Amazing video Paul! The one I was hoping to find honestly. I've been curious about use of Hardware inside of Pro Tools for a long time but could only find ones that correspond with Patchbays and just as send effects... not as inserts. You did a fantastic job explaining this process AND with visuals from the perspective of the interface which is an extra bonus!
U got me thinking 🤔 I did exactly what you said but with another Daw’s plugins using a different computer as an hardware.... it works perfectly thx 🙏🏾 bro !
ive been looking for a way to set up external gear to run in my protools forever! I have the digi003 so ur video finally showed me how to do it. Im greatful, u sir earned a subscriber.
I have an HD Omni as well can u show how u wired it in the back of the unit, I have an Avalon 737sp and an 2 distressors I want to use them as an outboard processor into protocols but I can't figure out how to wire it properly?
generate a tone signal..... send it through your loop and record it to a new track... compare it to the original track to see how many millisecs it moves... take that number and go back to the i/0 properties and there is a tab that says h/w insert delay... enter that number and you should be good to use inserts from there on
It's smart to use send effects when you want to enhance a signal without eliminating the original. By adding a delay to an already nice sounding signal you just make it sound better. The opposite goes for inserts. Use insert effects when you want to change the signal completely. Destructive vs non-destructive.
Dude this was an awsome video thank you so much I'm using gear that is a little old but by old quality. I hate to waste things so this was great I can use my old high quality gear.
Great video. Quick question Paul, would you put a hardware insert directly on an audio track (as per 6:21) or would you create a stereo AUX track, send the vocal track to that and put a hardware insert on that AUX? I'm just trying to figure out the benefits to either approach or why you might want to choose one over the other etc I guess. Thanks for the great videos mate. Much appreciated.
Hi, thank you for your video :), does this way mean we convert our A/D twice & does it matter if we do? We have been trying an outboard Rs124 & Pultec on Protools insert Plugin - & picking the IO option. Just wondering are we loosing quality doing a double on the A to D, Thanks
The same basic process described in the video but a separate input and output for each. Of course, this relies on having enough I/O on your interface. Obviously, if you only had say one hardware compressor you would need to record the output of that as audio in Pro Tools so you could use the compressor again on another track (if you wanted different settings).
This is the same question I has. I bought a WA-76 and the manual said to connect the mic to the preamp, then compressor, then interface. Now that would print the effect of the compressor while recording, but I’m fine with that. I got a group of 4 people and I don’t see how doing this would benefit because I’d have to keep adjusting the compressor anyways every time I go to a different person. Or am I missing something? And I don’t have problems with latency.
I'm having an issue where I lose fader control over the track I put the hardware insert in. Im using an audient id22, it's showing up in the audient software that the audio is there and it is audible but in pro tools the insert kills the fader, anyone have any thoughts?
I'm having a latency problem with the aux send/return. The signal route is correct but when I rise the reverb return fader I hear the reverb plus a short kind of delay or a phase gap. I'm sending the reverb in mono signal if that helps, my buffer size is 512 (I already tried to low down the buffer size but I get the same result...) and I'm using a M-Audio FastTrack Ultra. Thanks!!
Good morning, I'm having trouble getting signal out while printing with hardware. I'm using a manley core with a distressor to a Apollo twin. I can hear the changes when I twist the knob but when is time to print the waves don't change. What am I doing wrong? I'm using pro tools as well.
What do you mean by the waves don’t change? When using hardware you won’t see a change to existing waveforms, even on the track you’re processing. You will see and hear the effects of the hardware in anything you subsequently print onto another track in the session though.
Its very helpful. But i have a question. What if my signal came out from output 2, and then after the compressor, its plugged in input 5? Can i do that? The problem is, i only have 2 inputs, and using adat for input expansion. Regards.
Thank you very much for this great video but I have a big problem. I do like you said exactly but there is no sound and no signal when I make a send to Avalon pre. Can you help me in that please?! Thank
So how do you print these inserts or effects to come out into your mix bus? I got everything you explained but when I print/bounce it out to a stereo track, I get no sound
There must be an issue with your routing. Make sure you are bouncing from the correct output (in real time of course). Or, for an internal layback of the mix, route the tracks to a new stereo audio track and record. Let me know more details and I'll see if I can offer any more advice.
@@paulmaunder3007 Can you explain when you say "Correct routing". I have outputs 7&8 going into my extermal hardware compressor. What should be the correct routing on the output of my i/o set up in protools?
I've recently got more into external hardware. Is there a way to do this for tracking? I want to be able to have my mics ready to go but be able to switch only which one I'm recording through and run it through the Preamp--Compressor--Interface. Should I just have a patchbay?
Hi Paul, this is the most straight forward video, regarding this topic, I've found. I'm totally new to using hardware as an insert in my PT's. My question is, I've got a harmonizer I want to use as an insert. I have a Duet 2 interface. Do I need additional inputs and outputs assigned specifically to the harmonizer or can I use the input and output on the Duet?
+Robert biddle Hi Robert. I'm not overly familiar with the Duet interface but it looks like it uses a breakout cable for I/O. To use a piece of hardware as an insert you would need one additional output and one additional input per mono channel you wanted to use with external hardware. This would be in addition to the output you're using to your monitors. I hope this helps.
hi i have a problem when i play back, i only get sound from one speaker/ monitor. How to you bounce that vocal with insert mean the external fx, im using the M Audio M Track 8 audio interface
It does that if im dealing with Mono vox or any recording, because if try to choose my hardware on from I/O only show mono, and i choose lets eg. On my input section there in1 to in8
hi paul, excellent vid! is it possible to route from say, output 7 to input 14 using h/w inserts? this is very easy in logic pro x but i prefer mixing in PT. thanks
Do you mean physically sending a signal out of a hardware output and back into another? If so, it's easy. Just connect the cable to the relevant output/input.
thank you for your reply. If I take output 6 into my 1176, and back in to input 6, everything is fine. If I send output 6 and return on input 8, there is no sound on the return. in logic, I can choose the output and the input on the insert screen independent of each other. i was hoping I could do the same in PT 12.6. btw, I am using an apogee ensemble
Fernando Moleirinho Thes best way to go about this is probably to re-map the input in the Input section of I/O setup. Just set pro tools input 6 to take its input from input 8 on the hardware. Let me know if it works.
