FabFilter Pro Q-3
Sonnox DEQ
I was wondering if anyone could share some insights on the topic of Dynamic EQ or DEQ for short (FabFilter Q3, Sonnox DEQ, Waves F6 e.g.) vs static EQ (Pro-Q2 e.g.) vs MultiBand compression (ProMB). I recently bought Pro-Q3 and like it a lot, but begs the question – What now for static eq and multi-band compression? Are their days over? I don’t claim to be a great mixer or mastering engineer – I’m more of a composer and songwriter who wants to lay down some quality demos. That’s my primary goal. But I spent a lot of time and money on mixing and mastering courses and have trained my ear to listen to a lot of great mixes, mixers and mastering engineers over the years. My gut tells me that dynamic eq fills a serious need that many classic mixing and mastering textbooks/courses didn’t or don’t cover because the technology wasn’t there yet. Yet it seems that top engineers are assimilating DEQ into their regimen – and to what extent (as far as DEQ replacing static EQ and MB Comp is concerned) is somewhat of a mystery. No doubt the great recordings of the 70’s didn’t use DEQ (it’s primarily a digital phenomenon), but the reason they sounded great was precisely because of analog and analog hardware (the Pultec EQs, the Neve and Manley pre-amps, Teletronix limiters, SSL consoles). No doubt these devices add a character of their own, and so this is where DEQ alone won’t cut it alone. But DEQ is transparent as heck, and it’s incredible flexibility presents static EQ and MB compression with an enormous challenge. Please share your experience using DEQ with us. Your advice, tips and input on this subject is greatly appreciated. You can leave comments below the YouTube video if you’d like at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YWoe-WKn6KoThanks so much!Here are some links to YouTube videos on the subject of DEQ that you may find interesting as well:MixBusTV: Dynamic Equalizer vs Multiband Compressor Explained – Differences and when to use themSormena Project: Dynamic EQ Theory and Application (TDR Nova)Waves Audio – Dave Darlington: EQ Problems SOLVED – Waves F6 Dynamic EQ Plugin Tutorial
Waves Audio – Tony Maserati on Multiband Compression for Vocals