Outboard Gear - Where to Start?

[@SylvanPaul]

As someone who started in the box as a teenager, and has slowly but surely integrated A LOT of outboard gear & instruments and am now 30, my suggestion is start simple. I have some seriously high end pieces of gear that I’ve owned for 3 years and I still find myself being surprised at what they can do and building deeper relationships with their nuances. And I 100% was not using them intelligently at first, they were making certain things better but also introducing nee problems. The other thing to bear in mind is hardware is not some magical silver bullet that will make your mixes suddenly sound professional and perfect. It has it’s own quirks and drawbacks and a totally different workflow. Hardware really starts to shine when the subtle artifacts add up across a production/mix. So if you get something that you can use a lot, it will have a bigger impact than just, for instance, a mixbuss compressor. Channel strip is probs the move, saw that in another comment. If you have the budget, getting a stereo pair could be even more fun. My personal philosophy when it comes to hardware though is don’t buy hardware for hardware’s sake. Save money and buy something of genuine quality. Plug-ins are sooooo good these days, you should buy something that is unique and can’t be well emulated. Something like the Overstayer NT0-2A would be a great thing to start with - badass analog distortion unit that can go subtle saturation to nuclear destructive distortion. Alternatively, don’t over-do it and think if you’re not buying SSL, Neve, or API that it’s a waste of money. Midrange priced clones are still a HUGE step up (ex: Heritage Audio 1073 clone). Once you cross a certain price point, the differences start to become marginal, but there is a big difference between a $300 preamp and a $800 preamp, for example. Less of a difference between an $800 and a $2000 pre. Also ask why you want to get hardware. If you don’t have any exposure to it, try to find a show room and test some stuff out (not always possible of course). I think hardware makes the biggest noticeable difference on drums and vocals, which are usually the 2 most important things in most genres. Also ask yourself if you want Tube gear or solid state gear. There is a remarkable difference between how they amplify audio. Tube is gonna give you a way more mellow sound - not always desirable! Solid state will sound closer to what you’re used to hearing digitally in terms of transient definition. Anyway, doubt anyone read all this but if you did, hope it helps!

[@EverythingMusicRecording]

I read it all Sylvan. I wish I had something to add to what you said, but I don’t. You’ve hit every nail on the head and I agree with all of it 🙂 EDIT - I’ve pinned your comment to the top of the comments section. Lol let’s call that my reply 🙂

[@Settii]

Excellent post! Both informative and accurate. The internet thanks you for imparting your wisdom.

[@MsYewsed]

Was just tipsy enough to read all of it cock-eyed 👍🏽

[@rapdad55]

Read every word! Thank you

[@dystoproducing9533]

I’m 40 seconds in. Already this guy is explaining things perfectly and I have full faith this video will teach me a lot, which it already has done in 40 seconds. You have a way with words my friend, no doubt you have a way with music too! Peace

[@EverythingMusicRecording]

Some very kind words my friend and I'm glad the video was helpful to you! It's always nice to hear that my content is helping others out =)

[@neovincibeats]

Don't know if any of y'all don't know this but you can also achieve this with a mixer....Have your mic plugged into a mixer the line out of the the outboard gear plugged into your insert channel on your mixer and the mixer out into the input of the audio interface

[@EverythingMusicRecording]

Oh for sure. You could also split the signal too so you could record say a dry vocal and one with any effects applied at the same time.

[@MrEffectify]

You’re the only video and person so far I’ve found that’s made this topic easier to understand for someone whose been “in the box” for years and wants to get into outboard gear. Thank you!! Though... how does the routing and exporting work for outboard gear in a daw when using gear for mixing? FYI I use Reason studios and Protools mostly.

[@EverythingMusicRecording]

Hey MrEffectify, thanks for the kind words. The routing would depend on your setup, how many in’s and outs you have available on your interface and how you decide to set all that up. So my SPX lives on, I think output 5 and then returns on inputs 7&8 I believe (not at the computer atm) so if I want to send a track from Logic thru the unit, I just send the audio out channel 5 and set up the return. For exporting, you can either print the returns of any outboard gear onto new tracks (this is how I do it) and then export your song as normal. Or you can export your track with your outboard gear being used “live”. But that means you’d have to bounce in real time. PT and Reason should have a way to do this. Let me know if that answers your questions

[@michaelrice6620]

From my experience i would suggest the first analog piece for anyone would be to get a good channel strip. Its easy to connect and would get you a good recording going in to where you would need minimal work inside the box to finish a record. Once you master that every other analog equipment you buy will easily click on how to use it and a little easier to figure out how to route everything in a hybrid fashion.

[@EverythingMusicRecording]

I'd have to agree with you Michael. I think for beginners a channel strip would be a better option. I think one needs some experience before mixing and matching different brands of pres, compressors and all that would make much sense. Less routing to worry about at first as well.

[@DarylMuniz1]

​@EverythingMusicRecording Great vid, thanks for sharing. Any recommendations for decent Chanel Strip? Thanks again

[@nikdrown]

I remember way back when I started I didn’t hear as much about pres as I would come to hear in the last 10-15 yrs. Not that they weren’t acknowledged but the appreciation of what they offer in terms of color. Those early 2000’s especially got really sterile with people being afraid to record things with anything on it. But man I have come to really love a palette of them because it’s the frontline of color that made those older recordings part of their charm (on top of great talent and performance) they aren’t as “sexy” as compression and eq but you get cumulative with them and can really appreciate them.

