
Originally Posted by
Steve Johnson
Since using EQ can get complicated, I wanted to expand on the above post with some additional thoughts that I hope might help you. Before I continue, I should mention that I use Cubasis VST 4. All sequencers do pretty much the same things, so the only difference might be in the names that Logic 8 uses for some of the Cubasis features I'm about to describe.
In the Cubasis VST channel mixer, I have access to two equalizers per channel. I can use one or both depending on my requirements. For example, let's say that I have a bassoon assigned to channel 4, but I feel the sound is too heavy on the lower end and not "bright" enough on the upper end. I can use EQ1 to attenuate (soften) the lower frequencies, and I can use EQ2 to boost the upper ones.
The challenge we face here is that "set it and forget it" EQ settings won't work. This is because (as I mentioned before) frequency interactions change among the instruments that are playing during the course of the piece. Using my above bassoon example, if I activated both EQs it may fix sound problems with the bassoon in certain places, but it would create new ones elsewhere. So, what we need is the ability to turn on/off EQ and change EQ parameters across each track to adjust the instrument sounds only when and where required.
The Cubasis VST channel mixer has an automation feature that generates an audiomix track. When I activate the "write" function, the audiomix track records all volume slider changes and EQ inputs for each channel at each point I define in the piece. Once I'm satisfied with the results, I turn off the "write" functon. Then when I activate "read" and play my sequencer file, the audiomix track automatically executes the volume slider and EQ events at the proper places during playback. Also, when I export my sequencer file as a soundfile (I use WAV format), the mix is already there.
I know your inquiry focused on using EQ, but I mention the channel volume slider because the two are related. Generally speaking, when you attenuate frequencies you'll need to increase the instrument's channel volume. Conversely, when you boost frequencies you'll need to turn the channel volume down. How much (or if at all) depends on the amount of EQ you're applying, as well as what other instruments are playing.
As I said in my previous post, there is very little that is quick or easy when working in the DAW environment. When I created my first electronic performance of an orchestral piece using GPO2, I had to go through a lot of effort to determine all of the proper channel volume and EQ settings for the instruments I was using. However, the automation feature of the Cubasis channel mixer became my best friend, and I developed a real appreciation for the power and flexibility it gave me on being able to refine the sound quality of the performance I put up online at my virtual concert hall. I therefore think you'll find that investing some time in learning how to do this through Logic 8 will be worth it. The hardest part is figuring out how to do it for best results (the infamous learning curve). However, once you have some experience, the process should get easier.
I hope you find all this to be at least a little helpful.
Steve
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