Can I use rack effects with logic?

RyConn M.D. wrote:
I am kind of interested in getting a rack effect such as the Digitech DSP 256XL Rack Mount Effects Processor. I am wondering if I could implement this with Logic. I currently use a Tascam USB audio interface with 2 inputs. I just want effects hardware instead of logic's effects. How would this work, if it would at all. Thanks a lot.

Hi,

I use outboard all the time with my Logic.

I do have a 16 input and 16 output converters setup, so I can route to and from the external devices easily.

You can do the same, although if using the FX unit with your current interface you would do a "solo"ed send to the FX, and record the FX returns into Logic, then you could use the FX printed inside logic to play back the effect. This can be easy, or can be hard.

Usually when I do external FX, I do them when final mixing, and when I am "there" with the mix, I print the FX individually into new tracks, so I can recall the mix later on in a different studio, if I need to, or to archive it with the correct FX sounds in the DAW, for the label or artist.

Cheers

RyConn M.D. wrote:
I kind of understand what you mean but I'm really not entirely sure. Is there anywhere I could learn more about "output converters setup" and how to record with one of these effect rack things in Logic. I totally appreciate your reply but I can't really say that it makes much sense to me. I apologize.

Hi,


I was referring to :

"16 input and 16 output converters" meaning an interface capable of doing 16 inputs and 16 outputs to and from the computer.

The FX unit, if it's stereo, you have to send to it, and return into the computer, recording the resulting effect from the external machine. Depending on if you have a mono signal or a stereo signal, you'll use one or two output channels, and return stereo, usually.

Cheers

on whichever ch you want to use the fx go in the insert section and click io and put in the routing info of where ou have your fx unit and you will be able to use your fx unit in logic.

RyConn M.D. wrote:
Okay, thats a little clearer. Can you just tell me the physical build of this all so I can understand 100%? And what I mean is...What wires go where?

You have a 2 output interface, correct?

Output 1+2 of your interface to the Inputs 1+2 (or Left & Right_ of the FX unit.

Outputs 1+2 (or L&R) of the FX unit into the Inputs of the audio interface.

!!!!IMPORTANT!!!!

You MUST MUTE the channel you are going to record onto,(audio from the FX unit), so as to not cause feedback.

Cheers

RyConn M.D. wrote:
One thing that I probably should've mentioned before was that The outputs of my audio interface are going to a CD changer/receiver which route to my "studio monitors." If that is already hooked up (RCA) then how would I implement the FX unit. Wouldn't that just be a big loop/continuum?

If this is the case, you really need to consider expanding your audio interface, by replacing it with one that has more inputs and outputs, unless you like rewiring this stuff all day long.

Cheers