Native plugins or hardware effect processors?
 

Hi,

In the near future, I must have some plugins especially needed for mastering my songs. I can do three things:
1. Buy some native plugins
2. Buy a DSP expansion board with some good quality plugins (TC PoCo, Mackie UAD-1, ...)
3. Or buy a dedicated processor (TC Electronics, Behringer, ...)

Now, because my PC must handle a lot of things, only solution 2 or 3 are on the menu. But I've a problem with the 2nd solution. A dedicated hardware processor lasts forever (until it is broken), but a software-only solutions lasts until the company decides to stop writing plugins. Suppose, five year later, when the 64 bit PC's are just as normal as 32 bit PC's are now. Microsoft will bring out a new 64 bit OS. OK, I must upgrade to a newer Cubase version, but will there also be a port of the TC PoCo, or Mackie UAD-1? I'm afraid that a software only solution is a short-term investment (5 years). Certainly now that the 64-bit era is waiting in front of our doors.

How do you guys think about it? Should I better invest in a hardware solution or not?

the tc compressor and limiter are the only decent things in the tc plug in boundle.
i would skip it and get a dsp card or hardware

So, which dsp card of hardware would you suggest?

Get a UAD-1 for compression and some voxengo plugs for mastering. You will then have some incredible tools at your fingertips.

Martyn

what exacly are you looking for?
compressors?
reverbs?
preamp emulation?

Compressors, expanders, limiters en reverbs.

as marty said a dsp card will be the best and more afficiant solution then lets say buy hardware seperatly.
im sure there are shopes who sell both close to your area
just go and try them out.
i always say never to buy something blidnly :wink:

Definitely take Tommers advice there. Don't buy anything blindly. Go and listen to a few different things and decide what's best for your music.

Dsp cards for reverb are great for sure (and they beat VSTs for compression/limiting), but I still think out board valve compression can't be beaten. One day I will have enough money for one.

Will you be using it live?

Re: Native plugins or hardware effect processors?
 

For mastering? Send your mixes to a mastering engineer. Software wont make you one.......(or hardware for that fact)

But if you had to, I would advise you get something like the TC Finalizer (Hardware) unit. Apparently that is a good mastering tool.

And like the others say, try before you buy!

Cheers,

Jase

The Powercore has the Master X5 available and the Master X3 comes as standard with the PCI version.

For those who are not aware, the Master X5 is the same signal processor as the Finaliser and a fraction of the price.