Recording with plugins?

[irpacynot]

I'm guessing either you can't use internal plugins when recording a track, or (the more likely) I'm not setting it up properly.

I typically like to add some subtle compression and EQ when recording my acoustics and vocals, but when inserting them on the track during the recording process, I'm not hearing any difference during playback.

[Watchful]

I'm guessing you've got a track with a live input... and you're recording into that track... and you've got an EQ and a compressor on the right-side of that track? No, that won't work until you play the track back.

But you CAN do what you're describing through a very under-utilized plugin that comes free with Waveform.

Here's how I do what you're describing:

1. Create 2 tracks for yourself. Let's call them Track 1 and Track 2, but of course, they can be anywhere and named anything.
2. On Track 1, set it to be your input. I presume this is exactly what you're doing today.
3. On Track 1, put your EQ and compression plugins in their usual locations.
4. On Track 1, put in the INSERT plugin.
* This is in the Utilities flyout menu under the Waveform plugins
* Put it FIRST in that plugin chain on track 1 and double-click it to open it up.
* Set the SEND value to be your default output
* Set the RETURN value to be your default input
5. On Track 2, change its input (on the far left) to be "Track 1."
6. Arm Track 2 for recording, NOT Track 1.
7. Record away.

Now, whenever your live mic goes into track 1, it passes through your EQ and compressor (or any plugins you want), and shoots out the back of the track...right into track 2, which records it for your with your plugins changing it.

Options:
a. Save those plugins as a preset chain for yourself! You can have one for vocals and one for acoustic. A Waveform preset will save their settings for you making things easier the next time you have to do this.
b. You can also record Track 1 if you want the "dry" vocals. This might be helpful if you change your mind later about your settings--you won't have to re-record the track. You just need to change the settings on your plugins and bounce it to track 2 again.

[irpacynot]

I'm guessing you've got a track with a live input... and you're recording into that track... and you've got an EQ and a compressor on the right-side of that track? No, that won't work until you play the track back.

But you CAN do what you're describing through a very under-utilized plugin that comes free with Waveform.

Here's how I do what you're describing:

1. Create 2 tracks for yourself. Let's call them Track 1 and Track 2, but of course, they can be anywhere and named anything.
2. On Track 1, set it to be your input. I presume this is exactly what you're doing today.
3. On Track 1, put your EQ and compression plugins in their usual locations.
4. On Track 1, put in the INSERT plugin.
* This is in the Utilities flyout menu under the Waveform plugins
* Put it FIRST in that plugin chain on track 1 and double-click it to open it up.
* Set the SEND value to be your default output
* Set the RETURN value to be your default input
5. On Track 2, change its input (on the far left) to be "Track 1."
6. Arm Track 2 for recording, NOT Track 1.
7. Record away.

Now, whenever your live mic goes into track 1, it passes through your EQ and compressor (or any plugins you want), and shoots out the back of the track...right into track 2, which records it for your with your plugins changing it.

Options:
a. Save those plugins as a preset chain for yourself! You can have one for vocals and one for acoustic. A Waveform preset will save their settings for you making things easier the next time you have to do this.
b. You can also record Track 1 if you want the "dry" vocals. This might be helpful if you change your mind later about your settings--you won't have to re-record the track. You just need to change the settings on your plugins and bounce it to track 2 again.

Wow!

That is awesome. Been messing with Waveform for almost 4 years now, and never even took notice to that plugin in utilities. To be fair, though, I never really needed it since I was recording outside of the software.

That is so great, man. Many thanks!

[Watchful]

Let me know if this doesn't work for you...I did this from memory. I might need to review what I told you!

[irpacynot]

Let me know if this doesn't work for you...I did this from memory. I might need to review what I told you!

Will do. I usually do recording on Mondays. Will report back.

[irpacynot]

Let me know if this doesn't work for you...I did this from memory. I might need to review what I told you!

Bingo! That did the trick.

[Watchful]

Excellent! I don't know why Tracktion doesn't advertise that plugin better. You can also get it to work with external hardware more-or-less the same way.

[irpacynot]

Excellent! I don't know why Tracktion doesn't advertise that plugin better. You can also get it to work with external hardware more-or-less the same way.

Truly.