[montydog]

Hi,

I finally took the plunge and bought myself an Audio Interface - a Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 which comes with Pro Tools First. I was wondering if anyone could advise on which plug-ins (if any) are worth buying in addition to the ones that come with the program.

Many thanks

M

[shadowfax]

I reckon I'd start with what is included first Alan..then see if you need anything else...

[Bill Saunders]

Good advice from Shadowfax.

Collecting third party plug ins is a potential money burner, but it is amazing what is available. Over the past couple of years I have accumulated a fair amount from Waves...I particularly like anything Andrew Schepps or Greg Wells have put there names to. These are mainly shortcuts which are pretty easy to use. If you know what you are doing with basic DAW plugins, then they are normally very capable, but a lot of the Waves stuff makes it so easy! I like that.

[tone]

I'm no expert, but the word on the street is that it ain't what you use it's how you use it. HAVING SAID THAT, I recently got my hands on a couple of really useful tools. Waves vocal rider speeds up vocal production enormously, and their CLA vocal plugin is very tasty. Likewise their Rverb.

I use logic, so I don't know what comes with Pro Tools, but I do know that Warren Huart speaks highly of the compressor that comes with it.

Bill's right - collecting plugins is expensive. I'd get to know the packaged ones well enough first to get a feel for what's not working for you before putting a list together. You might find you don't need anything, or that your needs change as you go along.

[Boydie]

I agree with the whole "use what you've got" philosophy and then find the gaps/improvements

However, If I had to choose my top "go to" plugins I would say...

Amplitube Fender Collection 2 - electric guitar amp sim: http://www.ikmultimedia.com/products/fender2/

Waves SSL E-channel strip - I LOVE this plugin

Waves SSL bus compressor - it is sweeeeeet and you can get it in a bundle with the E and G series channel strips: https://www.waves.com/bundles/ssl-4000-collection

FabFilter Pro-Q2 EQ - gorgeous interface and sound: https://www.fabfilter.com/products/pro-q-2-equalizer-plug-in

The Waves H-Delay and Valhalla reverbs also get an honourable mention

I use a gazillion other plugins but these would be my recommendations

[Viscount Cramer & His Orchestra]

As Pro Tools First is a free entry level thingie there are some limitations I think one of these is the use of third party plugins.....better check that out before you splash out on anything Alan.

I got Ableton Live 'Lite' with my Focusrite device and never use it.....limitations.....better to get yourself a DAW that's not going to frustrate you sooner rather than later!

[Mikey]

Hi Monty,

You should check out the Focusrite website, I got the Red and Scarlet plug ins free with my interface and they seem pretty good, and there were a couple of other freebies too

Mikey