[@parkerrieke5700]

Thank you for being so concise with so much information! Very appreciated. I feel like a lot of the music community thinks everyone should learn the hard way, all trial and error and figuring everything out yourself. That's ridiculous, and videos like this spit in the face of that idea. Thanks again :)

[@EverythingMusicRecording]

No worries at all Parker. I agree. Much of the info presented seems to make this all seem much harder and complicated than it is. Don't get me wrong though, recording and mixing is a never ending learning process and some will pick it up faster than others, but its not rocket science either. lol thats how I learned. Years before KZbin and the internet was much of a thing I had recording books and magazines. It was all trial and error and took me many years to start getting good at it. Using a compressor was the biggest struggle for me. It's hard to understand how to use them from a book. But if you can gain stage and get a good rough mix just with levels and panning then you're already 80% of the way there. The rest is detail work which is where our skills really need to develop if we want to get good at this =)

[@cooperarbogast4018]

@@EverythingMusicRecording I'm loving this trend I'm seeing where engineers and producers are throwing all the old myths and elitist rhetoric under the bus for the sake of accessibility of information. Long gone are the days of closely guarded studio secrets and analog gatekeeping.

[@EverythingMusicRecording]

I 100% agree with you Cooper. I don’t think we’ve ever had it this good, and every year it gets better and easier for us who don’t have budgets to go to a “proper” studio.

[@Feldspar__]

Clear and to the point. Exactly the info I was looking for. I was considering trying to do it with a patch bay and a mixer with a 4X4 USB.

[@EverythingMusicRecording]

You could pull that off so long as its a 4 in and 4 out USB mixer. You'll be pretty limited even with a patchbay, but you will still be able to get your feet wet using outboard gear with your DAW.

[@GuitarLessonsMadeEasy]

I use a mixer and a few analog hardware like comps and preamps. I just use them mainly for vocals going to tape and everything else I use plugins. I would love to able to run my main mix out of the box to a nice compressor in the future

[@limpet9]

Another choice would be a small mixer that would give you maybe 4 to 6 mono inputs with inserts plus maybe a couple of stereo inputs. All would come with some sort of EQ. Mixers are always useful to have around and can be found cheap second hand, I got my Peavey PV 10 for £20 from a charity shop. At the moment I have my CD player, Turntable and Reel to Reel machine plugged in to it it so I can choose which one I patch into my monitors for casual listening. It works a treat. The extra mic pre`s are there as a bonus for me just in case.

[@EverythingMusicRecording]

Very true, mixers can be very good to have around. If money was no object I'd have a Neve console in my studio =)

[@francoisberkinjr5088]

Great vid! Very simple yet utterly informative! Awesome job bud! 🙌🏽

[@EverythingMusicRecording]

Thanks for the kind words Francois!! Glad you liked the video. I’m gonna do one on planning what gear to buy, just haven’t been very motivated as of late but I’ll post it soon.

[@tims.2832]

I found out for me, that if I don’t know what to buy, I‘m not needing it.

[@willox2]

great explanation, simple and clear! thank you

[@EverythingMusicRecording]

I do what I can my friend 🙂

[@SteveSwerve]

This was great, thanks brother just subscribed !

[@CurtisB1011]

He made it so plain to understand! Thanks, sir.

[@christianefox4653]

Thank you so much! :D Very short and easy to understand.

[@EverythingMusicRecording]

No worries at all Christiane. Glad the video was helpful for you 🙂

[@mic3140]

This was perfect! THANK YOU!

[@EverythingMusicRecording]

No worries my friend :)

[@Spencerlayne]

Thank you bro. Was searching and searching. You got straight to the point and exactly what I was looking for

[@garfieldadamsakaj.stemmons364]

informative. concise. accurate. simple. subbed. thanks.

[@EverythingMusicRecording]

4 words anyone with a channel trying to help people should be aiming for!! Thanks for the vote of confidence and for subbing my friend 🙂

[@G-Doggy]

Very informative and straight to the point. Thank you.

[@EverythingMusicRecording]

Thanks John! Glad you found the video helpful.

[@OUTSHADES]

Great video. Finally I learned why some people in general have an external mic pre. I have an Audient Id44 and it has the capability to extend its ins and outs through adat connections, i wanna know what device I can use to utilize that and preferably best one in the market if you know any?

[@EverythingMusicRecording]

Hey, yea it looks like you can add 16 more channels via adat to the ID44 (8 per adat port it seems from me looking up the unit quickly) Any 8-channel NON-AUDIO INTERFACE with adat in/outs will work. An example would be the Focusrite Scarlett or Clarett Octopre’s. They do not connect to your computer but instead are designed to be expansion units. Lots of other companies make similar units but that’s is basically what you’re looking for.

[@nucentury08]

Apollo X6 Rack is my Go to.

[@samanthajanesmith9591]

Just found this video - thanks. Really clear!

[@EverythingMusicRecording]

Thanks Samantha! I'm glad you found the video helpful =)

[@nightlust]

Hi! Great video, it covers all the basics! So if I understood well, if I were to get a Focusrite 18i20 that has built in preamps I wouldn't be requiring to buy a separate preamp or it can be nice to have more control in the sound? Like the Neve 8801 you've shown.

