Adding effects to electric guitar?

[BoneDigger]

I realize this has been discussed before, but when it comes to adding effects to electric guitar (we'll say rhythm and lead), do you usually send a dry signal then add desired effects, or do you go ahead and use pedals and make it sound like you want it to, then record the wet signal?

I could see how adding effects later would give you more control? However, sometimes the nuance of how you play, how long that note rings for, etc. are determined by the effect (reverb, compression, delay can all effect this and how the note(s) is/are related).

So, what do you guys prefer?

[Gordon Currie]

I go both ways.

Some effects can affect one's performance, or are so noticeable that they become part and parcel of the arrangement. I find many time-based effects (flanging, tremelo, vibrato, chorus, delay) or things like wah to fit that description.

Other effects such as EQ, reverb, compression seem to work better when I can control them with more precision and when listening to other elements of a mix.

I always track with a little monitor-only reverb!

[Bob Womack]

If the effect elicits an interaction, such as a long delay or shimmer reverb, I track with it.

If the effect is to be a general ambience, I'll track dry and put some reverb in the headphones or monitors, if need be.

If I am producing the song/record and playing the part, I may track wet because I probably know best what sound I am going for.

I guess that adds up to "It depends." Check my sig.

Bob

[DupleMeter]

I generally try to capture the sound I want from the start. That said, if I’m not sure what I’m after, or if it’s a Production that might require changes later, I’ll split the guitar signal & get both an effected & non-effected version into Pro Tools.

[KevWind]

Me it depends on if I am mic-ing my guitar amp cabinets OR if I am plugging into the DI on my Interface I do both depending on my mood at the time

For mic-ing I use my pedal board and all the FX's are in the signal chain before it hits the DAW and the only thing I might use in the mix stage , is a high pass EQ plug in, and possibly a compressor plug in

If direct input,,, I record dry and add the FX at mixing