It' no secret by now that the computer and plugin are becoming the cornerstones of the home-recording market. Computer effect plugin have specific advantages over hardware. Here are some of the pros:

You can use them as many times as your computer' processor can handle. For example, you can have five different versions of the same reverb on five different tracks, or aux tracks — all with different settings on each plug-in.

• You gain the ability to use one plug-in as an insert effect or an auxiliary effect at the same time.

• You can conceivably have a compressor on each track, all for the price of one.

• You can save and recall patches from song to song automatically.

• You won't need cables, patch bays, and rack mounts — there' no space required, except virtual space.

• You might get to upgrade your plug-in version for free if the maker updates it to improve the sound.

• You can automate the settings of any plug-in within a song.

There' always a downside:

• Just because you bought a plug-in doesn't mean you'll be able to run it.

• The more plugin you use, the slower your CPU becomes, and the fewer tracks you can use.

• Many professional engineers believe the sound of software plugin isn't as good as hardware versions.

• You can't use plugin anywhere but in a computer, which makes hardware versions handier for live sound or instruments.

As you can see, there are ups and downs to plug-ins, but most people will agree that the flexibility and cost-benefit ratio make computer systems and plugin very attractive.