I cant seem to get the hardware inserts right, the latency is not just unusably bad but also the latency itself changes almost every playback. So that means sometimes it works, sometimes not. Its like a cointoss. Of course I use delay compensation and I did try to set the hw insert delay but that did nothing.
actually i have some problems with my DAW ( pro tools ) i connected my ( KLARK TEKNIK COMPRESSOR ) input and output line to my interface ( APOLLO firewire universal audio ) input and output lines .. but when i put insert in my DAW i always hear PHASE sound or some kind delay ... in consideration that i make bufeer size ( 64 ) and delay compensation ( none ) .. i also tried to change numbers in my H/W insert delay but it's the same problem ... BUT when i make the any audio output to ( my compreesor output line ) in my DAW the phase is gone ..... soo i need help please what i shall to do ??????????? thxxx ..
Your input and output number have to equal on the interface. Meaning if you're using output 3 you have to come back on input 3 because Pro Tools automatically compensates for delay if you're using hardware-based non microprocessor-controlled outboard gear. Hope this helps
Hi, sir i have a question if you think you could help. I run pro tools 10 with a m box 3 pro and i have a tascam ta1vp rackmount vocal processor. Im trying to set it up to where i can add the vocal processor to a new track to edit the dry vocal. I can get it working just fine if i record directly through the processor but then ill be stuck with the recording. I have a double trs to a single trs and have the two outputs on processor to my input 1 on mbox then output 1 from mbox to input on processor and cant get it to work. With it being set up that way how should i get my processor to record a new vocal with added effect setting from processor? I know its something simple im messing up somehow. Since my mics in input one via front xlr (theres 4 xlr pres on front but the 4 inputs on back are same as front mics and have to pop adjustment switch out to send signal from front inputs to rear inputs) when i make the new track i go to i/o in the tabs to direct the signal for the processor but says its not activated cause that in or output is being used. So then i tried diff ins and outs ect ect and just can seem to get it. Doing something way off, any help? Im somewhat illiterate i suppose smh
thank you very much, great lesson! highly appreciated :) is this method supported by these interfaces: Focusrite Scarlett 18i20 / Behringer UMC 1820? I'm planning to buy a new interface to be able to insert outboard gear, but not sure what shall I consider other than having plenty of analogue I/Os. Thanks again!
Adam Warren not really. Those consoles have direct out/tape outs on each channel. You would connect each channels output to your A/D converter and then each output from Pro Tools comes out of your A/D converter and goes into free inputs on the console.
If you're recording, add the external hardware as inserts as described. The inserts in Pro Tools come after the input so you'll be able to keep the inserted hardware on the track after recording and still adjust it as needed. Of course, you can always then record that to a new track if you want to use the hardware for something else afterwards.
So when you use the hardware insert the entire signal goes through the hardware and when you use the hardware as a send it's processed in parallel where you have a process signal mixed with the original signal. Is that correct?
This is a great video I currently own a 003 rack like displayed in your video however nothing is plugged in or out of it but for some reason using channel 1 and 2 for outboard gear I get a pop up error saying it's already in use? But strangely the same setup on channel 5 and six works. Any suggestion so I can try and utilize all the outs and ins 1-8?
Are outputs 1 and 2 also designated as your monitor outputs? That's probably what's causing the message about the outputs already being in use. It's been a while since I used a 003R. I suspect that the monitor outputs use the same output path as 1 and 2. If that's the case then you will be limited to 6 hardware inserts.
Question. I'm using a 737 for vocals recording with slight compression. When I'm done I switch everything so I can the use the eq and maybe more compression through the line of the 737 to get the sound I want. Once I have the sound I'm looking for. How can I print this track/vocal so I can move on to the next vocalist without messing up the last one in the session??
Hi, nice video :) Realise this was a long time ago but i have a question for doing this. How are you monitoring the playback through the outboard gear? I'm on version 10 and i can record my outboard but not monitor it without recording which is super annoying. Any idea what i'm doing wrong? Thanks, Sam
If you follow the workflow in this video you can monitor it coming back into the track as a hardware insert. Alternatively, you could monitor through an auxiliary track without having to record it.
Should I be concerned about latency? I'm using a Strymon Big Sky as an outboard reverb and using line outs instead of ADAT. ProTools obviously isn't going to compensate for the inherent latency of an outboard digital reverb, just the conversion latency of my interface right? So should I be concerned about the 3ms or so of latency produced in that pedal? I'm not sure because pre delay is a common parameter, which is effectively doing the same thing in delaying the reverb attack. Thanks!
Yes, Pro Tools won't automatically compensate for outboard gear, although in Pro Tools HD you can manually set a hardware insert delay in I/O Setup. For reverb though, I expect you're using the outputs as a send rather than incorporating the reverb as an insert. As you mentioned, the slight delay will just manifest itself as a very slightly longer pre delay which probably isn't a problem.
Thank you so much Paul. When I'm using the insert (going to a WA73 and back) I lose control of the fader, pan, solo. mute etc. on that channel. What am I doing wrong?
Is it possible to do this but with different inputs and outputs. For example go out of 13-14 and back into 11-12. That’s what I’m trying to do with my bus compressor
The way Pro Tools is set up by default is to use the corresponding numbered input and output. You should be able to patch it virtually in I/O setup though so you can use different ins and outs.
