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I have for a long time thought that my mixes would be better if I had a treated room and a better set of monitors. So here is my thought, I have a spectrum analyzer with a calibrated microphone, what if I play Pink Noise through my Nuendo set-up and out my monitors in my room and saw what my room and monitors were doing to the pink noise. Then I would put an EQ on the stereo bus and “EQ” the Pink Noise to be as flat as possible. Once I had that preset, then to start my mixes with that EQ setting first on the stereo bus and make all my sonic decisions through that EQ. Once the mix is done I would take off the EQ and export the mix. Is this a smart idea or am I just wasting my time? Thanks

P.S. The EQ I was thinking of using was Waves LinEq Lowband and Broadband

-Andrew

Comments

Cucco Thu, 11/29/2007 - 06:14

This has actually been covered before in the acoustics forum.

My thought on the subject is simple. Don't.

EQs impart all sorts of sonic signatures the least of which is a phase shift. (Even linear phase EQs can have a small impact given the *right* or *wrong* parameters.)

Additionally, your sweetspot would be so small and unmanagable that if you moved even a couple of inches, you'd be in a bad spot.

It's better just to spend a little $$ and treat the room as best as possible.

BobRogers Thu, 11/29/2007 - 09:47

I have a set of JBLs that have room correction build into the monitor and I still just keep them flat. So I guess I'm in Jeremy's camp.

However, you should certainly go ahead with your plan to test your room even if you don't create an eq filter. Knowing where peaks and nodes are is always useful info.

Link555 Fri, 11/30/2007 - 14:47

If you are going to attempt to eq your room, which often happens in live venues, you should at least get a function generator so you can sweep the frequencies. Pink noise will give you a good idea, but being able to dial in on frequencies will let you see the exact problem areas.

But I have to agree with Jeremy on this one. Adding an EQ is adding another layer that may not need to be there. However that said, when all else fails its worth a shot.

drstudio Fri, 11/30/2007 - 20:35

Here's my opinion.... take it or leave it.

The EQ you are using should not be affecting your final mix but only on the control room output of your desk going to your monitors, because you are trying to attenuate your room, not the mix.
Also, depending on the eq you are using, and how much you are having to do, especially if you are boosting instead of attenuating, you may be causing phase shift and adding distortion. So, I would be careful you aren't over doing it the eq.

Hope this helps,
Cheers,
dr

DrGonz Sat, 12/01/2007 - 03:21

I think this is a great idea although I would not mix it w/ the eq engaged. Instead I would look as this as an A/B option, and compare it afterward but not during the mixing. I think this wears out your ears more too? Train your ears to compensate for your room. Once your ears adapts to an environment then we can adjust our mental eq. Although nothing would settle better than a great conditioned room and great monitors/ears.