Recording with a mic in Sonar 8 and using effects

Author
Post
Essentials Only Full Version
Michael C.
Max Output Level: -90 dBFS
  • Total Posts : 45
  • Joined: 2012/05/08 23:23:08
  • Status: offline
2012/05/31 00:35:41 (permalink)

Recording with a mic in Sonar 8 and using effects

I posted this in the "Producer" forum as well, but thought I'd put it here as well.  This forum seems to generate better answers.

I do not do a lot of live recording, I mostly use VSTs and external instruments. I recently upgraded my system and bought a Steinberg MR 816x audio interface. When I plug in a mic and record into Sonar I now have to turn on "Input Echo" ON to hear FX inserts. Is this correct? The only reason I ask is that when I turn the effect (let's say reverb in this case) mix to dry, or when I do not have any effect inserted but still have the "Input Echo" ON, I hear a tiny bit of latency, almost like a mild flanging effect. Obviously when the effect is on you cannot hear this latency, but the fact that it is there as a result of switching on the "Input Echo" makes me wonder if it is having a deleterious effect on the added effect! I hope this makes sense.

Playback sounds great by the way, so that's not a problem. I am just wondering if it is 1. normal to hear this mild latency when you switch "Input Echo" ON, and 2. is this really the right way to hear the effect while you are recording and want to have the effect (not record the effect though).

THanks,

Mike
#1

3 Replies Related Threads
    Danny Danzi
    Moderator
    • Total Posts : 5810
    • Joined: 2006/10/05 13:42:39
    • Location: DanziLand, NJ
    • Status: offline
    Re:Recording with a mic in Sonar 8 and using effects 2012/05/31 05:16:56 (permalink)
    Michael C.


    I posted this in the "Producer" forum as well, but thought I'd put it here as well.  This forum seems to generate better answers.

    I do not do a lot of live recording, I mostly use VSTs and external instruments. I recently upgraded my system and bought a Steinberg MR 816x audio interface. When I plug in a mic and record into Sonar I now have to turn on "Input Echo" ON to hear FX inserts. Is this correct? The only reason I ask is that when I turn the effect (let's say reverb in this case) mix to dry, or when I do not have any effect inserted but still have the "Input Echo" ON, I hear a tiny bit of latency, almost like a mild flanging effect. Obviously when the effect is on you cannot hear this latency, but the fact that it is there as a result of switching on the "Input Echo" makes me wonder if it is having a deleterious effect on the added effect! I hope this makes sense.

    Playback sounds great by the way, so that's not a problem. I am just wondering if it is 1. normal to hear this mild latency when you switch "Input Echo" ON, and 2. is this really the right way to hear the effect while you are recording and want to have the effect (not record the effect though).

    THanks,

    Mike

    Yeah Mike, all that you mentioned is my experience as well. It will not effect your recording or anything. If you can lower your ASIO buffers even more, that flanging type effect will be even less. Thankfully I can run my ASIO buffers down to 32 samples so I don't get much of that sound at all. Most times I run at 64 but there are a few times when I just need things as low as I can go. All the stuff you're experiencing is normal though, no worries brother. :) Good luck!
     
    -Danny

    My Site
    Fractal Audio Endorsed Artist & Beta Tester
    #2
    Michael C.
    Max Output Level: -90 dBFS
    • Total Posts : 45
    • Joined: 2012/05/08 23:23:08
    • Status: offline
    Re:Recording with a mic in Sonar 8 and using effects 2012/05/31 19:04:45 (permalink)
    Danny, Thanks for the confirmation! Much appreciated. Mike
    #3
    DW_Mike
    Max Output Level: -6 dBFS
    • Total Posts : 6907
    • Joined: 2006/11/29 18:06:40
    • Location: The arm-pit of the good 'ol US...New Jersey
    • Status: offline
    Re:Recording with a mic in Sonar 8 and using effects 2012/06/09 19:52:06 (permalink)
    Another option Michael is that you can buy a cheap hardware reverb unit like the Alesis NanoVerb 2.
    On most interfaces there's inserts that allow you to add FX for recording purposes but doesn't record the effect.
    Using in the box FX and input echo is great and all as long as you have a light project. 
    But say you're pretty deep into things and decide you want to add some back up vocals. Now the latency of input echo can get unbearable.
    If your interface allows for direct monotoring this might be something you may want to look into as well.

    Just throwing some options at ya brother.  


    Mike

    Sonar X3 ~ Scarlett 18i6 ~ Home Build DAW  
    GA-Z77X-UD5H
    Intel i7 3770k 4.2GHz
    32GB RAM Crucial Ballistix Elite (4x8) 
    2x Samsung 250GB SSD 
    1TB WD Black HDD @ 7200RPM 6Gb/s 64MB 
    Corsair H80i Liquid cooler 
    Noctua Silent Fans ~ 3x120mm ~ 1x140mm 
    Seasonic Platinum 760w PSU 
    Windows 7 Pro 64Bit.
    #4
    Jump to:
    © 2024 APG vNext Commercial Version 5.1