Har-Bal Users Forum BBS

Does the very nature of Empathetic EQ change the order of using it with compression (EQ/Compression vs. Compression/EQ)?

Hi ,

No more than ever ... By reducing spectral peaks , you are lowering the amount of subsequent compression you'll need ... In other words , the same compressor settings should result in less compression with a less masked , peak-tamed equing ( presuming you don't take the limiter up ) . Some like to re-eq after compression to repair any spectral distortions ....

Cheers ,

Evan .

Hitmaker wrote: Some like to re-eq after compression to repair any spectral distortions ....
.

I guess the last sentence of your comment is what I had in mind. I know Earle (and most others) feel compression should follow eq. However, with this somewhat new approach to eq-ing, I was wondering if using compression first (if at all) might help to avoid what you alluded to . . . spectral distortions?

Hi ,

I'd have said not ... it's the act of compression that can distrub your spectral balance .. For example , a big bass peak ( not uncommon ) can pull down the level of the whole spectrum ( when the tops didn't need it ) .
I'm with Earle in principle .... use of surgical corrective eq ( as few devices besides Har-Bal can provide ) can lessen the need for compression . The act of compression will alter your spectrum , esp the transients ... so 'peak-cut' equing prior is generally advised . You should be able to tame the fundamental but let the transients through ... with eq ...

My reference to re-equing I meant more as an optional tidy-up ... As a chain ... eq ... compress ... then re-eq ....

On the subject of compression, what are people's favourite compressors software-wise? What do you use and for what? I always find myself returning to Waves' CLA-76 and VComp, but being a fan of compression I'm open to trying more...