You're aware of post-processing of effects as a rationale. If you understand where the effects are applied (Insertion for each PART, System for a mix of none, some, or all of the PARTs together - at programmed levels for each PART, or Master applied to a mix of all PARTs together) - then you'll be able to sort out how you have to track the PARTs if you want to post-process (apply) effects later and use a dry signal. System effects will be more difficult to replicate this way (as a post process).

The "best practice" may also depend on what the recording is for. As a scratch track for a singer - maybe they don't want effects which may obscure the beat, pitch, etc. Maybe you're not solid on what effect to use for one of the tracks -- so you leave that one dry and remix (in effects) later. Maybe you're solid on the effects - so you record with them.

Certainly if you record any time-based effects into your tracks - you're painting yourself into a corner. If recording multi-track (all PARTs on their own track) and all dry (no effects) - you have the most options available to you in the mixdown/mastering process.

Makes sense, I am less familiar with Cubase and how to set up effects sends. I think I will try a few scenarios, but I will continue to rely mostly on internal montage effects for now. Thx!

So I learnt that when using usb stereo outs, to separate audio tracks, I didnt seem to be able to capture the onboard reverb and var effects, which it seems is best practice :). Here is my workflow for recording with elements...., I think this is valid but wanted to check

• Record using audio rec on DAW
  I believe that insertion effects are recorded
  The Reverb and var sends are not available in USB channels
  Assume the Master FX are not applied
  I did learn how to set up an FX Channel in Cubase/Elements, and setup a reverb, and chorus send to an fx channel, mimicking what I had on the scenes when played via the mains

So if you want to record via usb, can I assume that we cant get the onboard reverb and var to record on the usb tracks.
If we wanted to keep separate tracks and use the montage reverbs and var effects, we can record on the Main channel with effects 1 track at a time

I am a newbie at this so I appreciate the guidance 🙂

The most important thing to know is that there is no one-way or any best way to proceed. Recording is a very personal art. You can record with effects, without effects, you can record direct to a 2-Track Stereo result, you can record separate audio tracks for each Part - then mix it all down to stereo, and every possibility in between.

What we can say definitively about the Effects and routing via USB is this: by default all Parts are routed to the “MAIN L&R” Output - which mean all Parts have access not only to their own dual Insertion Effects, but the Sends to the Reverb and Variation Effects, the Master Effect, the Master EQ and finally the “Main L&R”.

If you route a Part to a USB (numbered) 1-30 Output, you remove it before the Rev and Var Sends, before the signal goes through the Master Effect, before the signal goes through the Master EQ.

What this means is... any Part you want to isolate you can route to a USB1-30 Output. It will go to that Output with the Insertion Effect, in tact... but it will be without the System or Master processing.

Because you can synchronize clocks you never have to transfer all Parts together... therefore if you wish to both isolate a Part for audio recording and use the Reverb and Variation, simply do a pass playing back just that one Part (alone) through the Main L&R... you can print Parts to Audio one at a time.

Now the question, if you can record with the Reverb, Variation and Master processors when routed to Main L&R, why ever isolate things to separate audio Outputs? This is a production question - answerable on a per project basis. In general, there is no good reason to isolate your MONTAGE Parts to separate Audio Tracks in your DAW unless you are going to do something to that audio in your DAW. Either process it individually with a plug-in, or separate Audio Tracks to take advantage of some mix automation not available in MONTAGE.

DO NOT record everything to separate Audio Tracks without a plan. What a waste of time and effort to separate all the Parts to separate Audio Tracks if all you do is then mix them back together! Have a plan, have a reason (doesn’t have to be earth moving, but have a concept of what you’d like to do with the isolated Part. “Isolated” means that the Track only includes the sound of that instrument (that is why the System and Master Effects are removed, they are all communal and the sound contains a mix of Parts using the Effect) the numbered USB Outs are isolated audio.

If you have not a special plan for the isolated audio, you should leave it routed to “Main L&R”
Only route the Parts you are going to process further in your DAW to USB numbered Outputs.

Setting up an FX TRACK in Cubase is simple enough... it’s a track lane like a MIDI or Audio Track, but what you do is SEND data from the audio track you want to process to the FX TRACK... The FX Track is routed to and from the processor and “returns” the wet signal to the main stereo... it's another Send/Return situation that you set up inside Cubase.

In general, things like “sweetening” Effects (reverbs, delays) are traditionally added at final mixdown, when, in theory, you can hear the impact with all instruments playing. In the recording studio, the Reverb used during recording is never recorded (the amount of Reverb that typically makes the singer comfortable in headphones is subjectively far too much for the average listener... and no engineer would let the singer make that decision!) Besides, it’s almost impossible to remove it once you’ve recorded with it. It’s a commitment!

Experiment. Try a straight to stereo mixdown using just the MONTAGE with all Parts routed to “Main L&R”. Use this as your benchmark. Create the mix, name it and put it on the side.
Next, try assigning Parts to individual Outputs, based on editing or processing them further in your DAW... Create a new mix, name it, and put it on the side.
Experiment with different elaborate workflows, record each Part to its own track, then reassemble your data by mixing in your DAW... Create the mix, name it and now compare your results.

If you find the simplest method was best, be honest with yourself. You may find (no, i’ll Go out in a limb here and say, you will find) that it takes a lot of work to get to the point where you are able to deconstruct and reconstruct your mix and get it to sound as good as it did originally!

Does that mean, taking all that separate output and recording everything to its own audio track is just bunk? No, not at all, you will find that more sessions you do, the better you get at using your tools. Once you realize that you DO NOT have to work any particular way (at all) ... once you realize that the best workflow varies based on the project and what you require for that project should be the one thing that guides you.

If, for example, you have a great plug-in Effect you wish to use on your MONTAGE guitar sound, you might find that is a very good reason to take an individual output and go through the process of separating it from the others. If you are ready and want to learn to use the extensive automated mix features of your DAW, that might be a very good reason to use the extensive Output routing capability of your MONTAGE.

Some see the 16 Stereo Outputs and think “I’ll take a Stereo Output on every Part”. Do that, get that out of your system. Then sit down and think of the other possibilities... you could take an individual Output on each drum you used from the Drum Kit Part and process them with boutique plug-in Effects. But for heaven’s sake do that where appropriate (not on a jazz recording, but perhaps on a pop or electronic music recording session, that might be appropriate). Remember, you can use multiple passes in the transfer, not everything needs to be recorded or rendered at once... (until the final mixdown).

But don’t just do it for no reason, I guess is my point. There is no shortcut to experience... the more projects you do the better you get!

Totally makes sense, I learnt a lot this weekend, and the ability to stack up performances, and tweak as we go is just a blast. Thanks for the guidance and info.... very very helpful.