Solo instrument reference spectrum to eq matching?

Discussion in 'Mixing and Mastering' started by Highdom, Jun 22, 2020.

  1. Highdom

    Highdom Kapellmeister

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    I need to record vocals and acoustic guitars. I haven't any treated room.
    My idea is really simple: let's use an eq match (maybe dynamics eq match, any plugins you advise?) to fit the spectrum to a reference sample one.
    So my question is, there's any database of (or where can I easily find) vocals and solo instrument samples to fit my spectrum shape to the one's I downloaded?
    It would be really amazing if samples are sorted to different microphones too, for example, acoustic guitar through the Rode NT1...

    Of course, the results will be just an approximate spectrum shape because you can't get the exact shape unless you record the same take in two different rooms, but I think it could be a really big help to all bedroom producers to get the next level of home recording!

    Any help will be appreciated!
     
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  3. justwannadownload

    justwannadownload Audiosexual

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    I don't think it'd work the way you imagine it.
    See, there's more to recording and mixing than just matching spectre with "good" example. If you have an audible reverberation in your vocal recording, then it's there, end of story. De-reverberators don't help awfully much. And it will affect the overall tone of your sound.
    And even then you still have to account for frequency masking the way uour other instruments affect the "feel" of each other.
    What I would advice, however, is Sonible smart:EQ 2. It helps to learn how different instruments "should" sound spectre-wise. Think of it as a reference database with optional EQ matching.
     
  4. Highdom

    Highdom Kapellmeister

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    Maybe I don't explain so well my idea, it's more then just filling the frequencies in mixing stage...
    The point is that I could get dry recordings, with (almost) no room. (just record the take in a very small room, with curtains for istance)
    So I'm just thinking about a spectrum comparison between dry signals of my take and dry signal of reference. Physically, the only differences will be resonances of thing and walls, and I'd like to apply the Eq match to them!
    And then I mix it in the full project, so this topic is about putting the eq match before the mix, introducing an ulterior step between recording and mixing, let's call it "the accommodation" step

    To give you an idea, this is what neutron 3's sculptor does, but more focused than just 15 categories...
    [Of course it's not THE way but just an approximate method]
     
  5. No Avenger

    No Avenger Moderator Staff Member

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    I don't think this will work at all.

    Every human voice sounds different so how will you eq-match these???

    And eq-matching an acoustic guitar probably won't work either, on principle for pretty much the same reason.

    On top of this you have different mics and different goals.
     
  6. Highdom

    Highdom Kapellmeister

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    Even if using a smoothed eq match? Just to make the sound I record more similar to Neumann (for example) one's?
    How even are there any website or database that collect some solo track? Let's make some Ozone presets :bleh:
     
  7. Xupito

    Xupito Audiosexual

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    You could use a bit of eq-matching but as @No Avenger said the problem would be to find a suitable target recorded one.
    Now, if we're only talking about matching the eqs of two mics, that would be possible if you find the IR/frequency response of the two of them. Unfortunately, for acoustic recordings there's many variables besides the mic itself. With electric guitar recordings of the cabinet it's much easier.

    As for the rest it seems to me more adding reverb to your almost-dry recording than eq-matching. It's related but different.
     
    Last edited: Jun 23, 2020
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