For ITB-production: EQ'ing on drums?

[T. Gundersen]

I've overheard many different oppinions on creating a good sound on drums with EQ's, but I'm curious as to how most of you guys get around this subject.

A guy in another thread advised someone to take an 808-kick and "EQ the s... out of it". But what I'm curious about is what kind of frequencies would you ever want to boost on a drumsound like the 808-kick? The booming lows are already there, and the top (1,5kHz ++) never appealed too much to me. What I do myself is usually a lo-cut at 25-35 Hz depending on the mix and drum layering, and maybe a 2-4 dB, narrow-Q boost around the 60 Hz mark. Sound weird to you guys?

For those of you that work with layering kicks alot, can you please share a few thoughts on the EQ's role in this kind of work? How large boosts/cuts will you usually apply to the sub-element in the layering? The punchy element? Or just the kick as a whole?

Also, which EQ's do you use? I'm using Logic Pro's own EQ as well as the Sonalksis one (important elements usually gets the sonalksis, lesser elements the logic-one).

[deuc647]

honestly man, there is not tried and true frequency or EQ , its all a matter of taste, all you have to do is layer and cut and boost frequencies until you feel that the sound is good enough, i know this isnt the answer for you, but there is no real way to do it, for me i like tight fat kicks, so i cut everything above 500 or so, then boost at 50, then run them into a compressor and limit then with the L2, thats basically what i do, oh and when mixing run all the drum into there own buss with the ssl master comp on it.

[Sirocco]

we really need to start clamping down on these bullshit questions that have been asked a myriad of times this month alone. And yeah - cutting out the muddy lows below the "point of impact" can make drums hit harder. Make sure you eq your drums in the context of the mix AND NOT SOLO. This is very important. The contrast of the drums to the rest of the mix is just as important as the drums themselves.

[Killah_Trakz]

yeah man we need a big ass sticky! and a thread merge of all the most common topics dudes cause yes its ridiculous. And we need more moderators also!

[AON]

Originally Posted by Killah_Trakz

yeah man we need a big ass sticky! and a thread merge of all the most common topics dudes cause yes its ridiculous. And we need more moderators also!

I agree.

[PettyCash]

Its pretty hard to determine what needs to be done to a drum sample EQ-wise without actually hearing what the drum sample sounds like. Like many have said before, there is no magic preset, you just have to use your ears and best judgement, which is what makes mix engineering an art.

If you need help on EQing a specific drum sample, then it would be best to post up a quick sample of the mix in question so you can get some better advice.

[T. Gundersen]

If you don't like the thread, please just move along. No need for arrogant attitudes..

Of course I'm aware that there aren't any magic presets or frequencies, but that wasn't what I was asking for. I was asking for people to share thoughts on how to work with EQ'ing for ITB-drum production. Thank you deuc647 and PettyCash for doing so.

[Sirocco]

Originally Posted by Bastitch

Stop being an asshole - your beats are TRASH.

You should be more humble.

Seriously man, what is your problem? You haven't heard any of my beats as I don't let any of my prime picks run amok on the internet like an idiot would. So chill out. I am not sure who you are defending here -- but I was giving advice and a critique of the current state of the forum.

And why are you talking about beats? I am pretty sure we were discussing engineering and not assaulting our personal crafts.

-S to the O

[PettyCash]

Originally Posted by T. Gundersen

If you don't like the thread, please just move along. No need for arrogant attitudes..

Of course I'm aware that there aren't any magic presets or frequencies, but that wasn't what I was asking for. I was asking for people to share thoughts on how to work with EQ'ing for ITB-drum production. Thank you deuc647 and PettyCash for doing so.

There is little difference between ones approach to working on drum productions ITB and OTB. I think a better thing to mention would be whether or not you are working with electronic drum samples, or trying to mix real live drum kit recordings.

Something I have grown to learn is that when looking for advice from people who know more than you on the subject, dont bitch about any of the responses you get. The answers you receive that you do not like, just take it with a grain of salt. Bitchin about it will just get you flamed more than anything. Your lucky this is GS and not studio-central.

[DanDolo]

you are over thinking it homie

use your ears!!!


thats it
go lock your self in a room for the next week with a bag of herb and move knobs until it sounds good to you

practice making it sound good to you

practice practice practice making it sound good refine your shit or rather learn from your mistakes.



and HAVE FUN

[DanDolo]

Originally Posted by Bastitch

Stop being an asshole - your beats are TRASH.

