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Game Audio Using Hardware FX or Plugins? (Forums : Sound Design & Composition : Game Audio Using Hardware FX or Plugins?) Locked
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Jun 18 2015 Anchor

I am starting this thread to get peoples input on using Hardware FX(Lexicon MX400) over Plugin's and how they feel about either one. Any response is much appreciated!

Thanks,

Chris

Jun 19 2015 Anchor

I used to have a Lexicon PCM90 unit back in the day. For linear formats it was great, but I don't think there's much use for it today. The big drawback to rack mounted effects is once they're on there, you can't change them. Beyond that some of the reverb plugins out there are just as good if not better than a lot of the external hardware. For convolution reverb you can't beat Waves IR-1. I've collected a sizable library of real locations that it reproduces very well. For a more standard reverb I like Waves Renaissance. As for the compression, delays, and everything else the same issues apply. It can be nice to have an outboard comp, I honestly never use mine very often. Finally the Lexicon MX300 is a really cheap unit and there's a reason for that. I demoed a 400XL a while ago and it was underwhelming to say the least. It's in the same product line so I assume it's fairly similar. You're better off spending that $250 on a couple Waves plugins or something like the Nomad Factory suite which is around that same price.

Jun 21 2015 Anchor

First off I appreciate your response, so your saying if I am going to use digital sound effects that I should just go the plugin in route... If I were to try some of those that you suggested they are totally customizable?

Jun 21 2015 Anchor

Yeah they take some time to learn and quite a while to master. But once you're comfortable with them you can do anything. Tons of options for each of those plugins.

Jun 22 2015 Anchor

I'm overwhelmed with all of the options , I want something that has enough to be dangerous but not all in. I have never used plugins for sound effects so I'm looking to do some learning...I would like some chorus, reverb , delays , flanger any suggestion?

Jun 23 2015 Anchor

The Nomad Factory plugin bundle has a few versions of all of those plus a lot more. What DAW are you using?

Jun 23 2015 Anchor

Right now I am just using Ableton Live 9 Intro, it has a few effects but I can only assume they are real basic and generic. Whats your opinion on EQ Plugins in general over the traditional PA mixing boards.

Jun 24 2015 Anchor

Well you need a halfway decent preamp with a good EQ structure to record live instruments. But for the mixing process you'll be fine with the default Ableton EQs. Either way you don't need a PA board unless you're planning to record a whole band live. With overdubbing it's much easier/better to work with about 4 good pres. The big boards are for automation and workflow now.

Jun 26 2015 Anchor

Right now I have a Focusrite 2i4 so I can only really hook up 2 inputs at once. It looks like I could pick up something that has around 8 for around 500 bucks and I was trying to figure out what brands to get over others? Any suggestions... I appreciate your input , nobody I know is into audio gear and it's refreshing to know I'm not the only one.

Jun 29 2015 Anchor

Depends on what you're recording. The only time you really have to have more than 2 inputs is with drums.

Jun 29 2015 Anchor

Well I was wondering if it would be important to use more than one channel for the Roland R8 I am using. It has multi-output (up to 8) and I thinking it would be nice to have each instrument as its own track so I can can EQ it and put of effects on it.

Jun 30 2015 Anchor

Yeah with an old synth like that you'll have to have each channel on it's own output to edit/mix/master it right. More recent ones are USB controlled and talk directly to your DAW. You could get a Digi 002 or 003 interface for next to nothing and that will give you enough inputs to work with the R8.

michaelklier
michaelklier Sound Designer for Games & Media
Jul 1 2015 Anchor

Just adding: If you're looking for a good set of free DAW plugins check out the Melda Productions Free Plugin Bundle!


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