EQ Holes

[hookiefree]

Question:
If I boost vocals for example, at a certain frequency and I cut that same frequency in say a rhythm guitar track, do I have to cut by the same amount for it to be effective? What about the Q do they have to be the same sizes for both the bost and cut? Thanks.

 

[mixsit]

Just a wild-assed guess on my part (always risky) since i have no idea as to your skill level: Don't get the cart before the horse.
Eq as and when it's needed. Lots of sounds overlap fine without conflicting.
After the more basic issues are delt with, complementry eq is a valid tool. ie; the guitar could have a big rise with a completle differen Q that has nothing to do with where you're cutting the vocal.

 

[lost studios]

Just a wild-assed guess on my part (always risky) since i have no idea as to your skill level: Don't get the cart before the horse.
Eq as and when it's needed. Lots of sounds overlap fine without conflicting.
After the more basic issues are delt with, complementry eq is a valid tool. ie; the guitar could have a big rise with a completle differen Q that has nothing to do with where you're cutting the vocal.

I agree 100%!

ls

 

[hookiefree]

I understand what ur saying and thanks for responding. What about the bass and the kick then? As a general rule you wouldn't boost one and try cutting the same frequency on the other?

 

[grinder]

I understand what ur saying and thanks for responding. What about the bass and the kick then? As a general rule you wouldn't boost one and try cutting the same frequency on the other?

Not necessarily.Mixsits' explaination applies to all instruments.With bass and kick decide which is going to occupy the lower frequencies.The best way to accomplish this is during tracking with mic placement, drum tuning and bass and bass amp tone controls.Only reach for the eq if all else fails and always try cutting first.For an example, you might cut the kick at 80 hz to make room for the bass and cut the bass at 200hz for the kick.If that's not quite getting you there then you might try boosting the bass at 80hz and the kick at 200hz.There is no set formula, what works for one song probably won't on another song.

 

[hookiefree]

I got u. Thanks!

 

[ryanlikestorock]

These instruments naturally fit into their own frequency ranges pretty well. Too much artificial manipulation of the sounds via EQ is going to really mess with the tone of the instrument. I don't think the frequency ranges have to be forced into a black and white area like that...

Sometimes we are ruined by the tools and units of measurement we invented to help us.

 

[Middleman]

Better to pan something right and left than to start creating EQ holes. However not always.

If a guitar and vocal are conflicting, try moving the guitar out to one side or the other or out to both sides.