Not Entirely Clear On Equalization

  • Saturnyne
Posted: Sat, 06/28/2008 - 04:33
I'm getting the hang of equalizing sounds, but I've got a quick question. When is it actually necessary to equalize a multi-track song? I know it's quite necessary when all the instruments are played in proximity to each other, but what if they're recorded in separate studios, or are MIDI tracks generated digitally? Would a song need to be equalized if the instruments were all recorded independantly of one another?
‹ Thinking of moving to 64 Studio from Ubuntu...also considering JackLab It's Oh so quiet. Shh Shh, It's ooh so still, Shh Shh ›

> When is it actually

  • zettberlin
  • 02/01/08
  • Sun, 06/29/2008 - 01:32
  • Copy comment link
> When is it actually necessary to equalize a multi-track song? Whenever you are not satisfied with what you hear ;-) There are no rules regarding processing of recordings exept these 2: 1.) the loudest part in the music should be no more or less then 0db 2.) the rest should be somewhat louder then hiss/hum rule No2 does not apply if you eliminate/avoid hiss/hum I use to treat most of my mixes with jamins EQ because I lack the equipment/skill to record everything just right in the first place and because I do as I will if I master a recording until I really like the outcome. But I guess you where asking if it is possible to use equalization to make a recording made in different rooms sound like it was made in the very same room. It is not. Unless you record really audiophile (like Steve Albini) and all in the same room with great equipment you will allways have a different touch on every track. Given you record drums with overheads and a Guitaramp with a mike 2 inches away from the speaker you will have very different room sound in the two recordings both made in the very same physical room and to get the feeling of having the band playing right in front of you will take a lot of fiddeling with processors of all kinds. My rule is: try to do everything just right in the first place then use as little FX as you need to get what you want. good luck ;-)