eq before compression? exciter before stereo spread??

[cabbages]

i wasnt quite sure how to label this question.. i run logic 7, i have a few outboard pieces but i mainly use logic plug-ins. i have picked up little tid-bits here and there about plug-ins going in certain order when you use them, but no definate rules or guidelines on what order they should go in when applyling plug-ins to a track. my question is, is there a certain order you should try to go by when adding plug-ins? this question is mainly for individual tracks, but if you know about the master track as well, that would be great. if i'm not explaining it well, just let me know, and i will try to do better. thanks

dan

 

[Farview]

The best answer anyone can give you is "it depends".

Do you want to EQ the compressed signal, or do you want to compress the EQ'd signal?

Normally, any EQing you are using to 'fix' the sound will happen before compression. Any general shaping will be done after compression.

If you think you need an exciter or a stereo spreader, what you really need is to fix the mix or to pick better sounds.

 

[noisewreck]

Cabbages before stuffing?

Every time you reach for any effect, or processor be it for dynamics, time or space ask yourself why.

Why do you need to compress?
Why do you need to EQ?
Why do you need to chorus?
Why do you need to delay?

Once you answer the why, you'll know what to put where and in what order. And sometimes you'll even realize that what you're trying to achieve would be done better by adjusting something else in the recording/mixing chain.

For example, will changing the mic position give you the desired sound? Then go for changing the mic position instead of EQ.

Do you need to compress because there are some dynamics issues in the performance? How about volume automation instead?

 

[Erockrazor]

Why do you need to compress?
Why do you need to EQ?
Why do you need to chorus?
Why do you need to delay?

Well said.

Does the eq sound better before or after the eq? With Logic I'm sure you can interchange the two back and forth to hear the differences. I usually like to eq before compression, it sounds cleaner to me. I like to get my tone (using eq, placement, or different configuration) before I start thinking about any other effects.

Good luck, Eric

Just Follow Your Heart When Mixing! <3