Quote Originally Posted by fresh_an_funky_design
Quote Originally Posted by danielmarshall
My main quam with outboard anything is that I can't have a project file to save the settings. Like the idea (and sound) of allot of gear, but sometimes it's hard to replicate that sound you had a couple of days ago even with all the knob numbers written down. Not only that, but I feel that I loose my ideas very quickly (don't do drugs kids), so if I can't have things up and running in minutes I'm lost. That, and with digital technology being at the point is is, and only getting better I'll take the hit in sound quality for the usabilty/ flexibility tradeoff anyday. Mind you, some valve compressors/ distortion units still make me wet...
i find i'm much more creative with my outboard than with software.

If i apply software compression i usually go for standard compression settings, wheras with outboard i really mess around doing slightly crazy settings and often get really good results.

I've started really battering my compressors recently, getting the overload lights glowing, get such a lovely distortion. not that heavy like the distortion you get from a lot of plug-ins, just a really nice warm sound
Yup, I agree, some valve equipment just can't be replaced... My guitar amp doesn't use transistors for a good reason. But I usually write tracks over the period of a few weeks, sometimes months rather than just one afternoon. I also like to jump around between projects so that I don't get bored to often and keep my motivation levels up. You can't really do this effectively if your gear is always in a state of flux, and so you really do need some way of keeping things consistant. I guess it's just dependant on how you write tunes and wether or not you're keen on revisiting them later.