This is the first song I've done entirely in X2 (the video was done in Vegas Pro):

"When the Grid Goes Down"

I had a mix pretty much set up, then decided to add the Console Emulator modules. It didn't sound particularly good - sort of tinny. Out of curiosity I stripped the mix down to start over, and took Cakewalk's advice to insert the Console Emulators first, then mix through them. That did the trick. The effect on each track was very subtle, but it really added up over the course of the mix. When I used the QuickGroup to bypass all the Console Emulators then bring them back in, there was a major difference. When bypassed, the sound was, for a lack of a better term, more "lifeless" and lacked a degree of "sparkle." 

The one caution is that it really seems you need to be careful not to distort within the ProChannel, and do proper gain-staging. If there's any distortion going on, it sounds like the Console Emulators emphasizes it. I used to not worry to much if the little ProChannel peak lights went on every now and then, but I now I make sure they never go on. The cleaner the signal going into the Console Emulator, the better the effect sounds to me.

So, now I'm pretty much convinced that starting off a rock mix with the Console Emulators in place is a good idea. I haven't tried it with dance, though, where I suspect it might be overkill...we'll see. Also, the Console Emulators really fit well with the Quick Grouping, as you can change all the controls for all modules simultaneously.

Anyway, the bottom line is for the Console Emulators, I went from "not interested" to "worth using." If you listen to the song, that extra kind of sparkle you're hearing is the Console Emulators.

I hope y'all find this info helpful.

ive got them at the end of my tracks and busses, they sound sweet there as it is, but ill try moving them to 1st in the chain, see if there is any difference, i dont know about you, but i havent added any drive, just left them the way they are and like you say its subtle

I would be interested in hearing a bit of the mix A/B'd with console emulation on and off. Some really great sounds in there. 

wat ive noticed as well is if the project is idle, you can hear a hiss, like with a desk, with the CE on every channel

Cool track Craig.
I'm very interested to hear more, and yes an A/B would be great.  A lot of my top end hearing has gone so I'm also curious as to what effects I might be able to appreciate with the emulators, psycho-acoustic and otherwise!
 
- I infer from what you describe that you put an emulator on every track?
- The same 'type' on each?
- What settings did you find worked best with each type of track?
 
Thanks
John

Love that track bro!!

Been watching Revolution maybe?
Enjoyed the track Craig and interested to experiment a bit based on your comments.

Cheers.

Sounds pretty good Mr. Anderton!

I love the Console Emulation and have it as a standard module in my Pro Channel. I have it placed first in the chain as a default but I tend to drag it to the end for vocals. And yes, the difference is quite noticeable. I was planing on geting either the Slate VCC or Waves NLS. Right now I think I would have gone with the Slate one. However, after trying the PC Console Emu I've ditched the idea of geting a 3rd party plug. The PC offering does the trick for me.

Cool tune, cool lyrics and the video worked nicely. Well done!

will Sonar still give us updates if the grid goes down ???????. Nice song Craig sounded good to my ears.

Roy

Mully


Been watching Revolution maybe?
Enjoyed the track Craig and interested to experiment a bit based on your comments.

Cheers.

Believe it or not, I don't watch television. As in, not at all; it's just not my thing. But a couple people have told me about Revolution, so now I have to see it


As to an A/B, I leave for AES on Friday, so I don't know if I'll have time to put anything together before I go...I'll see what I can do, but if not, I'll post after I return.


Thanks for all the nice comments! It was fun song to do.