Quote:
Originally Posted by Jay Kahrs  I track with EQ and compression all the time! It maximizes the dynamic range of the recording medium and not only pumps up the players 'cause it sounds "like a record" from day one, but it takes less time to mix because some or most of that dirty work is done.
And really, doing it all later isn't even CLOSE to being the same as carving and commiting on the way in.
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I know where you are coming from on maximizing dynamic range because I started in analog. But that doesn't really apply to digital. Read through that short resolution mag link I included written by Bob Katz. As long as your analog and digital chain is calibrated in a similar way you don't need to pump it for the purpose of maximizing dynamic range. All I know is that it works better for me this way.
Whatever works for you is fine. I used to reach for an eq or a compressor during tracking but more and more I reach out and move a mic or tune a drum or maybe grab a couple gobos and try to listen more carefully. Before I would even start I had a compressor and eq on my kick mic so I understand exactly what that's like. And I still use eq and compression when I track but it's for a purpose, it's after everything else and it's not automatic and I would never have the frequency picked out - I would find it. I know we agree on how to eq...
Anyway, I usually put a distressor on a kick in a mix and something like an LA-2 or an ADL1000 on bass but it isn't automatic - I'll play with a few things for each or I'll know from hearing something what I think it needs. I like to have the freedom to patch in whatever and kick back and listen. At least while I'm not running around moving mics with 10 people in the room. But there is no right or wrong way - it's only how it sounds in the end and if you are happy with what you did.