#1683118 - 07/13/05 08:51 PM
Software vs. hardware synths
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WaterMan
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Loc: Sacramento
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Sorry for being so lame at this computer recording stuff, but why would anyone want to use software synths and/or effects (reverb, compression, etc) over outboard hardware when the software stuff just eats up processor time, theoretically taking away from other functions?
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#1683119 - 07/13/05 10:20 PM
Re: Software vs. hardware synths
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Philip O'Keefe
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Well, a computer system - "native", or with third party DSP assistance - has a finite amount of processing power available, and you are correct that as you approach and reach the limits of that "horsepower", things can conflict in nasty ways. Audio doesn't get to and from the drives fast enough, screen redraws get corrupted and slow... basically, you crash and burn. 
But when running within the capabilities of a particular system, there is no reason why things can't run smoothly. The trick - for programmers as well as end users - is alloting the available resources in the most efficient and effective manner possible.
As far as the debate over hardware vs software, I am fairly neutral on the subject. There are some hardware processors that I find simply amazing, and that I've never heard replicated or duplicated in software. That stuff can be great to use, and I have no problems with doing so, and recommending that.
When it comes to outboard effects, unless we're talking about an EMT plate or a real chamber or other type of mechanical or electro-acoustical device, we're discussing DSP. And DSP is DSP... it really doesn't matter all that much if it is performed inside of a dedicated device or inside of your computer - assuming that the computer has sufficient power to effectively (no pun intended  ) deal with the tasks you're asking it to perform.
There are a couple of differences. First of all, there is the question of interfacing. With outboard, you have extra A/D - D/A conversion stages, unless you your external effects processor has a digital interface (AES, S/PDIF, Lightpipe) and you use that for the interfacing. With internal DSP, no conversion or hardware patching is required.
Probably THE biggest difference is the algorithms. Ultimately, the "programming" has the greatest bearing on how DSP is going to sound. That, and how the end user puts it to use.  I've heard great sounding effects that were done with internal processing inside of a computer and dreadful sounding external effects units. And certainly the reverse of that too.
The topic of software vs hardware has been a hotly debated one for a long time now, with plenty of strong opinions about the subject on both sides. But let's start with an assumption for the sake of argument here - let's assume that hardware sounds better... which leads us to the question of why would you want or use software versions?
Well, some people wouldn't. And that's certainly okay. But for others, even some who generally feel hardware is "better", there are reasons that justify the use of software. For one thing, when you buy a hardware compressor, you get a single channel (or stereo pair) of compression - that's it. But in software, you can use multiple instances of that same compressor plug in. Additionally, it's kind of hard to take your Fairchild 670 with you while you're on a trip where you're flying cross-country and are trying to work on some editing with your laptop. That portability can also be a big plus for softsynth users who don't want to lug a B-3, a Rhodes and several other synths with them to a small coffeeshop gig... they can bring their laptop, a small audio interface and a master keyboard controller and still have a wide range of useful sounds available.
What I'm trying to say is that while I still think there is some hardware that hasn't been matched in software, that doesn't mean I find software unuseable or without merit. I use both hardware and software in my rig, and I'm happy with that approach. Of course, YMMV, and you should use what works best for you.
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#1683120 - 07/13/05 11:52 PM
Re: Software vs. hardware synths
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Alndln
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Originally posted by WaterMan:
why would anyone want to use software synths and/or effects (reverb, compression, etc) over outboard hardware when the software stuff just eats up processor time, theoretically taking away from other functions?
_________________________
"A Robot Playing Trumpet Blows"
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#1683121 - 07/14/05 12:27 AM
Re: Software vs. hardware synths
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WaterMan
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Loc: Sacramento
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Thanks to both of you for your input. Since I just started with this computer thing, I think it's going to take some experimentation before I can come to a conclusion as to what will work best for my needs. I am currently using Tracktion (which does freeze tracks) but have Sonar on order because I want better loop editing capability.
Given that my recording needs are essentially going to be mic'd acoustic and electric guitar, vocals, some sort of drum track, and maybe two to four keyboard tracks (Yamaha P90 with Roland synth), I have a feeling that I won't be needing or using softsynths. However, I will be interested in the best way to mix/master (when I finally get a song completed), and can see the advantages to software processing for that task. Any recommendations there would be great. Does Sonar come with that capability?
And if I can ever figure out the best/easiest way to get a damn drum track laid down, I'll be all set. Loops aren't as simple/flexible as I thought.............
Thanks again.
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#1683122 - 07/14/05 12:34 AM
Re: Software vs. hardware synths
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Philip O'Keefe
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Yes, Sonar does come with a collection of different audio processing plug ins - and the "Producer" edition comes with even more of them, and IMO, better quality ones too.
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#1683123 - 07/14/05 12:36 AM
Re: Software vs. hardware synths
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Philip O'Keefe
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WaterMan, please tell us a bit more about the computer system you'll be using for Tracktion / Sonar, and what audio interface you're using.
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#1683124 - 07/14/05 12:46 AM
Re: Software vs. hardware synths
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WaterMan
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Originally posted by Philip O'Keefe:
WaterMan, please tell us a bit more about the computer system you'll be using for Tracktion / Sonar, and what audio interface you're using.
Echo AudioFire8
StudioProjects VTB1
Alesis monitors
SM57; AudioTechnica 3035 (probably should upgrade that)
Bunch of guitars/amps and keyboard/synth I mentioned
Know anyone in Sacramento I could pay to train me on all this stuff?
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#1683125 - 07/14/05 01:02 AM
Re: Software vs. hardware synths
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Philip O'Keefe
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Uh, Bunny? Foxtick? You guys feel like giving lessons in Sacramento?
WaterMan, I'll page a couple of my friends / fellow forum folks and have them get back to you on that.
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#1683126 - 07/14/05 01:40 AM
Re: Software vs. hardware synths
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Alndln
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Originally posted by WaterMan:
Given that my recording needs are essentially going to be mic'd acoustic and electric guitar, vocals, some sort of drum track, and maybe two to four keyboard tracks (Yamaha P90 with Roland synth), I have a feeling that I won't be needing or using softsynths.
_________________________
"A Robot Playing Trumpet Blows"
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#1683127 - 07/14/05 11:58 AM
Re: Software vs. hardware synths
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FoxTick
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Originally posted by Philip O'Keefe:
Uh, Bunny? Foxtick? You guys feel like giving lessons in Sacramento?
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#1683128 - 07/14/05 04:56 PM
Re: Software vs. hardware synths
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WaterMan
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Originally posted by FoxTick: Originally posted by Philip O'Keefe:
Uh, Bunny? Foxtick? You guys feel like giving lessons in Sacramento?
And thanks Phil for helping out. 
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#1683129 - 07/14/05 05:20 PM
Re: Software vs. hardware synths
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Philip O'Keefe
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Any time WaterMan. Don't let Fox's modesty sway you - he knows what he's doing.
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