Console Emulator - Q about Craig Andertons tutorial

Hello
I got some questions regarding Craig Andertons tutorial about Prochannels Console Emulator (CE)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iZtJ9sLnwK8
 
I really want to use the CEs and I understand that how to use them is a matter of "taste". However, I am wondering a few things:
 
1. He is putting them last in the change (Pre fader), after compressor and EQ, and this is also the initial setting for all channels in Sonar X2. In the manual they recommend to put it first in the chain. Shouldn't CE be "on top" of the chain? Any ideas around this? 
2. The manual states: You will typically want to insert the Console Emulator module as the first module, and make sure ProChannel has Post FX Bin disabled. However, you can also experiment with placing the Console Emulator module at the end and enable Post FX Bin, so all your effects and processed sound are affected.
As I often use 3rd party plugins, according to Sonars recommendations above; I should (normally) place these in the FX-bin or insert a FX-Chain after (below) the CE. Correct?
 
Tips around this would be very much appreciated!
 
Thanx 

Hey JB
 
Thanks for your input JB
 
So you also use them last in change?
How to use it on a Master Bus? After or before a Limiter? I understand that it depends on current project, but as general guideline?
 
So if I use 3rd party plugins, I should put a FX-Chain containing these before the CE in the chain? 

The first thing that I do is put PC in the Post position. If I add an fx, I add the fx chain box into PC; this way i know where everything is at all the time. On the tracks I run the CE in the last position. That way everything is passing through the console. The only time I don't use the CE last is on the Master Buss; then I have it next to last followed by the Limiter. Limiter makes sure that nothing clips.

I was recently reading another thread regarding the Console Emulator, which highlighted that it is most effective when applied to a lot of tracks, having a cumulative effect over a whole mix. So, to me it seems to make most sense to use it last in chain on every channel (post effects)
 
I've watched the Craig Anderton tutorial about it's use, and have read other threads saying use it last in the chain, but I've never really experimented using it first in the chain, since it seems the favoured practice is to use it last in chain.
 
Too bad you can't "Quick Group" all the console emulators and move them to first in chain, to see if there is a noticeable difference.
It takes quite a while to move a large number of tracks console emulators to first in chain position (pre effects), and when I've tried it I don't hear a noticeable difference, but my use of the  CE effect is usually very subtle, only a slight colouration of the mix.
When I crank the settings, I don't like it at all, undesirable distortion.
 
My start up template has CE last in the chain, so I've just kept it that way mostly.

The cumulative effect is an important aspect, as noynekker pointed out.  I put them on all tracks and busses, more or less.
 
As for limiters, if I use a limiter on a track, I put it before the CE for the reason stated above.
 
However, on the master bus, you really need to put the limiter after the CE, as the CE can push the signal past the limiter's threshold.
 
I rarely use the FX bin now, instead choosing to insert the effects in an PC FX chain, so they will always go before the CE, and I don't have to worry about setting the PC to "post".  I love PC FX chains: it gives me so much flexibility with routing.
 
Sorry for all the abbreviations, it's just easier..

I've already done my experimenting/evaluating the CL.
 
If you want to se some serious research into the CL and its effects, look for the old thread in which Craig Anderton explains how he came to understand what it does.
 
If I find it, I'll post it up.

Here it is.  It's all worth a read, particularly Craig's posts.  In posts 116, 117 and 120 he talks about how he tested them and their results.
 
http://forum.cakewalk.com/New-Song-Done-with-X2-Uses-Console-Emulator-on-Every-Channel-NOW-WITH-AB-COMPARISON-m2699498.aspx
 
@ ErikDeluxe - You have started/participated in many threads concerning the CE, haven't you.  I see Craig has responded in at least one.  How are you finding the CE?

I got a follow up Q.
 
In Craig's thread (see above) he is mention the CEs may be "too much" for Dance music (EDM). I find it interesting as I mainly produce house music. Any ideas about his saying on this?
 

gswitz
I put them last in the track except on the master bus where I put it before the limiter.

+ lots.
 
This is the logical answer, if you want to use the CL as it was intended, as I, and many others (including it's developer, Seth & Brandon, Cake's CTO, Craig Anderton et al) have stated.
 
They have also stated that you can use it any way you want, just use your ears and decide what sounds good to you.
 
I use it last in the chain, except on the master bus, where I put it before the limiter...