|
Log in to post
|
Print Thread |
|
|
|
|
|
RealBand
|
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 161
Apprentice
|
OP
Apprentice
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 161 |
Hi,
I am going to add a few insert effects on my song, eq, compression and reverb on vocals and wonder is there any set order in the slots in which to add them?
Thanks a lot Regards Jan
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
RealBand
|
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 8,021
Veteran
|
Veteran
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 8,021 |
'Twas me I would use a multiband compressor in lieu of the EQ & mono compressor. I would not insert reverb.Use reverb in an FX buss.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
RealBand
|
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 22,386
Veteran
|
Veteran
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 22,386 |
The order you mentioned is fine. Eq then compressor.
As silvertones mentioned, it is sometimes better to keep the reverb in an AUX slot of the mixer and use the AUX send to adjust how much reverb you get. When doing it this way you will usually want to turn up the 'wet' mix on the reverb because when doing it this way the reverb is being 'added to' the original track as opposed to having the track go through the reverb and needing to adjust the wet/dry there.
So, if using reverb in AUX slot, boost the wet mix and then control how much of that gets mixed in with the original signal by using the AUX send dial in the mixer.
I do not work here, but the benefits are still awesome Make your sound your own!
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
RealBand
|
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 7,913
Veteran
|
Veteran
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 7,913 |
Here's a little rule of thumb to keep in mind as it pertains to 'where to put the reverb or delay' in a signal chain.
You can go against this if you like but it sort of defeats the purpose of these two types of of signal processing.
Both reverb and delay are designed to 'fade away' a signal, as they both simulate acoustic environments that sound is played into.
They should be the last thing before the sound hits your speakers, to keep things sounding natural. My preference for these two is delay before reverb, with reverb being last for a particular track. Good idea to use reverb on a send just like rharv mentions.
EQ can be placed pretty much anywhere, but in general, you want to EQ individual tracks before they hit effects processing. Just think of EQ as frequency specific gain and it makes sense to put it there.
Compression/dynamics processing can be thought of as time-specific gain. It's kind of a natural placement right around where you are doing EQ - I prefer usually to put it after EQ on individual tracks.
Both EQ and Compression are intended to be full-on for the track(s) you are using them on. Generally not advised to use a send in this case.
Again, these are rules of thumb, which doesn't mean you follow them religiously.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
RealBand
|
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 161
Apprentice
|
OP
Apprentice
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 161 |
Thank you all very very much for your kind advice. Now its time for me to try it all out  Regards Jan
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
RealBand
|
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 1,616
Expert
|
Expert
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 1,616 |
Check out Ray's RealBand tutorial at http://rsthigpen.com/free/Lots of helpful advice including what you asked. R
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
RealBand
|
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 1,942
Expert
|
Expert
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 1,942 |
I'm amazed that people still find those tutorials useful.
I get emails from time to time (at least one or two a month) from folks who tell me how the tutorials have helped them. I'm glad to know that.
I should review those things and see if I've changed my mind about any of that. Some are somewhat outdated with all the software changes --- but I guess the core of information is there. Lot of it is opinion... mine.... and others may differ in their opinions of what I've stated in those tutorials.
Hey......... I'm just glad someone uses them and they get some help with them.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
RealBand
|
Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 100
PG Music Staff
|
PG Music Staff
Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 100 |
I personally do compression then eq.
If i have boosted frequencies with the eq the compressor will pay more attention to squashing those boosted frequencies than spreading the over-all compression across the range of frequencies on that track. As a result I like to go compressor -> eq in the chain
Last edited by Rlittle; 06/21/10 03:25 PM.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
RealBand
|
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 22,386
Veteran
|
Veteran
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 22,386 |
I guess it would depend on if you are cutting or boosting with the EQ.. If the frequency isn't there it can't get compressed. Also, compressors can bring up the noise level a bit, depending on what/how you are EQing
A simple compressor won't have the ability to 'pay attention to certain frequencies' and will only react to levels. Multibands are a different story.
