Noob Q: Graphical Frequency Spectrum Analyzer?

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blackscot

blackscot

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I would like to have some means of seeing what frequency range each of my parts is occupying, and then apply EQ to adjust each part into its own distinct region. I've seen graphical displays with the frequency scale along the bottom and sound response indicated by vertical bars, but I don't know what's available to augment my set-up.

I record in Protools through an Mbox, connected to a Dell PC with Windows XP. I'm thinking of something that would function as a plug-in, either on individual tracks or the master track.

Any steers would be greatly appreciated - thanks.
 
The most versatile spectrum analyzer out there is Span by Voxengo (www.voxengo.com). Added bonus is it's free.

But I'm obligated to tell you that your plan is barking up the wrong tree.

Not only will a spectrum analyzer not tell you what's right and what's wrong with your EQ except in certain special instances, but even more important than that is that most visual-based techniques for engineering audio serve only to dull ones aural-based capabilities. The more you use your eyes, the weaker will become your ears.

Spend a few nights with your graphic equalizer just moving sliders up and down one at a time paying careful attention to what the "sound" of each frequency band sounds like, and after a week you'll never need to rely upon your eyes to do your ears' work for them again.

G.
 
SouthSIDE Glen said:
.....barking up the wrong tree......
Click to expand...

Thanks Glen, and I appreciate your frankness.

I know that I am somewhat colorblind, and wonder if a parallel limitation exists in my hearing. I will attempt your suggestion though and see how far I get.

I am seeking the very full, rich sound that a lot of the folks posting tunes here seem to be able to achieve, and that many of my favorite commercial recordings also have. My results so-far are very thin and anemic by comparison. I have another post here asking how to improve my room treatment for mixing/mastering. Looks like at a minimum I need to get some bass traps in the corners.

I'll listen to ANY advice on how to get past this major limitation with the quality of my sound.
 
Listen to a ton of commercially released music in the genre of what you want to do. Study how the music resolves on your system and "learn" it. This can become a baseline for you to reference to when trackng and mixing.
 
BigRay said:
Inspector XL!
Click to expand...
...is temporarily unavailable. Elemental Audio has been bought out by Roger Nichols Digital, and (as of a couple of days ago, anyway) they did not yet have Inspector or InspectorXL available under the new branding.

G.
 
SouthSIDE Glen said:
...is temporarily unavailable. Elemental Audio has been bought out by Roger Nichols Digital, and (as of a couple of days ago, anyway) they did not yet have Inspector or InspectorXL available under the new branding.

G.
Click to expand...

Odd! I just got it two days ago.
 
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