How to use Compression?
Compression– Compression is what takes loud signals and quite signals and balances them out so they are both heard clearly and equally.
Attack time – The attack time refers to the time it takes for the signal to become fully compressed after exceeding the threshold level. Faster attack times are usually around 20 to 800 microseconds, while slower times are usually around 10 to 100 milliseconds.
Release time – The release time is literally the opposite of the attack time and refers to the time it takes for the signal to go from compressed signal to the non-compressed signal. Release times will be considerably longer than attack times generally ranging anywhere around 40 – 60 milliseconds to 2 – 5 seconds.
Knee – The knee refers to how the compression transitions between the non-compressed signal and compressed signal. Typically there are 2 settings which are known as soft knee and hard knee. The soft need allows for a smoother and more gradual transition and the hard knee allows for a more instant transition to stop sustain.
Threshold – The threshold sets the level at which the compression effect is engaged but only when a signal passes above the threshold will it be compressed. For example if the threshold level is -5 dB, only signal peaks that are above the threshold will be compressed.
Ratio – The ratio specifies the amount of attenuation applied to a signal. A 1:1 ratio is the lowest and is know as unity gain. A 2:1 ratio indicates a signal exceeding the threshold by 2 dB and halfs it. A 3:1 ratio is a moderate compression. A 5:1 ratio is a medium compression. A 8:1 is a strong compression and a 20:1 through ∞:1 is a limiting compression.
Output gain – The output gain makes up for any lost gain done by the compression.
How to add channel EQ to a drum kit?
The kick drum
- Cut any low-end rumble using a high-pass filter up to around 50 Hz.
- Boost the low-end frequency of the kick up to around 60 and 120 Hz.
- Cut any mud in the low-mids up to around 250 Hz.
- Cut any boxiness in the midrange up to around 250 Hz and 1 kHz.
- Boost the 1 – 5 kHz range to bring out the snap and attack of the beater.
The Snare Drum
- Cut any low-end rumble using a high-pass filter up to around 100 Hz.
- Boost the low-end frequency of the snare up to around 150 and 250 Hz.
- Cut any mud in the low-mids up to around 250 and 500 Hz.
- Boost 3 – 5 kHz to add snap and attack.
- Boost 8 kHz and above with a high shelf to add sizzle and air.
The Toms
- Cut any low-end rumble using a high-pass filter up to around 100 Hz.
- Boost the low-end frequency of the toms up to around 80 and 200 Hz.
- Cut any mud in the low-mids up to around 250 Hz.
- Cut any boxiness in the midrange up to around 250 Hz and 1 kHz.
- Boost 1 – 5 kHz to add snap and attack.
The Cymbals/Overheads
- Cut any low-end to make room for other instruments using a high-pass filter up to around 300 Hz.
- Cut any mud in the low-mids up to around 250 Hz.
- Cut any boxiness in the mid range up to around 250Hz and 1 kHz.
- Carve out space for the vocals by making a small cut up to around 5 kHz.
- Boost above 8kHz with a high-shelf to add sparkle and glimmer.
How to add channel EQ to vocals?
- Cut any low-end rumble using a high-pass filter up to around 50 Hz.
- Boost the low-end frequency of the vocals up to around 80 and 300 Hz.
- Cut any mud in the low-mids up to around 250 Hz to 500 Hz.
- Cut any boxiness in the mid range up to around 800 Hz to 1.5 kHz.
- Boost 4.5 kHz to 9 kHz to add presence and sibilance.
- Boost 10 kHz to 15 kHz to add air.
References
Uaudio.com. 2022. Audio Compression Basics | Universal Audio. [online] Available at: <https://www.uaudio.com/blog/audio-compression-basics/> [Accessed 20 May 2022].
Google.com. 2022. A Step-by-Step Guide to Mixing Drums. [online] Available at: <https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=&ved=2ahUKEwjsv5ShlO73AhVUecAKHfE8ASIQFnoECAsQAQ&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.masteringthemix.com%2Fblogs%2Flearn%2Fa-step-by-step-guide-to-mixing-drums&usg=AOvVaw0ZZfRldEVD8S096zYf3DT6> [Accessed 20 May 2022].
BRUNOTTS, K., 2021. How to EQ Vocals: A Step by Step Guide for Beginners. [online] Emastered.com. Available at: <https://emastered.com/blog/how-to-eq-vocals> [Accessed 25 May 2022].