Hello Fellow Users,
 
I am in need of some signal flow recommendations.
 
Typically i would have these plug-ins arranged in a channel or bus like so,
 
Inserts:
1. EQ
2. Compressors
3. Tube Saturator
3. Console Emulator
4. Tape Saturator
 
Sends:
(i dont think this one matters)
 
I believe my method is unorthodox, but i want to hear some suggestion how you would arranged them, typically.
 
Thanks
Yusuf.

I don't see that list in order as unorthodox. I would most often have a limiter at the very last spot but that is the way I do things.  Because it is totally up to the user there is no "right" way to do this. I would say there are more sensible ways then perhaps others but that can't take into account innovation and new ideas.

If it sounds as you want, it is the right way.

Looks pretty standard to me.

Just for fun, try swapping 1 & 2 around. See how you like it.

You really shouldn't use anything you don't have a reason for using; ie, solving a problem.  The signal level jumping too much - use a compressor.  Need to squeeze a signal into a busy mix - use EQ.  I find tube sat, console and tape emulations usually just cloud things up compared to good hardware saturation.  Of course, others use those tools to do excellent work.

But your list mimics the usual analog signal flow, so it is fine.  Just don't feel that you have to use such a chain on every channel.

@

You'll find as many people who swear by EQ->Compressor as there are who swear by Compressor->EQ. 

Although to me, it makes more sense to EQ your signal first because you don't want the compressor being influenced by frequencies that you're just going to take out later.....OR DO YOU 

im going with what AT is saying here, the only reason one should be using a plugin is because they need it, they only add in more complications unless they're serving a purpose.
and there is also a lot to be said in sharks reference about compressing eq vs. eq'ing compression.

sharke


You'll find as many people who swear by EQ->Compressor as there are who swear by Compressor->EQ. 

Although to me, it makes more sense to EQ your signal first because you don't want the compressor being influenced by frequencies that you're just going to take out later.....OR DO YOU 

+1

Though there is a case for applying EQ before AND after a compressor.

Use the one before the comp to do any HPF/LPF filtering and the one after for tonal sweetening.

Ah, the confusion of mixing.  Use more, no use less.

+1 to everything said above.  It is art, not science.

@