ProChannel before effects or effects before ProChannel? And if a mastering plugin is used, should that be the last in the chain or should it be the very first? Does any of this make a difference at all, especially in sound or is it all just preference?

It is all preference and based on whatever the material calls for really. As far as mastering, the only current PC module that I can think of that may come last in a mastering chain would be the concrete limiter if you are using it as your mastering limiter. Maybe. Depends on what you mean by "mastering plug" actually.

This was posted on the Cakewalk blog, and posted by Cakewalk on Facebook.   http://blog.cakewalk.com/an-audio-journey-through-the-signal-path-in-sonar-x1/

"Mastering."  I believe there are two types.  A. Professional true audio mastering. B. What I have affectionately been calling, "home grown, or home brew," mastering.

The differences are beyond the scope of the thread...  but, "if a mastering plug is used" than you should have the Pro-Channel Post FX bin, and use the Concrete Limiter last.  IMHO, for home brew mastering, the Pro-Channel EQ is a great choice.  Although, I've been using the LP64.

Now, let's put the mastering conversation aside for a second...  The order of modules on the Pro-Channel changes depending on what the material is calling for.  There is no, "one correct way."  Read the Cakewalk blog post, know the audio journey through Sonar..

bladetragic


It is all preference and based on whatever the material calls for really. As far as mastering, the only current PC module that I can think of that may come last in a mastering chain would be the concrete limiter if you are using it as your mastering limiter. Maybe. Depends on what you mean by "mastering plug" actually. 

I actually, I kinda said, exactly what you said..  :-)  but honestly, that PC Eq is going to work well with, "home brew mastering," why wouldn't it?
Cheers



Edit = gosh this forum software is so buggy!  it double posted me, when I meant to edit

There is no best chain - that depends upon what you are trying to accomplish.  The standard method is how the PC is presented - compressor followed EQ.  The FX bin is dependent upon what you are using in in - most of the time w/ reverb/delay it would be post PC so you can effect the already shaped sound.

Mastering, by defination, would be last and only on your output bus, tho putting a limiter  last a channel or bus chain is done if you need to slam the level of same.

I'm of two minds as far as having a master effect during mixing.  On the SSL console the mix bus comes w/ it and is often used for the sound/glue or word of the day.  The PC SSL comp can do the same thing.  And even a limiter on the output bus can alter the relationship of sounds in your mix.  Many mixers build that fact into their mix, but it takes experience.  What I usually do is have the ssl comp chosen but disabled on the output bus during mixing.  That way I get the best and hottest mix I can au naturel, then switch the comp on to see how much change it squeezes out. 

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