Hardwares effects

[T-CM11]

I agree with a lot that's been said here. hardware effects can be a lot harder to integrate into a hybrid setup than a bunch of synths. I've talked to so many people who wanted to use an outboard compressor, EQ or whatever but eventually gave up because it just wasn't very convenient because they weren't well setup to patch those effects into their existing setup.

I don't think (for me) it's any harder than having hardware synths. It just costs more money and space.
I have one dedicated fx unit (a zoom pedal). It's connected to the inputs and outputs of my audio interface (ADAT expander) and I can just route anything through it via Cubase.
It was a birthday present so I use it sometimes, but most of the time I just use software effects. Main reason = I have limited space and have chosen to use it for synths.

I also use the external input(s) of my analog synths (Boomstar, Bass Station II, Evolver).

[vurt]

that's not the same as doing your mixing in a host, but using hardware compressors and such.
then you need all the ins and outs, then may need something for the noise... and so on, it's not the same as adding a pedal inline.

i love hardware fx! i will use them inline on some sounds.
but for mixing id use software, not least the ease of use, but the expense, you're going to want at least a few of each effect, then the channels, then all the cables and power...

[zerocrossing]

that's not the same as doing your mixing in a host, but using hardware compressors and such.
then you need all the ins and outs, then may need something for the noise... and so on, it's not the same as adding a pedal inline.

i love hardware fx! i will use them inline on some sounds.
but for mixing id use software, not least the ease of use, but the expense, you're going to want at least a few of each effect, then the channels, then all the cables and power...

It’s funny, I bought an AxeFX III over the competition, partially because it really is a powerhouse in terms of effects, as well as amp modeling. When I’m just noodling about, I make a lot of use of those effects, but I quickly learned to turn them all off when I’m recording, because you can’t unreverb something. I guess I could split things and do a re-amp, but I’m too lazy. I just record a dry amp(s) sound and use software to add the effects I took out. I end up losing the effect of having a delay go into an amp, but I’ve gotten pretty good at faking it using a send into a delay/amp modeler. I mostly prefer post amp effects anyway.

[vurt]

that's not the same as doing your mixing in a host, but using hardware compressors and such.
then you need all the ins and outs, then may need something for the noise... and so on, it's not the same as adding a pedal inline.

i love hardware fx! i will use them inline on some sounds.
but for mixing id use software, not least the ease of use, but the expense, you're going to want at least a few of each effect, then the channels, then all the cables and power...

It’s funny, I bought an AxeFX III over the competition, partially because it really is a powerhouse in terms of effects, as well as amp modeling. When I’m just noodling about, I make a lot of use of those effects, but I quickly learned to turn them all off when I’m recording, because you can’t unreverb something. I guess I could split things and do a re-amp, but I’m too lazy. I just record a dry amp(s) sound and use software to add the effects I took out. I end up losing the effect of having a delay go into an amp, but I’ve gotten pretty good at faking it using a send into a delay/amp modeler. I mostly prefer post amp effects anyway.

you could just split it, one wet one dry.
then you play with the fx, so you play the guitar for example as you would with the amp and fx sound and feeling!
but also have the dry guitar, just in case the delay goes out of time or whatever, you can use the dry with software if you don't like the fx take.

[T-CM11]

that's not the same as doing your mixing in a host, but using hardware compressors and such.
then you need all the ins and outs, then may need something for the noise... and so on, it's not the same as adding a pedal inline.

It seems the same to me: connecting the hardware units to the inputs and outputs of an audio interface. Could you elaborate?

[vurt]

that's not the same as doing your mixing in a host, but using hardware compressors and such.
then you need all the ins and outs, then may need something for the noise... and so on, it's not the same as adding a pedal inline.

It seems the same to me: connecting the hardware units to the inputs and outputs of an audio interface. Could you elaborate?

lots of outs and ins for the different channels, several units, building up noise. how many channels does the average trance mix have?

levels can be tricky too, so may need amplification...

just overcomplicated, unless you know what you are doing.

[T-CM11]

just overcomplicated, unless you know what you are doing.

In a way, it's easier than it ever was - no Youtube tutorials in the 90s/80s/...

Also, there's a difference between making tracks with a hardware based setup (within its limitations) and trying to mimic a software setup, but with hardware (nuts!!)

[vurt]

just overcomplicated, unless you know what you are doing.

In a way, it's easier than it ever was - no Youtube tutorials in the 90s/80s/...

Also there's a difference between making tracks with a hardware based setup (within its limitations) and trying to mimic a software setup, but with hardware (nuts!!)

yup, i use mostly hardware. live recordings.
but he says he wants to mix itb but with hw processing.
and i would say, someone asking this question, isn't in a place where it will make sense. ie if he knew what he was doing, he wouldn't be asking which tools?

as i said, using them inline, to record a hw synth, yeah, no problems really.
but start adding even just a compressor to every channel, will both be expensive and a pita.
it is doable of course, i just wouldn't choose to in a home studio.

working studio, then clients are paying for all the gear

[vurt]

and im certainly not saying anyone else shouldn't do it if they choose to, but they should be aware of the ball aches it can cause

[T-CM11]

and i would say, someone asking this question, isn't in a place where it will make sense. ie if he knew what he was doing, he wouldn't be asking which tools?

Yeah, I've never understood these tell-me-what-to-buy-topics.

[vurt]

well hopefully, for people to share experiences, if not the tools.
others may have had positive experiences doing it as well, and they may be able to help if he still chooses to give it a go.
we all start somewhere, so it's better to ask, whatever it is, if you aren't sure.
were not taking pin money spending, it's serious cash, so best to talk it through

plus, we all love chatting about gear, it's why we come here

[T-CM11]

it's serious cash, so best to talk it through

I can't imagine being a noob with serious cash. For a long time, my hardware was printed on shiny brochures.

Anyway, here's a nice compressor:
https://www.thomann.de/be/elysia_alpha_compressor.htm
Would 4 of them be enough?

[SHall1000]

One of these might fit the bill.

https://www.vintagedigital.com.au/enso ... processor/

Does anyone know of another multi channel parallel effects processor at a price I might be able to afford?

[kritikon]

Digitech had a couple of those. My old TSR24S is dual channel with modular/routable FX. They can put all the processing into fancy reverb that have 4 channel in/out for front/back and other esoteric crap...but tbh the reverbs don't add up to much comparing to modern ones (usable though). But still very good for dual channel multiFX. There was a version aimed more for guitars and some budget versions. I suspect you could hunt down some cheapo Digitechs. Their flagship FX units were direct competitors to those Ensoniqs. Can't remember off the top of my head, but I'd be surprised if Alesis didn't have some dual channel multiFX boxes.

[Uncle E]

Kurzweil KSP-8 and Ensoniq DP/4 are good multi-channel effects processor. KSP-8 is underpriced for what it is and DP/4 is overpriced for what it is, but they both have some fantastic effects.

Yamaha and Dynacord make many great sounding effects for not much money. Alesis MIDIverb II isn't great sounding but it's cheap and worth getting for the famous bloom patches.

dbx 900 series racks are a bargain and fit 9 compressors into 3 rack spaces. I put some Aphex compressors in mine, too.

Alesis 3360 was the original Daft Punk compressor and actually doesn't sound too bad if you solder in a wire to bypass the noise gate.

StudioLive 32 SC is cool and would be your cleanest, slickest solution. Great workflow, lots of hands-on control, and all the effects you need without any of the hassles. Every 6 months or so, I get sick of my studio and tell myself I'm going to ditch it all and get a StudioLive. Someday I might actually follow through with it.