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anonymous 6 June 2009

Hi guys thanks for reading this is my first post here. I use Pro Tools and Ableton. I am new to the mixing process and trying to learn. To aid in mixing, I was hoping to find a decent frequency analyzer to help me understand notching EQs and so on.

I was reading this page in particular:
http://www.homerecordingconnection.com/news.php?action=view_story&id=154 {scroll down to see graphs}

And I was fascinated by the graphs of frequencies. I have used PAZ Frequency Analyzer VST plugin but it doesn't seem to show much variance in sound. Weather I am using PAZ on guitar, bass or snare it pretty much always shows a lot of low end < 200 and peaks about 125 if the instrument is not EQd.

What can I do to get some better frequency graphs like the charts I see on that webpage link? Am I using PAZ wrong?

Thanks guys!

Comments

soapfloats Sun, 06/07/2009 - 21:40

I like the Voxengo analyzer. I also like the analysis tools that come w/ some IK bundles. FFT, 1/3 octave, and spectral analyzers, level meter, stereo image analyzer. Since I don't use many inserts on my stereo bus, I often use these types of tools.
My room/speaker situation is far from ideal, so feedback like that can help provide a reality check.

Hope that helps.

hueseph Sun, 06/07/2009 - 22:17

Since you're using ProTools, don't you need an RTAS plugin? I mean, since you are using ProTools, you need RTAS plugins.

Here's one:

search engines

I just think you should mix with your ears. A good set of Near field monitors should serve well enough. The only exception might be with the lower frequencies. Even then, a good sub will probably serve you better than a frequency analyzer. But that's just my opinion.

hueseph Sun, 06/07/2009 - 22:28

Here's a quote from protools users forum., (not duc):

do not mix with your eyes....use your ears.
unfortunately using a analyzer plug like that won't give you the results that you're looking for. What is a good sounding clarinet supposed to look like on a spectrum analyzer? How about a tuba? What does it look like?
The answer is there is no answer. Every instrument, on every song, recorded on every mic and in every different room is going to look different. No two tracks will look the same. Spectrum analyzers and the like should be used for testing purposes and when trying to find certain offending frequencies...not for mixing. Again, rely on your ears.

Not that I think this is a hard and fast rule. I just happen to agree with the opinion voiced therin.

jg49 Mon, 06/08/2009 - 02:33

I absolutely agree that the ears not the eyes are the master tool. I used the analyzer more in the beginning and it helped to teach me in what range certain instruments "lived" but I have never used it to actually EQ. I still sometimes refer to it when I am trying to seperate the bass drum and bass line but again mostly as a reference before I start.

When I read your post you said you were using a VST plug in so that is what I directed you to if your software requires a different format that could explain erroneous graphs perhaps.

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