For quite some time, this is what I was going for, and then I read this:
“Since a hardware mixing console isn’t something we need anymore, it’s become something we want.”
-Brandon Drury ( Original full post is gone, but a copy can be found here )
This thing to chase isn’t something inherently magical about the tools but in building a good workflow that doesn’t get in the way of creativity. I don’t think there’s anything wrong with plugins with knobs and virtual patch cables if, and only if they allow you to work faster than without them. For a lot of people, seeing a virtual representation of a physical object makes a hell of a lot more sense than a bunch or sliders with parameter labels on them. Having glowing tubes that glow brighter as you turn a dial give a sense of feedback that people find useful.
Of course, you can take it too far, especially for people just getting started who might be tempted to mix a track with their eyes instead of their ears, but once you know what you’re doing then workflow is king, and however one can do that, then that’s the best way to do it.
Daisy chaning a couple of BCR2000s makes sense for a lot of people, but I found out it’s not for me, because it doesn’t make me faster.
I’ve scaled down my hardware controllers down to this:
Arm track, record, undo, play, stop and a shuttle wheel.
I’m actually in the process of getting rid of a lot of hardware I just don’t use. Similarly, I’ve started favoring plugins that make sense to me, rather than trying to chase a specific sound, I’m actually paring down to a few essential plugins, If I use a couple of different EQs, its going to be because each one allows me to zoom in on the sound I’m looking for faster than another one.
I think one of the biggest problems with interfaces trying to replicate hardware models is the idea that some people have about a certain sound that is only achievable using a certain reverb, or compressor.
(Steps on soapbox)
There’s no real mystery to EQ, you want to cut or boost a certain frequency? you don’t need an expensive virtual replica for that hardware box to do that. Just about any plugin will do the job. Same goes for delay, compression and other effects. But if you’re intent on replicating a specific sound, and that sound was created on a hardware box with three knobs and only two positions each, then of course its going to be trivial to replicate that sound using a virtual plugin that replicates that. It makes total sense, to pay money for that if it will allow you to work faster and deliver quicker.
But you could probably replicate that with one of the stock plugins that comes pre packaged with your DAW, and more. If you’re willing to invest the time to do that.
So I don’t think there’s anything wrong with skeumorphic interfaces, in fact, if properly designed, the limitations imposed by the interface can be a catalyst for creativity. The problem I have is with the idea that certain hardware has magic properties as far as sound goes. And the idea that reproducing hardware in virtual form allows us to capture that magic.
If Jimmy Hendrix Handed me his white Stratocaster at Woodstock, and I mean like he just took it off and handed it off to me, still plugged in to the same amps using the same cables and pedals, going through the same PA and tuned up just like he likes it, I would still not sound like him. Same thing with plugins and hardware: trash in/trash out.
(Steps off of soapbox, grabs a Coke, looks int the camera, tips hat, rides off into sunset)
