Steep Cliff Around 16k

[AndreBenoit]

A simple hi-cut EQ on the master out could achieve how that looks, either that or you are looking at an analysis of a lowish bit rate mp3 (128kbps or less)

Andre

[ilhoonyoon]

Thanks for your quick reply
You were right, it was 128kbps with a 44kHz.
I never would've thought it had to do with a low bit rate mp3.

And about the EQ...
Maybe it depends on the different brand of hi-cut EQs out there but mine sure doesn't do that haha. It almost never produces that 90 degree cut.

[AndreBenoit]

Mp3 is a "lossy" format, the price you pay for having that nice compact little tune is a shorter frequency range & the lower the bit rate, the shorter range. Many adults can't hear past 16k so the loss doesn't matter but it can be quite audible on a high end system & it's the reason you should really stick to .wav or .aiff for your projects in my opinion! You get that steep roll off because there literally is no information past 16k, although I'm sure even the stock EQ in logic could do similar with a -48dB cut

Andre

[stinkyfingers]

these (free) filters will give you up to 120dB per octave slope...
MBandPass

[ilhoonyoon]

Thanks for you info Andre!

Yeah, I noticed that younger kids hear better on the higher frequencies (above 16k and even 20k).

But there is a significant difference on the high frequencies when I use a tape machine that has the option of switching to 7.5 ips. When I turn back to 15 ips, the mix seems to "open up" as I would like to think. This rolls of a lot more than the 16k right?

[ilhoonyoon]

Wow... a 120dB slope? I've never seen a slope that steep!

The largest I've seen was a 48dB and no more. I should definitely try this out, thanks

[AndreBenoit]

You're quite welcome!
I'm not sure where your tape machine will roll off but a lot of the atmosphere & air in a mix lies in the rough 14-16kHz area so yes, your sound will feel like it opens up a lot if its gaining all that air at the flick of a switch.
I dont think that steep slope is anything you should be aspiring to, there's still people who will appreciate your efforts in those last 4kHz & instruments which produce them, it's certainly not a sign of a killer mix...just that you perhaps listen to too many mp3's!
Viva le .wav re-evolution!

Andre