Plugin "Tracking" question for Charles

Charles, before I post my question allow me to say that my post is not an attempt to disavow your use of plugins nor their usefullness.

Since you are fond of plugins and their usefulness, would you see them as a replacement for outboard during tracking? Assuming you were tracking/mixing a genre prone to keyboards/synths/samplers where there was minimal need for separate microphones, would outboard gear be necessary? If so what do you think you would need? Also, what analog EQ's do you favor during tracking?

Oh yeah (man please try the URS stuff the api is more useful in my opinion than all other ptools eq's)

Thanks ahead for your response, and allow me to say that I am one of the many who appreciate your presence around these parts. I find that even when posting an answer to someone else's question it forces me to think out the certain techniques that I use and in some way makes me learn in the process (things like why I do what I do instead of just doing by instinct). Hopefully this place has at some point provided a learning opportunity for you also.

[Charles Dye]

It's my preference to use analog tracking gear and get the best sound possible going into the box, but I've been at producer's studios that didn't have the OBG I needed, so I tracked through a plug and it sounded great.

(Not directed @ you NSY, just gettin' it off my chest.) Bottom line, there is way too much sonic-purist plug-in fear going around. Wholesale disdain for plugs based solely on the fact that they are a plug-in and not what they sound like is just plain silly. Some plugs sound pretty shitty, some sound friggin' brilliant. Plugs should be judged individually on their sonic merits.

What gear would be necessary: a great pre + compressor first, then a great EQ if ya got more cash. From all the other great posts on this site on this topic I have nothing new to add, except to say that the Vintech X73i + X81 are both great pre's with lot's of color (they also include Neve style EQ).

I will be trying the URS plugs, especially the API on your recommendation.

Thanks for your appreciation + I have learned tons already, as in your URS suggestion.

Thanks + hope this helps.