Quote:
Hey Tekker,
I'll try and explain what I'm after...
Imagine a stereoscape from left to right with a centre line. I want to be able to sit the vocals in a narrow band in the centre (about 10% of the total width),
guitars in a 10% band set halfway across the right side
backing vox set in a 40% band starting from the centre and working right
Drums set 50% width at the centre etc,etc
width and placement if you see what I mean
Any help gratefully appreciated
Mick
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Where did you come up with these numbers? Did you use a ruler? It sounds like you have a remeditated opinion before going into a mix. I realize that you may just be trying to explain your ideal sound in text form. However, there is a real risk with this premediated stuff (one could even call it prejudice). If you decide how you are going to pan and what EQ you are going to use on vocals before hearing it, then you are using your brain way too much and not your ears.
As for this whole EQ thing. Maybe I've just been doing this for a while, but I don't see a difference between notching and boosting. I've read that one method is more likely to introduce phase problems, but I've heard opposing arguments suggest that cutting also causes phase issues. When I track, the goal is to come out with a sound that "wows" the client without the need for ANY eq. The track should sound "pro" going in.
This guy is suggesting to beginners that there is a 10dB discrepency between 1k and 2.5k on vocals. I find that to be about as fundamentally unsound as you could possibly get. He should be recommending to beginners not to reach for the EQ at all. Instead really work on mic selection and placement to capture the source as intended.
For me, EQ is only used during mixing because I have to cram a lot of tracks into a dense space. EQ is just there to help make room for everything (usually by thinning instruments out).
I must say, however, that I do get aggressive with high pass filters. I almost never feel bad about using those.
Width
Width you speak of is created mostly by panning. Proper tracking have a lot to do with how "wide" a source sounds as well. After that effects come in to play, but be very careful with effects. The stereo images and wideners may make the track seam huge on your monitors but this effect doesn't always translate well. Some mixes will sound completely screwed in your car. Try it. You'll see.
Brandon