Plug Ins

[johnS]

I agree. I get the best results when it sounds right going into the DAW. The real challenge is to anticipate what sound you will need in the context of the mix and try to make that happen before you hit record. Not easy.

[dagosto]

Originally Posted by johnS

I agree. I get the best results when it sounds right going into the DAW. The real challenge is to anticipate what sound you will need in the context of the mix and try to make that happen before you hit record. Not easy.

Knowing what type of sound to shoot for is definately the only way to avoid the "fix it in the mix" mentality. A lot of times, I can't be sure what the particular song will become by the time it is all tracked. This is when I adopt a more practical mentality. The "give myself something I can work with" one.

Just like hardware, plugs sound better when they are not working as hard and eq's prefer to cut rather than boost (unless you are using a hardware Pultec, then boost away). I find that keeping this in mind helps me get a better sound than the hardware I have would suggest I could.

[smopo24]

plug-ins should be a band aid, not spackle. crap in = crap out; or does that even need to be said anymore?

Originally Posted by dagosto

Knowing what type of sound to shoot for is definately the only way to avoid the "fix it in the mix" mentality.

i remember talking with a friend who had many years of tape behind him, and he said the same thing about analog....you have to know what you are shooting for before you start.

[bwethera]

the point of those plugins is to create near likeness in your mix i know that i would prefer the real equipment but plug ins will do just to get the job done and lots of pro engineers and producers use plugins on a lot of the albums you own these days its less clear than it was.

[smopo24]

no wonder why most modern music sounds like crap!

[dagosto]

I think most modern music sounds bad is the race to be the loudest. Limiting plug-ins have added to this problem but I think it is due more to meeting profit margins.

edit: oh yeah, and behringer

[smopo24]

Originally Posted by dagosto

I think most modern music sounds bad is the race to be the loudest. Limiting plug-ins have added to this problem but I think it is due more to meeting profit margins.

edit: oh yeah, and behringer

yea, shredding (not guitar shredding) is a terrible thing the majors feel give their tracks "that edge we need to stay competitive." but i agree, no bad music existed before behringer.....scar on the face of humanity.