Hey man. Great video. I am thinking about purchasing an WA76. I think i have ran into a problem tho. I have a Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 interface. The only outputs it has are the monitor outputs. I don't think there is a way to have my outboard gear as an insert this way is there? The only way I can think of to actually use it is to use the outboard gear in a setup to where it is compressing when I record. I would rather not do that because I would like the comfort and flexibility of mixing the Vox after the session and not committing to anything right away. is there any alternative you can think of to where I can use it as an insert with my current interface?
+JlDaBlackSuperman Thanks for your comment. There is no simple way to use an outboard compressor with the Scarlett 2i2 interface without having to actually record through the compressor unfortunately. However, the 2i2 does have an spdif output so if you bought an external DAC with an spdif input and 1/4" jack outputs, then you could actually use the WA76 compressor as an insert on mixes, giving you the freedom to adjust it at the mix stage. Depending on the cost of the DAC though, it may actually work out cheaper to buy another interface.
Thanks for the reply. i was debating upgrading interfaces to the Focusrite 18i20 but I heard that when using the WA76 or any other outboard gear as an insert in Pro Tools You can only use one instance of it. Say for example on one vox track. So I'm debating if I should just keep my 2i2 and just get the WA76 and use it when tracking vocals. By hooking everything this way (Mic to my preamp, preamp to the WA76, and WA76 to my 2i2) Would that change the sound quality of the vocal being tracked in a bad way or is it fine doing it this way?
+JlDaBlackSuperman If you only have one hardware compressor then you can only use it on one thing at a time. What you can do though, if you're using it as an insert, is to record the output back to another track so you create a new audio file with the compression recorded into it then you can use the compressor again on another track. Some people apply compression at the recording stage. This is fine to do but it will obviously take away some versatility when you come to mix because the compression will be part of the recording. Have you considered a software version of the 1176 or did you specifically want the hardware? Very good versions are available from Waves (LA76) and Universal Audio (1176 Classic Limiter). They're very close in sound to the hardware and you can use as many instances in your session as your computer can handle. Maybe download a demo and try it before investing in either the hardware or software.
Thats an awesome Idea. I didnt even think of that. I have NI's softtube version of the 1176. Its sounds great but I heard some demos of the WA76 and it just adds alot more warmth and tone than I think my version of the plugin does. I'm actually new to using hardware and this will be my 1st unit of hardware. And it would make sense to do it that way you said and use it as an insert and then once you get the sound and settings you want just print it to another audio track. Plus I can always put the older raw track inactive so if down the line I dont like the bounced version I can bring back the old track and re submit the effects again. Might as well do it this way so I can use it on any instrument/sound I want in my DAW instead of just being able to mainly use it on vocals like I would be using if I kept the 2i2. Dont ya think?
Great Video!! Worked fine nur i habe a question why can i use this "hardware" plug in only ones in a setion? Did i have to Make a bus for The second vocal or is there another Way??
The only way to send multiple things to an external hardware processor would be to sum several things to an aux and then apply the hardware insert to that track.
hi I hope u can help me out here. I set this up EXACTLY like you did here as an insert but using the ins and outs on my hardware on track 8 (which is whats available.). but when ad the insert i/o I now hear the track only out of my right speaker and I no longer can see any action on the meter of that track. Strangely even if I mute that track I can still here the track but still only out of the right speaker. Please help!
Ok a little update. I figured out the panning part. I just had to center the panning knob on my hardwares software (total mix for RME.) The signal is still not being sent to outboard hardware though even though. thanks
hey mate, great video.. I'm using a 002R.. I'm trying to make an insert mono.. i've done it all correctly (i think), but when i go to add the insert i've made to a track, it's not there? only shows stereo tracks.. what have i done wrong? thanks in advance :)
Are you trying to add it to a stereo track? If not, it's probably something in I/O setup. Make sure you configure the output you intend to use the insert with as mono rather than a stereo pair with the adjacent output.
Thanks for the video , i just want to ask you something, am using Liquid saffire 56 with lexicon x400 reverb and pro tools 10, i followed the instructions of adding the reverb as hardwre send and everything works fine except that there's a little latency, how can i fix it ?!!!
+Hazem El-Saeed You can compensate for this in the H/W Insert Delay tab in the I/O setup window. Any values you enter here are used by the delay compensation engine to time align the delayed outboard gear.
You can apply hardware delay compensation when required. There is a separate tab for it (labeled Hardware Insert Delay) in I/O setup. I use Pro Tools Ultimate (Previously known as Pro Tools HD).
Hi. I try to do what you do and for me dont work. I send everything from 1-8 to a summing device and the de St from the summing device to input 1-2 to my soundcard. I have latency. I calculate and is 1024 samples. I do 1024/48. And then I put this compedation in the io you said and nothing change after this.i still with the latency. Can someone help me?
hello I was wondering if i could ask a question. how do I wire my mixer to get signal from my mixer into Pro Tools. I have a Mackie SR40-8 bus. thank you
You'd need a suitable audio interface to connect it to. Basically take outputs from the desk to inputs on the interface and then configure I/O Setup (the default for your interface should work). Once this is done, select the relevant input on each track and you should be ready to record from the desk's outputs.
Hey man, great video. Is there a way to run outboard gear through the Audiosuite? If I had all the settings dialed in and just wanted to print the effect onto the track, I mean.
You could just route the incoming audio to an audio track and record it into the session. If you also wanted to add some plug-in processing and record the effect of that into the session too, route the audio from the outboard gear via an aux track with the plug-ins on and then route that to an audio track for recording.
Hey Paul, I'm trying to set up my Outboard Compressor and I seem to keep getting a feedback loop. I have an Antelope Orion and I'm feeding output 5 into the compressor back out of the compressor into input 5 of the orion. I don't even insert anything on the channel and I see it's feeding back within itself before i even do anything in protools. But when I try and put the insert on the channel the audio does not pass signal. Thoughts?
