EQ for Dummies; IE: me
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Posted on Dec 27, 2004 09:17 pm
briandegus
Member Since: Mar 02, 2004
Deleted By briandegus
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Noize2uCzar of MidiAdministrator
Since: Apr 04, 2002
Dec 27, 2004 09:46 pm Well Brian, it is pretty difficult and there is no magic formula to get the EQ right. Only a small set of rules that usually apply throughout the spectrum. This article narrow's down some of the bands and what exactly they do for your sound. www.homerecordingconnecti...tory&id=390
This one will tell you the differance between EQ's. www.homerecordingconnecti...tory&id=144
I know this is probably not what you wanted to hear, but it really is the best starting point.
You are using what is really a highbred type EQ, a ParaGraphic. It uses a range like a graphic EQ but gives it the ability to have its Q or bandwidth customized slightly, even moved in some instances. In refering to Q that is the width of the EQ band either narrow or wide that will be effected by the boosting or cutting.
If you print out that first article, then begin to mess about with sound you are familier with. You will soon get a bit more feel for how it will effect your audio.
I or anyone else could give you exact settings we might use here or there, but I can garauntee that it would not have the same effect on your audio. It would only get you in the ballpark, as well the article I refered to above.
And one key to remember, not everything needs to be EQ'd. Some things will sound just fine without it at all. It is up to your ears, or whomever is listening to decide if and when to apply EQ. Only use it if an instrument is overpowering and backing off the level doesnt do the trick, then maybe look into cutting certain frequancies. Or in reverse if you just cant get it to sit in the mix. Then have a good listen and find an area to boost a bit to give it more life. All that stuff is in the first article, who, what and where.
MurphyAn outburst for perfectionMember
Since: Dec 11, 2002
Dec 27, 2004 09:54 pm
That's because all recordings are different and need different treatment.
A lot depends on how the instrument has been recorded and how the instruments you’re fighting against are recorded.
I’m sure there’s some info on here that gives you an idea of where to, cut and boost.
M
WaltChief Cook and Bottle WasherMember
Since: May 10, 2002
Dec 28, 2004 02:04 am Ya Brian,
EQ is a sincere artform. I can really only emphsize what Noise had to write. Especially per your example percussion. The infumus kit. I have been at this for a little better than three years and I just met up with a drummer that has done a lot of recording and really knows his stuff in terms of drum choice, tuning, dampening, mic placement, etc. That's all before applying eq. I had to be taught how to "listen" to a drum first. Now that's just me, it is not to say that you don't have greater experience.
The unfortunate truth as I know it is that exact settings are an extrapolation of theory. Every kick drum will be different. A single kick drum can be set up to produce many different sounds.
Sorry I don't have a better answer other than enjoy the ride!
Dec 28, 2004 02:45 am (tip: ask very specific questions about whatever you're working on at the moment in terms of EQ and it becomes easier to give specific advice.)
Dec 28, 2004 04:10 am Deleted By briandegus
WaltChief Cook and Bottle WasherMember
Since: May 10, 2002
Dec 28, 2004 09:09 am Ok, per the notch at 2K. Cubase has a four band equalizer. Pick the band closest to 2K and adjust the frequency to 2K. Now lower the amplitude say 3 db. Last adjust the Q so that you get a very narrow 'V' shape to the notch you created.
Dec 28, 2004 02:17 pm Just my 2 cents in this thread. I have found it very useful to export each track into wavelab, and use the 3d analysis on them. I take notes on what frequency's they are dominant in, as well as where some of the harmonics reside. After I have done this with all my tracks, I have a clear picture of where I need to adjust the eq on certain tracks to give them their own space. From here, I go back and adjust for slight tonal manipulations such as notching out frett buzz, or harsh frequency's.
Just started using this method,and it can be time intensive, but it seems to be working fairly well.
WaltChief Cook and Bottle WasherMember
Since: May 10, 2002
Dec 28, 2004 07:40 pm Good technique!
Another helpfull application is Ozone. You can watch the frequency graph real time as well as do snap shots, avg. anyalizing and listen to only the "filtered" frequency as you sweep. All good tools for finding "key" frequencies.
