Plugins Ruin Everything

[dxavier]

Originally Posted by EgyptionRing

Look, I know how to track and I know how to use software compressors just fine thank you. There are plenty of plugs I like (soundtoys for sure) and other effects but you don't get the depth of field with software on the 2bus like you do with outboard. It's just different.

Sorry, but I have to disagree. Yes, using quality physical outboard is great. There is no debate there, but to say plugins ruin everything? You must want to start a debate of some kind!!!??

I use UAD plugins and alongside outboard and experience none of the issues you have stated.

[cjogo]

Mis-use of Plugins could quite possibly create a overall loss in quality for some listeners........ We use a plug, on occasion. Almost always outside racks though

[Matti]

Not having read this thread I want to say I can ruin everything itb and otb,
its all about how to do it

Matti

[bogeyeater]

pilot error

[timlloyd]

Originally Posted by Matti

I can ruin everything itb and otb

I can too!

.....have done multiple times.....

[hossman777]

Originally Posted by subby33

I dont agree.

I've heard great ITB and garbage ITB.

I've heard great OTB and garbage OTB.

However, outboard may work for YOU! :-)

PS: I love outboard gear and I use a hybrid setup.

Agree 100%. I'm not a CLA-level pro by any stretch of the imagination, so I'm not boasting, but here's a great example.

Currently, I mix entirely ITB. I've got some good pres, decent mics, and a well-treated room. I have a fellow project-studio owner who lives less than a mile from me. He does all analog and outboard. Comparing our mixes side by side, his are a muddy, squashed mess. Mine aren't perfect, but I can confidently say that they sound good...Even great when compared to his.

We have so many tools available to us today, with more coming along every week it seems...It's ignorant to write off an entire line of tools as crap. Use the best of everything you can afford, make good music, and quit sqabbling over the ITB vs outboard debate. A good engineer can make a great mix with crap gear, just like a great guitar player and sound good playing a crappy guitar.

[Jamie Mallender]

Theres no best way, just different ways, which suit different kinds of music and different ways of working.

I love to record as much real audio as possible, great player, quality guitar, top end mike + amp etc... But, I've had to record £100 guitars for people, correct the performance, use plugs to improve the sound and then use a discreetly recorded clean line instead of the kids line 6 and re-amp it and I've got people asking me what guitar/amp/mike combination it is. They're guessing, '72 Tele into a Fender Deville? and specifics like that! A lot of time spent working with and learning plug-ins is very rewarding and should not be underestimated.

I love quality outboard gear, but I'm just better with the software, purely because thats what I've spent a lot of time with, due to space restrictions. Now when I use outboard, I'm attempting to emulate what the software does, which is kind of backwards I guess. I know people who work great out of the box and I love to see them work.

Different methods for different folk, no correct answer, this is art not science.

[12ax7]

Originally Posted by Jamie Mallender

I love quality outboard gear, but I'm just better with the software, purely because thats what I've spent a lot of time with

[...]

Now, isn't that amazing:

...A person getting the best results from using that which they have spent considerable time learning about!

(Imagine THAT!)

.

[John Paul]

The standard compressor software in my Ableton/Pro tools programs is very, very good.
A tube compressor can come in handy, or I use it on the way in.
I'm just about at the point that I think these software based compressors for mixing is all one will need. Reverb and Delay have come a long way, e.q. isn't quite there but usable.

Unless your operateing on a pro-level or renting time to clients and need to have some choice outboard I'd be picky on what I'd buy.

I'm not even using a hi end/HD system and to my ears this stuff rivals 2" Tape, consoles, and lexicon reverb. It might not be as good but for rock/pop music I don't think it will make too big a difference.

It's the songwriting above all that people need to go back and study.
There's more crappy songs mixed on a SSL today with a HD system that it's almost a joke what music has become. Yet the labels, A&R etc. haven't had their heads tuned right for 20 years so most music which is mass marketed really isn't too good.

[alooker]

blame the workman, not the tools...