Compression and EQ Settings

[ndycus1]

Can some of you give me some ideas for preset eq, threshold and and ratio levels for recording vocals, bass, acoustic, and electric guitars? These would be the settings that are recorded onto the hard disk, I could still change them a little later on.

[fretmeister]

http://seposition.redemption.co.nz/img/eq.gif

In general, I think it's better to record your track with as little EQ as possible and EQ later in the mix.

For ballpark compression settings, I would look at the web sites of compressor manufacturers and look at their manuals for recommended settings. There is a learning curve for using compression; there are really no "presets" but you can use them as guidelines to get you started. And do a search on this forum for many great discussions on the topic. But be careful not to use too much compression when you record your track to hard disk because you CANNOT change it later!

[Rev E]

EQ is there when the sound isn't what you want. You shouldn't be looking for stock EQ settings, because by doing that you're admitting that the sound isn't what you want. If you're doing electric bass and electric guitar, get the instruments sounding the way you want it. Use new strings, use good cable, use quality mics... in fact elec. guits and basses have tone control so some EQ is already there.

The most natural EQ for an acoustic is using the right mic. I know it's not what you wanted to hear, but it's the truth. Use your best efforts in getting the sound right from the get go and you'll be better off.

Now compression... that's a bigger animal to discuss. But in my experience, electric bass does well with moderate/light compression... just to tame the peaks. Try to knock off 3-6 dbs with lower ratios. Acoustics, you'll have to use a bit more heavy compression at some stage (...i.e. rather you could do it at the mix stage if you don't know what you're doing and that way you could always do it over). I haven't recorded many electrics, but even in my limited experience with them you didn't have to use much compression. The cab did its own natural compression if it was loud enough...