+Paul Maunder That's a good point, maybe contact antelope support is the best way to go. Could also be that my d-sub output connector is no good either
The routing in the software is the most likely cause of the issue although I'm not familiar with the Antelope software myself. Contacting their support would be worthwhile. It's probably something really simple.
+John Boswell Thanks John. I used to have a TC Electronic M2000 effects unit. It includes reverbs, delays, pitch shifting, chrous, compression and other effects in a single 1U unit. It sounds really good too. As a software alternative I'd also suggest having a look at the Excalibur plug-in from Exponential audio.
@@paulmaunder3007 Any updates on when this video will be done? I found this one extremely useful so would love your insight on dealing with hardware delay compensation!
Hi man! I can't do it via adat... Input and output are matched and the adat interface work good, but it doesn't work Have you ever heard about this issue? Can you help me??? thank u!!!
Hi Paul, I have followed your video and everything is working ok, thanks very much . I have 2 questions if that ok? 1 - When I bounce to disk no Reverb is on the track, am I missing something? 2 - Is there any delay and does the Delay Compensation in Protools take of it? Thanks again
If you're using hardware reverb, make sure when you bounce to disk you do it in real time, without offline bounce. In Pro Tools HD there's a hardware insert delay tab in I/O setup. Pro Tools won't automatically compensate for delays for most hardware.
+Ryan Satterfield On audio, instrument and aux tracks, inserts are pre fader, so the fader will have no effect on the signal until it returns from the hardware anyway. On master faders, inserts are post fade, so if you used a hardware insert on a master, the level reaching the hardware would be subject to the master fader level in Pro Tools.
+Rafael Santiago The first thing you'll need is a Digisnake cable terminated with the appropriate connectors for your outboard gear: www.sweetwater.com/c544--Pro_Tools_Cables_and_Snakes
I know this is from five years ago, but when I follow these instructions step by step, the track I put the insert on always goes silent and there's seemingly no signal being sent to my PRO VLA II compressor. I have a Focusrite Saphire Pro 40 interface and have checked multiple times that everything is wired correctly and it is. I don't understand what I'm doing wrong. Anyone have any tips?
At the time I made this video I was using a Yamaha O1v96. Now I don't use a mixer as such, just a control surface. At home it's an S3 but I use an S6 at work.
generate a tone signal..... send it through your loop and record it to a new track... compare it to the original track to see how many millisecs it moves... take that number and go back to the i/0 properties and there is a tab that says h/w insert delay... enter that number and you should be good to use inserts from there on
+Matt Storm Panic room Studios This can be compensated for in the H/W Inser Delay tav in I/o setup. I'll probably make a video on it when I have time over Christmas.
generate a tone signal..... send it through your loop and record it to a new track... compare it to the original track to see how many millisecs it moves... take that number and go back to the i/0 properties and there is a tab that says h/w insert delay... enter that number and you should be good to use inserts from there on
generate a tone signal..... send it through your loop and record it to a new track... compare it to the original track to see how many millisecs it moves... take that number and go back to the i/0 properties and there is a tab that says h/w insert delay... enter that number and you should be good to use inserts from there on
Thank you! This 8 year old video is the only one that helped me out.
Amazing video Paul! The one I was hoping to find honestly. I've been curious about use of Hardware inside of Pro Tools for a long time but could only find ones that correspond with Patchbays and just as send effects... not as inserts. You did a fantastic job explaining this process AND with visuals from the perspective of the interface which is an extra bonus!
Adam Peter Shinn Thanks Adam. I’m glad you found it useful.
This is the best video I’ve seen on this , by far
U got me thinking 🤔 I did exactly what you said but with another Daw’s plugins using a different computer as an hardware.... it works perfectly thx 🙏🏾 bro !
Great! A lot of the concepts will work on different DAWs!
ive been looking for a way to set up external gear to run in my protools forever! I have the digi003 so ur video finally showed me how to do it. Im greatful, u sir earned a subscriber.
+noah jones Thanks. I'm glad that you found the video useful!
What about delay compensation. The time it takes to send the signal to and from the hardware and the DAW?
ua-cam.com/video/Lb5IkX5ADkc/v-deo.html
I have an HD Omni as well can u show how u wired it in the back of the unit, I have an Avalon 737sp and an 2 distressors I want to use them as an outboard processor into protocols but I can't figure out how to wire it properly?
generate a tone signal..... send it through your loop and record it to a new track... compare it to the original track to see how many millisecs it moves... take that number and go back to the i/0 properties and there is a tab that says h/w insert delay... enter that number and you should be good to use inserts from there on
ALL of your videos are incredibly helpful.
Thanks Matthew
It's smart to use send effects when you want to enhance a signal without eliminating the original. By adding a delay to an already nice sounding signal you just make it sound better. The opposite goes for inserts. Use insert effects when you want to change the signal completely. Destructive vs non-destructive.
Dude this was an awsome video thank you so much I'm using gear that is a little old but by old quality. I hate to waste things so this was great I can use my old high quality gear.
thanks for the great video. Very helpful .!!!
Thank you Leandro
Most Useful 50 Pro Tools Shortcuts : ua-cam.com/video/96KQMmjJvTE/v-deo.html
Thank you much! I didn't know I could do this, amazing!!!
No problem. It's really useful to be able to hook up your outboard gear into Pro Tools!
Thanks Paul that is so helpful.
great video Paul.. never knew you could use it like that.. Thanks!
Wonderful video Paul.
Thanks!
Great tutorial. Thanks
Thanks Paddy. There will be another tutorial later this week.
Man your videos are amazingnggggg. Keep em comin!
JogLab Thanks. I’ll do my best!
Thank you! Looked through tons of tutorials this one was the best ;)
Thanks. I'm glad that you found it useful!
This the perfect configuration, is it the same for using a mixing console + pro tools + outboard H/W?
Great Video but what about delay compensation ?
