Onboard FX, Outboard FX or Software FX?

[nvisibl]

I've spent the past few months setting up the studio and i'm now just about finished. Last aspect to sort out is Production /Recording.

I have the following:

Triton EX
Fantom XR
Original Supernova
Virus Ti
Nord 2 (which is up for sale)
Alesis SR-16 (for sale)
Roland R8M+7 Rom cards (up for sale)
Tascam DM24 digital mixer

I'm ata crossroads of which direction to take for end Production /Recording. I.e

Can I rely on the onboard FX of the units and mixer above

Should I go for Seperate Outboard FX units

Convert all to Audio and use a production mastering program such as Waves or similar?


Feedback appreciated

[Analog Warriors]

i'm using external fx gear ... often you can't change the fx on a synthesizer patch or preset without editing or changing the patch or preset itsself - that was a problem for me, cause i often use different types of fx on the same instrument in one track ... i could have could programmned some program changes in my sequencer, but internal fx often have delays or latency in the timing if you change their settings while playing patch :wink:

[jasedee]

I use a combination of both....some external FX, some software FX.

It might take a while for you to find the right situation and configuration that suits your particular production style.

[Hollowcell]

I'd say I'm 90% outboard.

Run a little bit of plugin delay and a little limiting/compression when doing mastering.

As far as onboard goes....The Virus is the only synth I own that has any onboard FX (unless you count the Juno's chorus), and I barely use those too.

It's all person taste though.

[DIGITAL SCREAMS]

Well it really depends on how you work. Strictly you should be recording all your tracks dry (for later processing). Onboard effects as a rule dont tend to be used in actual recordings....particularly onboard reverbs and delays. The TI and Fantom X have useable effects (chorus and phaser) but id definitely look elsewhere for refined delays/reverbs.

If I were you id look into a Lexicon MPX550 for reverb and delay duties (the best in their class for the money) and then perhaps use the TI's distortion, chorus (+feedback) and phaser. I dont rate the chorus or phaser on the Fantom....to my ears it sounds a little too dry. In my mind the chorus and phaser on the Virus are very pleasant sounding.

Thats what Id do given a tight budget. I have yet to hear decent VST chorus or phaser....

DS

[Tomer=Trance]

im using 100% software and i cant see myself using outboard gear such as delays\reverbs\chorus and other effects except dynamic effects in shape of hardware simpley becauase it takes way too much time setting up hardware.

[nvisibl]

Good info, cheers.

I've never used software for anything other than sequencing or for chopping up a few vocal samples etc... My thought is that hardware is easier and quicker in the realtime sense for actually creating though i'm not sure about software for application of FX / production as i've never really used it.

It seems such a waste sometimes that all the onboard FX are available though are never normally utilised for recording but I do understand the quality and timing aspects and os on.

I'll probably go for a good Lexicon unit (just like you mention DS) seeing as I am used to the hardware side of things. Plus also I find it difficult to get a clean good quality transfer of my mix output into the PC via soundcard. Theres always a hum or a hiss happening somehow.