Experiment and have fun
I do not work here, but the benefits are still awesome Make your sound your own!
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
RealBand
|
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 8,021
Veteran
|
Veteran
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 8,021 |
Quote:
'Twas me I would use a multiband compressor in lieu of the EQ & mono compressor. I would not insert reverb.Use reverb in an FX buss.
Yes Rharv I agree thus my suggestion.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
RealBand
|
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 7,913
Veteran
|
Veteran
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 7,913 |
I am in agreement as well.
Part of my reasoning is that I rarely, if ever, boost too much with EQ. If I can't get it mostly right at the source, I have more work to do at the source. Now, room modes or resonances that sound wonky, I'll cut those, but I don't boost too much.
As it pertains to compression squashing boosted content - rharv is exactly right. Unless it's a multi-band, compressors really only reacts to level - of which low frequencies will dominate level. You'd have to really honk a particular band.
But to each his own. It's best to experiment with the order and see for yourself what works where. Guidelines are only that. Sometimes it pays to go off the trail!
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
RealBand
|
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 7,697
Veteran
|
Veteran
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 7,697 |
Quote:
I am in agreement as well.
Part of my reasoning is that I rarely, if ever, boost too much with EQ. If I can't get it mostly right at the source, I have more work to do at the source. Now, room modes or resonances that sound wonky, I'll cut those, but I don't boost too much.
Exactly, I learned this right on this forum either from you or Mac or probably both. If a track needs more highs, don't boost the highs, cut everything else. Also another good tip is to look at each instrument and completely cut the freq's that are out of range of that instrument like anything over 3K for a bass or anything below the appropriate freq for vocals, horns, guitars that kind of thing. I will listen to each track with an ear towards cutting as much as I can without degrading the instrument. This will really clean up a mix and let each part sit in it's own space.
Bob
Biab/RB latest build, Win 11 Pro, Ryzen 5 5600 G, 512 Gig SSD, 16 Gigs Ram, Steinberg UR22 MkII, Roland Sonic Cell, Kurzweil PC3, Hammond SK1, Korg PA3XPro, Garritan JABB, Hypercanvas, Sampletank 3, more.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
RealBand
|
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 7,913
Veteran
|
Veteran
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 7,913 |
Quote:
Quote:
I am in agreement as well.
Part of my reasoning is that I rarely, if ever, boost too much with EQ. If I can't get it mostly right at the source, I have more work to do at the source. Now, room modes or resonances that sound wonky, I'll cut those, but I don't boost too much.
Exactly, I learned this right on this forum either from you or Mac or probably both. If a track needs more highs, don't boost the highs, cut everything else. Also another good tip is to look at each instrument and completely cut the freq's that are out of range of that instrument like anything over 3K for a bass or anything below the appropriate freq for vocals, horns, guitars that kind of thing. I will listen to each track with an ear towards cutting as much as I can without degrading the instrument. This will really clean up a mix and let each part sit in it's own space.
Bob
I'm pretty sure this was a tip I learned here a very long time ago, but I've seen it confirmed in print and in personal experience on so many occasions I couldn't count them up.
There's another little EQ tip that has nearly become a 'rule' to me. On the lion's share of tracks, kick and bass guitar/line excepted, there's really no reason to have content down below 200 Hz or so. I read this particular tip from the dance music producer, BT, in an interview in Computer Music magazine.
Now I tend to put a high-pass filter as the first in the signal chain on nearly every audio track I record and run the cutoff frequency from anywhere from 150 Hz on up to even 300-400 Hz, depending on the source. Only when I start to notice the life leave a track will I then back that frequency down. It is amazing how this opens up a song and puts a shine on things. People will use all sorts of words for it - clarity, spaciousness, etc. Very very effective on vocals - particularly for 'pop music' type vocals.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
RealBand
|
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 8,660
Veteran
|
Veteran
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 8,660 |
Very good advice from everyone here. I love to read these type threads. One thing i do a tad different is sometimes depending on the needs i will pop a compressor in a buss like the reverb, and that way i can dial up just a touch for some of the tracks i feel that need it. I can still use track compression as well.
