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EQ question

Hey, I've read that "in the box" article on eq-ing, but it doesn't say within which frequencies exactly each track (bass, pad etc) should sit. I thought there was a good article on this topic posted in the tutorial master list (from computermusic.co.uk) but that page isn't working at the moment. Does anyone know where I can find this out? I think the kick is supposed to be under 100hz or something, but I'm really not sure. And what about the pads etc? Can someone please help me?

Thanks!!

You didn't read the article very thoroughly did you? The point of that article is that there are no EQ preset settings to use. There is no such thing as 'one size fits all' in digital music production. It depends entirely on the sounds in the mix and their spectrums and thats all going to be relative.

Also, you really should take a look at what a spectrum of a straight 909 kick drum looks like. Because you will instantly see why saying that 'the kick is supposed to be under 100hz or something' makes absolutely no sense.

A spectrum of a straight 909 kick shows that it occupies a massive range of frequency over the duration of the sound - almost the entire audible range of human hearing - thats 0 to about 20,000hz. However, the part of this spread with the highest amplitude is in the low bass frequency range, typically between 60 and 150 hz.

However, if you were to low pass filter out a kick drum so that it attenuates all frequency above 125 hz you would be left with a hum. Theres nothing down there except sub bass.

Nearly every instrument occupies a massive frequency band. But the highest amplitude frequencies are usually concentrated in a smaller band (the lowest frequency and highest amplitude peak is th fundamental frequency) and in a series of very narrow band harmonics in relation to it.

That only applies to sound with regular harmonic content though.

ok thanks for that.

But primarily, its about what sounds good right. So even if it looks ok in terms of a spectrum analyser, it can still sound awful?

quote:

Originally posted by trancey_spacer ok thanks for that. But primarily, its about what sounds good right. So even if it looks ok in terms of a spectrum analyser, it can still sound awful?

Pretty much, yes. I trust my ears much more than any analyzer.

quote:

Originally posted by Derivative You didn't read the article very thoroughly did you? The point of that article is that there are no EQ preset settings to use. There is no such thing as 'one size fits all' in digital music production. It depends entirely on the sounds in the mix and their spectrums and thats all going to be relative. Also, you really should take a look at what a spectrum of a straight 909 kick drum looks like. Because you will instantly see why saying that 'the kick is supposed to be under 100hz or something' makes absolutely no sense. A spectrum of a straight 909 kick shows that it occupies a massive range of frequency over the duration of the sound - almost the entire audible range of human hearing - thats 0 to about 20,000hz. However, the part of this spread with the highest amplitude is in the low bass frequency range, typically between 60 and 150 hz. However, if you were to low pass filter out a kick drum so that it attenuates all frequency above 125 hz you would be left with a hum. Theres nothing down there except sub bass. Nearly every instrument occupies a massive frequency band. But the highest amplitude frequencies are usually concentrated in a smaller band (the lowest frequency and highest amplitude peak is th fundamental frequency) and in a series of very narrow band harmonics in relation to it. That only applies to sound with regular harmonic content though.

As usual, Derivative is spot on.

When you EQ, you basically need to understand sonically and know visually where each of your instruments lie on the spectrum.

Your goal is to make them "fit" into each other, while minimizing degredation of the sound... EQ often make good instrument sound "tinny" and cold.

It's honestly just practice, but the best advice I can give at the moment is that EQ should be sparingly. When used, make it matter and make it work towards maximizing the whole mix!

quote:

Originally posted by Mr.Mystery Pretty much, yes. I trust my ears much more than any analyzer.

aye, use both

your ears are your most accurate tool, and if it sounds right but the instruments disagree... then get new instruments

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