better to EQ before or after recording?

  • Thread starter Thread starter shackrock
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shackrock

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i'm using a erurorack 802A mixer, and then straight to the computer. If i want to EQ the guitar, should i do that right on the micer, before recording? OR record normal through the mixer (with EQ's normal), and then EQ it with N-Track later? Which produces best results?

Thanks
 
The best thing to do, IMHO, is to get the sound right at the source first, then get it to sound right going to tape preferably with mic placement/preamp choice without EQ or at least very little of it. For one thing once you record it, there's no taking it off.
 
Apart from agreeing with Track Rat about getting the sound right at the source, I'd view that question in two ways. The first way is that the N-Track software EQs will have no measurable noise and will be far more transparent than the Behringer circuit EQs. The second would be that twisting an actual knob on a mixer is often an easier way to get the sound you want than playing around with software, IMHO.

But, like Track Rat said, once you record it, you can't take it off.

Despite my old-fashioned, anti-PC recording convictions, I'm gonna have to suggest that you record flat and do any EQ that you absolutely need in N-Track when you mix down. Just my two cents.

-Frank
 
gotcha..but what is IMHO?

and, then really i shouldn't even use the EQ on the mixer unless i am actually mixing a few tracks into one on n-track at once...and i want some mics different..etc.?
 
Hello shack...

IMHO is In My Humble Opinion

Listen to the guys above...

Better to EQ later (besides, if it is well recorded you will probably
leave it without touching the EQ)

EQ only if necesary... the only thing I would do with EQ BEFORE recording is a cut where needed. For Example: in an Overhead mic (for drum cymbals) I would use if needed a LO CUT filter, that means that I cut all frecuencies below, say 100Hz, so when I record it I avoid having the Bass drum bothering in that track.

Always try to get a good tonal balance, that means, try to record your instruments as similar to the sound of the instrument itself as you hear it live...

Get it?

Peace.

PC
 
IMHO,

I agree with getting the sound on tape as close as possible ....this may involve EQ, but exhaust your possibilities of mic choice and mic position first....dont just twirl the eq first....

now, i also agree with Frank P about the uselessness of the Behringer EQ.....but that will be up to your ears.......
 
speaking of low cut...how would i do that on the euerack?

also - on the 4 tracks it has with pre-amps...it says under each of the inputs (75 low cut) or something like that.... ( http://img.musiciansfriend.com/dbase/pdf/spec/631212.pdf it's an adobe acrobat file)...just zoom in and look at it for yourself...

any ideas about that? lol - sorry, i'm still semi-new to all this technical stuff...but i got the general ideas down.
 
That button means that if you press it, a lo cut filter will be activated with the cut frecuency at 75 Hz, that means that at that point, the sound is being cut in (-) 3dB and from there and below, all freqs are being removed...at 18dB/oct...that should be: at32Hz aprox it will be -21dB and at 16Hz -39dB...
No problem...since at -10dB of difference you start to lose it (you cease to hear that freqs)
Get it?

Peace.

PC
 
so i have no restrictions or anything on what i can mic with those tracks, right?
 
You can track anything with any track... the only advantage is that if you don't want those freqs, you can eliminate them before recording and not after, that's all...

Peace.

PC
 
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