Hardware Plugins for Recording

[ajaxlepinski]

Just saw this... I'm sure everyone else has but, I've never heard of hardware plugins before!

A Lexicon rack reverb ($219.00) that has a USB plug so you can insert it as a plugin, directly into your recording software. Pretty cool!!!
https://lexiconpro.com/en/products/mx200



Wouldn't mind a USB Limiting amp/expander/compressor.

[BroSlinger]

Interesting.

Seems kind of dumb unless you just have to have real time knobs for whatever reason.

I can't imagine a modern cheapo lexicon competing with my $50 Valhalla Reverb software plugin.

[Ostinato Rubato]

Yeah there's some software reverbs that are just absolutely fantastic these days.

[ajaxlepinski]

Yeah, but I have 3 more rack slots to fill, on my new, recording desk!

One slot already has a BBE exciter, going to get a DBX 166xl and, I'll prolly get a Universal Audio 1176LN or, an eq for the other two slots.
Gotta do some more homework but, I don't think I'll get the Lexixon reverb.... I already have about 6 reverb plugins.

[BroSlinger]

Ajax,

Necessary hardware IMO -> good mic preamps. a decent compressor.

I think, anything short of $4,000, reverb and EQ are best tackled with software these days.

[ajaxlepinski]

I am talking about excess, not necessity... the empty 3 rack spaces, on my desk, are like a monkey on my back that won't leave me alone!!!

I really don't need anything else...
I have a 500 Series LunchBox with a Heritage Audio 73Jr preamp, a Really Nice Compressor (that's the brand name) and an Aphex Aural Exciter with Big Bottom (cue Spinal Tap).
I use the LunchBox to process my signal in analog, before hitting the A/D converter... the only thing I'm missing is an EQ and an expander.
I don't really like adding reverb or special fx while recording basic tracks - like most of us, I like doing all that in the box, with digial plugins.
So, an EQ and an expander, in the desk rack, would at least be useful.

Of course, it would be cool if I could find an analog EQ and expander hardware unit that also had digital USB plugin capabilities....
But, I think the hardware plugin thing is too new.... not enough options for what I'm looking for... yet.

[EndTime]

I think, anything short of $4,000, reverb and EQ are best tackled with software these days.

Uhh what? Lol. That’s straight up nonsense. Especially when it comes to EQ. Give the Kush audio Electra 500 series EQ a shot and see if that statement holds up. Only $500. They even make a plug in version and yeah it’s very close, but I’d still take the hardware. And there’s plenty more that don’t come near a $4k that are outperforming soft plugs

As for reverbs, Lexicon is all digital. I’m wondering why you think they can’t stuff a ton of quality in a cheaper unit? I’m sure they can put their flagship reverbs in a cheap hardware box these days since it’s all digital anyway. Obviously they aren’t. But Lexicon, even their cheaper reverb units, generally perform pretty well from my experience.

[EndTime]

Also Ajax, if you are really looking for a dbx166xl, I’d sell mine.

[Loop Bizkit]

Nothing that hasn't already been said here... but... no.

Unless you're buying a Bricasti M7 (and even then it's debatable)... there's pretty much no point in buying a hardware reverb, save conserving CPU resources... and then you should be looking at a new machine if that's your problem.

This MX200 is still cool for FOH guys with little analog mixers, though. It's nice to have a cheap multiFX in a tiny PA situation.

Just buy a FunkLogic panel if you need to fill spaces. They're awesome and kinda hilarious.

[ajaxlepinski]

Also Ajax, if you are really looking for a dbx166xl, I’d sell mine.

Dude! Thanks!! Sending a PM...

[ajaxlepinski]

Nothing that hasn't already been said here... but... no.

Unless you're buying a Bricasti M7 (and even then it's debatable)... there's pretty much no point in buying a hardware reverb, save conserving CPU resources... and then you should be looking at a new machine if that's your problem.

This MX200 is still cool for FOH guys with little analog mixers, though. It's nice to have a cheap multiFX in a tiny PA situation.

Just buy a FunkLogic panel if you need to fill spaces. They're awesome and kinda hilarious.

I agree.... I don't want a hardware reverb... I was fascinated that a hardward rack thingy comes with a USB plug that allows you to insert it like a digital plugin, right into a channel on your recording software.

Thanks for the FunkLogic suggestion! LOL! Had to Google that... it is hilarious!

I also found a Radial horizontal 500 series rack... this makes more sense for what I'm doing...