You should be more humble.

what a dick



if you dont like the answer






fuuck

[Krumbz]

T. Gundersen... sup duke. Short Answer. Well first of all you are going to get a whole bunch of different opinions/answers to this type of topic as the subject is very subjective. Every drum sound is different so just use your ears.

Long Answer. I'll go ahead and give you a basic breakdown of general frequencies to boost/cut when EQuing. This is only a ROUGH estimate. It will depend on whatever sound YOU use.

* On another note I usually use a few different EQs including Waves Q EQs, but my pride and joy would be Focusrites Liquid Mix.

** Also as far as layering drums go... I usually do a wee boost with a pretty wide Q at around 125 - 150 for the kicks as a whole. Individually I usually cut most of what I don't want out but leave in the "character" of that particuliar kick. If Kick 1 has nice lows, Kick 2 has a nice punch and Kick 3 has some warmth in the higher end... I'll EQ them all to fit in the meaty section but individually EQ those elements in each Kick that I like. Kinda longwinded but **** it. Heh .

The Kick Drum -

80 - 100Hz - This is the area where the "fat, punchy" subs are
300Hz - This is usually where the "warm ring" is
2.5 - 6 Hz - You'll get the "snap" of the beater somewhere in here


The Snare Drum -

150 - 400Hz - The "weight" of the snare lies here
900Hz - The boxy "toonk" is around this freq
3 - 6kHz - The "detail" of the snare is here
10kHz - Extra head shearing "snap" is around here

Hi-Hats and Cymbals -

200 - 300Hz - The stick and overall "thickness" of the hat is here
4 - 6kHz - You'll find "sweet" over-tones around here
8 - 12kHz - The "sizzle" of the hats are here

Tom Toms -

80 - 120Hz - "Deep" lows that will shake the floor here
250 - 500Hz - You'll find most of its "resonance" around here
5kHz - The "rattle" of the head is usually here
5 - 7kHz - "Sharpness and definition" is up around here

Bass Guitar -

60 - 100Hz - "Fat, juicy" sub sonics can be found here
100 - 300Hz - You can find the "warmth" of the bassline here
2 - 4.5kHz - If you want some more string "detail" or "fret buzz" look here


*** You should AVOID boosting when EQing in general. You usually just cut out the frequencies that you don't want mixed with that sound i.e. the highs on a kick, the lows on a cymbal. Of course play with it and find the best middleground with your ears.

**** But if you absolutely must boost first decide if it needs a lot of boost or just a touch to bring out some part of the sound you like. As you might want to bring out some of the highs in a snare to enhance the crack in it etc.

Big boost = 6 db (no more)
Small boost = 3 db

Those are just BALLPARK figures. Just a guideline.

If you have any more questions feel free to ask!

Goodluck and use your EARS!

[Krumbz]

Bump for Thread Starter.

[verb1]

Originally Posted by Sirocco

Make sure you eq your drums in the context of the mix AND NOT SOLO.

A lot of people EQ solo then tweak it in the mix.

[halfguard]

i agree we need a sticky for these kind of questions and less of the arrogant attitudes. to many people here think their post count is the equivilent to platinum records......

[Sirocco]

Originally Posted by J Twin

A lot of people EQ solo then tweak it in the mix.

A lot are also used to solo-ing the kick everytime they edit it. Just a personal observation throughout the years.

[Methlab]

I don't buy into the "avoid boosting" thing one bit. I don't know where this came from, but it's simply not a rule like some people make it out to be.

[computa]

Originally Posted by halfguard

i agree we need a sticky for these kind of questions and less of the arrogant attitudes. to many people here think their post count is the equivilent to platinum records......

there is a big ass sticky on top of this particular forum on rap + hip hop engineering & production but all newbies tend to ignore it for whatever reasons.

MEGA THREAD: Are You New To Engineering?

[rickrock305]

Originally Posted by Methlab

I don't buy into the "avoid boosting" thing one bit. I don't know where this came from, but it's simply not a rule like some people make it out to be.

it came from the days of analog EQs, when boosting would introduce more phase issues around the boosted band than cutting would. its definitely not a rule though.

[Krumbz]

Originally Posted by Methlab

I don't buy into the "avoid boosting" thing one bit. I don't know where this came from, but it's simply not a rule like some people make it out to be.

It depends on the mix but overall you want to avoid boosting because if you boost (or even cut) TOO much it makes whatever it is you are EQing sound "unnatural". If you do boost a real soft curved Q is the way to go. For finding problematic freqs you use a full (+ 12 or + 18db) boost with a super TIGHT Q of 100... sweep the ranges... find that ugly harmonic and then drop the gain down to - 3 or - 6 db with a much wider Q to bring down the culprit freq.

