Friday, February 15, 2013

How to use EQ in Tracks

It can be a challenge to learn how to use an EQ plugin in music production, but there a few tips that can make using the EQ a lot easier.

For one thing, you should really try to listen to the track while you are working with it. You don't need to try to memorize what different Hz frequencies will sound like. It can be helpful at times to know this information, but typically you won't be working with the same frequency all the time. Before you use the EQ, listen to the track so you can hear what parts of the track need to be equalized. This will give you the knowledge that you will need to have in order to use the EQ on the track.

Next, when it comes to EQ, less is always going to be better. Adding too much to a track can make it sound really muddled. It can often be tempting to add more and more different aspects to a track, which is not what you will want to do in most cases. So, instead of seeing what EQ can put into the track, you will want to see what the EQ can subtract from the track. Instead of using the EQ to add in more of something, like vocals, use the EQ to cut out something, like bass, in order to bring the vocals out more in the track.

The key is to get rid of some of the frequencies that are competing with others on the track. You need to listen to do different parts of the track by themselves to get an idea of what they sound like. Then, use the EQ on different parts of the track. Make sure that you listen to the entire track together first though so that the EQ fits in with the rest of the track on all the frequency levels.

You need to know that with an EQ plugin that the key is to get some balance in the track. If you are working with a pop tune, for instance, it's often true that the vocals are meant to be the main part of the track. So, you will want to use the EQ to subtract some of the other parts of the track in order to really bring out the vocals. One great thing about EQ is that if you have problems with the way a track was recorded you can use the EQ plugin to attempt to correct for some of these problems.

Tuesday, January 8, 2013

Understanding the Basics of Audio Compression

If you are new to audio mixing and want to gain more knowledge about the various techniques used in audio mixing, the online audio mixing school audioschoolonline.com provide the right kind of audio lessons required for a person new to audio mixing. The lessons available in this online school have been reviewed thoroughly by Ken Lewis, an experienced sound mixer who has worked with many Grammy award winners. Some of the lessons that are available as downloads for registered users include audio compression lessons, vocal-comping lessons, and basic mixing and editing lessons.

The audio compression lessons covers the compression techniques used on a wide variety of drums including snare drums. The lesson takes the student through a wide range of sounds and settings. The lesson comes along with a pro tools session that can be easily understood by a sophomore as well an experienced musician. There is also the live drums basic mixing and editing lessons that would be a perfect opportunity for a beginner to go through the different editing techniques.

There are also lessons related to kick drum compression, where in the learner would be taken through the different techniques used in compressing and equalizing kick drums. As part of these audio compression lessons, the learner would also be exposed to the different bass Enhancers such as the BX boom and similar tools. As part of the kick drum compression lessons, the learner will be exposed to a number of plugins, as Ken Lewis has tried out a number of unique combinations for sound mixing by using a variety of plug ins.

For beginners and those at the junior level, there are also lessons on filters. These lessons would give an understanding of the different filtering techniques that can be used while mixing sound using logic and pro tools. Ken Lewis has designed lessons wherein the filtering techniques are combined with audio compression techniques for backing vocals, drum and bass. In addition to the live audio compression techniques, Ken Lewis has designed lessons for other instrumentals such as the electric guitar recording techniques. There are also lessons on the concept of delay effects, wherein the student would be exposed to the function of delay plug in.

The online school also has a dedicated blog section, where in the registered users can access material related to audio compression basics. This material makes the learner understand the lay out of the compression process and the different channels that are involved in compression.