help with effects, mixing and using a spectrum analyzer

[sdeyoung]

Just wondering if someone could give me a bit of help with which effects to use as inserts and which not.. Should certain effects go before others. ie: comps before reverb or vice versa.. Getting ready to record soon and I want to learn as much as I can about mixing before that time comes.. I'm using Cubase Sx as a recording interface along with a firepod. Also, where should my main output volume be at when all the instruments are mixed so that I can get a good level on the overall mix, good enough to get it mastered after.. I'm also looking for some good advice as to which 31 band eq to use. This is what i'm thinking of doing. I borrowed a spectrum analizer from a buddy. I'm going to recording the pink noise with cubase, play it back and put a 31 band eq on the main output, eq it so that my room is set flat, then save that setting. When I do my mixes i'll have my eq on the main outs hopefully creating a flat room for mixing. Anyone think this will work?

 

[chessrock]

It's an interesting idea that's been brought up several times on the board. However, the general consensus seems to be that you just don't use EQ to "correct" a room. It's opening up a whole new can 'o wormies.

Only good option right now is to just treat that room. You might want to study up a little on that subject if you haven't already.

 

[gtrmac]

Compressors are used as insert FX, reverb should go on a channel send. Using a graphic eq on your monitors could be helpful but only if you have dealt with the room modes first. This is a complex subject as chessrock mentioned and is usually best left to professionals. Bass traps and absorptive panels must be installed scientifically. It might be useful to listen to your mixes in other environments to get an idea how they translate.

The mastering engineer will correct the level of your mixes to make a CD. Try to mix as hot as you can without any clippping. You can insert a compressor on the main outputs in Cubase too.

Craig Anderton has a book called "Cubase SX/SL – Mixing and Mastering" which might have a lot of useful information for you.

 

[sdeyoung]

cool guys.. Thanks for the tips.. I realise that using the analyzer is not going to make my room sounds like a million bucks but I can't see how it will hurt.. It will at least give me an idea of what frequencies are really off and maybe i'll be able to conpensate for that..