Bottomline is it is better to cut then to boost simply because it sounds more natural and gives you more headroom in the long run.

Its like the same thing with mixing... and some people find this hard to grasp. If you have an element like say for an example a saxophone... which is too low in volume... sitting in the mix. Instead of boosting it... its BETTER to bring the other instruments DOWN in the mix IF YOU CAN, rather then to bring that single sax UP!

More headroom etc which allows you more elbow room to achieve an overall better mix. Same thing with EQ. You can have the best guitar in the world... if it sounds good you shouldn't even EQ it at all. Thing is... noone has a "perfect" instrument or voice so thats where EQ comes in. If you boost over 6db it usually begins to sound unnatural and loses its organic quality. If you took a sound, any sound, and EQed it with +12 db say in the mid range of 1khz and a tight Q of say 90... you wouldn't leave it like that would you? Cuz it sounds weird.

When you EQ your whole job is to:
1. Make something sit better in the mix
2. Find something special about the sound and bring it to the listeners ear
3. Carve out nasty freqs
and
4. Make it sound as if you never EQed it in the first place!

Thats why boosting is mostly only used to FIND bad freqs or just to give it a little more oomph or air to a dead sound.

[T. Gundersen]

Heya Krumbz, thanks a lot for chiming in, and good looking on all the ballpark figures. I know it might seem like basic knowledge, but I'm happy to have some of my own methods reinforced and learn about others' views on this subject at the same time.
The cutting instead of boosting is new to me, I must admit, but I'm definatly going to test it out by doing a remix og my own mix. Maybe it'll make it easier for me to do EQ while having sounds remain natural and still be able to use EQ to control levels as well.. Thanks again for your reply, was really helpful.

I agree with Sirocco about this not EQ'ing drums solo'd. I'll usually EQ a drumsound solo'd from the beginning, bypassing the EQ to A/B the low-cut so I don't cut too high, and then listen to it in the mix for final adjustments..

Originally Posted by computa

there is a big ass sticky on top of this particular forum on rap + hip hop engineering & production but all newbies tend to ignore it for whatever reasons.

MEGA THREAD: Are You New To Engineering?

No offense, but have you read that thread? I have. It doesn't answer my questions on this particular subject (though many other useful bits and pieces of info was picked up). Hence this thread. I found the subject too complicated to fit in another thread since I'm asking for ellaborations rather than definate answers.. I'm done trying to justify my posts, if you don't like them, just ask the moderation to have them deleted and don't reply in 'em.

[SiqDog]

A tip: Check out amazon.com or a local (music) shop for books.

Good old books on engeneering, mixing, mastring etc. It helps out having ONE opinion per book. Makes it easier to follow different "schools".

[Methlab]

Originally Posted by Krumbz

It depends on the mix but overall you want to avoid boosting because if you boost (or even cut) TOO much it makes whatever it is you are EQing sound "unnatural". If you do boost a real soft curved Q is the way to go. For finding problematic freqs you use a full (+ 12 or + 18db) boost with a super TIGHT Q of 100... sweep the ranges... find that ugly harmonic and then drop the gain down to - 3 or - 6 db with a much wider Q to bring down the culprit freq.

Bottomline is it is better to cut then to boost simply because it sounds more natural and gives you more headroom in the long run.

Its like the same thing with mixing... and some people find this hard to grasp. If you have an element like say for an example a saxophone... which is too low in volume... sitting in the mix. Instead of boosting it... its BETTER to bring the other instruments DOWN in the mix IF YOU CAN, rather then to bring that single sax UP!

More headroom etc which allows you more elbow room to achieve an overall better mix. Same thing with EQ. You can have the best guitar in the world... if it sounds good you shouldn't even EQ it at all. Thing is... noone has a "perfect" instrument or voice so thats where EQ comes in. If you boost over 6db it usually begins to sound unnatural and loses its organic quality. If you took a sound, any sound, and EQed it with +12 db say in the mid range of 1khz and a tight Q of say 90... you wouldn't leave it like that would you? Cuz it sounds weird.

When you EQ your whole job is to:
1. Make something sit better in the mix
2. Find something special about the sound and bring it to the listeners ear
3. Carve out nasty freqs
and
4. Make it sound as if you never EQed it in the first place!

Thats why boosting is mostly only used to FIND bad freqs or just to give it a little more oomph or air to a dead sound.

