Techniques to EQing and Compression

Name
Email
Subject
Comment *
File	Select/drop/paste files here
* = required field	[▶ Show post options & limits] Confused? See the FAQ.

Options	Do not bump (you can also write sage in the email field) Spoiler images (this replaces the thumbnails of your images with question marks)
Password	(For file and post deletion.)
Allowed file types:jpg, jpeg, gif, png, webm, mp4 Max filesize is 8 MB. Max image dimensions are 10000 x 10000. You may upload 5 per post.

File: 1435295027090.png (887.65 KB, 2123x2801, 2123:2801, 1426031652726.png)

Techniques to EQing and Compression Anonymous 06/26/15 (Fri) 05:03:47 104475 No.778

i've only ever used a compressor, or rather, noticed its impact when i sidechain it. what does it actually do if i use it on just the track by itself? i feel as though just increasing the gain of my track would cause the same effect. i'm probably stupid for saying that, but i'm just stuck on it.

also, how common is it to make pockets with your EQ for one track, based on another? if i have 4 tracks, do i make 3 packets on each track using 3 EQs that are in tune with the clarity of each of the other tracks?

Anonymous 06/26/15 (Fri) 05:43:39 c6fe28 No.786

Compressors start affecting the sound when the volume reaches a specific level. What it does is lower the volume (gain reduction) of peaks above the threshold level. How much, how fast and for how long is up to you. It basically reduces dynamics and can be used to get a bigger sound. Watch a few tutorials/introductions.

Anonymous 06/26/15 (Fri) 19:40:17 6719a9 No.806

This video will give you a great visual of what compression does:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4gNRGqHzMKc

As far as EQ, yes I think it's common to cut out a pocket from one track based on where the clarity lies on a "more important" track. However, don't get too caught up in EQing based on what people say or charts or any of that. Those are good general guidelines to know where things TYPICALLY are, but no two sources are going to be exactly the same and you should always mix with your ears, not your eyes, and sometimes as little of your brain as possible. Just get the facts and the science embedded in your head and then stop thinking about them and make everything sound good with experimentation.