duh-where do i set mixer eq's when recording

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Member Since: Oct 08, 2002

have mackie cr1604 which allows me to set hi,lo, and mid freq at -15 to+15 dB (to anywhere in between.) should these be set (when recording) to "0" dB, since i will adjust eq in final mixdown

stupid question I should know the answer to-- does 0dB mean flat response. explain to a non recording engineer exactly what flat means or has reference to(think it's something about plotting freq vs gain ) can't remember--pls help

b

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Administrator
Since: Apr 03, 2002


Jan 15, 2003 06:43 am

You can EQ where ever you want, we have had a couple decent debates on the subject elsewhere in the forum. I personally record almost everything flat and EQ later. I try to get the sound I want from the amp, the mic, the emulator or whatever unit I am recording with, I do not try to get the sound with the mixer. Sometimes it is necessary, but really it is just a matter of personal taste and technique.

Contributor
Since: Dec 30, 2002


Jan 15, 2003 09:48 am

Like dB said - record flat, if you want to alter the sound you are capturing, the do something about it before it enters the microphone (like adjust the Guitar Amp, move the microphone, eat a slice of pizza, etc, etc.

The only time you should EQ when tracking (recording) is when you need to make a dramatic change to the sound - but again, use caution, because once you have applied this EQ and tracked using it, you can't remove it upon mixdown.

To answer your question - "flat" means no EQ boosts or cuts (0dB on the EQ's)

jues.

Cone Poker
Member
Since: Apr 07, 2002


Jan 17, 2003 05:31 pm

Eq however sounds good to you, there is no right or wrong way to do it. I usually record with a little EQ done through the mixer adn then go back and do more EQ through my plugins.

Contributor
Since: Dec 30, 2002


Jan 17, 2003 06:47 pm

In theory, yes - but the problem with EQ'ing whilst tracking (recording) is that you can't un-do any EQ desisions that you made. It's preferable to leave the sound flat and then you can EQ to your hearts content whilst mixing.

jues.

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