Automatic EQ Settings

[stoobie]

My question has to do with EQ presets. The presets for any EQ I've seen work by adjusting specific frequencies by a set amount of dBs, regardless of the actual frequency response curve.

That means that (for example) if I record two vocal tracks, using two different mics (or using the same mic placed slightly differently), but want both vocals to sit in essentially the same "vocal" place in the mix, I can't use the same preset.

What I want is a tool that first analyzes the frquency spectrum and then adjusts the EQ settings to match a predefined target spectrum. That way, it doesn't matter what the source spectrum is. I can quickly set any source spectrum to an ideal target.

Does anyone know if such a tool exists? Does anyone use such a tool (or am I the only one that would use such a tool?)

stoobie

 

[dave in toledo]

eq

you can put the tracks on the computer, n track has a spectrum analyser, but ive been told by the pros, to turn the analyser off and use my ears...

not your eyes

 

[mixsit]

Re: eq

you can put the tracks on the computer, n track has a spectrum analyser, but ive been told by the pros, to turn the analyser off and use my ears...

not your eyes

What he said.
One thing they could be used for would be to use them to begin your ear training, seeing what frequencies do what.
...because what you said here is also true.

"...The presets for any EQ I've seen work by adjusting specific frequencies by a set amount of dBs, regardless of the actual frequency response curve.
That means that (for example) if I record two vocal tracks, using two different mics (or using the same mic placed slightly differently), but want both vocals to sit in essentially the same "vocal" place in the mix, I can't use the same preset."

Grab those knobs, and off you go.
Wayne

 

[dwillis45]

Steinberg's Mastering Edition (ME) software includes a VST plugin called FreeFilter which does something like this. In Cubase (or another program that supports VST) you analyze a "source" track with FreeFilter and it maps the eq characteritics of that track. Next you analyze a "target" track and then apply the eq characteristics of the source track. You can apply the same eq curve or you can apply a percentage of it ranging from 1-99 percent. Steinberg hypes FreeFilter as a Mastering tool for acheiving balance among various songs on an album. They also suggest that users can copy eq curves from their favorite reference CD's. The plugin can also be used as a graphic eq. Personally, I don't use it even though I use the Mastering Edition set. It's fun to play with but it I think it interferes with serious "ear training."