[@EverythingMusicRecording]

Thanks Pretty much yea. The preamps in audio interfaces today are more than good enough to get the job done. So you’d only need separate external preamps if you had a reason for them. Like adding colour to a sound or being able to also track through external compressors (as an example) External preamps in many cases also have more gain available. Usually external preamps will give you 60-80dB of gain whereas most audio interfaces only give you about 50-55ish dB of gain per channel. So there are valid reasons to invest in external preamps, it just boils down to whether or not the benefits are worth extra cost or not 🙂

[@samtomlin]

Starting to build my first little studio and you are answering all the questions I have! Thank you man! Love your channel!

[@EverythingMusicRecording]

Hey Sam. Thanks for the kind words and I’m glad the videos are helping. How’s your studio coming along? What’s the setup you’ve got going so far?

[@samtomlin]

@@EverythingMusicRecording I live and work remotely in the BC mountains so I'm building a moveable tiny house studio set up. So it's in the construction/heavy planning stage! Up until now I've just been dabbling with a demo in my current small set up.

[@EverythingMusicRecording]

Oh, that’s sounds pretty cool. Are you building it out of a shipping container or maybe an RV base?

[@samtomlin]

@@EverythingMusicRecording building on a flat deck trailer. It’s legit a tiny house build but instead of kitchen cabinets and a bathroom it’s gonna be packed with gear.

[@EverythingMusicRecording]

That sounds awesome!! I don’t know if you have a YT channel or not but that could make for some really good content. I’d watch that for sure

[@ConfidenZe]

For the monitor issue you can get an out board monitor system

[@repsossa]

Amigo, cual equipo analógico que no sea costoso me recomiendas para poder enviar mi mezcla stereo (Output Line) desde mi daw y que me añada un bonito color analógico o de tubo y retornarlo a mi daw (Input Line). Gracias

[@lukogs]

So... Outboard is essentially converting audio interface that also gets to have what mixers have built it? {H-M-L freq, Equalizer, compressor, Fx}. I thought the main selling point of audio interface was to not have those so that we can put those later via software. Like one can add reverb or echo on a certain part of the song. Now i wonder is the software & mixer ones are like cheap/fake ones..? Cause these outboards looks big on their own.

[@EverythingMusicRecording]

Hey Gokul An audio interface’s purpose is to get audio in and out of your computer and DAW. If one chooses to do everything in software then that is totally cool and valid. Others like to use a combination of software and hardware. And there are lots of plugins that emulate sought after hardware, but there are lots of hardware units that haven’t been made into a plugin so if you wanted that exact effect you’d have to buy the hardware. And then there are those that use their DAW as simply a playback device and use analog gear for everything. Few and far between these days but never the less lol. But it just boils down to different ways of working. Hardware and plugins each have their pros and cons 🙂

[@jimbotski]

Great explanation thanks! 🙂👍 Just to clarify how I insert analog gear between my interface mic pres. Audio Interface Mic Pre then running DB25/XLR out of interface to analog compressor then XLR/DB25 back into audio interface. Will that do the trick?

[@EverythingMusicRecording]

Hey Jim, glad the video was helpful! In order to answer your question I have to ask you a couple of questions first. 1. Which audio interface do you have? 2. Are you trying to track through the compressor and then into your DAW? Or are you trying to send tracks from your DAW out to your compressor and back in to your DAW? Hit me back with those answers and then I can answer your question 🙂

[@probablychefjohnny]

u couldn't have explained this better thank you!!

[@EverythingMusicRecording]

Anytime my friend 🙂

[@feezo]

incredible video

[@EverythingMusicRecording]

Thanks! I do what I can 🙂

[@rudz1943]

dam this the best tutorial ive seen.

[@EverythingMusicRecording]

Thanks 🙂

[@ZipSnipe]

Would be awesome if you could draw a couple of schematics of how it all wired up

[@EverythingMusicRecording]

For sure. I’ve gotten this comment before and I’m trying to figure out a way to animate and/or borrow some gear for these types of videos. But I 100% agree either option would make my explanations easier to follow. If the video had any sections though that left you with some questions, feel free to ask 🙂

[@deshonosgar1]

Sorry prob very silly question. I have a focusrite 18i20 and multi effects unit and compressor unit . How do I route the units into the focusrite to work across the interface for recording in ? Hope that makes sense

[@luxeagoris1825]

Thanks for this! I have a question: would it also be possible to use an audio interface with 2 inputs and 4 outputs for let’s say, a compressor, 2 equals and a mastering processor? Like if you route everything together so the audio interface goes into the compressor, the compressor into the eq, the eq into the processor and the processor into the interface. Or is this not a thing? Looking forward to hearing from you!!

[@EverythingMusicRecording]

You can do that as well. The reason I recommended at least 4 in and 4 out is because that way you could have 2 ins and outs dedicated for outboard gear. Since you only have two inputs it means you’ll have to patch and repatch when you want to use your outboard gear, reset the input gains and all that. Plus possibly more wear and tear on cables. So that becomes a bit inconvenient. Depending on how you are using those two inputs (mics or guitars or synths as examples) then a patchbay may be a good idea to look into and they are pretty cheap unless you go with TTC. But a 48 point 1/4 patchbay is usually only around $100 give or take.

