04-11-2023, 06:26 PM
I don't do a whole lot of studio stuff these days (I've switched careers to fixing audio gear) but when I do...
For tracking, not a lot, generally a few outboard comps.
For mixing though I often patch heaps of stuff in. And then I'll often go grab guitar pedals and stuff like that on top of the outboard. In some cases it's because I don't have a plugin that does what I need in that minute, but I think often it's more of a way to break the monotony of the screen rather than a quest for sonic perfection.
It's like the tape rewinding thing- it gives you a minute to breathe/think/talk/etc.
Taking 5 minutes to patch in an outboard reverb and play with settings can be a great reset when your ticker can't take yet another cup of coffee to wake yourself up, whereas launching another reverb plugin just feels mechanical sometimes.
Plus, having limited units and/or controls can stop you going up your own ass and overthinking the way you can with plugins.
For tracking, not a lot, generally a few outboard comps.
For mixing though I often patch heaps of stuff in. And then I'll often go grab guitar pedals and stuff like that on top of the outboard. In some cases it's because I don't have a plugin that does what I need in that minute, but I think often it's more of a way to break the monotony of the screen rather than a quest for sonic perfection.
It's like the tape rewinding thing- it gives you a minute to breathe/think/talk/etc.
Taking 5 minutes to patch in an outboard reverb and play with settings can be a great reset when your ticker can't take yet another cup of coffee to wake yourself up, whereas launching another reverb plugin just feels mechanical sometimes.
Plus, having limited units and/or controls can stop you going up your own ass and overthinking the way you can with plugins.