different mixing approaches and gear

[dobro]

I've been tracking for over a year now, but I'm just starting to seriously get into mixing. The wonderful world of EQ is where I am right now.

This isn't about EQ, though. I use Cool Edit Pro. When I apply some EQ to a track, I can preview what it sounds like on that track right away, but I can't preview what it sounds like in the context of the mix. Nope - if I want to do that, I have to first apply the EQ (that might take half a minute), then I have to save the change (that'll take about another half a minute), then I have to flip back to the mix and listen to the altered track in the whole mix. If I don't like it, I have to lob the track in question back into edit mode, and try something new (keep in mind that all these edits play hell with the bit structure of the wav, near as I can tell, so when I finally get something I like, I THEN have to call up the original track from the original session to work on so as to keep processing of the file to a minimum.

Two questions: are there softwares that let you listen to what an EQ will sound like in the mix right away, without having to save it? And how does all this software editing compare to working with a box, either a hard disk recorder or something like the Masterlink?

[Emeric]

That would be quite a pain. I use to do that in DOP. Software has come a long way from that.

I find it hard to beleive that CEP isn't capable of that. I'd look for another program.

Every program I've demo'd since DOP allows realtime EQ/effect adjustment. Cubase, Vegas, Nuendo.

I think N-Track does(does it? Slack?)it's cheap and great from what I've read on this BBS. I'd switch programs Dobro... soon.

How well you can adjust EQ's in real time is also dependent on your system horsepower as well. 4 - 8 tracks at a time on your machine should be no sweat.

If you get a lot of effects running realtime and a lot of tracks, what your hearing while adjusting the realtime EQ's gets a little sluggish, but still workable.

The second part of your question I don't know when related to masterlink and standalones. I'd compare it to adjusting a parameter on an outboard processor, or an EQ knob on a mixer. Without comparing hardware versus software, the concepts are the same. One adjustment with a mouse, the other with your finger(s). Outboard has pretty close to 0 latency, software varies according to system spec's.

[Hard2Hear]

N-Track DOES have real-time effects. Thats one of the top reasons I prefer it over using my Cool Edit Pro.

The EQ itself will compare differently to hardware by product. I am using a Steinberg EQ plug-in that is very quick to respond and sounds very good.

H2H

[dobro]

Will do - thanks, you three. With the time I save I can play my guitar.

[gordone]

Just another vote for N-Track! It comes with 3-band parametric eq (built-into the mixer, don't need to use a plug-in), which I usually use, unless I need 4-bands, then I use the Blue-line eq.
Good luck!
-Evan
PS-Dobro, I noticed you posted awhile back regarding recording voice and ac. gtr at the same time. This is the challenge I face all the time too. Email me offline if you want some of the ideas I've tried...

[dobro]

Again, thanks and will do. Simultaneous miking means close-miking, and close-miking means proximity effect. I'm starting to deal with the bottom end while tracking these days, cutting it on both vocal and guitar, and boosting the mids on the vocal a bit.