I have iZotope elements: Ozone, Neutron, & Nectar. I also have Waves Analog Summing Mixer (Mike, Spike, & Nevo). I really don't like the "cloud" that covers my sound. The VST plugins just don't do it for me; for trained ears there is a noticeable loss of clarity. Perhaps this digital "analog warmth" is intentional !?
I prefer using my analog outboard gear for everything, which probably explains why I have a MOTU midi timepiece MTP/AV (8 port midi i/o) unit and an 896mk3 (32-channel i/o) interface. I need all of it to route my computer midi to my keyboards and sound modules, and route L/R audio outputs into my VS-2480 DVD studio mixer/recorder, then mix/master everything back into my PC for recording.
I don't know... I seem to find this complicated setup sounds the best to me. I have tried a lot of different plugins and set-ups over the years and I have a lot of VST plugins and instruments that I really like. However, I have never "warmed-up" to the digital vs. the "analog warmth" I am getting with analog outboard gear.
I had a bit of moisture get into my audio interface and I had to dry it out for about 1-1/2 hours with another 1/2 hour of cool-down. It didn't power up and I thought I was out a grand (£760). Luckily the very mild "heat treatment" worked. I bought a 25,000 BTU A/C w/Heat for the Studio and ended up moving everything around to accommodate the 137 lb (62.27 kg) beast.
Things are pretty good and coming together, but it's taking me longer than I would like it to. But I'm taking my time so that when everything is done everything will be where I want it to be. That's my latest setback.
In regards to beginnings, endings, and breaks I have to whole-heartedly agree with you. Even what's written doesn't fully capture the solos of the artists. And isn't it funny to find certain pieces in odd keys on GoogTube? I don't find it to be any sort of challenge, just very, very odd!
I think after this "my first ever" cover I will have to get back to work. Too many songs written with lyrics and melodies in the wings that need the whole-shebang until they hit hard plastic in CD form. We only sell CDs as there is something tangible to feel and look at (similar to vinyl).
I don't see the point in giving iTunes or anybody else my hard-earned cash for something that they had nothing to do with. Question. I guess, once you do start, in what format do you plan to market your wares? We started producing and marketing CDs in 2012 and we haven't looked back.
The Studio we bought back in 2004/2005, so it was about 7 years before we felt comfortable with our new equipment and capabilities.
I did lay some tracks recently for a guy in Tennessee, US. He first wanted drums and piano. He added bass later, as his bass player backed out on him. He also found a guy on Fiverr, and oh, boy! Was that fun!! I don't recommend it -- or as the saying goes, "You get what you pay for!". Well, sometimes
I do like "Baker Street".