Semi Pro studio set up (what equipment do you need?)

[Khazul]

The only post production type outboard I use is a couple of Behringer units that I use only for quick and dirty mastering type processing when monitoring record and prior to doing post production work. Its really just to get an idea what the 'produced' version will sound like.

Those units are:

DEQ2496 - its a graphic eq, dynamic eq, parametric eq, compressor/expander+limiter and stereo imager

DSP1424P - An enhancer/maximiser

Between the two of them I can very quickly get a rough idea what the produced version will sound like. The DEQ2496 is however an essential bit of kit for post production as well, but only as a metring uinit as it has a very good RTA (spectrum analyser) and various meter modes.

I dont use either in the audio path for post production currently (I used to), but maybe I will start using them again as I get better results with them than the junk that comes with Cubase SX 3 - I might have a look at the Waves plugin in the future.