preamp, effects, compression, eq in series?
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Posted on Oct 23, 2005 08:50 pm
mike willey
mwaynew
Member Since: Dec 04, 2004
I've been home recording for a while with just the basics. Digital 16 trk, using it's onboard effects, EQ and compression. I'm finally buying stuff- Preamp, EQ, effects processors and compresser. What's the best way (or the only way if that's the case) to hook 'em all up in series? I'm sure I could figure it out, but I value the input I receive here. I use condenser mics for acoustic guitars and vocals and my synth for bass and percussion. I play my Strat through the V-Amp 2. I also have a midi sequencer and everything (but the pre) is midi compatible.(no PC) Thanx.
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Oct 23, 2005 08:57 pm Pre amp first to supply +48 V to your condenser, then your compressor, then make sure to put your EQ after not before your compressor. If you put it before the comp. your effectively squashing your EQ settings, so it will take a lot more gain to get something as noticable as after the comp.
As for your effetcs processor, does your fostex have auxillary sends and returns? If it has an aux send, take the output of that into your FX unit, and the output of the FX unit back into line inputs pf your fostex. If you were determined to hook it all up in series, the FX would go last in the chain.
Oct 23, 2005 09:02 pm Oh yea, and if its an outboard EQ, chances are it'll have Hi impedance line inputs as opposed to low impedance mic inputs. You'll need to find something that converts the impedance from Lo to Hi Z. Some D.I. boxes will work in reverse.
Then you would take the line output out of your EQ to your FX, and then into a line input of your foxtex.
Oct 23, 2005 09:12 pm Oh yea, does your fostex have insert points? lol...
Oct 23, 2005 09:40 pm Thanx for the quick reply. The VF160 has an aux. out (single jack) and no return. I've used the "Y" cable in the past. I was unaware of the low and high impedance thing. Being terminology ignorant has always been a problem. Sorry- same with the insert points. I haven't purchased the eq yet-(suggestion?). If the insert points has something to do w/sidechain insert- then I don't think the fostex is so equipped.(you get the impression I don't know what I'm doing- I know, but really, I somehow manage to create!) Thanx in advance for your patience.
Oct 23, 2005 11:45 pm So for the effects, you'll want to use the aux, but make the returns a couple of line inputs on your fostex. I don't see how a Y cable with an aux would work. Does it work?
The inserts have nothing to do with sidechain inserts.
from fostex website:
[quote]Mic/Line Inputs
Trim on all analog inputs with peak LED. Balanced XLR with phantom power and insert points on inputs G & H [/quote]
so by g & h im assuming they mean 7+8. When you want to record anything with an external comp./EQ you'll wnt to record it through inputs 7+8. Take the Y cable, the send goes to your comp., then take the output of your comp to your EQ input, and the output of your EQ to your return.
Also I've noticed that the fostex has a 3 band EQ, compressors, digital FX, and preamps on 7+8. If you didn't already know : ).
The only dedicated outboard EQ I've used is the Furman PEQ. I liked it. If I'm going to EQ input signals however, most of the time an external pre amp will have EQ built in.
Oct 24, 2005 01:06 am The 'Y' cable (I'm sure there's a name for it that's not coming to me) has worked w/ my compresser and my old alesis midi verb II, connecting the Y end to the in and out of one channel. The Fostex web site quote-the G and H/ 7 and 8 thing, is very familiar to me. I've been calling them just 'inserts' for so long that the word 'points' threw me.
I've used the onboard stuff to death- very limiting. The pre I've started with, for lack of funds at the time, is behringer's MIC200. As simple as they get- no eq. Maybe I'll invest in a better pre. (no maybes about it.) All valuable input from you. Thanx Colonel
Oct 24, 2005 01:14 am No prob's.
Feel free to ask any other questions, because I'm really bored : )
Noize2uCzar of MidiAdministrator
Since: Apr 04, 2002
Oct 26, 2005 07:07 pm CS, how could you have been boars with all the stuff you have going on???
Oct 26, 2005 07:27 pm haha, I have no life, so have a surprising amount of spare time : ). Got a project due in end of this week though, so I'm a tad busy.
Noize2uCzar of MidiAdministrator
Since: Apr 04, 2002
Oct 26, 2005 11:19 pm I see, a home body then.
I like my down time as well. Havent had enough of it until the last fwe week's. So I am enjoying the vegging out very much.
Oct 26, 2005 11:55 pm Ah, i did have a life, but it dumped me haha
