G
grinder
New member
If I needed to boost a frequency, 800 hz. for example, would it be better to cut everything else instead?Or will doing that cause more phase and artifact than just boosting 800hz?
M
mallcore pop
Hard Nipples!!!
Nah, just boost 800Hz.
Be not afraid of boosting, gentle friends.
Be not afraid of boosting, gentle friends.
K
kylen
New member
Why don't you try it and see what it sounds like ?
In other words - if you're using a software eq in a computer editor then generally you won't get artifacts for 1,2,3,4,or 5 dB boosts or so at 1/3, 1/2 or 1 octave bandwidths. If you're not using a parametric eq that has an adjustable bandwidth - like a graphic eq then you can 'feather' the sliders up a dB or 2 on each side of the 800Hz slider so they're about half as high on each side.
Depending on how steep you make the eq boost you might hear some artifacts but not till you get past 5,6,or 7 dB. If you're in a full mix pre-mastering something and you find youself boosting 800Hz more than a few dB you probably have a bad mix so now you can say you're doing some serious re-balancing!
If you're on a single track boosting 800Hz then shape it however you like to fit in the mix. If the boost (gain) gets too much and too steep (slope, affected by Q) though you may hear some artifacts depending on the quality of EQ you have.
If you're using hardware then we'll have to wait for someone else to come along - that's where the analog phase stuff can happen. I don't really have any analog eq's.
Whatcha boostin and why ?
kylen
In other words - if you're using a software eq in a computer editor then generally you won't get artifacts for 1,2,3,4,or 5 dB boosts or so at 1/3, 1/2 or 1 octave bandwidths. If you're not using a parametric eq that has an adjustable bandwidth - like a graphic eq then you can 'feather' the sliders up a dB or 2 on each side of the 800Hz slider so they're about half as high on each side.
Depending on how steep you make the eq boost you might hear some artifacts but not till you get past 5,6,or 7 dB. If you're in a full mix pre-mastering something and you find youself boosting 800Hz more than a few dB you probably have a bad mix so now you can say you're doing some serious re-balancing!
If you're on a single track boosting 800Hz then shape it however you like to fit in the mix. If the boost (gain) gets too much and too steep (slope, affected by Q) though you may hear some artifacts depending on the quality of EQ you have.
If you're using hardware then we'll have to wait for someone else to come along - that's where the analog phase stuff can happen. I don't really have any analog eq's.
Whatcha boostin and why ?
kylen
Gidge
Lapdance Test Dummy
you could also just find the offending tracks that are covering up the 800mhz area and cut those tracks there.......
Blue Bear Sound
New member
2 tips.....
If you want to make something sound DIFFERENT, boost EQ frequencies...
If you want to make something sound BETTER, use subtractive EQ (EQ cutting)...
Actually, the best way to use is EQ is not to.... make sure the song arrangement works and record the tracks properly and you'll find they sit much better in the mix...
Often, the reason tracks are fighting at all is more due to poor arrangment (ie, too many unnecessary instrument parts all sharing the same sonic space) than anything EQ could solve.... (do you really need 3 rhy guitars doing the same rhythm part as the keyboards????)
If you want to make something sound DIFFERENT, boost EQ frequencies...
If you want to make something sound BETTER, use subtractive EQ (EQ cutting)...
Actually, the best way to use is EQ is not to.... make sure the song arrangement works and record the tracks properly and you'll find they sit much better in the mix...
Often, the reason tracks are fighting at all is more due to poor arrangment (ie, too many unnecessary instrument parts all sharing the same sonic space) than anything EQ could solve.... (do you really need 3 rhy guitars doing the same rhythm part as the keyboards????)
Track Rat
Just Your Average Sized Member
True Bruce. If you can take something out of a mix and you don't miss it, it doesn't belong there in the first place. All of the comments are true on the effects of EQ in that they leave a sonic footprint but it comes down to what you're tring to achieve. EQ in pop music vs. classical/solo acoutic recording would be two different approaches. Pop; anything goes. Acoustic stuff; more of the minimalist, straight wire to tape approach
G
grinder
New member
Thanks for the replies.The example was just hypathetical.I was just curious on which method would add the least amount of phase problems.Yeah, I know, avoid eqing as much as possible.What I meant was......a slight boost on a single frequency on a track vs. leaving that same frequency flat and slightly cut shelfing, all other frequencies on the same track.
Blue Bear Sound
New member
Cut before boosting...
G
grinder
New member
Thanks.
lost studios
New member
Re: 2 tips.....
Live by these words... the only change in phrasing would be "If you want to make something 'SIT' better, use subtractive EQ.
'SOUND BETTER' is way to subjective and depends on the application. But at any rate... well said Bruce.
Blue Bear Sound said:
Live by these words... the only change in phrasing would be "If you want to make something 'SIT' better, use subtractive EQ.
'SOUND BETTER' is way to subjective and depends on the application. But at any rate... well said Bruce.