[@luxeagoris1825]

@@EverythingMusicRecording oh that’s good to know! Thanks for the explanation!!

[@timothydavis756]

Thanks for making this - very helpful. Im not a tech heavy guy - in terms of insert points, do you know if I could use my Mackie ProFXv8? I'm brand new to outboard gear and am trying to wrap my head around how I can integrate into my current setup. Thanks again!!

[@EverythingMusicRecording]

Hey Tim. I had to look up the specs on the Mackie before I could answer your question. It's a very basic mixer so you don't really have many options. Going into a DAW the Mackie is only a 2 in 2 out unit which would not work at all for using outboard gear with a DAW. You'd want a minimum of 4 in and 4 out. On the Mackie itself you have two Sends per channel. The first looks like a single monitor send/return and the second is for the built in FX. Both of these will be global though. So let's say you patched a compressor into the Mackie. Each channel has the ability to send audio to that compressor and how much would be controlled by your first AUX knob. BUT each channel is sharing that same compressor. Exact same applies to the built in FX using AUX 2. A more advanced mixer would have separate insert points on each channel PLUS global insert points for the master or monitor section. So unfortunately your Mackie is just not designed for this type of use beyond a very basic level. Can you let me know what it is that you would like to do? Maybe I can give you some suggestions on some gear to look into.

[@carliiiartist]

Thank you so much for your video. I use a Motu 828 ES interface. I am considering a warm audio WA-2A compressor. How do I connect this to be able to record with compression? How do I connect if I want to create a send after the recording has been done for further compression on any track? How do I connect if I desire to use the compressor during the mastering process? Thank you!

[@khaliljibran999]

Great video, thanks.

[@EverythingMusicRecording]

Thanks Khalil 🙂

[@hereticsoul666]

Merci Mister Jeff!

[@JWalkerBeatstv]

I subscribed because of this video

[@EverythingMusicRecording]

lol awesome!! well thanks for subbing my friend!!

[@bflatfive9456]

Outstanding!!!!

[@stainedglassministries6692]

Great info. Thank you

[@EverythingMusicRecording]

No worries my friend! Glad the video was helpful 🙂

[@trubblekleff3655]

i wanna connect an outboard 31 band eq, maschine beat pad, compressor, and mic pre into an inteface. i dont know which interface to get at a reasonable offer..however, i want to run it all through plugins inside the daw..would that take away if run outboard gear 1st into the daw? or should i run all things in the daw to the outboard gear and then back in as a finisher?

[@EverythingMusicRecording]

I’d recommend start your interface search with Focusrite. That’s what I use and love it. Might not be right for you but I don’t wanna recommend something I haven’t used either. But now days it’s very hard to get a bad audio interface. You can do both. You could track through the EQ, compressor and mic pre, and you could also send from your daw back out through your gear and back into your DAW. I’m assuming you’re talking about Maschine+ as well. On that front unless you have two identical preamps, and your compressor and EQ are stereo then I’d run that straight into your interface unless you’re running some mono stuff out of it Let me know if that helped and made sense 🙂

[@justinharrison7517]

Thank you for the video! I have a motu 828x Ai, is there a need to buy da or ad converters?

[@EverythingMusicRecording]

Nope, your converters are already built into the Motu. Any audio interface you buy will already have converters built into it.

[@royalemuzikproductionz]

Hi Jeff I just stumbled upon your channel this morning. Nice❤. Quick question. I’ve got a tla 5050 I’d like to patch in and a lexicon reverb unit , plus I use my ferrofish b4000 and yamaha moxf6 . but I’ve got focusrite 18i20 for multiple ins and my Apollo twin x is my out so I’m connected via adat. I’m using Ableton and I’d like to process my kicks or even vocals I get from clients with some real analog sauce . Could you help with this type of set up?😊 cheers

[@EverythingMusicRecording]

Hey, glad you like the channel 🙂 I also have the 18i20 and I have everything hard patched into it. So in my case inputs 1+2 are left open for plugging in a mic (like when I make a video) and guitar/bass if going in DI. Input 3 is my the line out on my SVT3 Pro, input 4 is the line out of my amp attenuator. 5 is the input of my Korg Monologue, 6 is empty and then 7 & 8 are the returns of my Yamaha SPX900. Outputs 3+4 feed my sub so I can turn it off and on (I really need a monitor controller lol) and 5 outputs to my SPX900. So with all that said I would hardwire your B4000 and the MOXF6. But since you have both the Lexicon and the 5050 I’d add a patchbay to your set up and use that for the lexicon and TL Audio. Then if sending audio out for processing it’s far easier to patch in via the front of a patchbay then trying to get to the back of the 18i20. Then if you add more outboard you can just add it to the patchbay as well. Patchbays are the way to go when you have more than one piece of outboard 🙂 Let me know if that made sense

[@royalemuzikproductionz]

@@EverythingMusicRecording I do have a patchbay lucky enough. I had an ssl six but couldn’t get what I wanted from it so I sold it. I need a bigger mixer for dub mixing on the fly. But in time not just yet. Hopefully audient second hand . I got a new conditioner so that took the space of my patchbay. I’ll get a sidecar soon enough to set up. Thanks for the help.

