Should you record with compression?
Generally speaking, you should only record vocals with compression if you are confident that the settings on the compressor will produce the results you desire. It’s worth noting, that compression interacts uniquely with different vocals.
Should you use compression before EQ?
Each position, EQ pre (before) or EQ post (after) compression produces a distinctly different sound, a different tonal quality, and coloration. As a rule, using EQ in front of your compressor produces a warmer, rounder tone, while using EQ after your compressor produces a cleaner, clearer sound.
Should you compress guitars?
Generally, electric guitar sounds are pretty compressed. You don’t need additional compression when you track the guitar unless you use a clean (undistorted) setting on your guitar. If you want to use a little compression to bring the guitar forward and give it some punch, try these settings: Threshold: –1dB.
Do all vocals need compression?
In many styles of music, the vocals are the most important part of your mix. For modern genres, they often need to be up front at all times. When combined with automation, compression can make your vocals sound loud, punchy, and modern. But get compression wrong, and you can quickly ruin your hard work.
Do you EQ while tracking?
Other than that special circumstance, you should never equalize in solo, only in context. In other words, never reach for an EQ control while listening to a track on its own. After all, no listener will ever hear it that way! The human ear can only take so much.
Do mastering engineers use compression?
In truth, mastering engineers hardly use any compression. Even if they do, it’s at low ratios and high thresholds. Here are some general guidelines if you want to use compression while mastering: Start your ratio at 1.25:1 or 1.5:1.
What is drum tracking?
What is drum tracking? Basically it’s another way of saying drum recording. It’s the process of turning your drum audio into tracks. So whether you’re drum backtracking in the studio or online tracking via you’re bedroom, it’s still drum recording.
Should I always double track guitars?
As a general rule, you should not always automatically double-track guitars. You should double-track guitars when you want a guitar part to sound wide and fill the stereo space. This especially applies to rock music. Double tracking is most appropriate on rhythm guitars, much less on lead parts.
What is guitar compression?
Compression is one of the most popular effects in recorded music. It “evens out” the dynamics of a musical performance, making the soft parts louder and the loud parts softer.
How compressed should vocals be?
A good starting point for a rock vocal would be a 4:1 ratio with a medium-fast attack and a medium release. Then, set the threshold for around 4 to 6dB of gain reduction. Increase or decrease the attack time until you get the right level of forwardness for the mix.
What EQ should I use when mixing bass and guitar?
By carefully changing the EQ of bass and guitars around this point, you can alter the balance of the two instruments so that they gel together better in a mix. 200-500Hz: a lot of the ‘weight’ of a mix can be found here; guitars with plenty in this band sound warmer, but if you overdo it, they might sound overly ‘woody’.
Is eqeq the most overlooked part of guitar pedals?
EQ might not be the sexiest subject when it comes to pedals and tone-shaping for guitarists, but it’s probably the most overlooked. We know what you’re thinking – you’re looking at the EQ controls on your amp and wondering what we’re on about.
What is an insert in music production?
An insert is used when you want to process a signal directly. You insert a processor, such as a compressor or an equalizer directly onto the original audio. This is when you do not want to retain the original audio file. You want to change it completely (or subtly) and only hear the processed part.
What is grouping and routing in music mixing?
Grouping and routing is all about creating an easier mixing experience. Don’t be counter-productive and make it harder on you or your DAW. There’s a similar mistake made with sends and inserts. Especially when it comes to using reverb and other time-based effects. Reverb can be pretty confusing sometimes.