hi everyone, now, this i know is subjective as hell but this part of the recording process for me is the most mysterious. i don't trust anything i do. be that as it may, i'm using the pro channel on my vox tracks and i'm wondering about where in the signal chain should i put the tape emulator. should it be the first thing that the music hits or should it be the last thing before going to the master output?
i would appreciate any thoughts. i watch the five million tutorials on youtube but i come away more confused and annoyed and disheartened and doubtful and confused.
where is jimmy miller when you need him?

Personally, I put the tape emulator in each channel since in the 'old' real world, that would be where it would be.
 
Have faith in yourself and practice at it - don't be afraid to try new things.  FWIW, it's a never ending learning process (mixing, mastering, sound design, etc.)
 
Just my two cent :)  Good luck!

All it does is add a type of harmonic distortion emulating what happened in the world of analog tape machines. Does it make the music sound better? Yes that is subjective. When I tried it a few times it certainly didn't make things sound better.. just different. 
 
ANd it's up to you which tracks your willing to process to get a given sound your after, It might do wonders to a guitar track but trash you vocals, As said above, there is no one answer when it comes to creating a sound. Try it on the master buss, or try it on sub mix busses, or try it on each audio track and pick what you like. 

Place it wherever it sounds best to you. It really is that simple 

Here's a thought - lately after watching a superior drummer 3 video - I've been using the tape plugin as the first processor in different parallel effects chains.  I've even been doing it live when bands come through the venue.   Ill use it on guitars, vocals, bass, keys.
 
As far as your question  - my response is to experiment more and more - and produce as much as possible - I know - that's not an answer, because there isn't one.  

thanks to all of you for your advice.