Question about plugins and N-Track
I apologize if this is in the wrong forum.
I built a new computer just for recording.
Asus MB, 4 gig memory, Intel Duo Core 6600, 1- system drive 160gig, 2 music drives 640gig each.
2-20" Monitors, ATI X1600 video card.
Windows XP-Service Pack 3
I purchased N-track 6 and downloaded the latest version. It installed with no problem.
I have a MAudio Delta1010 PCI interface and a set of Maudio BX8A monitors.
Oh! I also picked up a Mackie 1642 VLZ3, but don’t know if that was a mistake and maybe didn’t really need it with the Delta 1010.
Well it’s all bought and paid for (no plastic).
I am a total newbie and wanted to know if you guys think this set of plugins at
http://store.dontcrack.com/product_info.php?products_id=272
is worth the money they are asking? What would you recommend I start with? Just the plugins that come with N-Track?
Yes I have a million things to learn but I thought that the above web link to a bunch of plugins may have been a really good deal, just thought I would ask first.
Actually this is all a little over whelming so so much to learn.
I will just be recording some vocals, acoustic guitar and electric for now.
This is a hobby not for money. I will be retiring in 2 years so wanted to get some stuff together while the money is rolling in still.
Oh, I kind of guessed at what stuff to buy so if what I have seems to be a mish mosh then it’s due to no experience and I don’t know anyone to guide me along.
The computer will not go on the internet so it has minimal software installed to keep it clean.
Only my programs will go on the C-Drive the other 2 drives are just for recording files.
I expect to make lots of mistakes so I have plenty of storage to do it in.
Any input or suggestions will be appreciated.
Thanks,
Lou
Welcome to the forum Lou
- I’ll check out the link later - there’s a ton of free plugins out there. The nomad series is pretty cool, But you might want to spend your money for microphones!
Hi BluesLou:
You got a nice, respectful setup going…
I believe there are guys up here with the Delta 1010 A/D converter…
If you got any questions…
they’ll be All Ears…
There’s some clever Audio Guys hanging around here…
We’ll all be waiting to here your creativity…
and pouring your soul out to the Internet…
The first time I did it…
IT…
was frightening…
I don’t do it no more…
I’m spending my money, what’s left, on building a new studio…
I’m in the middle of wiring the building now…
Bill…
A good place to start in a search for plug-ins is Kvraudio.
Here are a few recommendations to get you going:
1. Classic series from Kjerhaus- a little long in the tooth but still excellent
2. Free plug-in pack from that other host, R… all excellent
3. Shareware from Stillwell Audio. Not free but low cost and excellent.
Bill
To expound a bit… (more time now) Don’t overlook the bundled FaSoft plugs. They’re actually pretty good considering they come with the app.
I also use the Kjaerhus Classic series and have been for some time. Pretty good stuff, again, considering the price… as in FREE.
The Stillwell/Scwha plugs are EXCELLENT and fair-priced too. Definitely worth a look.
D
There’s a 15 day demo link at the bottom of the page. (174 Megs)
I’m certainly going to try them out.
Thanks for the link BluesLou 
I wouldn’t bother. There are plenty of cheap/free plugs out there that will do just fine. Especially for a newb, until you know what you want, there is no reason to shell out the bucks.
Nomad make really good plugins, but don’t get them yet, use the freebies like everyone else is saying until you are really good at it, since the best plugs won’t give you a great sound unless you use them correctly, adn the difference between free and 500 dollar plugs is not all that much in many cases - and use the money to buy some good mics, like the Rode NTK - great on vocals - and something good for acoustic.
This is assuming you don’t have good mics already.
BTW, I have these from Nomad:
http://nomadfactory.com/products/asp/index.html
Thanks Everyone,
I really appreciate the help. I think I will look into some of the free plugins that you have suggested. I appreciate the links that were supplied by all of you.
I do need to get some Mics as has been mentioned so I think I will focus on that instead of plugins. You also are correct that I need to learn what I’m doing with the basics before loading up on plugins that I really don’t know how to apply.
I have been lurking and reading for a while here but I guess it’s time to just do some basic stuff.
Any other suggestions about mics would help. I was looking at some websites like Sweetwater and whew… The choices are incredible, along with some of the prices. 
Ribbons,Condensor, tube powered, tons of choices.
So I’ll look at some freebie plugins but focus on mics and getting some real basic concepts down.
