using pulg-ins while tracking

[GhettoWayz]

I'm using Cubase 5, and I can no longer find the thread that dealt with this subject, although I know it was discussed here previously.

I've always tracked in Cubase and THEN applied various plug ins to the wav file..
is it possible to track while using a compressor plug in? I cant remember the outcome of this topic??? I'd like to compress the signal while tracking, but is this possible with a plug-in???

is there something in Audio Set-up I need to click??? Sorry, but it seems like the topic has been deleted.....

So, is it possible to compress the signal witha plug-in while tracking??

yay or nay???

thanks

 

[trogdor]

can you track using a compressor plugin? yes and no.

To monitor with the plugins you need to go into device setup and Uncheck 'direct monitoring'. (or maybe check it, i cant remember). Anyway, then you click on the monitor icon for the track you want to hear.

You can listen to it with a compressor. However, there is really no advantage to doing this since it's getting effected by the compressor after it's put to disk. The signal has already come through your audio interface...if it's going to clip, it will have done so before it even reaches cubase. Therefore, you might as well just set your levels safe and apply the plugin after you record the track. The only way to compress to tape is to use an outboard compressor.

All that is really accomplished by using the compressor while you record is probably increasing latency a bit and hogging some resources.

 

[GhettoWayz]

thanks for the response.....


I guess what I've been doing all along is the best way to go, just apply the plugin after Ive already recorded the track......

is there an advantage to compressing with an outboard compressor while tracking over using the plug in after the track is recorded?

I've always just made sure my levels were appropriate, tracked, then applied the plug ins.....works for me....