Great video. Quick question Paul, would you put a hardware insert directly on an audio track (as per 6:21) or would you create a stereo AUX track, send the vocal track to that and put a hardware insert on that AUX? I'm just trying to figure out the benefits to either approach or why you might want to choose one over the other etc I guess. Thanks for the great videos mate. Much appreciated.
Could you do a video same concept, but with MIDI? Thanks!
Hi, thank you for your video :), does this way mean we convert our A/D twice & does it matter if we do? We have been trying an outboard Rs124 & Pultec on Protools insert Plugin - & picking the IO option. Just wondering are we loosing quality doing a double on the A to D, Thanks
What’s the verb btw ?
so how do you use the hardware with mutiple tracks? or if you use mutiple vocals, will it just all be the same strip settings?
The same basic process described in the video but a separate input and output for each. Of course, this relies on having enough I/O on your interface. Obviously, if you only had say one hardware compressor you would need to record the output of that as audio in Pro Tools so you could use the compressor again on another track (if you wanted different settings).
This is the same question I has. I bought a WA-76 and the manual said to connect the mic to the preamp, then compressor, then interface. Now that would print the effect of the compressor while recording, but I’m fine with that. I got a group of 4 people and I don’t see how doing this would benefit because I’d have to keep adjusting the compressor anyways every time I go to a different person. Or am I missing something? And I don’t have problems with latency.
Dude awsome I'm using digi 003 console and really needed this.
Many thanks... Time to get testing now :-)
I'm having an issue where I lose fader control over the track I put the hardware insert in. Im using an audient id22, it's showing up in the audient software that the audio is there and it is audible but in pro tools the insert kills the fader, anyone have any thoughts?
I'm having a latency problem with the aux send/return. The signal route is correct but when I rise the reverb return fader I hear the reverb plus a short kind of delay or a phase gap. I'm sending the reverb in mono signal if that helps, my buffer size is 512 (I already tried to low down the buffer size but I get the same result...) and I'm using a M-Audio FastTrack Ultra. Thanks!!
I'm looking at making a video soon about the I/O latency
Good morning, I'm having trouble getting signal out while printing with hardware. I'm using a manley core with a distressor to a Apollo twin. I can hear the changes when I twist the knob but when is time to print the waves don't change. What am I doing wrong? I'm using pro tools as well.
What do you mean by the waves don’t change? When using hardware you won’t see a change to existing waveforms, even on the track you’re processing. You will see and hear the effects of the hardware in anything you subsequently print onto another track in the session though.
Its very helpful. But i have a question. What if my signal came out from output 2, and then after the compressor, its plugged in input 5? Can i do that? The problem is, i only have 2 inputs, and using adat for input expansion. Regards.
The only way you might be able to do that would be to create a separate track in the session specifically for the returning signal.
thanks ,good work.
Thanks!
Thank you very much for this great video but I have a big problem. I do like you said exactly but there is no sound and no signal when I make a send to Avalon pre. Can you help me in that please?! Thank
So how do you print these inserts or effects to come out into your mix bus? I got everything you explained but when I print/bounce it out to a stereo track, I get no sound
There must be an issue with your routing. Make sure you are bouncing from the correct output (in real time of course). Or, for an internal layback of the mix, route the tracks to a new stereo audio track and record. Let me know more details and I'll see if I can offer any more advice.
@@paulmaunder3007 Can you explain when you say "Correct routing". I have outputs 7&8 going into my extermal hardware compressor. What should be the correct routing on the output of my i/o set up in protools?
Hi Paul, question? What do i set the physical level knobs on the front of my interface?
I've recently got more into external hardware. Is there a way to do this for tracking? I want to be able to have my mics ready to go but be able to switch only which one I'm recording through and run it through the Preamp--Compressor--Interface. Should I just have a patchbay?
Hi Paul, this is the most straight forward video, regarding this topic, I've found. I'm totally new to using hardware as an insert in my PT's. My question is, I've got a harmonizer I want to use as an insert. I have a Duet 2 interface. Do I need additional inputs and outputs assigned specifically to the harmonizer or can I use the input and output on the Duet?
+Robert biddle Hi Robert. I'm not overly familiar with the Duet interface but it looks like it uses a breakout cable for I/O. To use a piece of hardware as an insert you would need one additional output and one additional input per mono channel you wanted to use with external hardware. This would be in addition to the output you're using to your monitors. I hope this helps.
Can I send multiple vocal tracks to external reverb at same time ?
hi i have a problem when i play back, i only get sound from one speaker/ monitor. How to you bounce that vocal with insert mean the external fx, im using the M Audio M Track 8 audio interface
If you can only hear sound from one speaker, it\s probably to do with the routing in I/O setup. Check the output tab.
It does that if im dealing with Mono vox or any recording, because if try to choose my hardware on from I/O only show mono, and i choose lets eg. On my input section there in1 to in8
hi paul, excellent vid! is it possible to route from say, output 7 to input 14 using h/w inserts? this is very easy in logic pro x but i prefer mixing in PT. thanks
Do you mean physically sending a signal out of a hardware output and back into another? If so, it's easy. Just connect the cable to the relevant output/input.
thank you for your reply. If I take output 6 into my 1176, and back in to input 6, everything is fine. If I send output 6 and return on input 8, there is no sound on the return. in logic, I can choose the output and the input on the insert screen independent of each other. i was hoping I could do the same in PT 12.6. btw, I am using an apogee ensemble
Fernando Moleirinho Thes best way to go about this is probably to re-map the input in the Input section of I/O setup. Just set pro tools input 6 to take its input from input 8 on the hardware. Let me know if it works.
i'll try that. thank you.