Yeah, I don't agree with any of this really. First off, I get headroom by not tracking hot into my DAW. So I could boost something to high hell and still not really have headroom issues. The only thing I agree with that you said that rings true at all is that it "depends on the mix". The rest is just sounding like your views that you are trying to make into absolute rules, and they simply are not.

Boosting does not sound unnatural at all if you do it right.

[deuc647]

yeah honestly, ive heard the dont boost rule so many times and wondered why not, to be honest, i boost a lot on the 2 buss and cut a lil, shyt i even boost at 50hz to make that drum you can feel as well as hear

[Krumbz]

Originally Posted by Methlab

Boosting does not sound unnatural at all if you do it right.

^ In a nutshell thats what I said. Afterall these are all just our opinions. But in general too much boosting is frowned upon by the best engineers - and since I was taught by a great engineer I'm just sharing HIS opinion.

But since you insist that boosting doesn't hurt... I'll follow up with a few articles...




"EQ is a popular effect, to the point of being over used. It can be used to enhance a mix and make it more attractive over all. However, if the mix itself isn't any good, no amount of EQ will hide that fact. Remember that when using EQ to equalize portions of your mix, the general advice is that you should cut, rather than boost. Most people will want to boost the weaker portions of the mix. However, that can lead to overboosting. Cutting the parts that are too strong is the better choice.

If you do boost, remember that boosting also increases the amount of noise, which can "dirty" your mix. Also, keep an eye on the output meter as you work. Boosting EQ increases the gain, which makes it easy to accidentally clip output, creating distortion. Listen to all tracks that you've worked on in relation to the other tracks to make sure that they match in feel."

Source Music Theory

"But be careful, too much EQ can degrade the sound, introducing phasey artifacts or metallic ringing. And first, try cutting a few dB rather than boosting, you'll often get where you need to be faster, and you'll have less chance of overdriving the sound. Remember: adding EQ can dramatically change your overall level, so be careful that the changes you make don't cause the sound to overmodulate the track level or the master mix."

Source Transom Tools: Real World EQ

"Sweep through the frequencies and you will hear which add to your sound and which frequencies sound bad. If you have only one mids control, it is better to reduce the offensive frequencies rather than extremely boost any others that may just sweeten the tone."

Source Music Folk Feature: Fine Tuning your EQ

"BOOST OR CUT

As I noted earlier, we cut to take out problem frequencies, and boost to enhance attractive frequencies. There's more to this, though. When we cut a small portion of the spectrum, the resulting level will usually not change. However, when we boost, often the level will change, so that along with altering the spectrum we're also fiddling with level.
In general, it is desirable to use parametric equalizers for cutting out problem frequencies, and to make the band you are cutting as narrow as is reasonable. Further, cut only as much as you need (something like, say, 4 dB) to get rid of the offending problem.
Meanwhile, when enhancing a sound, gently boost a fairly broad portion of the spectrum (an octave or more) by a few decibels rather than a higher, narrower boost."



Source Audio 102 for Video Folks: A Primer on EQ, by Dave Moulton

" General EQ lore says that you should cut rather than boost. If a sound is top-heavy, the temptation is to boost the mid and bass ranges. But then what usually happens is you start boosting the upper range to compensate and you simply end up boosting everything and you're back where you started - only louder!
The reason why cutting is preferred is that boosting also boosts the noise in the signal which is not what you want. Try it. Boost every frequency and listen to the result. If you think it sounds okay, fine. What do we know?

But when you're fiddling, do keep an eye on the output meter. Boosting EQ inevitably means increasing the gain and it's so-o-o-o easy to clip the output causing distortion which does not sound good."

Source Music Production Tips & Tricks - Lazy Records

"Less is More:

Most people, when they start using EQ, tend to use it to increase frequencies to bring out certain aspects of a sound. While this type of EQ certainly has its place, it is usually the wrong way to go about working with EQ. The temptation to have more of whatever it is (e.g., more bass, more presence, etc) is often reinforced by the fact that increasing the EQ level increases the volume of the track. The trouble is that after adding a little here and a little there, a mix can end up sounding dull and muddy. Each track may sound great on its own, but doesn't necessarily work well with the mix as a whole. Rather than adding EQ, try and think about what you can take away, instead. For example, if your guitar needs to be more present in the mix, try reducing the bass with a shelving filter instead of adding a "presence peak" with a Boost/Cut filter. Another trick, which we'll say more about in a minute, is to think about other instruments that are competing with the guitar and try and reduce some of the competing frequencies in the other instrument."

