Is it possible to use Slate VMS with my outboard (LA-2A, 1176 etc.) when tracking ?

Not without defeating the intended process. That is, in my opinion, VMS' Achilles' heel. Completely understandable though, as that would be extremely difficult to work around, and still be able to apply different mic models after recording.

I don't know about the hardware because I don't own, it but conceptually, it seems like a strange chain. Essentially, you would be putting the compressor before the mic character/emulation. I wouldn't be surprised if you could get good results but it still kind of defeats the premise of the VMS.

If you have that grade of outboard, I imagine you have more that good enough converters to route the signal back through after tracking. If you need it while tracking, I personally would try emulations first, and see if you are happy with them. Then you keep the flexibility of the VMS.

The Townsend Labs Sphere L22 allows you to track with various preamps, but otherwise would have the same limitation as VMS with any additional outboard.

I would first suggest just tracking through one of the several compressors in Virtual Mix Rack, such as the FG-116 Blue Vintage FET Compressor which sounds fantastic on vocals, especially during tracking because it makes the vocalist sound really forward in their headphones. But if you have your heart set on a compressor that is not yet modeled, then track with a virtual compressor to get the artist happy and make things sound great, then patch in the hardware insert during the mix.

Having said that, our virtual arsenal of compressors will be increasing a lot this year, including a Distressor module and several Opto compressor modules.

Cheers,
Steven

**** me OP, i Never thought of that!
I was so concerned about the latency....
Absolute deal breaker for me.

But i need to try it out anyway.
@ Steven Slate : since the vms is not going over the slate distributer in Germany, where can i get a demo?

For Germany try Meinmic in Germany for VMS.

Cheers,
Steven

If you own ££££s of worth of vintage compressors, then you can probably afford the emulated microphones and features VMS is offering. Think Slate are offering a brilliant solution to people who wish to invest in a workhorse solution without investing in a vast analogue chain.

Well i own a couple of famous compressors and i don't know why that would mean i can afford a mic locker full of vintage mics that cost an arm and a leg!!?

I think Subliminal has it about right "Think Slate are offering a brilliant solution to people who wish to invest in a workhorse solution without investing in a vast analogue chain." With todays preamps being such an integral part of our vocal sound, it's the one thing that keeps us from using the VMS more often. Software preamps have come a long way but I still don't hear the total effect of quality transformers and tubes. Could be my old ears.

On the other hand we use the Slate preamps every day to give color to tracks. It's not either/or but another quality option. With the current success, there will be lots of support for this product with new mics/preamps down the road. This technology is only going to get better.

Hey Steven, if using a compressor in VMR while recording, does that allow me to control peaks of the incoming signal? I'd like to be able to track with my ML1 and control singers w/lots of dynamics...is there an outboard solution for that or can you control peaks in the box? Thanks in advance