Can I Eq on master bus b4 mastering?

[UnMix Studio]

Mastering engineers, is it ok that I put a lil Eq on the master bus before going to mastering?

I know most mastering engnrs says no, but will really affect if i put a lil eq that give the mix the color i expect before mastering? Nothing heavy!

This has been bugging me for a while.

I appreciate your responses.

[Brad Blackwood]

Of course, no problem at all.

[DSD_Mastering]

Of course! Get it the way YOU want it to sound... It will be less the ME has to tweak!

Regards,
Bruce

[UnMix Studio]

Ok, sounds good. Thanks, appreciated.

Some, MEs told before to never add Eqs there.

Now, I know to leave compression and limiting for him, but I didn't think EQ will be bad.

While it leaves the ME with less to do, doesn't he still have to make the "EQ Color" of the album matches/stay parallel?

Excuse me for buggin you guys with all the questions.

[Brad Blackwood]

Originally Posted by UnMix Studio

Ok, sounds good. Thanks, appreciated.

Some, MEs told before to never add Eqs there.

Now, I know to leave compression and limiting for him, but I didn't think EQ will be bad.

While it leaves the ME with less to do, doesn't he still have to make the "EQ Color" of the album matches/stay parallel?

Excuse me for buggin you guys with all the questions.

EQ's are fine because aside from any coloration the EQ imparts, it is a linear process (can be undone). Compression/limiting cannot be un-done, but if your mix sounds better with compression, use it (avoid peak limiters). If you are unsure if the compression is better or not, print it both ways and supply both. Anyone telling you not to compress the mix isn't thinking - when mixing, you can adjust the balances to better work with the compressor to achieve your goals - the mastering engineer has his hands tied...

[djwaudio]

Watch out, the mastering police will jump out from behind the console and arrest you!

Seriously, I suggest going ahead and doing it. Listen carefully for any sort of phaseyness, distortion, or balance changes as a result of program EQ. Reasonable amounts of EQ can be reversed in mastering if you miss the mark.

Use your best EQ since it will have an influence on the overall sound of the record.

[Unity1888]

Is there any reason not to send a few different takes to the mix engineer? For instance:

1. Mix with Compression and EQ on the mix bus
2. Just EQ on the mix bus
3. Nothing on the mix bus

It seems to me that this would give the mastering engineer a good view of what the mix engineer was thinking without tieing the mastering engineer's hands.

-Mark

[djwaudio]

Having extra versions, vocal up, compressed, EQed, yada... I generally would not want to listen to all those versions, since it gets into mixing decision territory.

The time it takes sometimes zaps my initial impressions of the music. If you're into insurance, bring all of that along, but present your mastering engineer with mixes that have your best foot forward. If there are raised eyebrows, then it's time to suggest breaking out the alternate mixes IMHO.

[lucey]

Originally Posted by UnMix Studio

I know most mastering engnrs says no, but will really affect if i put a lil eq that give the mix the color i expect before mastering? Nothing heavy!

Most would say yes to eq, if it helps the mix.

Limiters and compression for volume sake? Most would say no to that.

[UnMix Studio]

Thank you guys for the confirmation. Some ME told long ago and stuck i stuck to it, but i figured it was a feasible application without affecting mastering.

Really bought this one final mix i just did, adding eq.

Thanks!

[Bob Olhsson]

It's a truly great way to mix!

You can then use the channel eq for creating contrast between elements rather than overall "sound."