[@EverythingMusicRecording]

Sounds like you have a good plan set in motion!! And no worries at all. Always around to answer questions 🙂

[@fluorophoremusic3679]

Is there any issue with having separate input/outputs on my interface? I have a larger 18in20out interface. What if I have an external analog mixer....each channel is output routed to a respective input on my interface, which of course gets ADC into DAW onto a designated track in the DAW. Then each respective DAW is assigned a specific output of the interface...that output is physically cabled to the input of the mixer (e.g., output if mixer to input of interface...output of interface back to input of mixer...a closed loop). Then my monitoring is done from the mixboard stereo monitor out. Thus, all of the tracks are played back via the DAW, but all of the gain control, panning, etc is done mainly on the board mixer. If I want, I can throw a plugin on those tracks internally in the DAW too. If I want, I can use the aux sends on the analog mixer to route to my rack gear and send whichever tracks individually to whatever outboard gear I have (compressor, additional EQ, reverb etc).

[@EverythingMusicRecording]

I’m having a brain fart and I can’t think of his name, but check out the KZbin channel Mixing Music Analog. He started the channel when he got his SSL Origin console, so he covers all the stuff you’re talking about. As for your question, no, not at all. I always recommend getting an interface with more ins and outs than you think you’ll need. In your case depending on how many tracks you want to send to separate channels on a mixer you might even need more ins/outs than you currently have.

[@ItzrealMusic]

Ok I have a Universal Audio Apollo Twin USB High-Resolution USB Interface with Realtime UAD DUO Processing don’t know if your familiar with that interface can I build a chain or do I have to upgrade my interface ?

[@richloco8743]

So if I have an Apollo twin, I can aim to get a avalon 747sp, right ? That should be good with the unison pre amp and vocal chain on my console or am I missing something ?

[@elielsolis]

What is your opinion on analog summing ? I’m thinking getting one but I’m not sure if it’s worth the money.

[@EverythingMusicRecording]

Hey James. I've ponder analog summing myself from time to time. IMHO I would say rent or borrow a summing mixer before shelling out to buy one. If you're in the US then seen if Blackbird in Nashville has any summing mixers they rent (They have a massive amount of gear that anyone can rent) if you're looking at something more high end. Other than trying one out first, at the end of the day, if you try one and really like it, then it's worth the money. Is there a particular model you're thinking about?

[@novicabozunovich]

Excellent

[@EverythingMusicRecording]

Sweet, Thanks =)

[@brandanleiter]

I feel like sending tracks from within my daw to outboard gear would be the less destructive way to experiment with using outboard gear in my mixes...wouldn't it be?

[@EverythingMusicRecording]

Yes and no. The only way it would be destructive would be if you recorded over the track you're sending to outboard gear, or deleted the original track after the fact. If you do need to print the track just make sure its printed to a new track and you always have the original track as a backup just incase.

[@aberyscirbrecon7949]

Brilliant - clear and succinct - thanks!

[@EverythingMusicRecording]

Thanks for the kind words Aberyscir. Glad the video was helpful 🙂

[@gerardomerino6418]

Hi, I own an Apollo Twin MkII interface with 2 inputs (mic/line 1-2) and 4 outputs (monitor L-R, line out 3-4). I don't understand if I could use it for mixing with analog gear on Pro Tools. Hope you can help me, thanks in advance!

[@EverythingMusicRecording]

Hey Gerardo. You can use your Apollo for this. The only issue is that since you only have two inputs you'll have to disconnect any outboard gear when you need to record so you can plug in a mic or guitar as examples. You can still leave the outputs of the Apollo connected to your outboard gear though.

[@gerardomerino6418]

@@EverythingMusicRecording thank you so much! 🙏🏼

[@EverythingMusicRecording]

No worries at all Gerardo 🙂

[@whendoesthisend]

What about dj mixers with audio interface like the Xone PX5. How would you set that up? Sorry I'm new and trying to understand . Thank you much.

[@CLELDKFKEJ]

Hello! I'm sorta new to outboard gear. I was curious what the best outboard gear would be for anything/everything metal/heavier music related? Thanks In Advance!

[@EverythingMusicRecording]

Hey Dan, great question. Well the short answer is that you can use anything really. Metal records have been tracked on Tridents, API’s, SSL’s, so on and so forth. What I would recommend is make a list of, iono, say 5 albums you like the sound of most. Then look for articles about how those records were recorded. You can usually find some info about gear they used. Then see if you can find any common threads. Plugins is another way to experiment. As an example, say you’re pondering the API 2500 compressor, you’re better off buying the plugin from say Waves when it’s on sale for $29. Then if you really like the plugin and it helps get you towards the sounds you’re going for, then you can be pretty well guaranteed that you’d like the hardware version as well. And if you don’t like that compressor, you’re only out $30 and not $5000. Though obviously you could sell the API… I digress lol I can’t tell you what you’d like cuz I’d have no idea, but hopefully that will help you get started. If you have any other questions, feel free to ask.

[@CLELDKFKEJ]

@@EverythingMusicRecording Thank you very much for the advice and the reply!

[@EverythingMusicRecording]

No worries Dan. Hopefully it helps you out.

