digital brghtness / ringing

  • Thread starter Thread starter dannyh
  • Start date Start date
D

dannyh

New member
During mastering, what is the best way of reducing the 'ringy' brightness that plagues my digital home recordings? The main source of the problem seems to be reverb on high guitar notes and, to a lesser extent, the cymbals. Please don't suggest remixing as I don't have the multi-tracks anymore. Any suggestions on EQ settings to reduce the problematic frequencies? The problem isn't severe, but I'd like to improve things if possible.
 
Yo Dannyh of the Ringing in the ears:

You can try to back off on the WET of your reverb unit. Also, you can tweak the EQ, depending on what you got by way of gear. Both of these will help sending the ringing off somewhere in hyperspace.

You may have a low end reverb unit? Sounds like your HI EQ is too high?

Twiddle a few knobs and I think you will get rid of the problem but if you don't have any gear to adjust the mix with anymore, turn the volume down low.

Green Hornet
 
start by determining the offending frequencies by using a very hi Q (narrow BW) with about 10db of gain. run through the frequencies 5-11k. the offending frequencies will really stand out. note these.

i bet they're somewhere around 5k, 9k, and 11k.

then start by cutting at the offending frequencies. don't get fooled by the change in sonic character after you immediately cut. don't under do it because it just doesn't sound bright enough, but don't over do it either.

i like to start with cuts of 2-3db with a fairly low Q (wide BW). others like to do just the opposite, start with a hi-Q and deep cut. after you've settled in, then come back the next day or later the same day and listen again. do this several times, and you'll get there. once you've settled in, note the settings and then raise the Q (narrow the BW) of each and do this again, assuming you started with a low Q. just don't get carried away.

don't be afraid to retreat to previous settings.

-kp-
 
Back
Top