I've started using the console emulator in all my tracks, grouped them all together so I can turn them OFF/ON at the same time. I do hear an improvement when I turn them ON, but I don't know if it's because the volume increases, or some high frequency eq has been added or what.
 
Reading the write up about the console emulator in Cakewalks help doesn't help as it just explains what each knob does. I just read a post by Daylaa that had a video about Pro EQ that actually showed you in a real example how to use the software to improve the sound and why they did what they did.
 
Can some explain to me the best way to adjust the settings to get the best results. I realize that there's only two knobs, but what am I looking for. (Ya, I know... "Until it sounds good!) :-)
 
Scott's Power X2 book suggests adjusting both knobs for +2db. Why? Why not 2.1db?
 
Walt

You mean Console emulator?
Check: http://youtu.be/iZtJ9sLnwK8
 

CakeAlexS
You mean Console emulator?
Check: http://youtu.be/iZtJ9sLnwK8
 

Alex,
Thanks for the correction. I've changed my post accordingly.
 
I watched the video, but that didn't offer any help in what I'm looking for. The video mainly concentrated on how to insert the emulators in each channel. Craig also suggested setting each knob for 2 dB. Later he moved the controls back and forth, but didn't mention what you should be looking for. Until it sound better?
The video ends with "When used properly (?), can give you that extra bit of Mojo that makes a mix stand out that much more. If you're like most users, you'll find that as you learn how to use the console emulator properly (?), you'll want to use it on all your mixes."
 
So how do you use it "properly"?
 
Happy New Year!
 
Walt
 

You've answered your own question.  Why not start with +2 and go from there?  Use your ears and experiment. According to your first post, you already have heard the difference with it turned on.  I think you want to know more about why it works than how it works.  Apparently, it works by adding a tiny bit of simulated analog distortion to the signal, which one would naturally get with an analog mixer.  At least, that's my understanding.  If I'm wrong, then hopefully, someone will set me straight.

>  If I'm wrong, then hopefully, someone will set me straight.
 
Use somebody else's ears, that's what I do ;)

Lynn
Apparently, it works by adding a tiny bit of simulated analog distortion to the signal, which one would naturally get with an analog mixer.  At least, that's my understanding.  If I'm wrong, then hopefully, someone will set me straight.

I did some analysis of the CE, and found it does two things. First, there is some simulation of non-linearities (distortion) that occurs in analog consoles. With digital, left and right channels have identical characteristics; with analog, slight differences between left and right increased stereo imaging, and distortion also creates higher harmonics that added a very subtle brightness. Second, it seems the CE takes into account input transformers by adding slight frequency response alterations and the distortions typical of inductors in the low end.
 
As to adjusting the controls, my preferred method is to quick group the controls and experiment. The Drive control introduces the effect itself, while Trim is more about level-matching. However, you can turn the Trim way up to add distortion - I wouldn't recommend this for program material, but it's useful as an effect on individual tracks.
 
When adjusting Drive, adjust to taste but I'd then recommend backing it off just a bit. The CE is at its best when it adds a subtle effect rather than hit you over the head with it.

Lynn
...I think you want to know more about why it works than how it works...

 
Once I know how it how it works (that's the electrical engineer in me), then I'll know why it works. Craig's explanation below is very helpful.
 
Happy New Year!
 
Walt
 
 

Anderton...As to adjusting the controls, my preferred method is to quick group the controls and experiment. The Drive control introduces the effect itself, while Trim is more about level-matching. However, you can turn the Trim way up to add distortion - I wouldn't recommend this for program material, but it's useful as an effect on individual tracks.
 
When adjusting Drive, adjust to taste but I'd then recommend backing it off just a bit. The CE is at its best when it adds a subtle effect rather than hit you over the head with it.

Thanks Craig. That is very good suggestion to quick group the controls. The electronics engineer in me wants to work with specs., data, etc. but this sounds like "add salt and pepper to taste".
I'm off to quick group!
 
Walt
 
 

I have found what works best for me is to adjust it to a light setting on all tracks and then mix into the CE from the start.  That setting for me has been right around 2.  CE is always last in my signal chain on tracks, except on the Master bus, its followed by Concrete Limiter.

MakeShift
I have found what works best for me is to adjust it to a light setting on all tracks and then mix into the CE from the start.  That setting for me has been right around 2.  CE is always last in my signal chain on tracks, except on the Master bus, its followed by Concrete Limiter.

I just did an experiment grouping all the "Drive" knobs in the console emulator on each channel (20 of them) per Craig's suggestion. It was interesting to flip the knob from -6 to 6. There was a definite improvement at 6. Going from  6 to 2 didn't "seem" to make any difference. Going below 2 made it worse. Looks like the magic "2" is a good default.
 
Walt