I always place a spectrum analyzer in the first slot of the master buss, and follw with a multiband EQ and roll down offending tones over all, then EQ separately tracks that sound badly.
The real thing is that there is no one way, you have to take the time to experiment and work though it.
Listen and mix, then go away and come back with fresh ears.
HP Win 11 12 gig ram, Mac mini Sonoma with 16 gig of ram, BiaB 2025, Realband, Reaper 7, Harrison Mixbus 9 32c , Melodyne 5 editor, Presonus Audiobox 1818VSL, Presonus control app.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
RealBand
|
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 22,386
Veteran
|
Veteran
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 22,386 |
Only thing I read on this page that I may question is the 'cut everything above 3kHz for bass'. In some cases there are a lot of interesting performance bits that happen around 2kHz (and up to almost 3kHz) on live bass tracks.. believe it or not. It's not the "bass" obviously, but it could be adding character to the bass. String noise, finger noise, snap on a string etc. {as Mac so finely stated, - a well recorded bass track sounds like they are working on a buick in the background (paraphrased probably)} Also, the same applies to kick drum as there is some of the snap at 1-2kHz range. Often my EQ on both of these involves a reduction at 400Hz - 1kHz and then back up again for a small range above that... but every song is different.
I do think most tracks can be faded away below 250Hz. It cleans up a lot of the mud when you remove that range and below for most tracks like guitar, vocals, etc.
Last edited by rharv; 06/25/10 03:52 PM.
I do not work here, but the benefits are still awesome Make your sound your own!
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
RealBand
|
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 7,913
Veteran
|
Veteran
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 7,913 |
+1 to rharv's comment about bass. There are many sources online, even the little studio buddy app, that encourage bass guitar to get a little peak in the 1-4kHz region. Thumb-popped bass has lots of snap up in that region. If you roll it off, you'll take away all the bassist's hard work to get the pop.
Same goes for Kick drum as rharv stated to get the beater sound on the kick (almost all metal and hard rock released in the last 10-15 years has very prominent beater noise on the kick drum - to the point where I think some studios even add in that click using Drumagog or other such tools).
I mix live sound for our worship band (which is quite a rockin band - leader just got a gig as Big Kenny's touring guitarist), and the drummer is different every week. I'm almost always peaking 4 dB or so in that region on the rack toms and kick for 'presence' in the mix - one of the few times I boost anything too much live.
-Scott
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
RealBand
|
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 378
Journeyman
|
Journeyman
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 378 |
In my limited experience with RT's now that I have the software in my happy hands, they need a little help come mixing time. My chain in RB is eq, compression, and another eq if needed after compression. IMO, eq absolutely must be first in line when using RT's. Most all bass tracks I've used thus far seem to be pretty thick in the 400's and need to be at least notched somewhere in there, with the Q just wide enough not to do too much damage, but clear things up. A little boost around 2k or so helps bring out some clarity for the bass tracks as well. The RT drums all seem to have some pretty substantial rumble in the lower range and they also need to be notched, very carefully, to reduce this rumble. Too much and the kick drum goes to pot, which is exactly where this rumble is coming from, I believe. These two instruments are also helped by cutting everything out below 35hz, imo. All this helps the next processor in line- the compressor. And if compression loses me a little something, I'll eq a bit more, post compression. Verb and delay go to an aux. I use mostly Waves plugs in the chain. The problem I'm having in RB is that there is a delay when tweaking plugin settings. I'd like to cure that, for sure. But thankfully RB has plugin mode, so I can dump everything over to Reaper and really mix. It seems that for me, RB will fill the roll of all RT assembly and then once done, dump out to Reaper- a much more full featured DAW for mixing. Kudos to PG for including plugin mode. That's an open door to the world and it's no small thing we have it.
Btw- this chain usually does well for vocals too, but whatever order gets you your sound, than that's the order that worked!