[@BIGpony777]

welp. i wish i watched this video 400 dollars ago hahaha

[@LaWhiteHouse_]

What would a correct lvl of db in order to work with analogue compressors? (Warm audio 1176)

[@EverythingMusicRecording]

It depends on your setup. Start with the output coming out of your DAW at around -18dBfs RMS (give or take) and adjust it from there. Each piece of analog gear and even the converters in your audio interface will all be a little different so a little trial and error will be involved but it should only really take a few seconds to figure out if you're coming out too hot or need to boost the level coming out of your DAW into the 1176.

[@philsimons8762]

maybe a dumb question, but is a patch bay a viable option instead of upgrading to an interface with multiple in and out ports? My understanding of the stuff is a bit lacking, but would you be able to feed everything in and out of the patch bay and then have the patchbay go to your 2 port interface?

[@EverythingMusicRecording]

Hey Phil. Not a dumb question at all. There are lots of ways to use a patch bay. But unless you have a decent amount of gear in your studio then a patch bay is kinda pointless. But as an example since it sounds like to have a 2 channel interface. Let's say you have a few different synths. Instead of having to constantly plug and unplug each synth into your interface, you could patch each synth into a patch bay and then just connect the patch bay into your interface. You could then decide if you want to patch in one synth at a time from the patch bay into your interface, or you could always have all the synths all patched right into the interface via a patch bay (might add a bit of noise though if all the synths are on) That can also save wear and tear on the inputs of your audio interface. So yes, you could, but again it depends if you have enough gear to make a patch bay worth it. Let me know if that helped.

[@philsimons8762]

​@@EverythingMusicRecording Thanks a bunch, Yeah i have a few synths as well as guitar, bass, mic. I've been considering a patchbay as opposed to my focusrite 2 input 2 output. If I'm looking into adding more gear in the future, is there any benefit to getting a better interface rather than just a set of patchbays? Also the patchbay would make it easier to route things from one another. Correct?

[@EverythingMusicRecording]

No worries Phil. A patch bay does make routing much easier. Any inputs and outputs on outboard gear is going to be on the back of the unit (with the odd exception I'm sure) and a patch bay would allow you to move all those connections up front. So all of your routing is done from the front of the patch bay instead of having to get to the back of all of your gear. As for the interface question. It really depends on how many tracks you need to record at the same time. Like if you write hip hop and all you need to record is a synth or some some vocals then a 2 channel interface is just fine. Or if you just record vocals and guitar, just as some examples. If you want to start recording a drum kit, or toss 3-4 mics on a guitar cab, then an interface with more inputs is always going to be needed. Also, combining a larger interface and a patchbay depends on your needs. For an example. I have the Focusrite 18i20. I leave the two front inputs open for guitar/bass (if going direct) or a shotgun mic when I'm doing videos. The 6 channels on the back are used up for feeds from guitar amps and such. So they are hard patched and I never touch those. Since I currently only have one piece of outboard gear if i was going to expand I'd rather add an OctoPre to the 18i20, but if I had more outboard I'd possibly add a patchbay first. Its all kinda depends on your setup and what you're trying to do.

[@philsimons8762]

@@EverythingMusicRecording I see. this makes a lot of sense. And by the way, thank you so much for answering my questions. I don't really know anyone with much external gear so it can be pretty challenging to find out exactly how everything works. Also, I really appreciate the video. I found it to be concise and to the point while explaining things thoroughly! Cheers mate! cant wait to see more of your stuff

[@EverythingMusicRecording]

Anytime and no worries at all. If you ever have any other questions feel free to ask 🙂

[@johnnybeats777]

How could I get in touch with You? Got couple of questions

[@EverythingMusicRecording]

You could msg on Instagram if you wanted too. My handle should be in the description.

[@johnnybeats777]

@@EverythingMusicRecording I hit You on instagram

[@EverythingMusicRecording]

Sounds good!! I’ll check within the next hour.

[@chrise13]

Thank you kind sir

[@EverythingMusicRecording]

No worries at all Chris 🙂

[@amonymouss]

Canadian IN and OOT!

[@EverythingMusicRecording]

Lol what?? I don’t say OOT… do I? I’m certain I don’t say ABOOT… (ponders…) Is my Canadian really showing? Lol

[@roquevillafranca4018]

So helpful!

[@EverythingMusicRecording]

Thanks Roque. Glad the video was helpful for you =)

[@brianhintze6440]

Cool and informative video. Thanks for uploading. New subscriber. :o)

[@EverythingMusicRecording]

Thanks Brian! Glad you liked the video, and thanks for subbing =)

[@Thugway318]

hello happy new year is there any way you can help me set up my out board correctly willing to pay

[@GazzMoss]

So Jeff will Focusrite Clarett OctPre audio interface be able to send return a Neve Portico2 MBP?

