Plug-ins

This time around we’re taking a look at plugins on your system and identifying a couple of “must-haves” along with some tips to organize them.  Note that this is directed towards PC platforms but much of what is covered here can apply to the Mac as well (other than folder paths).

Plugins (both FX and virtual instruments (vsti’s or dxi’s) naturally multiply as you add more to your system.  If you’re not careful during install, you can end up with some in places that you don’t want them to be in.  Other than certain plugins or soft-synths that may require a particular directory, a good tip is to keep all your plugins within one folder whenever possible.  Most DAW’s have a preference that you can adjust to point the program to a particular folder or folders containing plugins.  On my system I use the path c:\program files\steinberg\vstplugins.  Within that folder I also have many subfolders which are organized by vendor.  For instance, all the Waves plugins are in their own folder.  Some installers will do that for you but in many cases it is possible to move the plugins after the fact and point your DAW to them.  Taking some time out to organize your plugins can be a real time-saver.  If your particular DAW has a feature within it that allows even further optimization (like organizing the plugin menu by type or vendor for example) I’d encourage making use of it.  Cakewalk’s SONAR has a great customizable plugin menu editor that allows you to organize how the plugins are displayed within the program.  You can even rename them if you need a more recognizable description.

When we’re talking about plugins, there are too many to go through and since cost varies from free to vastly expensive I figured it would be helpful to offer a few “must-haves”.  Most DAWs have a pretty extensive set of plugins already and in most cases you can certainly make great recordings and mixes using only what’s provided with your particular DAW.  Having a few other add-on plugins can really be inspiring though so here are a few I like and would recommend:

Waves www.waves.com make tons of plugins and their quality is fantastic.  Of particular interest are their Studio Classics (API emulations) and SSL 4000 (SSL console) versions.  These are pricey but they also can give you that “big studio” sound at a fraction of what an API or SSL console would set you back.

A good compressor is a useful addition.  Finding one that emulates the famed 1176 can add great benefit.  If you go the route of adding a hardware card to your system you can pick up a great 1176 model from Universal Audio www.uaudio.com along with several other great plugins.  The advantage to this system (which comes in varying models that increase horsepower and plugin count along with price) is that they take the load off of your CPU as opposed to normal software plugins.  Check them out or look at TC Electronics www.tcelectronic.com for their PowerCore line which works in similar fashion but is also offered in external firewire units.  Both companies offer very good model packages at a compelling price-point.

There are also a lot of free plugins that can be found as well.  Antress www.antress.er-webs.com make some good plugins and more can be found at www.vstplanet.com

In any case, it’s good to have some variety in your studio and plugins can certainly be part of that.  A decent selection that’s well organized will inspire you to new heights in your recordings and mixes.