compression & Eq--> pre and post

[detuned6]

ok, im going to be getting a patch bay tonight and totally changing the way everything is hooked up in my studio.
I was told that i should run compression post eq and not pre eq .
By runing post eq, the eq changes, effect the compression amount. Im pretty sure this is the way to go once im mixing.
So far it seams like i need a shit load of cables, and i just bought some awhile ago. Does this pre/post seem logically correct???????

 

[esactun]

Yes, EQ-->compression sounds right. Compression before EQ will mean that you're trying to compress the frequencies you were intending to cut anyway. It'll generate more artifacts. And once you EQ it, you may find that it needs more (or needed less) compression than you applied. I've made this mistake, and it sucks.

However, you may want to slightly adjust the EQ after you compress, so make sure that will still be an option.

 

[Cave Dweller]

does this mean that every mixer company is doing it wrong because their insert points are before the eq?

 

[esactun]

does this mean that every mixer company is doing it wrong because their insert points are before the eq?

Well, that gives on the option of EQing after the compressor or other effect, as I mentioned above. And plenty of folks don't like their board EQs--I see lots of people complaining about the Mackie EQs, ferinstance. It also sounds like detuned6 is talking about outboard effects, not those in the board. (Correct me if I'm wrong.)


Say you miced a detuned guitar. Let's say, detuned to B. Lots of low end. Lots. Ain't it better to reduce some of that low end rather than horribly squash it into place? The lows will eat your headroom on the way into the compressor and screw up the rest of your tone. (Unless you *like* that sort of tone.) Cuz then when you try to EQ out some of that low, it'll take a lot more tone with it than it would have before the compressor. EQ first will allow you to compress the tone that you *do* want.

Like I said above, I've made this mistake before, and it SOUNDS LIKE TOTAL ASS. It can bring a big beefy axe tone whimpering to its knees in a hurry. If some of the dynamics problems one is having with a track are related to particular frequencies, why not cut those freqs and see if you can get away without (or with less) compression?

This is not to say that it works best this way all the time, but what ever works best the same way all the time? It all depends on what you're trying to do. In *my* experience, which I'm not claiming to be anywhere remotely near professional level, it seems to lead to overcompression. But, as always, YMMV!!!

 

[fenix]

in general, if you are boosting frequencies, compress then eq. If you are cutting frequencies, eq then compress.

 

[Chlebek428]

in general, if you are boosting frequencies, compress then eq. If you are cutting frequencies, eq then compress.

Outstanding advice... It only makes sense whan you think about what's happening to the signal!