EERecordist
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- Feb 24, 2024
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Recording tracking, mixing, and mastering engineers are paid for their expertise and mastery of analog processing and in the box (computer) plug-ins. Then we, the listener, get the product and have our own descriptions.
If you search the interwebs for EQ and compression cheat sheet, you will find descriptions in words about the instruments and how to alter them. You can also use their descriptions on each instrument you are listening to.
I'm not a huge fan of compression on individual tracks except on vocals and limiting on electric bass, but it is ubiquitous today on drums and electric instruments. They are fine if you want distortion, grunge, and artistic effects on guitar or other instrument. Many guitar pedals and amps do it in their own way.
There is a pattern at work today for female vocal processing when the vocal is predominant which is odd and instantly recognisable. Try to get a dose of those vocals in a small venue without processing. Of course the bedroom rockers are going to have access to those plug-ins from an early age!
Compression is required for mastering on streaming platforms, commercial release, and for in-vehicle entertainment because of the road & engine noise floor.
Here is just one example of an EQ and compression cheat sheet: https://hyperbits.com/eq-cheat-sheet/
If you search the interwebs for EQ and compression cheat sheet, you will find descriptions in words about the instruments and how to alter them. You can also use their descriptions on each instrument you are listening to.
I'm not a huge fan of compression on individual tracks except on vocals and limiting on electric bass, but it is ubiquitous today on drums and electric instruments. They are fine if you want distortion, grunge, and artistic effects on guitar or other instrument. Many guitar pedals and amps do it in their own way.
There is a pattern at work today for female vocal processing when the vocal is predominant which is odd and instantly recognisable. Try to get a dose of those vocals in a small venue without processing. Of course the bedroom rockers are going to have access to those plug-ins from an early age!
Compression is required for mastering on streaming platforms, commercial release, and for in-vehicle entertainment because of the road & engine noise floor.
Here is just one example of an EQ and compression cheat sheet: https://hyperbits.com/eq-cheat-sheet/
