oodles of cash to get up and running...

No, you don't! I've got about $300 in the recording equipment (mic, soundcard, software) I used for the recording in my signature line. I did find out I needed monitors, but I found a pair on ebay for less than $250. Can't wait to get them!

 

[mshilarious]

Thanks! Missed that while searching the forum.

I'm glad to hear I don't have to plunk down oodles of cash to get up and running. Now if I could just figure out how to plug everything in...

Post what you have, someone will help with connections.

As for plugs vs. boxes, I find that if everything is under your control & you have plenty of time, then you'll be fine starting with plugs. Learn to use the gear you have first.

 

[boyceman]

Thanks mshilarious, I was joking about the connections. I have them working, now I'm just trying to understand how to get everything to sound right.

That brings me to another question, and it is somewhat related, or perhaps I should post as a new topic?

I know the answer to this may be subjective and "whatever is more comfortable to you" type of thing, but I'm wondering if there are any advantages/disadvantages of using my yamaha mg 12/4 mixer to mix with or the mixer in my software? I have played briefly with both, and it seems more intuitive to turn knobs with your fingers than to tweak settings in an application. But would I be missing anything by doing this, given that my mixer is bare bones entry level? Or maybe I should restate as, which is easier for a beginning novice to learn?

Thanks guys!

boyceman

 

[mshilarious]

I know the answer to this may be subjective and "whatever is more comfortable to you" type of thing, but I'm wondering if there are any advantages/disadvantages of using my yamaha mg 12/4 mixer to mix with or the mixer in my software? I have played briefly with both, and it seems more intuitive to turn knobs with your fingers than to tweak settings in an application. But would I be missing anything by doing this, given that my mixer is bare bones entry level? Or maybe I should restate as, which is easier for a beginning novice to learn?

Well that's a can of worms. Some pros will tell you to use an analog mixer due to the limitations of digital summing, EQ, and gain. Such discussions get rather technical.

However, the main issue for you will be the number of I/O channels you have on your box. If you only have say 8 outs, then that becomes the maximum number of tracks you can mix, whereas on your DAW you can mix as many as it can support, generally at least 30 if not many more.

You are also asking a different question with respect to the interface--yes, it's easier to have a physical mixer, which can be solved by getting a digital mixer or controller that can be used with your software.

 

[distortedrumble]

well....i like using both.....unless you have a midi or usb style mixer that can control the faders on your software mixer. my analog mixer helps with initial eq and sound. once all the tracks are in the computer then i mix them how i want them....last week i actually used the software reverb instead of my reverb processor. interesting change but it worked well. i try not to use the software eq too much because unless i use dxi, i cant change it on the fly. so i use the mixer eq to get it sounding the way i like and then record it.

 

[boyceman]

I guess my confusion is this scenario:

When I initially record, I can do what mixing I need to on the hardware mixer. After it is recorded though, will I have to use the software mixer? Or can I send the outs from my breakout box back to the mixer ins, then the mixer outs to the breakout box ins? Seems like a lot of work just to mix with the hardware mixer.

I guess I should look at the hardware mixer as something that provides multiple simultaneous ins, phantom power and preamps, and that is the extent of it. I'm just trying to get a good understanding of what the role of each piece of equipment will be.

I'm coming from a tascam casette 4-tracker so this is new stuff to me!

Thanks for your help, I appreciate it.

boyceman

 

[boyceman]

well....i like using both.....unless you have a midi or usb style mixer that can control the faders on your software mixer. my analog mixer helps with initial eq and sound. once all the tracks are in the computer then i mix them how i want them....last week i actually used the software reverb instead of my reverb processor. interesting change but it worked well. i try not to use the software eq too much because unless i use dxi, i cant change it on the fly. so i use the mixer eq to get it sounding the way i like and then record it.

What is DXI? Is it related to VST?

Thanks!

 

[mshilarious]

When I initially record, I can do what mixing I need to on the hardware mixer. After it is recorded though, will I have to use the software mixer? Or can I send the outs from my breakout box back to the mixer ins, then the mixer outs to the breakout box ins? Seems like a lot of work just to mix with the hardware mixer.

Yes, you can do the mixing in your software. You can also use your breakout box & mixer as described, but as you note, it is a bit harder in the sense that you have to rearrange your wiring. You are also limited by the I/O capacity of your breakout box, meaning that if you have 2 outputs from your box, you can only externally mix 2 tracks, or 8 tracks for 8 outputs, etc. Whereas in software you should be able to mix as many as you need.

I would personally advise mixing in software, certainly until you have a good grasp on how the mixing process works.