Cubase - how do you a/b compare a whole insert effect chain (not just plugins via a/b switch)?

[midi_transmission]

The routing is still pretty ancient in Cubase 9.5.

In other DAWs I usually I make a effect rack at the point in the chain were I want to compare. Then I just switch the loudness matched chains to see which one I like better. Something like in this picture.


For example when you want to a/b which compressor is better or if it's better to have two compressors or just one or even complete different chains.

The best/fastest way in Cubase so far is just duplicate the whole track, set up your inserts two times and mute/solo both. But I'm really not satisfied with this way. I tried to make multiple effect channels for one track and switch them, but it's too much hassle.

Any good alternative way? I consider this kind of a/b comparison essential when doing mixes. Using a 3rd party vst rack excludes all Cubase internal effects.

[lfm]

A long standing request and a good way would be to get som checkboxes what to include in track versions - and one being plugins on the track.

I use track versions a lot - very useful, I think.

Otherwise - track presets is probably simplest way to do it, right now.

I would just use bypass for each plugin and try out.
Am to try and use automation for that - but have not yet.

One way with 9.5 and ability to render individual plugins - as I read it - also gave an idea what to try.
If something is rendered - it is part of track versions normally. Not sure how they did that yet.

Hope you get some new ideas...

[Googly Smythe]

Maybe create 2 group tracks with your fx, use 2 Sends to them, remove any routing from the channel. Route the groups where you would have routed the channel. When you're happy, copy and paste the fx chain to the channel, delete the groups.
Whew!

Edit
Obviously mute the groups or the sends one at a time. And you could have as many groups as you like (well, up to 16).
Nm You tried essentially the same thing but with fx channels.

[Scotty]

As it stands you would need a rack effects like patchwork by Bluecat or the now defunct but useful Kore to do that kind of comparison - easily.

[vespesian]

FX chain presets - if you haven't used them yet - might speed this up for you. Also, you can use Direct Routing to, in effect, create "alternate" mixes of outputs, which you can switch between on the fly.

[midi_transmission]

Using rack preset doesn't help. You can't switch them fast without interruption, what is needed for a/b testing. It also creates a lot of preset chaos because you always have to save presets to recall them.

Yeah that's really Cubase have to catch up. For critical a/b comparison from mix settings this is really complicated. I love it for composing, bit I'm wondering how anyone like to mix with Cubase.

I tried the direct routing, it work to some extend, but it's pretty difficult to control. You have no master fader for the channel or you make something like this...

Code: Select all

         ->fx track1 
audio                  - group (master) 
         ->fx track2

That mean you have at least 4 track for every track where you want to compare different mix settings and you have to set up fx + automation on the fx track.

In Bitwig you need just ONE effect rack were you can chose different chains and that's it. The best solution in Cubase seems to really just duplicate the complete track to make one a and one b version. Which is a problem for external input or when you use big vsts like a large kontakt lib or diva.

hmmm

[midi_transmission]

Hofa blind 4u blindtest is the answer with effect channels.

More complicated than in some other DAWs and still a lot of routing possibilities like dry/wet are missing but a solution for a/b testing!

[LGK_Dude]

Render in place a section and A/B the audio. Its really fast and doesn't cost you more money. Or just duplicate the track and Mute / solo the two tracks.

[vespesian]

I tried the direct routing, it work to some extend, but it's pretty difficult to control. You have no master fader for the channel or you make something like this...

Code: Select all

         ->fx track1 
audio                  - group (master) 
         ->fx track2

That mean you have at least 4 track for every track where you want to compare different mix settings and you have to set up fx + automation on the fx track.

Actually, direct routing works better if you use more than one "master out" (so you just switch between subouts)...but I get your point - a/b'ing directly within fx presets would be much better.

[midi_transmission]

Yeah, I hope that in Cubase 10 we will see a new insert section. Just stacking some FX linear is kind of limiting and old school in a bad way.

Bitwig and Ableton are so great in this regard.

It's to have different FX settings or VST at every point in the chain. Like a mighty a/b toggle.
Or just make a dry/wet version from a FX when it doesn't have it.