I'm an in the machine and plugin user. But I record live instruments with mics. There are somethings that are just too amazing in a computer that can't be done in a standalone box. My goto reverb is Altiverb. It's a convolution reverb which means it's a real room, and as long as you have an IR sample of a room, you can be "in" any room - it beats any external box for realism in spacial quality. The only thing better is to record in the actual space.

There are some boxes that are amazing, there are some plugins that are amazing. There is no be all end all. Everyone will find something that is musical to them. Even so, you have to get to know your medium that you're using. Like in the instance of synthesizers, I like the ones that come with Logic and never gave them much thought beyond that. Then in January a buddy of mine introduced me to the Virus. It's a high end synth that costs about $2500 or so. I heard it and now I want one bad, it's got such amazing character. I've started talking to the company that makes it and will likely pick one up before too long. Another cool feature for the Virus, it has a direct interface for Logic Pro (I like that for ease of use).

I prefer the ease of computers for recording. Rather than a dedicated box for mobile recording like a Roland or Korg, I'd prefer to use a laptop and a small firewire interface. That allows me to use the same program and file format so I don't have to dump things between programs. Very effective and every bit as portable.

I have a friend who has been in the biz a long time. He's had about every piece of high end gear you can think of. He really dig's the UA plugins for the UAD. Says they're every bit as good or better than the external boxes they emulate. I have no reason to doubt him, he knows his stuff and has great ears.

Jody

Jody Whitesides
A Funky Audio Lap Dance For Your Ears!
www.jodywhitesides.com