Topic: Low Frequency Cut: Set it going in or with EQ Post Recording?

[bilco]

I just got the PCM-D50, which has 2 choices for low cut, 75 or 150.  Even 75 is going to cut out some of the lowest notes on a bass guitar; the low E on a bass is ~ 42 and a 5 string goes even lower.

Are most of you just setting the low cut filter up front to be safe or do you record without a filter going in and then EQ with software when you are editing the wave files?

[Liquid Drum]

I always thought the roll-off just rolls some of the 'gain' off starting from that particular frequency. I don't think it entirely cuts out everything under that frequency. I could be wrong.

[Dede2002]

is it natural sounding, or, grossly bloated?

the hpf does not strongly cut off freq's at the specified point; it just begins lowering at that point, per its designated steepness.

Exactly.If you want to isolate/lower a specific frequency, use EQ.

[Brian Skalinder]

I rarely, if ever, use HPF in the field.  I usually adjust in post if necessary, as I prefer having more control over the process than most field HPF features provide.

[Liquid Drum]

So by using 80hz roll-off on my CA-9100 I could be potentially ruining my recordings to a degree? Maybe I should turn it off...

[Kindguy]

I have a bunch of recordings where I've run hpf on one channel, and not the other, with intent. Fine sounding recordings.

interesting

[Javier Cinakowski]

in smaller chamber music ensembles, the bass will generally be in the right channel / right side of the stage. The treble players are to the left.
Because bass becomes omni-directional at around 300hz, I like to be able to ensure aural placement of the bass section in the captured recording. So i'll turn on the hpf to position 2 on the V3 left channel (75hz at 6dB), to help keep the bass in the right side.

That is great thinkin moke...

[indietaperwloo]

I'd only use it in a bass-heavy environment like a club or arena.  Even then, I'd only use it in extreme circumstances and if I have to apply it, I apply it in post with Waves X-Hum with just the HPF and DC Offset removal - no hum removal unless there's hum to remove.

[bilco]

Thanks everyone, great advice.  The chamber music ensemble idea is really clever!

[Gutbucket]

Slick idea, m0k3. That is come creative thinkin'. You get a gold star for that one.