Heck I’m struggling with how to use the mixer with the Delta1010, all the ins,outs,stereo outs,sub outs,Direct outs, Mains, Aux Sends,
lord I think I’m in way over my head at this point.
I’m a reader though, and I can take advice so I will struggle through what looks like a steep steep learning curve. This is way different then I thought it would be.
This certainly gives me pause to think about how the great music I have heard all my life came to be. More to it then I ever imagined.
Again, thanks for your patience and help.
BL
If you haven’t done so already, get the latest driver from M-Audio for the Delta 1010. It has a much improved, simpler interface.
Concerning microphones, we all have our favorites. You’ll probably get quite a list. But also consider your input chain, particularly the microphone preamps. Even the well known Shure SM 57 sounds remarkably good with a high quality preamp.
Some microphone suggestions:
live sound vocals: Audix OM6, Shure SM 58, Sennheiser E835
studio vocals (large diaphragm condensor): Rode NTK and other Rode, Studio Projects models, Audio Technica AT 3035, 4040, and many others. Be careful of the Chinese made low cost LDCs as their quality and sound varies greatly.
drum kit:
kick: Audix D6, Shure Beta 52, AKG D112, Sennheiser E602
toms: Audix D4, Sennheiser 421, Shure SM 57
snare: Shure SM 57, Audix I5
hi hat and overheads: small diaphragm condensor (SDC)such as Shure SM 81. There are many lower cost possibilities. Some folks prefer large diaphragm condensors for overheads.
guitar cabinets:
Shure SM 57, Audix I5
Have fun recording!
Bill
i’ve got 215 plugs. never spent a dime. plenty out there. no one’s paying me to engineer, so what the hey? they work great. would work even better if i were more skilled. plenty to occupy my time.
I find plenty of the cheap/free plugs I much prefer to the paid for expensive plugs. The ReaPlugs and Stillwell/Schwa offerings being notable examples. ReaComp is my go to expander and Rocket is my go to drum comp and the one is free, the other cheap.
I like my plug-ins like I like my women – Cheap and Free
(non-political election day humor - )
Women != Cheap OR Free… ever! At least in my experience…
D
Quote: (weekendtracker @ Nov. 04 2008, 9:21 AM)
If you haven't done so already, get the latest driver from M-Audio for the Delta 1010. It has a much improved, simpler interface.
Concerning microphones, we all have our favorites.
You'll probably get quite a list. But also consider your input chain, particularly the microphone preamps. Even the well known Shure SM 57 sounds remarkably good with a high quality preamp.
Some microphone suggestions:
live sound vocals: Audix OM6, Shure SM 58, Sennheiser E835
studio vocals (large diaphragm condensor): Rode NTK and other Rode, Studio Projects models, Audio Technica AT 3035, 4040, and many others. Be careful of the Chinese made low cost LDCs as their quality and sound varies greatly.
drum kit:
kick: Audix D6, Shure Beta 52, AKG D112, Sennheiser E602
toms: Audix D4, Sennheiser 421, Shure SM 57
snare: Shure SM 57, Audix I5
hi hat and overheads: small diaphragm condensor (SDC)such as Shure SM 81. There are many lower cost possibilities. Some folks prefer large diaphragm condensors for overheads.
guitar cabinets:
Shure SM 57, Audix I5
Have fun recording!
Bill
Bill,
Thanks for the information. I did download the updated MAudio Driver and will install it right away.
Lots of good mic suggestions and info is pouring in. Thanks for your suggestions.
Now I get to have Recording GAS as well as Guitar GAS... I'm doomed to be broke.
:-)
Quote: (phoo @ Nov. 04 2008, 3:38 PM)
I like my plug-ins like I like my women -- Cheap and Free
(non-political election day humor -
)
Yeah! but I don't think you'll catch anything from you plug-ins
Quote: (john doe's evil twin @ Nov. 04 2008, 11:26 AM)
i've got 215 plugs.
never spent a dime.
plenty out there.
no one's paying me to engineer, so what the hey?
they work great.
would work even better if i were more skilled.
plenty to occupy my time.
OOFA!!!!!
Looks like plug-ins will be the least of my problems. Hmmmm 215 man that's a lot of choices..
Quote:
Yeah! but I don't think you'll catch anything from you plug-ins
Well, the way things are going I'm not going to catch anything from the women either...
BTW:
www.kvraudio.com has a complete list of free plugs.