No problem
I cant seem to get the hardware inserts right, the latency is not just unusably bad but also the latency itself changes almost every playback. So that means sometimes it works, sometimes not. Its like a cointoss. Of course I use delay compensation and I did try to set the hw insert delay but that did nothing.
actually i have some problems with my DAW ( pro tools ) i connected my ( KLARK TEKNIK COMPRESSOR ) input and output line to my interface ( APOLLO firewire universal audio ) input and output lines .. but when i put insert in my DAW i always hear PHASE sound or some kind delay ... in consideration that i make bufeer size ( 64 ) and delay compensation ( none ) .. i also tried to change numbers in my H/W insert delay but it's the same problem ... BUT when i make the any audio output to ( my compreesor output line ) in my DAW the phase is gone ..... soo i need help please what i shall to do ??????????? thxxx ..
Your input and output number have to equal on the interface. Meaning if you're using output 3 you have to come back on input 3 because Pro Tools automatically compensates for delay if you're using hardware-based non microprocessor-controlled outboard gear. Hope this helps
Hi, sir i have a question if you think you could help. I run pro tools 10 with a m box 3 pro and i have a tascam ta1vp rackmount vocal processor. Im trying to set it up to where i can add the vocal processor to a new track to edit the dry vocal. I can get it working just fine if i record directly through the processor but then ill be stuck with the recording. I have a double trs to a single trs and have the two outputs on processor to my input 1 on mbox then output 1 from mbox to input on processor and cant get it to work. With it being set up that way how should i get my processor to record a new vocal with added effect setting from processor? I know its something simple im messing up somehow. Since my mics in input one via front xlr (theres 4 xlr pres on front but the 4 inputs on back are same as front mics and have to pop adjustment switch out to send signal from front inputs to rear inputs) when i make the new track i go to i/o in the tabs to direct the signal for the processor but says its not activated cause that in or output is being used. So then i tried diff ins and outs ect ect and just can seem to get it. Doing something way off, any help? Im somewhat illiterate i suppose smh
Hello, I have the discrete 4 and I keep getting high-pitched feedback. I'm trying to hook up my 1176
thank you very much, great lesson! highly appreciated :) is this method supported by these interfaces: Focusrite Scarlett 18i20 / Behringer UMC 1820? I'm planning to buy a new interface to be able to insert outboard gear, but not sure what shall I consider other than having plenty of analogue I/Os. Thanks again!
Yes, either of those interfaces will work with external hardware in the way described in this video.
Thanks!
Is this how people connect protools to those massive mixing consoles in studios as well?
Adam Warren not really. Those consoles have direct out/tape outs on each channel. You would connect each channels output to your A/D converter and then each output from Pro Tools comes out of your A/D converter and goes into free inputs on the console.
Alex Knight oh ok thank you so much that really helps!
Can you run hardware through you microphone for tracking AND be able to mix without rewiring everytime?
If you're recording, add the external hardware as inserts as described. The inserts in Pro Tools come after the input so you'll be able to keep the inserted hardware on the track after recording and still adjust it as needed. Of course, you can always then record that to a new track if you want to use the hardware for something else afterwards.
So when you use the hardware insert the entire signal goes through the hardware and when you use the hardware as a send it's processed in parallel where you have a process signal mixed with the original signal. Is that correct?
Yes, that's correct.
how do you calculate the delay on a reverb? I set mine up like yours but got a delay. the reverb comes in a little late. Anyway I can fix this?
This is a great video I currently own a 003 rack like displayed in your video however nothing is plugged in or out of it but for some reason using channel 1 and 2 for outboard gear I get a pop up error saying it's already in use? But strangely the same setup on channel 5 and six works. Any suggestion so I can try and utilize all the outs and ins 1-8?
Are outputs 1 and 2 also designated as your monitor outputs? That's probably what's causing the message about the outputs already being in use. It's been a while since I used a 003R. I suspect that the monitor outputs use the same output path as 1 and 2. If that's the case then you will be limited to 6 hardware inserts.
got it thank you Im actually updating my interface today thank you for getting back
is any type of delay or PT automaticly do the compensation, I own pt 10 not HD ,thanks
Do I need to delay compensate my out put channels to my monitors?
Question. I'm using a 737 for vocals recording with slight compression. When I'm done I switch everything so I can the use the eq and maybe more compression through the line of the 737 to get the sound I want. Once I have the sound I'm looking for. How can I print this track/vocal so I can move on to the next vocalist without messing up the last one in the session??
You could route the output of that track to a new audio track and record it into the session.
@@paulmaunder3007 how is that done exactly? Sorry for the stupid question but i can't figure it out.
Hi, nice video :) Realise this was a long time ago but i have a question for doing this. How are you monitoring the playback through the outboard gear? I'm on version 10 and i can record my outboard but not monitor it without recording which is super annoying. Any idea what i'm doing wrong? Thanks, Sam
If you follow the workflow in this video you can monitor it coming back into the track as a hardware insert. Alternatively, you could monitor through an auxiliary track without having to record it.
Should I be concerned about latency? I'm using a Strymon Big Sky as an outboard reverb and using line outs instead of ADAT. ProTools obviously isn't going to compensate for the inherent latency of an outboard digital reverb, just the conversion latency of my interface right? So should I be concerned about the 3ms or so of latency produced in that pedal? I'm not sure because pre delay is a common parameter, which is effectively doing the same thing in delaying the reverb attack. Thanks!
Yes, Pro Tools won't automatically compensate for outboard gear, although in Pro Tools HD you can manually set a hardware insert delay in I/O Setup. For reverb though, I expect you're using the outputs as a send rather than incorporating the reverb as an insert. As you mentioned, the slight delay will just manifest itself as a very slightly longer pre delay which probably isn't a problem.
Thank you so much Paul. When I'm using the insert (going to a WA73 and back) I lose control of the fader, pan, solo. mute etc. on that channel. What am I doing wrong?
Just to clarify, the controls are still there but they don't have an impact on the sound.
That's odd. Is that on an aux input?