Source XO Wave: How to Use EQ (Audio Equalization)

"And, if you have to EQ, then try hard to CUT instead of BOOSTING. It's often easy to hear what the sound is missing. Instead, try to hear what's covering up the sound you want to hear. Need treble? Try cutting back the bass or mids."

Source Articles - Fix it in the Mix

* I mean theres literally thousands of articles and books on EQ, some written by the very BEST engineers in the music industry, and for the most part - they all agree that boosting hurts more then it helps. But that it also depends on the situation. I boost on almost every track I create... but its VERY subtle and with a soft well curved Q. I cut 75% of the stuff that I EQ. And thats even IF i EQ.

** So disagree with me if you like... I'm just giving the Threadstarter some quick pointers and all around good advice. tutt

[Sirocco]

Originally Posted by Krumbz

^ In a nutshell thats what I said. Afterall these are all just our opinions. But in general too much boosting is frowned upon by the best engineers - and since I was taught by a great engineer I'm just sharing HIS opinion.

But since you insist that boosting doesn't hurt... I'll follow up with a few articles...




"EQ is a popular effect, to the point of being over used. It can be used to enhance a mix and make it more attractive over all. However, if the mix itself isn't any good, no amount of EQ will hide that fact. Remember that when using EQ to equalize portions of your mix, the general advice is that you should cut, rather than boost. Most people will want to boost the weaker portions of the mix. However, that can lead to overboosting. Cutting the parts that are too strong is the better choice.

If you do boost, remember that boosting also increases the amount of noise, which can "dirty" your mix. Also, keep an eye on the output meter as you work. Boosting EQ increases the gain, which makes it easy to accidentally clip output, creating distortion. Listen to all tracks that you've worked on in relation to the other tracks to make sure that they match in feel."

Source Music Theory

"But be careful, too much EQ can degrade the sound, introducing phasey artifacts or metallic ringing. And first, try cutting a few dB rather than boosting, you'll often get where you need to be faster, and you'll have less chance of overdriving the sound. Remember: adding EQ can dramatically change your overall level, so be careful that the changes you make don't cause the sound to overmodulate the track level or the master mix."

Source Transom Tools: Real World EQ

"Sweep through the frequencies and you will hear which add to your sound and which frequencies sound bad. If you have only one mids control, it is better to reduce the offensive frequencies rather than extremely boost any others that may just sweeten the tone."

Source Music Folk Feature: Fine Tuning your EQ

"BOOST OR CUT

As I noted earlier, we cut to take out problem frequencies, and boost to enhance attractive frequencies. There's more to this, though. When we cut a small portion of the spectrum, the resulting level will usually not change. However, when we boost, often the level will change, so that along with altering the spectrum we're also fiddling with level.
In general, it is desirable to use parametric equalizers for cutting out problem frequencies, and to make the band you are cutting as narrow as is reasonable. Further, cut only as much as you need (something like, say, 4 dB) to get rid of the offending problem.
Meanwhile, when enhancing a sound, gently boost a fairly broad portion of the spectrum (an octave or more) by a few decibels rather than a higher, narrower boost."



Source Audio 102 for Video Folks: A Primer on EQ, by Dave Moulton

" General EQ lore says that you should cut rather than boost. If a sound is top-heavy, the temptation is to boost the mid and bass ranges. But then what usually happens is you start boosting the upper range to compensate and you simply end up boosting everything and you're back where you started - only louder!
The reason why cutting is preferred is that boosting also boosts the noise in the signal which is not what you want. Try it. Boost every frequency and listen to the result. If you think it sounds okay, fine. What do we know?

But when you're fiddling, do keep an eye on the output meter. Boosting EQ inevitably means increasing the gain and it's so-o-o-o easy to clip the output causing distortion which does not sound good."

Source Music Production Tips & Tricks - Lazy Records

"Less is More:

Most people, when they start using EQ, tend to use it to increase frequencies to bring out certain aspects of a sound. While this type of EQ certainly has its place, it is usually the wrong way to go about working with EQ. The temptation to have more of whatever it is (e.g., more bass, more presence, etc) is often reinforced by the fact that increasing the EQ level increases the volume of the track. The trouble is that after adding a little here and a little there, a mix can end up sounding dull and muddy. Each track may sound great on its own, but doesn't necessarily work well with the mix as a whole. Rather than adding EQ, try and think about what you can take away, instead. For example, if your guitar needs to be more present in the mix, try reducing the bass with a shelving filter instead of adding a "presence peak" with a Boost/Cut filter. Another trick, which we'll say more about in a minute, is to think about other instruments that are competing with the guitar and try and reduce some of the competing frequencies in the other instrument."

