AntonyR wrote:Paavo, thanks for your response. My question was more to do the decision of using Wave LinEQ versus Harbal Lin EQ. ie. would you expect Harbal Linear EQ to produce equal results to Waves LinEQ, or would you expect it to be better or worse?
I assume it comes down to the algorithms coded in each tool, and maybe some people would prefer one over the other just out of personal preference - assuming there was a difference in sound.
The key reason behind my question is the approach I am considering taking with my mixing/pre-mastering activities. Currently I get a good solid mix and then export to 24bit wave file. I use Harbal to balance the EQ and then import that into a master project where I typically use a little LinMB and L2. However, what I find, is that using the Harbal EQ and LinMB can result in the balance and punchiness of the mix sounding good but the vocals may now be too prominent in the mix or not prominent enough - usually the former, and I find myself going back to the original mix, lowering the vocals and then going through the process again of Harbal and LinMB, etc. An alternative approach would be to use the master output in Cubase to have the LinEQ, LinMB and L2 in the original mix project, where I can use Harbal to tell me the frequency curve and I can make adjustments in the original mix project to the LinEQ, and then do the LinMB and if I find that the vocals are a little prominent, or whatever, I can lower them directly in the mix to get the desired level. I can then export mix to Harbal to use the loudiness match facility and set the L2 appropriately to match all other tracks I have done.
What are your thoughts?
Thanks
Antony
Antony
Lets think about a few things for a second.
You stated that the vocals are too prominent at the mastering stage and that you normally have to go back and correct them in the mix.
Are the vocals extremely dynamic?
If so, you need to define the parameters using compression.
When you have finished mixing listen to the track from another room. If the vocals are too loud you will know immediately. Simply make a note of the vocal level and bring it all the way down. Either you or someone else should bring them up slowly while someone is listening from another room.
If you are absolutely sure about the vocals at this point.....export as a stereo track.
If at the mastering stage your vocals appear to be to become louder after the track is processed then the settings are incorrect somewhere.
Normally in some of my chains if using the Lin Eq I just use the preset (remove dc and low rumble) I am finished with it. I only use the Lin EQ lowband.
Now lets move on to the Waves LMB. (I actually prefer the multi compressor that comes standard with Wavelab)
1. Choose full reset
2. Choose adaptive opto mastering
3.Play the entire song.
4.Notice the numbers that appeared at the very bottom
5. Plug these numbers into the corresponding threshold boxes above in each column.
6. Toggle the button on the right so the gain is automatically made up, no matter the changes you make.
7. Play the song and start slowly bringing down the main threshold until the song starts to blend. (Stop)
8. If you are saying the vocals are too loud at this point pull down the corresponding "gain" button (usually the third from the left) until the vocals are immersed into the track.
9. Set the outceiling on your L2 to -0.1 and start pulling down your threshold. If there is no activity on the L2 meters you have gone too far.
You are done.
The reason I prefer the steinberg multicompressor that comes standard in Wavelab is because it makes the sound fat. It takes a little getting used too but it is ingenious. You can use the FM radio preset as a starting point and work from there. When I use it I set the outceiling on the L2 to -0.1 and the threshold to 0.0. I use the volume control on the multi compressor to get me where I need to be.
Normally, when I have corrected the spectral image in Har-Bal prior to importing into Wavelab. I rarely have a need to further EQ.
I just use the multicompressor to shape the sound and end up with happy clients daily
Cheers
Earle