eq/ compression question.

[dblock]

I just bought the waves multiband linear phase eq and also the multiband compressor.
I also have an avalon 2055 and a finalizer.
Does the use of the hardware simply undo or counter the use of it's software counterpart or can they compliment each other for the same task of mixing/mastering.
Anybody know of any professionals that use both together?

[diverdee]

Didn't someone recently post a link to an article by craig someone or other (famous sound engineer type dude) who was discussing this question?

[kilroy]

Does the use of the hardware simply undo or counter the use of it's software counterpart or can they compliment each other for the same task of mixing/mastering.

I would say this depends on your familiarity with the tools, and what you want to accomplish with them. A hybrid hardware/software approach can be a very powerful marriage...I certainly favour the melding of digital and analog technologies, as do many other engineers.

That said, if you have poor digital/analog convertors, there is going to be little sense in bussing tracks from your computer to access hardware of *any* quality, because the convertors will properly kill any advantages your hardware might offer due to the conversion process. In this case, you would be better off keeping things totally in the digital realm and work entirely with software...the best you can afford, naturally.

[Zaphod (giancarlo)]

converters kill something, but avalon is avalon.
sure sometimes software kills more than hardware converters.

[.jon]

IMHO the converters have to be pretty crap before they negate the use of quality external hardware.

With high sample & bitrates, mono tracks the negative effect of any basic prosumer converter is neglible.

disclaimer - this is just my opinion and I understand that others may have much higher standards.

[dblock]

I would say this depends on your familiarity with the tools, and what you want to accomplish with them. A hybrid hardware/software approach can be a very powerful marriage...I certainly favour the melding of digital and analog technologies, as do many other engineers.

That said, if you have poor digital/analog convertors, there is going to be little sense in bussing tracks from your computer to access hardware of *any* quality, because the convertors will properly kill any advantages your hardware might offer due to the conversion process. In this case, you would be better off keeping things totally in the digital realm and work entirely with software...the best you can afford, naturally.[/quote]

I appreciate the input. You mentioned the digital aspect which I hadn't considered but as a semi pro hobbyist,I'm comfortable knowing that melding the two isn't an absolute no-no as I improve on how to make it work.
Thanks

[Kiwburger]

Generally, try to use your analog hardware while tracking - it's much easier. By compressing and eq'ing before the A/D, you maximise the resolution of the converter. You then need less compression & eq at mix time, and software can probably get the job done. You already have the analog flavour. The downside is limited options, and the potential to screw up a take. But sometimes freedom of choice is a good thing, and often creative decisions made early and locked in can be a good thing too.

[Barbarossa]

I can only highly recommend the Waves LinEQ lowband for tweaking bassdrums and basses and can't imagine to reeach better results with other EQs plus two conversions.
But how about letting the ears decide, which method gives you the better results?

[dblock]

Generally, try to use your analog hardware while tracking - it's much easier. By compressing and eq'ing before the A/D, you maximise the resolution of the converter. You then need less compression & eq at mix time, and software can probably get the job done. You already have the analog flavour. The downside is limited options, and the potential to screw up a take. But sometimes freedom of choice is a good thing, and often creative decisions made early and locked in can be a good thing too.

Some great suggestions Kiwburger. Thanks alot.

[dblock]

I can only highly recommend the Waves LinEQ lowband for tweaking bassdrums and basses and can't imagine to reeach better results with other EQs plus two conversions.
But how about letting the ears decide, which method gives you the better results?

Well put Barbarossa. When I ordered the mastering bundle I wasn't aware the eqs were split up like that. Thanks