Source XO Wave: How to Use EQ (Audio Equalization)

"And, if you have to EQ, then try hard to CUT instead of BOOSTING. It's often easy to hear what the sound is missing. Instead, try to hear what's covering up the sound you want to hear. Need treble? Try cutting back the bass or mids."

Source Articles - Fix it in the Mix

* I mean theres literally thousands of articles and books on EQ, some written by the very BEST engineers in the music industry, and for the most part - they all agree that boosting hurts more then it helps. But that it also depends on the situation. I boost on almost every track I create... but its VERY subtle and with a soft well curved Q. I cut 75% of the stuff that I EQ. And thats even IF i EQ.

** So disagree with me if you like... I'm just giving the Threadstarter some quick pointers and all around good advice. tutt

Since we are on a hip hop forum I think there is more leniancy in boosting (we arent exactly going for a authentic neutral nashville sound -- if you know what I mean)

[Krumbz]

Originally Posted by Sirocco

Since we are on a hip hop forum I think there is more leniancy in boosting (we arent exactly going for a authentic neutral nashville sound -- if you know what I mean)

Completely agree Sirocco. But even then modern Hip Hop is using live musicians more and more.

I was only explaining the reasons WHY boosting may not be the right thing to do and that IN GENERAL you should attempt to avoid it. Tis all.

* Obviously every situation is different but I'd venture to say that NOONE on this board, at any time, has BOOSTED a freq by + 18db with a NARROW Q and left it in the final mix of a Hip Hop track! Heh !

** In electronica drastically boosting and cutting by way of automation is used pretty frequently (as well as sweeping etc).

*** Just trying to lead the guy in the right direction. He seems like he knows whats up regardless.

**** You can compress your hi hats with a ratio of 100:1 but you just WOULDN'T... so there ARE DO'S AND DON'TS as far as engineering goes.

[Methlab]

If you want to lead someone in the right direction maybe word it better next time. It sounded to me like you were saying not to boost at all. Now you are saying pushing 18 db with a narrow Q is bad..well, yeah I agree.

And most of the people in here have worked with top engineers, that's not a big qualifier for an absolute statement.

Also, a lot of articles about mixing on the internet are not accurate. I know that sounds insane, but it's true.

[FossilTooth]

Originally Posted by Methlab

If you want to lead someone in the right direction maybe word it better next time. It sounded to me like you were saying not to boost at all. Now you are saying pushing 18 db with a narrow Q is bad..well, yeah I agree.

And most of the people in here have worked with top engineers, that's not a big qualifier for an absolute statement.

Also, a lot of articles about mixing on the internet are not accurate. I know that sounds insane, but it's true.

Amen.

All the newcomer 'engineers' are reading the same conservative advice from the same never-did-anything columnists and think that *gasp* boosting a frequency with eq should only be used as a last resort. An don't get me started on "too much compression".

Sure, some of the best and most organic mixes are the ones where everything was tracked and performed so well that you just get the faders in the right place and you're 99% of the way there.

A) This is a rarity.
B) Natural and organic isn't always appropriate.

Listen, turn knobs, make it sound good.

If you don't feel qualified to do this, then practice:

A) listen to a sound you'd like to emulate, and that is somewhat similar to your source sound.
B) Use whatever tools you need to try to emulate that sound.

Good luck!

[Krumbz]

Originally Posted by FossilTooth

Amen.

All the newcomer 'engineers' are reading the same conservative advice from the same never-did-anything columnists and think that *gasp* boosting a frequency with eq should only be used as a last resort. An don't get me started on "too much compression".

Sure, some of the best and most organic mixes are the ones where everything was tracked and performed so well that you just get the faders in the right place and you're 99% of the way there.

A) This is a rarity.
B) Natural and organic isn't always appropriate.

Listen, turn knobs, make it sound good.

If you don't feel qualified to do this, then practice:

A) listen to a sound you'd like to emulate, and that is somewhat similar to your source sound.
B) Use whatever tools you need to try to emulate that sound.

Good luck!

Both of you bitches can suck my balls. I don't got time to argue with elitist "I've got more posts then you" scumbags who just want to hear themselves speak.

I just tried to help someone with advice based on general wisdom and included articles to back up my claims.

The **** did you two nitwits do to add to this thread besides bitch and moan?

All you guys do is "call bullshit" just for the sake of going against the grain. Back up what the **** you speak. Don't argue without a proper arsenal pussys.