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parametric eq

Ok so I found out that if I seperate my bassdrum from my kick via parametric eq I get better results.Is there any other tips to using this tool or an explanation on good techniques to use with this?

Seperating instruments in song production via EQing is a standard mixing technique. I personally love the parametric EQ b/c it has so many options of use, considering Q, curve, and frequency selections.

I think using an EQ is really up to the user's desires.

The most common use of eq by me is to clean out individual tracks by trimming the unwanted frequencies off the sounds so that there is more free space so that the track doesn't go muddy. I sometimes use eq to shape a sound but I tend to try and use a filter for this.

I often shape a sound with eq, you can totally change the way a synth sounds. Filters can sometimes be to harsh, in order to shape well with them you often have to loose to much of the frequency content. In my opinion.

I know that for me, Parametric Eq is my best friend. I used it to filter every frequence of each sound that I dont want, to make sound breathe a little bit more.

Do you guys ever get a "too clean" sound by overdoing it? When I started in 99, it happened to me...I used Cool Edit Pro and I was over-EQing everything, and now I realize it didn't need that much. Everything in excess is bad.

This may be a "duh" tip for most of you but for some noobs, this could be useful tip:

Use EQ not to boost a certain frequency but rather trim unwanted frequencies. the reason is simple - when you amplify you introduce noise, so it's better to remove something "intrusive" from the mix rather than boost certain frequency. Sounds a lot tighter this way too. Of course, it helps to remember that you need to have the proper recording level before you start.

Also, while we're on a subject matter, I'm curious what do you use for EQ (soft, brand/hardware, brand) and which would you prefer.

I'm currently using Cubase EQ with some vst proggy that I can't remember of top of my head.


TranceON

Ooops... Looks like Cheggy beat me with the tip.... Oh well, here's the same advise 2x for you - so it must be right

I used Cubase EQ with Waves EQ as well. But still do not know which EQ will be better.

FLstudio default parametric EQ! Yay!

quote:

Originally posted by CynepMeH Use EQ not to boost a certain frequency but rather trim unwanted frequencies. the reason is simple - when you amplify you introduce noise, so it's better to remove something "intrusive" from the mix rather than boost certain frequency.

I agree sir, but would add not be religious about it either (I got to the point where I would never ever boost stuff). Recently I just finished a course with a studio producer and I asked him about this, he was so much more human about it than most people I have read posts from - bearing in mind this guy does this as a career. He boosts and cuts without worrying about it too much. His rule of thumb was if there is something harsh you don't want then cut, if there is a sound you want to emphasise then boost just that portion, it was a lot less rigid than I thought.

Going back to my mixes now I can hear a lot of places where I lost too much character due to overcutting and trying to shoehorn as opposed to trying to give things the right amount of space they needed.

Is the default parametric EQ in FL good,or are there better ones out there?

quote:

Originally posted by CynepMeH This may be a "duh" tip for most of you but for some noobs, this could be useful tip: Use EQ not to boost a certain frequency but rather trim unwanted frequencies. the reason is simple - when you amplify you introduce noise, so it's better to remove something "intrusive" from the mix rather than boost certain frequency. Sounds a lot tighter this way too. Of course, it helps to remember that you need to have the proper recording level before you start. Also, while we're on a subject matter, I'm curious what do you use for EQ (soft, brand/hardware, brand) and which would you prefer. I'm currently using Cubase EQ with some vst proggy that I can't remember of top of my head. TranceON

i don't really agree with you..

i always boost and cutoff , never had any problems, infact i love boosting frequencies, it add so much to synths.

as for your question, i use the EQ in reason.

quote:

Originally posted by ze7 Is the default parametric EQ in FL good,or are there better ones out there?

I use the one in fruity to seperate my kick from my bassline and then I use the one in soundforge for remastering work and my highs.

quote:

Originally posted by Massive84 i don't really agree with you.. i always boost and cutoff , never had any problems, infact i love boosting frequencies, it add so much to synths. as for your question, i use the EQ in reason.

