Mixing through an EQ on the stereo buss "ITB"

[grrrayson]

Do you mix through an EQ on the stereo buss while mixing purely "in the box"? Have you tried this? Are there are any real differences between doing this ITB and on an analog console? Please share your experiences.

I'm wondering if it might be worthwhile in helping me reduce my overall EQ-ing on mixes that require more EQ than usual and get a little more tonal cohesiveness in general.

I usually use Pro Tools LE and have, use, and love the MDW EQ, which I would use for this purpose. I don't mix through a compressor (ITB, anyway).

Thanks!

Grayson

[Tony Shepperd]

Try the A Designs Hammer on your 2 buss.
It's adds a great touch of analog on your ITB mixes.

[grrrayson]

Thanks for the input, but I should elucidate–usage of analog gear is not the situation I'm asking about.

I'm talking about mixing completely in Pro Tools (or other software) only.

Thanks!

[Tony Shepperd]

It really depends on the style of mix and what sound you're going for.
If you looking for a little top end sheen, try the Aphex Aural Exciter.
Do you feel like your missing something in the mixes?

[sodium glow]

Originally Posted by Tony Shepperd

Try the A Designs Hammer on your 2 buss.
It's adds a great touch of analog on your ITB mixes.

That is exactly what I do. ITB>Hammer>back in the box.

This is one I recently mixed using this method http://www.sodiumglow.com/media/Poor_Apology.mp3

[lukejs]

No way ? I can't beleive someone with so much slutty gear would use something as inexpensive as that ! Tell me more !!! Wouldn't that thing add too much noise ?

[Tony Shepperd]

Originally Posted by lukejs

No way ? I can't beleive someone with so much slutty gear would use something as inexpensive as that ! Tell me more !!! Wouldn't that thing add too much noise ?

Have you actually used it on the 2 buss? It adds a top end sheen to the mix without having to EQ the mix.

[lukejs]

Originally Posted by Tony Shepperd

Have you actually used it on the 2 buss? It adds a top end sheen to the mix without having to EQ the mix.

Thanks for the tip.... that's good to know..... I've got a friend who has an aural exciter who wants to sell it. I've, in the past, used a sonic maximizer plug on the 2 bus, as a send effect ( high passing everything above about 4khz ). I wonder how this might effect your sound if you do this with the aural exciter ( since only the highs would actually go through exciter ) ???

[Insomniaclown]

I actually just tried this out earlier today. I slapped an EQ on the two buss, and did a little cutting. Worked out really well. I had too much of a boomy low end. A little shelving (very little) tightened up the entire mix.

[Stiff]

I don't mix "through" an EQ, but sometimes add one at the end of the mix. The MDW EQ would be good for this.

[grrrayson]

Thanks everyone for the responses.

It's not looking like many people mix into a plug-in EQ.

My question here is at least as much about the means as the end:

If I'm doing a lot of EQ on individual tracks, especially to the same effect (for example making most things a bit brighter), wouldn't EQ-ing the stereo buss early on and then mixing into that save me a little effort and make overall EQ moves a bit smoother?

It's not normally something I might do, but it occurred to me to try it the next time I find myself doing more EQ than usual. Since that's not too common I thought I'd check in here first.

It seems to be done in the analog world more than the digital.

And keep in mind I'm not just talking about EQ-ing the stereo buss a la mastering, but rather mixing into it.

Be well.

Grayson

[recall]

Grayson,

I do this from time to time in exactly the same application you describe. I tend to use the Waves Puigtec EQP, or sometimes the URS Fulltec.

Usually boosting the top end.

I have also got into the habit of using the "air" band on my Sebatron VMP2000 as hardware insert in PT.

A totally valid approach. Mixer to the stars Mark "Spike" Stent spoke of doing this years ago, avoiding using multiple SSL Hi boosts through placing a GML EQ across the master outs. If you are using the MDW then thats merely a digital version of the method Spike was using.

[SWAN808]

Originally Posted by recall

Grayson,

I do this from time to time in exactly the same application you describe. I tend to use the Waves Puigtec EQP, or sometimes the URS Fulltec.

Usually boosting the top end.

I have also got into the habit of using the "air" band on my Sebatron VMP2000 as hardware insert in PT.

A totally valid approach. Mixer to the stars Mark "Spike" Stent spoke of doing this years ago, avoiding using multiple SSL Hi boosts through placing a GML EQ across the master outs. If you are using the MDW then thats merely a digital version of the method Spike was using.

Hi recall - Ive been looking at the Sebatron VMP2000 as a all purpose pre for my ITB set-up for recording bass, analogue synths and for colour treatment for the DAW - how would you rate it? Many seem to praise it and its pretty reasonable priced compared to say a API pre....

[4damind]

You can insert something like McDSP AC1 or if you are on the PC TritoneDigital Colortone with some impulses from a Studer, Revox etc.

Some people insert a Pultec EQ (UAD) only for some coloring.

[jbsg02]

The last record I mixed I had EQ on the stereo bus, but I took it off before sending it to mastering and let the mastering engineer know that.

[Johnny Wrong]

I do sometimes like the other guy said, high shelf on from the start so I don't need as many individual boosts on channels.

Don't know if thats the wrong thing to do, but I like it

[TBlizz]

SPL Free Ranger: boost at 16kHz = sweet!

[zak7]

and what about Aphex or BBE plug ins? which one sounds better?