This might sound strange but whats the difference between a Filter Plugin and An Equalizer Plugin? Doesnt the EQ do the same thing and has more shaping options? When people say roll off anything under 60hz on a kick drum are they doing it with a filter or an equalizer? I just dont see what the point of standalone filters are. I know they do something or else they wouldnt make em! Whats the secret heheh

Another question but very random and off subject!
I compress my kick drum and it sounds louder but im not even getting any gain reduction yet. How is my kick drum getting louder if the compressor isnt even being triggered yet? I have to lower the threshold very low to start getting gain reduction and by that time its way to loud.

technical EQs are built with (multiple) filters. EQs are much more flexible for soundshaping and sound design. filters are the better choice if you want to automate frequency cuts (close a low pass filter, ...). with EQs it's usually not so easy to do. (limited frequency band, not a smooth automation, ...)

all in all you're right EQs could do everything a filter does. but there are some technical limits in the plugin implementation usually..

If the compressor threshold is set above the kick's peak level and thus the compressor's not being triggered at all, then the only way it's getting louder is if the output level of the compressor is set higher than the input level.

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Originally posted by derail If the compressor threshold is set above the kick's peak level and thus the compressor's not being triggered at all, then the only way it's getting louder is if the output level of the compressor is set higher than the input level.

Well my compressor does not show an input level so how can I tell? The Output is set at 0db which is normal I guess. I have to lower the threshold to -20db before I see the Gain reduction meter start to pump. I forgot to mention that when I lower the threshold its slowly getting louder but the gain reduction shows nothing untill around -18 db

Hmm. I guess it really depends on the compressor you're using. Some of them may behave differently. For software compression I generally use the Waves compressors (RenComp and the C1), which show the input signal coming in and don't change the signal until the threshold is set below the input signal.

But in any case, work out what you want to do to your kicks, learn how the compressor you're using handles audio, and then use the settings which will give you the sound you're after. If the readout isn't helpful, use your ears!

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Originally posted by Dj Nacht Well my compressor does not show an input level so how can I tell? The Output is set at 0db which is normal I guess. I have to lower the threshold to -20db before I see the Gain reduction meter start to pump. I forgot to mention that when I lower the threshold its slowly getting louder but the gain reduction shows nothing untill around -18 db

What compressor are you using? You have probably have the 'auto gain' option turned on which some of them have...

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Originally posted by Sanguis Mortuum What compressor are you using? You have probably have the 'auto gain' option turned on which some of them have...

Ableton Compressor 2