How can you produce a high quality demo, when you don’t have the ‘right’ microphone, pre-amp or outboard gear, etc.?
My studio has a relatively modest set-up, with minimal hardware, as far as my recording and mixing chain goes. However, I have a selection of some of the best vintage gear ever made in the form of software emulations.
You may be surprised to learn that many of the top engineers in the world work solely ITB (In The Box) these days, meaning that they are 100% software-based, due to the strides made in physical modelling of old analogue circuitry, which is so accurate now that there’s almost no discernible difference.
As has always been the case, however, it’s not about which mic, pre-amp or compressor you use – the most vital piece of hardware for any producer or engineer is a good pair of ears, with experience and sound judgement coming in a close second and third place.