EQ and compression - hip hop

[Kmotr]

Can you guys recommend any books or tutorials on EQ and compression for a complete newbie?

I know that everyone works differently and it's a matter of trial and error, but at the same time I'm sure there are some basic general rules.

Not sure if it matters, but I make hip hop. Are there different EQ and compression guidelines for different styles of music?

Thanks a lot.

[nukmusic]

Yo.....try the Waves CD coarse. It's pretty good.

[ttauri]

Originally posted by Kmotr
Are there different EQ and compression guidelines for different styles of music?

I think the EQing can be more extreme in hip-hop. Certain genres, preserving the 'naturalness' of an instrument is important. Not so much in hip-hop (where it's ok to take a full loop and EQ the f--- out of it until it's just bass, like the Beatminerz did on Enta Da Stage, say).

Don't know what's out there as far as books & tutorials... Sorry.

Peece,
T. Tauri

[NIGHT'SCHILD]

The engineers BIBLE( or atleast a good starting point for newbies) is a great book called Modern Recording Techniques by Runstein & Huber. I read that little book every night before sleepy time

[Charlie-O]

The mixing engineers handbook, It has some great interviews as well as interview of engineer from deathrow, from wen pac was still there, gives some great insight.


P.s> dont forget to listen to some music that relates to what your doing, thats the real trick!

[Kmotr]

Thanks a lot everyone. Much appreciated....

[nukmusic]

I checked out a friends .....................U won't go wrong with these. Its like having a trainer in the studio with you. You open the REAL sessions on what every program...then Read through the book which shows u differences/ tips on compression, EQ, Plugins, etc while u playback the REAL audio and listen to it in real time. The R&B song "TAKE IT AWAY" is hot son.
Then its cheap.




Link:

http://waves.com/content.asp?id=677
http://waves.com/content.asp?id=677
http://waves.com/content.asp?id=677

[Kmotr]

Yeah, it does look good, but I'm wondering about one thing. I don't have Waves' plugins. What if I have a hardware compressor? What if I use different plugins?

Would it still make sense to get this? How much is the info tied specifically to Waves' plugins?

[JohnMcD]

Hey Kmotr, hows it going? About your questions, you mentioned about the trial and error technique. In my experience, this is an invaluable learning experience that no book can ever replicate. Once you know something is no good, you never have to look back and question "What if...."

It sucks with this trial and error method, but what you learn sticks like glue.

The one and only book that gave me a jump start was Bob Katz' book "Mastering Audio: The Art and Science". You may not need to read about the mastering parts. What is really helpful is that he lists techniques. He doesn't tell you what to use on, or how to do this and that. He basically opens the floor with many techniques, and then leaves it up to the reader in how they want to proceed. This has helped me immensely. I've read a ton of Pro Audio books. Even those small Gibson pocket books about compressors, reverbs etc.

With the trial and error method and a few books that show you many techniques, I'm pretty sure you can get away with solid gold. It'll take a lot longer, but the effort will make you feel confident in your abilities. I find that is half the battle when making decisions regarding engineering a record.

Good luck,

-John

[Kmotr]

John,

thanks for taking the time and sharing the tips. I appreciate it..

Peace

[Jules]

Welcome to August 2005!