Originally Posted By: bluage
"guitarhacker"...



The concept is so simple, I'm sorry I asked the question. "Comb-filtering"? That's when I clean all the hair strands out of it, right ?? Jes' kiddin', smidgen! whistle


Question: How much of what you know about audio engineering is the result of consulting technical information, and/or "hands-on", trial-and-error experience, percentage-wise?


LOREN (a.k.a. "bluage")


Comb filtering: Here's the Wiki definition: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Comb_filter In a nutshell, it's not something that you want to happen in your mix. It happens when 2 different and varying signals are imposed upon each other. They interact algebraically depending on what each signal is adding to the mix. At one point the signals will add to each other and a split second later they will null each other out and it varies with the frequencies involved. Since the frequencies are mostly not the same, the level of apparent increase or decrease will also vary. The more you work with signals that are exactly the same or similar enough, the more this becomes an issue. It is the primary reason you should NEVER clone a track to do layering or doubling. It can be negated by panning and volume control of the source.


Most of what I learned about audio engineering is the result of hands on experience and being active in the Cakewalk songs forum for many years. There are folks over there who work with music at the professional level, operating studios as their main business activity and in other capacities in the music world. Craig Anderton drops in from time to time. He used to write a monthly column for Guitar Player magazine on electronic gizmo's. I've had several people pick out things in my music that I totally missed. I mean totally. When I went back to where they indicated and listened.... they were 100% right. Having other people with "good engineer's ears" listen and comment on your songs gets you up to speed pretty quickly. When they see you taking their advice and improving your skills, they are willing to keep giving that advice.

By posting my music over there and asking for crits... "tell me the truth, don't sugar coat it".... I received lots of good feedback on what these folks heard in my mix and then they told me what I needed to do to remedy the situation. You tend to achieve the levels of the advice you're given, so make the advice you get, the best possible.

Some of the crits I got early on were pretty harsh. Not mean, but harsh. There is a difference. "Harsh" makes you face the reality that maybe what you're doing that you think is good, isn't good at all and you are doing things in a way that gives poor results. Then by listening to the advice, you discover a better way that does give good results...and you live and learn and keep climbing.

I realize that not all folks know the difference between mean and harsh and not all folks want to be told they could be doing things in a better way..... so quite often, I simply keep quite and say.. "Good Job.... sounds like it was a fun song you did."


I could say more but for now....

You can find my music at:
www.herbhartley.com
Add nothing that adds nothing to the music.
You can make excuses or you can make progress but not both.

The magic you are looking for is in the work you are avoiding.