[@EverythingMusicRecording]

Absolutely Grahame. The octopre uses a db25 connection to send the line outs from the unit. So you would need a db25 to either XLR or TRS which you could then run directly to the Neve, or stick a patchbay in between. Then from the Neve either XLR or TRS back into any two inputs (assuming you’re running the Neve in stereo) back into any two inputs on the Focusrite. 🙂

[@GazzMoss]

Focusrite sent me an email and they said I could use the Neve with the OctoPre but would have to connect to another audio interface via a Toslink? Is that the case Jeff & what do you mean by db25 exactly is that a type of cable or line out, I'm getting a headache😂. Is there a workaround from what they are saying I was hoping the OctoPre would be my interface, thats what I'm after an interface that will run the Neve & into cubase?😣🤔

[@EverythingMusicRecording]

Hey Grahame. Sorry, I was under the assumption that you had the octopre connected to an interface already. But that is correct. The octopre is NOT an audio interface. It is a 8-channel preamp. It’s designed as an extension unit for the Focusrite Clarette (tho you could also pair it with a Scarlett or any interface that can be expanded via toslink) So let’s pretend you have the Clarett+ 8Pre audio interface. That unit would connect to your computer (via USB) It has 18 inputs and 20 outputs. 8 of those ins and outs are via toslink (or lightpile, or ADAT. 3 names for the same thing) So to expand that unit you would connect your octopre to the clarett+ with two toslink cables. 1 toslink cable handles the 8 inputs and the other cable handles the 8 outputs. You could connect your Neve to either unit. On the back of the octopre, left side there is what looks like a big old computer port (labelled “line outputs”) and that is the DB25 connection. That is what sends the 8 outputs of the octopre out to external gear (compressors, reverbs, whatever you’ve got) DB25 comes in a cable (DB25 connections at both ends) or breakout cables. Meaning a DB25 connection at one end, and the other end would have either 8 XLR or TRS 1/4” jacks. Your Neve does not have a DB25 connection so you would need a breakout cable. If you had the Clarett* as your audio interface, it does not have a DB25 connection so to connect the Neve you would just need a couple TRS cables. I think that should explain everything. Don’t hesitate to hit me back if you’re still unsure, or have more questions Grahame 🙂

[@GazzMoss]

@@EverythingMusicRecording Ok Jeffy :), I had a look at what you said, so the Octo Pre is only for expansion but it does have "send & return" jacks right!? The Scarlett octo pre is an audio interface but doesn't have "send & return" jacks. I was just looking at the Focusrite website on the back of the "Scarlett" it has "Optical inputs & outputs" & a USB C input, So here's my question now, (I think I'm getting close to what I'm looking for) is it possible to use the scarlett too hook up my Neve even though it doesn't have "send & return" jacks & connect to Cubase? If not is the alternative to get both the scarlett & the Clarett and hook them up via Toslink (ADAT) on the Octo Pree & the "Optical" in on the scarlett and therefore run the Neve that way, through the Octo Pree send & return....If and optical In & out is ADAT right!? I'm not messing with ya I need to know bro, is optical the same thing as ADAT considering they use the same connectors & cables oh my, I'm just trying to get my head around it...thanks Jeff :)

[@GazzMoss]

I promise your answer will be the end of this for me but might help other tossers like me in the future :)

[@lightafluident.9950]

I prefer to build a custom channel strip rather than get one that comes all together.

[@EverythingMusicRecording]

Oh for sure!! If you want to really customize everything then 500 series modules are a great way to go. I think the only downfall is the cost to get a lunchbox (rack mount or otherwise) before you can even get started with any 500 series gear. Pros and cons to either approach.

[@RandomRory]

I have a 12 channel mixer ( in and out) going into a 2 input 2 output interface is this capable for mixing using outboard gear or do I need to upgrade the interface it works for recording but I haven't figured out how to mix with it yet

[@EverythingMusicRecording]

Hey Kirra. You are correct. Your interface does not have enough ins and outs to really utilize your mixer. IMHO once you’ve recorded a part into your computer, there isn’t much reason to send anything back out to use outboard gear UNLESS that is you have something that you really like the sound of, or doesn’t exist in the plugin world. As an example my SPX900 doesn’t exist as a plugin, no one has made one. So I don’t have a choice. Maybe your mixer has an effect built in that you really like but cannot get the same sound using plugins. Then in that case it would make sense you send some tracks back out to your mixer. Beyond that, keeping everything in your DAW and using plugins just makes the most sense. You could tho make good use of your mixer on the way in. I don’t know what you have but it likely has some sort of EQ and some FX built in. If you can put them to use as you’re recording then there is probably no real reason to send audio back out of your DAW.

[@RandomRory]

@@EverythingMusicRecording ahh okay that explains a lot so I should get an 8 in 8 oit interface to use multiple effect units? Btw thanks for the fast reply

[@EverythingMusicRecording]

If you’re wanting to use more outboard gear, then yes for sure you’d want an interface with more ins and outs. I’d also look for one that’s easily expandable as well, just incase. No worries at all

[@RandomRory]

@@EverythingMusicRecording ahh thanks for the info been looking around for over a year with little to none succes ( :

[@EverythingMusicRecording]

No worries at all Kirra. If you have any other questions, feel free to ask.

[@mikeb9311]

Hey I’m trying to figure out why I’m unable to use all 3 of my outboard gear in PT at the same time as insert?

[@EverythingMusicRecording]

Hey Mike. I’ve only used PT a couple of times so I’m not sure I’ll be of much help. Are you trying to route one track to all 3 units or separate tracks to individual units?

[@mikeb9311]

@@EverythingMusicRecording one track to all 3 units like my master track or my vocal track.

[@EverythingMusicRecording]

Ok, is the audio NOT sending out to the units, or is it NOT returning to your DAW? Sorry lol, I was Apple tech support for years so I’m gonna have some seemingly dumb questions so I can hopefully help you out.