Dan
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Ask sales and support questions about Band-in-a-Box using natural language.
ChatPG's knowledge base includes the full Band-in-a-Box User Manual and sales information from the website.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box 2026 Video: AI Stems & Notes - split polyphonic audio into instruments and transcribe
This video demonstrates how to use the new AI-Notes feature together with the AI-Stems splitter, allowing you to select an audio file and have it separated into individual stems while transcribing each one to its own MIDI track. AI-Notes converts polyphonic audio—either full mixes or individual instruments—into MIDI that you can view in notation or play back instantly.
Watch the video.
You can see all the 2026 videos on our forum!
Bonus PAK and 49-PAK for Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows®
With your version 2026 for Windows Pro, MegaPAK, UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, Audiophile Edition or PlusPAK purchase, we'll include a Bonus PAK full of great new Add-ons for FREE! Or upgrade to the 2026 49-PAK for only $49 to receive even more NEW Add-ons including 20 additional RealTracks!
These PAKs are loaded with additional add-ons to supercharge your Band-in-a-Box®!
This Free Bonus PAK includes:
- The 2026 RealCombos Booster PAK:
-For Pro customers, this includes 27 new RealTracks and 23 new RealStyles.
-For MegaPAK customers, this includes 25 new RealTracks and 23 new RealStyles.
-For UltraPAK customers, this includes 12 new RealStyles.
- MIDI Styles Set 92: Look Ma! More MIDI 15: Latin Jazz
- MIDI SuperTracks Set 46: Piano & Organ
- Instrumental Studies Set 24: Groovin' Blues Soloing
- Artist Performance Set 19: Songs with Vocals 9
- Playable RealTracks Set 5
- RealDrums Stems Set 9: Cool Brushes
- SynthMaster Sounds Set 1 (with audio demos)
- Android Band-in-a-Box® App (included)
Looking for more great add-ons, then upgrade to the 2026 49-PAK for just $49 and you'll get:
- 20 Bonus Unreleased RealTracks and RealDrums with 20 RealStyle.
- FLAC Files (lossless audio files) for the 20 Bonus Unreleased RealTracks and RealDrums
- MIDI Styles Set 93: Look Ma! More MIDI 16: SynthMaster
- MIDI SuperTracks Set 47: More SynthMaster
- Instrumental Studies 25 - Soul Jazz Guitar Soloing
- Artist Performance Set 20: Songs with Vocals 10
- RealDrums Stems Set 10: Groovin' Sticks
- SynthMaster Sounds & Styles Set 2 (sounds & styles with audio demos)
Learn more about the Bonus PAKs for Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows®!
Video: New User Interface (GUI)
Join Tobin as he takes you on a tour of the new user interface in Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows®! This modern GUI redesign offers a sleek new look with updated toolbars, refreshed windows, and a smoother workflow. The brand-new side toolbar puts track selection, the MultiPicker Library, and other essential tools right at your fingertips. Plus, our upgraded Multi-View lets you layer multiple windows without overlap, giving you a highly flexible workspace. Many windows—including Tracks, Piano Roll, and more—have been redesigned for improved usability and a cleaner, more intuitive interface, and more!
Watch the video.
You can see all the 2026 videos on our forum!
Introducing XPro Styles PAK 10 – Now Available for Windows Band-in-a-Box 2025 and Higher!
We've just released XPro Styles PAK 10 for Windows & Mac Band-in-a-Box version 2025 (and higher) with 100 brand new RealStyles, plus 28 RealTracks and RealDrums!
Few things are certain in life: death, taxes, and a brand spankin’ new XPro Styles PAK! In this, the 10th edition of our XPro Styles PAK series, we’ve got 100 styles coming your way! We have the classic 25 styles each from the rock & pop, jazz, and country genres, and rounding out this volume's wildcard slot is 25 styles in the Praise & Worship genre! A wide spanning genre, you can find everything from rock, folk, country, and more underneath its umbrella. The included 28 RealTracks and RealDrums can be used with any Band-in-a-Box® 2026 (and higher) package.
