EQing question

[DGWBW]

I have a basic understanding of how to separate instruments in the mix but the art of EQing them seems to be eluding me. I understand that when 2 (or more) instruments are occupying the same frequency it causes trouble, but should the frequencies the instrument is not occupying or (conflicting frequencies) be totally eliminated from that instrument's EQ or simply reduced. I recorded a few songs with my band recently. After nearly pulling my hair out trying to EQ them, I finally came across a frequency chart. Following the chart, I left only those frequencies mentioned for each instrument and completely eliminated the rest. The result was great separation but lacking tone. Also, we are recording via a tube preamp to a Delta 1010 to a PC using SONAR. The preamp has a parametric EQ built in. Should we be using this or bypass it? Any help would be greatly appreciated, my wife is getting tired of sleeping alone. Thanks

 

[7string]

I have a basic understanding of how to separate instruments in the mix but the art of EQing them seems to be eluding me. I understand that when 2 (or more) instruments are occupying the same frequency it causes trouble, but should the frequencies the instrument is not occupying or (conflicting frequencies) be totally eliminated from that instrument's EQ or simply reduced. I recorded a few songs with my band recently. After nearly pulling my hair out trying to EQ them, I finally came across a frequency chart. Following the chart, I left only those frequencies mentioned for each instrument and completely eliminated the rest. The result was great separation but lacking tone. Also, we are recording via a tube preamp to a Delta 1010 to a PC using SONAR. The preamp has a parametric EQ built in. Should we be using this or bypass it? Any help would be greatly appreciated, my wife is getting tired of sleeping alone. Thanks

Can't help you much with the EQ part as there are many here much better and more knowledgeable than I. But you are going to pay for that last line.

 

[Blue Bear Sound]

This article on Mixing may give you some tips --> Mixing 101

 

[mixsit]

...I understand that when 2 (or more) instruments are occupying the same frequency it causes trouble
...Following the chart, I left only those frequencies mentioned for each instrument and completely eliminated the rest. The result was great separation but lacking tone..

I would consider backing off a bit firsts. Overlapping doesn't necessarily lead to a problem. Think about it. Most things overlap a great deal quite naturally, and heavy eq makes it's own new problems and downsides. You might want to do a bit of sacrificial notching on one to let a more important one have more space, but try starting with only going after solving the most specific problems.
Rest your ears, then move on...
Wayne

 

[DGWBW]

This Answers My Question

.

I would consider backing off a bit firsts. Overlapping doesn't necessarily lead to a problem. Think about it. Most things overlap a great deal quite naturally, and heavy eq makes it's own new problems and downsides. You might want to do a bit of sacrificial notching on one to let a more important one have more space, but try starting with only going after solving the most specific problems.
Rest your ears, then move on...
Wayne

Thank You! This answers my question. Anyone who does not understand EQing should read this!

 

[DGWBW]

Also

The "Mixing 101" article was very helpful. In fact that was where I got the frequency chart mentioned in my original question. I think it said about the same thing as mixsit, just not quite as directly. Thanks. We went back to recording guitar tracks today and set the parametric EQ on the preamp with the low cut at 40hz and a notch at around 700hz. Result, we were able to drop the new tracks in with no further EQing required. The ggwbw's (guitar God wanna-be wankers) loved it. No conflicts, no muss no fuss. Now, if I can just keep their meat-hooks off the reverb knob we'll be allright! So now, 7 String, I'm going to roll over and kiss my wife goodnight and go to sleep!

Thanks

 

[DGWBW]

Correction

Correction, we put our notch at about 225hz. I don't know where I got 700. One more thing, can anyone explain how octave bandwidth relates to the parametric EQ. The one on our preamp goes up to 2 (which is where we set it for guitars and this worked out very well) but some of the ones I've seen in the different programs such as Sonic Foundry go as high as 5. Where should this be set for drums, vocals, bass? And, was a setting of 2 good for`guitars?`I`just figured if it sounds good, do it!
Thanks

 

[7string]

So now, 7 String, I'm going to roll over and kiss my wife goodnight and go to sleep!

Thanks

hahaha... I kinda 'expected' some of the guys to rib you a bit about that line. I figured everybody would line up as volunteers.

 

[DGWBW]

hahaha... I kinda 'expected' some of the guys to rib you a bit about that line. I figured everybody would line up as volunteers. [/QUOTE
Actually, after I submitted that line, I kinda thought I may get more offers to help with my wife's problem than mine!

 

[7string]

hahaha... I kinda 'expected' some of the guys to rib you a bit about that line. I figured everybody would line up as volunteers. [/QUOTE
Actually, after I submitted that line, I kinda thought I may get more offers to help with my wife's problem than mine!

That's what I meant by people lining up as volunteers...

 

[AlexW]

I believe the octave bandwidth setting is probably equivalent to the "Q" setting. Essentially it establishes the width (off axis frequency spread) from the target frequency setting of your EQ. A lower Q will have a wider bell shape, essentially rolling out to lower and higher frequencies at each side. A higher Q will narrow the spread down; eventually to basically a spike that only excises or boosts a specific frequency. I'm not sure whether or not the values are standard across different gear (e.g., the 2 setting on your preamp being equivalent to the 2 setting on my waves plug-in EQ). Someone more familiar with the specific definition of the Q parameter can probably enlighten us both.