[@mikeb9311]

@@EverythingMusicRecording the audio is sending out on each unit, one by one the problem comes in when I try to use all 3 of them at once, I get a loud distortion sound, but they work fine when I run one at a time.

[@EverythingMusicRecording]

Hmmm, yea that’s a weird one. Well it seems unlikely that Pro Tools is causing the issue. So we know using one unit works just fine so it seems likely that the issue lays within your gear. Troubleshooting can be a pain so try these steps out. Since we know there is no issues using one unit, try adding a second one. If you start getting the loud distortion again, make sure levels between the two pieces of gear are not too hot. Also make sure the level going back into PT is not overloading your interface. (Could be a simple gain staging issue, I feel like this might be the culprit, but I could be wrong) If there are no gain staging issues I’d check for bad cables and/or jacks in your patchbay if you’re using one. None of these should be causing loud distortion. Crackling and such is possible but I’ve never heard of a bad cable causing loud distortion. If you can get two units working together without any issues then connect the 3rd unit. If the distortion returns then run through the steps I listed again. I’d bet it’s either a gain staging issue, OR, maybe one of the units is having issues and could need a trip to the repair shop. Before you go thru the steps I listed, test each unit on it’s own first if you haven’t already. Keep me posted Mike.

[@MihirPhukan7]

Guthrie Govan started doing all this nowadays !! 😮

[@VersatileLifestyle1]

I have an Isa one, klark Teknik eq, RNC 1173 can someone help me route it plz 🙌🙌🙌

[@brucehathcockmusic]

Thank you

[@EverythingMusicRecording]

No worries Bruce

[@GingerDrums]

I mix and produce for a living. Q: "Outboard Gear - Where to Start?". A: For mixing: Don't. It adds 0% value to your mixes. I have some fancy Shadow Hills comps and Decca EQs and none of it matters at all. I own it because its fun to have and make money doing it, but otherwise get the fabfilter bundle and know that you have world class tools.

[@EverythingMusicRecording]

Lol I can’t disagree with you. I think the whole “plugins vs gear” debate is a pointless one tbh. In this day in age I think it just boils down to using whatever you like, plugins, gear, or a mixture of both. We will always need some gear, like mics and preamps if nothing else. But as plugins get better and better it does become much more difficult to justify the cost of hardware. But some people would rather have hardware for somethings, and there’s nothing wrong with that either.

[@WavetableMetaphysics]

A bit of dust on that interface?😂🌬💨

[@EverythingMusicRecording]

Hahaha!!! Right?!?! Just a little bit of dust. It’s just my spare interface so it just sits around and literally collects dust 😁

[@empirix]

just to clarify, many interfaces have line in and outs, therefore you don't need the preamp as it is obviously line level- just an fyi , I was referring to synths. I am obsessed with them , burn your guitars ha

[@EverythingMusicRecording]

If sending audio out of your DAW and back in, then yes the line ins and outs would be all you need to then send to external hardware. But a microphone HAS to have a preamp so from the recording side unless you have an audio interface with send and returns (which is very few of them) then you absolutely need an external mic pre before you could then send that signal to an EQ or compressor. Without send and returns on an interface the audio from plugging in a mic (or guitar or anything else) will just go straight into your DAW. That’s how they are designed.

[@empirix]

@@EverythingMusicRecording ah I missed the mic part. I was referring to synths myself which are obviously hotter at line level. my mistake and thanks for the video. cheers

[@velocityacoustics]

some diagrams would have helped visualize.

[@agoodmansaid]

My brain hurts

[@EverythingMusicRecording]

I'm sorry. What was the issue with the video and what could I have done or explained better?

[@Chavacano]

dude draw some pictures my brain was lost in your words LOL

[@EverythingMusicRecording]

lol I can't disagree with you. It would be nice if I had some animation skills, or the ability to walk into a guitar shop and have them lend me gear to better demonstrate what I am trying to explain. These are things I am trying to figure out how to pull off, but sadly for now all I can do is try to explain things the best I can. I do appreciate your feedback though and I'm hoping I can figure something out sooner rather than later =)

[@hossamfouda1510]

Was a nice tutorial, but did you have a deadline to finish it so quickly? You talked too fast and since this is a tutorial, it should adhere to certain standards like maintaining voice tone and speed when you demonstrate something so everyone can benefit from it.

[@EverythingMusicRecording]

Did I talk fast in this one? It’s been awhile lol. Iono, speed is weird. It doesn’t matter what speed I talk at, someone will take issue with it. Usually if I’m talking fast I’m just nervous (being on camera has this affect on me, some days more that others)

[@NRVE8]

the moment i saw the yamaha monitors on their sides, I knew I wasnt going to listen to anything this dude says... see ya

[@EverythingMusicRecording]

Bye

[@ericjohnson1811]

If you don't know this already don't spend money on outboard gear.

[@fxcksthiswrld]

How would you go about printing audio with outboard gear? I have a Art pro channel strip 1. with a build in pre amp. And I want the audio from my daw (pro tools) to send audio to my Apollo twin and then into my outboard gear then back into pro tools😅? Any help would be appreciated!

[@traywiththemac11beats42]

bro how do i contact u direcly