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Gear / Technical Help => Post-Processing, Computer / Streaming / Internet Devices & Related Activity => Topic started by: newplanet7 on March 24, 2012, 06:06:58 PM

Title: EQ pushing gain to over 0db?
Post by: newplanet7 on March 24, 2012, 06:06:58 PM
First and foremost I have never used EQ ever. I am digging a little mid boost on some bluegrass
because it tends to bring out the banjo and acoustic guitar a bit more. However when I do so the levels go over 0db.
When I tape I usually run so I peak at around -3db.
It sounds great when I boost the mids a little. I have about 10 bluegrass/string tapes I am going through.
So my predicament here is I dig the boost in the mids but it goes over. How do I balance this?

Rocking Wavelab 6
-todd
Title: Re: EQ pushing gain to over 0db?
Post by: live2496 on March 24, 2012, 07:10:55 PM
You will need to drop the overall level a bit before hitting the eq.
Title: Re: EQ pushing gain to over 0db?
Post by: newplanet7 on March 24, 2012, 07:23:21 PM
I was figuring that brother. Thanks for confirming.
I did before and after peak tests. So all I will do is lower it by that amount
before applying EQ. Seems simple enough.  :)
Title: Re: EQ pushing gain to over 0db?
Post by: JasonSobel on March 25, 2012, 12:58:25 PM
alternatively, instead of boosting the mids, you could reduce the highs/lows, get the same EQ result, and then you won't go over 0dBfs.  a lot of people, when they EQ, only subtract, and not add gain to frequencies.  They do this to avoid going over 0 dBfs.
Title: Re: EQ pushing gain to over 0db?
Post by: kirk97132 on March 25, 2012, 02:06:47 PM
alternatively, instead of boosting the mids, you could reduce the highs/lows, get the same EQ result, and then you won't go over 0dBfs.  a lot of people, when they EQ, only subtract, and not add gain to frequencies.  They do this to avoid going over 0 dBfs.

THIS^^^^^   even when mixing live I try to decrease the things I don't want rather than add the things I want.  Remember any time you boost something you are also boosting any associated noise/distortion/artifacts that are present. 
Title: Re: EQ pushing gain to over 0db?
Post by: page on March 25, 2012, 07:15:36 PM
alternatively, instead of boosting the mids, you could reduce the highs/lows, get the same EQ result, and then you won't go over 0dBfs.  a lot of people, when they EQ, only subtract, and not add gain to frequencies.  They do this to avoid going over 0 dBfs.

THIS^^^^^   even when mixing live I try to decrease the things I don't want rather than add the things I want.  Remember any time you boost something you are also boosting any associated noise/distortion/artifacts that are present.

I'm not sure it matters in digital post-prod as long as you don't blow past 0dbfs. In the room, FOH, etc, I totally buy that.

So in post-post; How is taking a wide band push in the midrange different from a drop in bass and top end (to create the same curve) and then makeup gain to bring up the levels? (honest question)