I do the same, i mean by boosting a frequency then droping the volume you end up in effect removing part of the frequency range anyway. It just depends on what sort of effect you want to achieve as to whether you boost or drop.

CynepMeH is right!

you shoudln't boost frequencies, you should reduce everything else than what you want to boost and then boost the gain itselfs. you'll receive higher qualities through this process..

If your in a studio thats true(operating in analogue form) but in the digital domain it aint gonna make any difference.

I use the paramteric equaliser in my Yamaha O1X . Very nice and effective, with real knobs to twiddle too ! Adjustable F,Q and LPF/HPF


I absolutely agree with Meh. Cut rather than boost. Even my basic O1X manual says this.


FOR THOSE OF YOU WITH NO CLUE ABOUT MIXING, DOWNLOAD THE O1X MANUAL IN PDF FORMAT
THERE IS A GREAT *BASIC* MIXING TUTORIAL (P43-53) WHICH IS GENERAL, AND NOT SPECIFIC TO THE O1X

Seasoned users will not find it particularly helpful, but I can't recommend it highly enough for beginners.

It can't be direct linked to, so you have to go to the Yamaha manual centre and ...

Yamaha Manual Centre :

1. Press *Accept*
2. Click on *Electronic musical instruments* (hey, last time I looked it was under Proaudio - took me ages to find it this time ... wtf ? And how is it an instrument ?)
3. Enter *01X* in the search column (that's zero, not 'O')
4. Download the manual 5.2MB (not the installation guide, quick reference or WDM sheet)

quote:

Page 50 Yamaha O1X Manual *Hints on using EQ -In general, cut rather than boost. For example, if you want to make a sound brighter, try cutting the bass first. This will not only emphasize the higher frequencies, overall it will give you a cleaner mix -We recommend you use the HPF on every sound source in your mix, except for kick drum, bass guitar and synth bass. This will take out those bass frequencies you don't need to hear, and give the ones you want to hear more sonic room - and make them sound more crispy and punchy. -You might also want to do the opposite - put LPF on bass sounds to cut out unnecessary highs. Be careful to use your ears though, or you may rob a great sounding bass of its character by doing this (for example, slap bass or acoustic bass)

EDIT : Ummm, the 01X is a digital mixer ...

quote:

Originally posted by CynepMeH This may be a "duh" tip for most of you but for some noobs, this could be useful tip: Use EQ not to boost a certain frequency but rather trim unwanted frequencies. the reason is simple - when you amplify you introduce noise, so it's better to remove something "intrusive" from the mix rather than boost certain frequency. Sounds a lot tighter this way too. Of course, it helps to remember that you need to have the proper recording level before you start. Also, while we're on a subject matter, I'm curious what do you use for EQ (soft, brand/hardware, brand) and which would you prefer. I'm currently using Cubase EQ with some vst proggy that I can't remember of top of my head. TranceON

elemental audio equium vst plugin. when i am too lazy (which is most of the time ) i use the one included in sx2.

quote:

Originally posted by Massive84 i don't really agree with you.. i always boost and cutoff , never had any problems, infact i love boosting frequencies, it add so much to synths. as for your question, i use the EQ in reason.

I've used the Reason-EQ, too. Until now. The other guys are are right. Boosting frequencies often fills the signal with distortion. I've tried to use the vocoder as eualizer, 've raised the volume level the signal and lowered all the freuquencies, I don't want to boost.

The result is amazing. Although I don't want to miss frequency boosting in the old style. Sometimes this technique somehow fits better...

---------

BTW, this Yamaha introduction is great. I really commend this to all newbies.

quote:

Originally posted by Tom_cowan If your in a studio thats true(operating in analogue form) but in the digital domain it aint gonna make any difference.

That would only count if you're completely in the digital domain, nothing but virtual instruments and virtual effects. As soon as you recorded something the "normal" way, you are better to cut instead of boost (boosting will bring any unwanted crap up too).

So, in total, I'd say make it a habit to TRY cutting first. That way, if one day you add some outboard gear, you don't have to change your habits completely.

I know well enough that lot's of "pro" people tend to boost too. It's not because they do it that you should blindly follow them.

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