Is it possible to do this but with different inputs and outputs. For example go out of 13-14 and back into 11-12. That’s what I’m trying to do with my bus compressor
The way Pro Tools is set up by default is to use the corresponding numbered input and output. You should be able to patch it virtually in I/O setup though so you can use different ins and outs.
Hey man. Great video. I am thinking about purchasing an WA76. I think i have ran into a problem tho. I have a Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 interface. The only outputs it has are the monitor outputs. I don't think there is a way to have my outboard gear as an insert this way is there? The only way I can think of to actually use it is to use the outboard gear in a setup to where it is compressing when I record. I would rather not do that because I would like the comfort and flexibility of mixing the Vox after the session and not committing to anything right away. is there any alternative you can think of to where I can use it as an insert with my current interface?
+JlDaBlackSuperman Thanks for your comment. There is no simple way to use an outboard compressor with the Scarlett 2i2 interface without having to actually record through the compressor unfortunately. However, the 2i2 does have an spdif output so if you bought an external DAC with an spdif input and 1/4" jack outputs, then you could actually use the WA76 compressor as an insert on mixes, giving you the freedom to adjust it at the mix stage. Depending on the cost of the DAC though, it may actually work out cheaper to buy another interface.
Thanks for the reply. i was debating upgrading interfaces to the Focusrite 18i20 but I heard that when using the WA76 or any other outboard gear as an insert in Pro Tools You can only use one instance of it. Say for example on one vox track. So I'm debating if I should just keep my 2i2 and just get the WA76 and use it when tracking vocals. By hooking everything this way (Mic to my preamp, preamp to the WA76, and WA76 to my 2i2) Would that change the sound quality of the vocal being tracked in a bad way or is it fine doing it this way?
+JlDaBlackSuperman If you only have one hardware compressor then you can only use it on one thing at a time. What you can do though, if you're using it as an insert, is to record the output back to another track so you create a new audio file with the compression recorded into it then you can use the compressor again on another track. Some people apply compression at the recording stage. This is fine to do but it will obviously take away some versatility when you come to mix because the compression will be part of the recording. Have you considered a software version of the 1176 or did you specifically want the hardware? Very good versions are available from Waves (LA76) and Universal Audio (1176 Classic Limiter). They're very close in sound to the hardware and you can use as many instances in your session as your computer can handle. Maybe download a demo and try it before investing in either the hardware or software.
Thats an awesome Idea. I didnt even think of that. I have NI's softtube version of the 1176. Its sounds great but I heard some demos of the WA76 and it just adds alot more warmth and tone than I think my version of the plugin does. I'm actually new to using hardware and this will be my 1st unit of hardware. And it would make sense to do it that way you said and use it as an insert and then once you get the sound and settings you want just print it to another audio track. Plus I can always put the older raw track inactive so if down the line I dont like the bounced version I can bring back the old track and re submit the effects again. Might as well do it this way so I can use it on any instrument/sound I want in my DAW instead of just being able to mainly use it on vocals like I would be using if I kept the 2i2. Dont ya think?
Great Video!! Worked fine nur i habe a question why can i use this "hardware" plug in only ones in a setion? Did i have to Make a bus for The second vocal or is there another Way??
The only way to send multiple things to an external hardware processor would be to sum several things to an aux and then apply the hardware insert to that track.
hi I hope u can help me out here. I set this up EXACTLY like you did here as an insert but using the ins and outs on my hardware on track 8 (which is whats available.). but when ad the insert i/o I now hear the track only out of my right speaker and I no longer can see any action on the meter of that track. Strangely even if I mute that track I can still here the track but still only out of the right speaker. Please help!
Ok a little update. I figured out the panning part. I just had to center the panning knob on my hardwares software (total mix for RME.) The signal is still not being sent to outboard hardware though even though. thanks
hey mate, great video.. I'm using a 002R.. I'm trying to make an insert mono.. i've done it all correctly (i think), but when i go to add the insert i've made to a track, it's not there? only shows stereo tracks.. what have i done wrong? thanks in advance :)
Are you trying to add it to a stereo track? If not, it's probably something in I/O setup. Make sure you configure the output you intend to use the insert with as mono rather than a stereo pair with the adjacent output.
I use an m audio m track 8..but it has no midi,can i still use it to connect analog hardware to my pro tools?
Thanks for the video , i just want to ask you something, am using Liquid saffire 56 with lexicon x400 reverb and pro tools 10, i followed the instructions of adding the reverb as hardwre send and everything works fine except that there's a little latency, how can i fix it ?!!!
+Hazem El-Saeed You can compensate for this in the H/W Insert Delay tab in the I/O setup window. Any values you enter here are used by the delay compensation engine to time align the delayed outboard gear.
Paul Maunder Thanks Paul for this quick, and accurate response :)
how about delay compensation and do you use Pro Tools HD?
You can apply hardware delay compensation when required. There is a separate tab for it (labeled Hardware Insert Delay) in I/O setup.
I use Pro Tools Ultimate (Previously known as Pro Tools HD).
@@paulmaunder3007 Got it, thanks!
how to offset output and input latency?
There are settings for that in the H/W Insert Delay tab of I/O Setup
Hi. I try to do what you do and for me dont work. I send everything from 1-8 to a summing device and the de St from the summing device to input 1-2 to my soundcard. I have latency. I calculate and is 1024 samples. I do 1024/48. And then I put this compedation in the io you said and nothing change after this.i still with the latency. Can someone help me?
hello I was wondering if i could ask a question. how do I wire my mixer to get signal from my mixer into Pro Tools. I have a Mackie SR40-8 bus. thank you
You'd need a suitable audio interface to connect it to. Basically take outputs from the desk to inputs on the interface and then configure I/O Setup (the default for your interface should work). Once this is done, select the relevant input on each track and you should be ready to record from the desk's outputs.
Hey man, great video. Is there a way to run outboard gear through the Audiosuite? If I had all the settings dialed in and just wanted to print the effect onto the track, I mean.
