EQ/compression settings to capture tapped harmonics on acoustic

[tunaboy777]

Dear All

I posted the following query in the acoustic forum and only got one response saying that getting the sound I want is probably to do with compression as well as EQ. Anyway, perhaps it's a bit too techie for the acoustic forum, so I'm going to give it a spin here:

I'm currenlty recording my Tanglewood electro-acoustic into Sonar 7, using a mixture of my Boss GT5 and various VST effects/EQs. I'm trying to set it all up so that tapped harmonics (think Andy McKee/Erik Mongrain, but simplified and played badly by an idiot) will ring out. Any suggestions about how best to set up the EQ/compression?

Thanks

tunaboy777

[tehLORD]

I would solo the geeetar part and use a narrow Q EQ and sweep it about until the part you're looking for sticks out. Once you've found it boost it by a couple of db then unsolo it. Then make a slight cut to the other tracks around the same frequency and mess about with the levels until you feel happy with it.

Disclaimer - I'm a complete bufoon when it comes to EQ and compression.


I thank you.

[Nik Harrison]

You have to try to get as close to the sound that you want without any compression or EQ first. Then use a little bit of both to 'smooth out' or 'perfect' the sound. Experiment tirelessly! All equipment has it's own individual characteristics so it's difficult to give a clear answer.

I would probably use the GT5 to compress the signal, then EQ using a VST plug in, but you really have to exhaust every option one at a time. Also make notes. Document everything and keep track of what you discover. Equipment, order in a chain, settings, everything! That way you can return to ideas where you were close to what you wanted as a new starting point for experimentation rather than keep going down dead end paths.

[*Noodles*]

Originally Posted by tehLORD

I would solo the geeetar part and use a narrow Q EQ and sweep it about until the part you're looking for sticks out. Once you've found it boost it by a couple of db then unsolo it. Then make a slight cut to the other tracks around the same frequency and mess about with the levels until you feel happy with it.

Disclaimer - I've got the right idea when it comes to EQ and compression.


I thank you.

Edited for truth.

[tehLORD]

Originally Posted by *Noodles*

Edited for truth.

Well fuck me it seems like i've learned something in the last 12 months then.

[*Noodles*]

You on a sound-related course?

Sometimes you don't know you know something unless you're faced with a question on a forum..

[tehLORD]

Originally Posted by *Noodles*

You on a sound-related course?

Sometimes you don't know you know something unless you're faced with a question on a forum..

If you're asking me then no.

I started fiddling with DAWs just over a year ago and have been obsessively studying everything I can since then. It has come to my attention that EQ and compression are what effects the sound more than any other adjustement. Also, arguably the toughest to learn!!

[tunaboy777]

Dear All

Thanks for the fantastic advice. All v. useful. I'm just going to keep on experimenting, but you've pointed me in the right direction.

Cheers

tunaboy777

[Ten Flew South]

With harmonics, you can easily work out their specific frequencies based on what notes you are playing, and get some super precise eqing going on, but as said above, you need to capture the detail with your playing in order to really make them shine.

[*Noodles*]

Originally Posted by Ten Flew South

With harmonics, you can easily work out their specific frequencies based on what notes you are playing, and get some super precise eqing going on, but as said above, you need to capture the detail with your playing in order to really make them shine.

use an FFT or Spectro program - no maths required