Hello guys, I have a not so noobish question here that is related to the recording vs mixing stage.

The question is pretty simple; How do you prefer your delay?

Before the amp, as a stompbox? The advantage here would be that it has all the response of the amp.
In the loop (return channel on the amp)? Here it still gets the color of the power amp but it jumps the pre.
In the mixing stage (after already recorded)? Here you have full control of it even if it is badly played (and you have to accommodate the audio to fit the song tempo).

Disadvantages:
-Before: if it is badly timed you have no way around, record it again, as to fix it after printed you will add a lot of audio aberrations and it will really be a pain in the ass... another disadvantage; you would not be able to duck the delay while the main sound is playing if desired.
-In the loop: same as before.
-Mixing stage: altho you have full control over what the delay does and the interpretation of the player is not much of a problem, you'll loose the varying color that the amp gives.

I would really like your opinion on this subject and what method you prefer over the others

 

I'm a huge supporter or adding effects like reverb, delay, flanger, phaser etc... in the mixing stage because as you said it gives you complete control. It also allows you to tweak the effect as you need to fit it with the rest of the mix, which is more important than anything. With me, if I'm recording anything, my goal is to get the cleanest recording possible (amp to taste) and then take it from there with mixing.

 

Unless the the delay on the riff is the focal point of the arrangement like in a U2 song, and you build the track around it. However, it would also be wise to capture the DI of any instrument during recording as a precaution, or for later reamping flexibility.

 

Last edited: Jan 26, 2016

The Delay should always be in front of the amp there are no exceptions if you play with delay in a live situation.
The critical element is what type of delay it is? Mono ( before amp), stereo ( split into 2 amps, front of amp).
If you are playing a Mod delay ( Delay with Chorus or Vibrato aka Memory Man or Korg SDD Digi delay) then you must put those units before the amp as they have their own preamp which will add their character ( timeless sound everyone know its) to the amp.

Going back to my first line when playing Guitar with delay live you have to put it in front of the amp regardless if the amp has an fx loop or not. The delay has to sit high so that you do not look like a fool chasing your note repeats around.

I don't give a damn weather you have a 60's VOX AC30, Marshal, Fender Black face or a Line 6 Spider 3 amp ( actually the main one I use with some mods done to it aka hacking) once you put a Memory Man Deluxe ( the floor pedal that I will never sell!!!) in front of even a $30 dollar Amp you know that sound hit's you like a rock!!! it's like time stands still. From rockabilly, to the 60's to the 70's to the early 80's that pedal kills.
I can not play without having that Memory man deluxe turned on before the amp. There is life and 3D space when it is on.

Guitar Into Memory Man Deluxe out into Line 6 Spider 3 150 W amp that is it.
One day I will pickup a Korg SDD 3000 but those are hard to find these days. For now Analog Delay for 3D space is all I need.

Doing Delay in Post is fine, however you need to play with delay and not just record Dry and then add delay after, as this will kill your live performances.

 

The important to bear in mind is that a 'Delay' will repeat your Audio sources as many times as set, and the other settings provided within your 'Delay', either as a 'Stompbox', or a 'Rack Unit', as the 'Feedback', 'Dry/Wet Mix',... will also affect these same Audio sources.

In the case you'll use it before to 'feed' an Amp, and that you'll use (if available !) the 'Crunch/Lead/Distortion' Channel of that Amp... you can guess the result, your 'distorted' sound will be 'delayed' and 'processed' according to the proper settings done within your 'Delay Unit'.

If your Amp has a 'Send/Return' ('FX Loop') Option, use it, then 'blend' the 'Delay' Effect as desired or needed...

 

Last edited: Jan 26, 2016