You could just route the incoming audio to an audio track and record it into the session. If you also wanted to add some plug-in processing and record the effect of that into the session too, route the audio from the outboard gear via an aux track with the plug-ins on and then route that to an audio track for recording.
Hey Paul,
I'm trying to set up my Outboard Compressor and I seem to keep getting a feedback loop.
I have an Antelope Orion and I'm feeding output 5 into the compressor back out of the compressor into input 5 of the orion.
I don't even insert anything on the channel and I see it's feeding back within itself before i even do anything in protools.
But when I try and put the insert on the channel the audio does not pass signal.
Thoughts?
+Joe Boisits Maybe it's something to do with the way you've got the routing configured in the control software which comes with the interface?
+Paul Maunder That's a good point, maybe contact antelope support is the best way to go.
Could also be that my d-sub output connector is no good either
The routing in the software is the most likely cause of the issue although I'm not familiar with the Antelope software myself. Contacting their support would be worthwhile. It's probably something really simple.
+Paul Maunder Thanks for the feedback Paul, really appreciate it!
How do you create these videos what camera and app you use to show your screen im looking at
Hi Jermaine. I use Screenflow on the mac to capture the screen, the audio from the mic and the computer audio from Pro Tools.
Hey Paul , great Pro tools vids. Im new and need all the help I can get. lol What would you recommend for a nice outboard Multi FX Unit ?
+John Boswell Thanks John. I used to have a TC Electronic M2000 effects unit. It includes reverbs, delays, pitch shifting, chrous, compression and other effects in a single 1U unit. It sounds really good too. As a software alternative I'd also suggest having a look at the Excalibur plug-in from Exponential audio.
+Paul Maunder Thanx for the reply. When coming out the fx unit into two inputs on the interface what should these inputs be to set too? Line in?
+John Boswell Hi John. Yes, the output from the hardware fx unit will be line level so set the input to line.
What about Latency?
There have been a few comments about this so I'll aim to do a separate video about it when I get chance
@@paulmaunder3007 Any updates on when this video will be done? I found this one extremely useful so would love your insight on dealing with hardware delay compensation!
My interface has sends and returns. How can i do this with those options?
Same
Hi man! I can't do it via adat... Input and output are matched and the adat interface work good, but it doesn't work Have you ever heard about this issue? Can you help me???
thank u!!!
Hi Paul, I have followed your video and everything is working ok, thanks very much . I have 2 questions if that ok?
1 - When I bounce to disk no Reverb is on the track, am I missing something?
2 - Is there any delay and does the Delay Compensation in Protools take of it?
Thanks again
If you're using hardware reverb, make sure when you bounce to disk you do it in real time, without offline bounce.
In Pro Tools HD there's a hardware insert delay tab in I/O setup. Pro Tools won't automatically compensate for delays for most hardware.
Thanks for the quick reply.
Don't you use a Patch bay with this insert ?
When you use a a Hardware Insert does it automatically bypass the volume fader on the track?
+Ryan Satterfield On audio, instrument and aux tracks, inserts are pre fader, so the fader will have no effect on the signal until it returns from the hardware anyway. On master faders, inserts are post fade, so if you used a hardware insert on a master, the level reaching the hardware would be subject to the master fader level in Pro Tools.
+Paul Maunder thanks for the reply. I think I understand now.
When I turn my insert on my sound only comes out the right speaker.
When I do this, I get no audio. What am I doing wrong?
Thanks - very clear.
No problem. Thanks for watching!
Hi Man, What I need to connect HW to my interfase. Because mine is passive.
+Rafael Santiago That depends. Which interface do you have?
Hi, Avid HD/IO 16x16 analog ! Thanks
+Rafael Santiago The first thing you'll need is a Digisnake cable terminated with the appropriate connectors for your outboard gear: www.sweetwater.com/c544--Pro_Tools_Cables_and_Snakes
I know this is from five years ago, but when I follow these instructions step by step, the track I put the insert on always goes silent and there's seemingly no signal being sent to my PRO VLA II compressor. I have a Focusrite Saphire Pro 40 interface and have checked multiple times that everything is wired correctly and it is. I don't understand what I'm doing wrong. Anyone have any tips?
I'm having trouble wiring my Mbox Pro up to do this as well man. Did you ever get yours to work?
i been trying to fig this shit out for the last week, i cant , i have a apollo x4 i think thats my problem!!
what console are you using
At the time I made this video I was using a Yamaha O1v96. Now I don't use a mixer as such, just a control surface. At home it's an S3 but I use an S6 at work.
Here for the latency solution, but sadly, it wasn't addressed.
generate a tone signal..... send it through your loop and record it to a new track... compare it to the original track to see how many millisecs it moves... take that number and go back to the i/0 properties and there is a tab that says h/w insert delay... enter that number and you should be good to use inserts from there on
thank you !
No talk about delay IO issues??
Anybody get this to work with an Apollo twin in pro tools??
The people at UA can’t even help me
Excellent video - that is until the vocals come in!
Erich B. Yes, the vocal isn't great by any stretch of the imagination ;)
what about latency?
+Matt Storm Panic room Studios This can be compensated for in the H/W Inser Delay tav in I/o setup. I'll probably make a video on it when I have time over Christmas.
generate a tone signal..... send it through your loop and record it to a new track... compare it to the original track to see how many millisecs it moves... take that number and go back to the i/0 properties and there is a tab that says h/w insert delay... enter that number and you should be good to use inserts from there on
Still don’t get it
This is useless. Too old I guess.
Well it depends on whether or not you use outboard hardware.
How does it compensate for delay?
generate a tone signal..... send it through your loop and record it to a new track... compare it to the original track to see how many millisecs it moves... take that number and go back to the i/0 properties and there is a tab that says h/w insert delay... enter that number and you should be good to use inserts from there on