This continues series of long post where I tell my current thoughts about music making set up. Previous plugin setup post got so long I divided into two. I almost got through effects.
This exercise made me learn more about what I have. I created one category which I didn’t think I had. I could have more similar effects and still have low number of effects in category if I create many categories. That would defeat the point on having limited setup. When I want modulation I pick something from modulation category. When I want delay I pick something from delay category. I keep categories on this level. I realized I have category for lofi effects. In this case I mean effects that sounds like playing really old worn out recording machines. Can see few situation where those would be useful.
I won’t go through every category. I think you have got the point by now. Then to instruments. I keep only one analog modelling synth on list because I have good analog synths for analog sounds. That one is there because of Blade Runner, Vangelis and polyphonic aftertouch. Want to limit options and have those option offer something others don’t. That said I have three wavetable synths with extensive capabilities on list. One is really good getting something fast. One is really good when you want to fine-tune how your playing affects the sound. Last one is really good on long evolving sounds. First two have MPE support and last has polyphonic aftertouch. Each takes time to learn. If only one of them was really good on everything. At least I know these synths already after spending some time learning them. Don’t master any of them but not starting from zero.
Fifth synth is physical modelling synth. Not sure if it should be on synth category. These five should do synths with analog gear I have. No FM synth because two of those wavetable synths can do FM on level I can understand it. And no other types of synths with huge learning curves. Point is to have something I can get good sounds fast without spending time on learning.
One category is for pianos and organs with one electric piano, one piano and one organ. These are all algorithmic. I like algorithmic better than sampled. Haven’t thought too much about sample libraries yet. Sample libraries are more complicated because they come most of the time from one plugin and often need performance mappings on track. I think about that when it is time to set templates on DAW.
This approach has made everything easier. I haven’t uninstalled anything. I just have categories on favorites list with few plugins. Others are on sub folder under category in case I might need them. Won’t be opening subfolder unless I really need something from there. When I get new computer in future I don’t install all plugins I currently have but they can stay on current computer.