How to integrate hardware reverb unit with DAW?

jnorman · 5th March 2010

sorry for the stupid question, but i was wondering how you are supposed to connect an external hardware reverb unit to a normal DAW setup. i have a lexicon U42s USB2 interface which has SPDIF IO's.

most of the newer high end reverb boxes have AES digi IO's, so i assume to connect one of those, i would need a separate PC card installed in my computer that you would hook it up to - but how do you get the audio software (in my case, Reaper) to recognize it and use it like it was any other plugin or effect?

most older reverbs have only analog IOs - how would get those connected to a DAW setup?

can the SPDIF IOs on my interface work for this? how does the software "see" it?

i have a good line on a used alesis nano-verb for $11 (just kidding, JUST KIDDING!!). actually considering perhaps on older quantec, or a newer TC 3000 or 4000 or similar. thanks.

mixedupsteve · 6th March 2010

Do you want to record with it in the chain or add it after the fact?

jnorman · 6th March 2010

hi steve - i want to be able to treat it like any other internal effect, recognized by the DAW, so i can render it to wav along with everything else before burning a CD.

i know i can just put it in line between the output of the DAW and an external CD burner, or as an insert at the board, but that is much less convenient, and makes monitoring confusing. i would like for it to show up on the list of fx within the DAW.

the tc 4000 has usb connection, so perhaps it operates that way, but most of the older units i am looking at either have only analog IOs or spdif or aes.

meltemi · 7th March 2010

You have to route it via audio I/O (analog, SPDIF, AES). This can be done with Cubase via a multichannel duplex soundcard (VST connections external equipment), but I don't know whether Reaper allows any routing to and from external hardware.

TC 4000: Note: The USB connection is for passing control data only.

mixedupsteve · 9th March 2010

Some of the reverbs with USB and other digital connections actually are programmed to be recognized as a plugin in a DAW. Some others are just digital in and outs. You might be able to run it like an insert using the mixer for the interface too.

5th March 2010	#1
jnorman Lives for gear Joined: Sep 2004 Posts: 1,807 Thread Starter 2 Reviews written	How to integrate hardware reverb unit with DAW? sorry for the stupid question, but i was wondering how you are supposed to connect an external hardware reverb unit to a normal DAW setup. i have a lexicon U42s USB2 interface which has SPDIF IO's. most of the newer high end reverb boxes have AES digi IO's, so i assume to connect one of those, i would need a separate PC card installed in my computer that you would hook it up to - but how do you get the audio software (in my case, Reaper) to recognize it and use it like it was any other plugin or effect? most older reverbs have only analog IOs - how would get those connected to a DAW setup? can the SPDIF IOs on my interface work for this? how does the software "see" it? i have a good line on a used alesis nano-verb for $11 (just kidding, JUST KIDDING!!). actually considering perhaps on older quantec, or a newer TC 3000 or 4000 or similar. thanks. __________________ jnorman sunridge studios salem, oregon

6th March 2010	#2
mixedupsteve Lives for gear Joined: Dec 2008 Location: Chestertown MD USA Posts: 969	Do you want to record with it in the chain or add it after the fact? __________________ Steve

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7th March 2010	#4
meltemi Gear nut Joined: Jan 2010 Location: Switzerland Posts: 117	You have to route it via audio I/O (analog, SPDIF, AES). This can be done with Cubase via a multichannel duplex soundcard (VST connections external equipment), but I don't know whether Reaper allows any routing to and from external hardware. TC 4000: Note: The USB connection is for passing control data only.

9th March 2010	#5
mixedupsteve Lives for gear Joined: Dec 2008 Location: Chestertown MD USA Posts: 969	Some of the reverbs with USB and other digital connections actually are programmed to be recognized as a plugin in a DAW. Some others are just digital in and outs. You might be able to run it like an insert using the mixer for the interface too.