How to Use Compression, EQ, and Reverb Effectively?

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willmur

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Hi. As you can probably guess, I'm pretty new to recording. I have most of the basics down, but I'd like to get a better understanding of how the effects mentioned in the title can be used to produce higher quality recordings. I know what each effect does, but I'm lost when it comes to setting the effects' parameters myself. I know that most people are probably going to tell me to just trust my ears when I record, but I'd still like to know what each FX parameter actually controls, and also any do's and don't's when it comes to applying them. I use the Focusrite Scarlett Plugin Suite, so I'll post pictures of each effect if anyone would be willing to take the time and explain what each parameter controls. Thank you!
 

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You're asking for detailed explanations when none apply. Use the FX to make the sound of each track blend with other tracks. For example, you might scoop some mids out of electric guitar tracks to make room for vocals. Cut the upper mids from a bass guitar to make room for guitars .... Reverb and compression can be used pull a mix together. Compression can be used to reduce dynamics on a track or to give it punch.
Take one FX plugin at a time, experiment with it on some tracks you have recorded, and make note of the results.
 
I appreciate your response, but what I need help learning with is what the different parameters on each effect control/stand for (such as attack, threshold, ratio, and release on the compression effect). I understand what each effect is for, but it's hard to find satisfying results when I'm randomly adjusting the knobs in hopes of finding a decent sound.
 
 
willmur said:
I understand what each effect is for, but it's hard to find satisfying results when I'm randomly adjusting the knobs in hopes of finding a decent sound.
Click to expand...

'Randomly adjusting' is probably not the best approach.

Instead of trying to find a 'decent sound', try instead to find awful sounds.

Do this by:

1 load up some audio that sounds reasonable.

2 Put it in a repeating loop.

3 Add one of the effects (and just one)

4 Play with the extremes of one set of parameters.

This should give you an idea of how the effect works, and how you can use it either as a tool to repair a track, or as tool to create interesting sounds.
 
willmur said:
Hi. As you can probably guess, I'm pretty new to recording. I have most of the basics down, but I'd like to get a better understanding of how the effects mentioned in the title can be used to produce higher quality recordings. I know what each effect does, but I'm lost when it comes to setting the effects' parameters myself. I know that most people are probably going to tell me to just trust my ears when I record, but I'd still like to know what each FX parameter actually controls, and also any do's and don't's when it comes to applying them. I use the Focusrite Scarlett Plugin Suite, so I'll post pictures of each effect if anyone would be willing to take the time and explain what each parameter controls. Thank you!
Click to expand...

You can only learn what each effect does by using it. Every effect/pluginis going to be different in how it sounds. Usually, you can bet on not pushing anything to 11. Or anywhere near the full level of effect. Hope that helps...

So, spending time to know what the basic meaning of 'what things do' is very important. But sorry, it will be your own ears that decide what is needed.
 
[BAD COP]

If you have the basic instructions for each plug (or really, just about *any* similar plug or hardware), you have all the tools that anyone has at first.

The other tools are in your head and can take [months - years - decades] to develop (*if* you have the natural potential).

[/bad cop]

The only "rules of thumb" (not hard, fast rules, but definitely "the norm") is that compression and equalization affect *the signal* and would therefore typically be inserted inline with the source. Reverb, delay, echo, spatial, modulative (etc.) effects *add to* the signal and would typically reside on an auxiliary buss rather than the source itself.
 
Seems like the request is the naive way to ask how to do great recording. You use all those things. (and then some)
How you use them is the art and practice of mixing.
The answer is very simple - use them to make things sound good.

Now it's time to study how to do that. There are many books, websites and videos ahead.
 
Willmur, I'm quite a long way behind some of the other guys with learning compression, reverb and EQ. So here's a few tips from someone who's a bit more on your level.

1. Don't expect to get a list of tips and learn it all in an afternoon - this isn't an exact science - its using science to produce art.
2. Don't try and learn everything at once - you won't get anywhere, personally, I would start with EQ, then learn about reverb, then go back to EQ (when you notice that some things just won't work in a mix), then move on to compression.
The reason I say start with EQ is that I think the first thing you should do is get a good sound recorded of a single instrument. If you're recording guitars (like many of us) start by getting a good sound at the amp that you're happy with using the EQ on the amp and by adjusting your mic placement which requires minimal EQ in the DAW.

What DAW are you using? Reaper's ReaEQ is a great tool for both EQing and learning about EQ. I just find the visual interface on it is a great way of seeing what you're doing while listening carefully to what effect it has.
 
Hmmm, I've probably got access to the Focusrite Scarlett Plugin Suite as I have a Focusrite interface - they look pretty! I'll have to install them.
 
JDOD said:
Hmmm, I've probably got access to the Focusrite Scarlett Plugin Suite as I have a Focusrite interface - they look pretty! I'll have to install them.
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except that reverb!!! no pre-delay?! don't see the point of that being predetermined.
 
from Article Categories | Mixonline

"You'll hear the built-in pre-delay and how the Size, Pre-Filter and Air parameters affect the reverb's sound..."

built-in PD? my vox, guitars, drums, all use diff PD. particularly vocals is where it is most critical, i think. just my experience
 
No, you mis-understood me. You said "Pre-DELAY". He's asking "What's pre-FILTER?". So, I'm asking him where he read "Pre-filter". I know what pre-delay is.
 
RAMI said:
No, you mis-understood me. You said "Pre-DELAY". He's asking "What's pre-FILTER?". So, I'm asking him where he read "Pre-filter". I know what pre-delay is.
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lol, no i got you. i answered you first by saying "it's in the picture in the OP" because you asked where he saw it... then i just clarified that the pre-delay is actually built-in to the unit. i don't know what prefilter is.
 
andrushkiwt said:
lol, no i got you. i answered you first by saying "it's in the picture in the OP" because you asked where he saw it... then i just clarified that the pre-delay is actually built-in to the unit. i don't know what prefilter is.
Click to expand...

Ah ok. I didn't even look at the picture. I just saw that he quoted your sentence with "Pre-delay" and then asked you pre-filter is. I thought he read it wrong. I have no idea what pre-filter is.
 
RAMI said:
Ah ok. I didn't even look at the picture. I just saw that he quoted your sentence with "Pre-delay" and then asked you pre-filter is. I thought he read it wrong. I have no idea what pre-filter is.
Click to expand...

but it does look pretty!!! has that going for it....
 
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