Here’s just a small sampling of what you can look forward to in XPro Styles PAK 10: Soft indie folk worship songs, bumpin’ country boogies, gospel praise breaks, hard rockin’ pop, funky disco grooves, smooth Latin jazz pop, bossa nova fusion, western swing, alternative hip-hop, cool country funk, and much more!
Special offers until December 31st, 2025!
All the XPro Styles PAKs 1 - 10 are on sale for only $29 ea (Reg. $49 ea), or get them all in the XPro Styles PAK Bundle for only $149 (reg. $299)! Order now!
Learn more and listen to demos of XPro Styles PAKs.
Video: XPro Styles PAK 10 Overview & Styles Demos: Watch now!
XPro Styles PAKs require Band-in-a-Box® 2025 or higher and are compatible with ANY package, including the Pro, MegaPAK, UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, and Audiophile Edition.
Introducing Xtra Styles PAK 21 – Now Available for Windows Band-in-a-Box 2025 and Higher!
Xtra Styles PAK 21 for Windows & Mac Band-in-a-Box version 2025 (and higher) is here with 200 brand new RealStyles!
We're excited to bring you our latest Xtra Styles PAK installment—the all new Xtra Styles PAK 21 for Band-in-a-Box version 2025 (and higher)!
Rejoice, one and all, for Xtra Styles PAK 21 for Band-in-a-Box® is here! We’re serving up 200 brand spankin’ new styles to delight your musical taste buds! The first three courses are the classics you’ve come to know and love, including offerings from the rock & pop, jazz, and country genres, but, not to be outdone, this year’s fourth course is bro country! A wide ranging genre, you can find everything from hip-hop, uptempo outlaw country, hard hitting rock, funk, and even electronica, all with that familiar bro country flair. The dinner bell has been rung, pickup up Xtra Styles PAK 21 today!
In this PAK you’ll discover: Energetic folk rock, raucous train beats, fast country boogies, acid jazz grooves, laid-back funky jams, a bevy of breezy jazz waltzes, calm electro funk, indie synth pop, industrial synth metal, and more bro country than could possibly fit in the back of a pickup truck!
Special offers until December 31st, 2025!
All the Xtra Styles PAKs 1 - 21 are on special for only $29 each (reg $49), or get all 21 PAKs for $199 (reg $399)! Order now!
Learn more and listen to demos of the Xtra Styles PAK 21.
Video: Xtra Styles PAK 21 Overview & Styles Demos: Watch now!
Note: The Xtra Styles require the UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition of Band-in-a-Box®. (Xtra Styles PAK 21 requires the 2025 or higher UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition. They will not work with the Pro or MegaPAK version because they need the RealTracks from the UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition.
Introducing XPro Styles PAK 10 – Now Available for Mac Band-in-a-Box 2025 and Higher!
We've just released XPro Styles PAK 10 for Mac & Windows Band-in-a-Box version 2025 (and higher) with 100 brand new RealStyles, plus 28 RealTracks and RealDrums!
Few things are certain in life: death, taxes, and a brand spankin’ new XPro Styles PAK! In this, the 10th edition of our XPro Styles PAK series, we’ve got 100 styles coming your way! We have the classic 25 styles each from the rock & pop, jazz, and country genres, and rounding out this volume's wildcard slot is 25 styles in the Praise & Worship genre! A wide spanning genre, you can find everything from rock, folk, country, and more underneath its umbrella. The included 28 RealTracks and RealDrums can be used with any Band-in-a-Box® 2026 (and higher) package.
Here’s just a small sampling of what you can look forward to in XPro Styles PAK 10: Soft indie folk worship songs, bumpin’ country boogies, gospel praise breaks, hard rockin’ pop, funky disco grooves, smooth Latin jazz pop, bossa nova fusion, western swing, alternative hip-hop, cool country funk, and much more!
Special offers until December 31st, 2025!
All the XPro Styles PAKs 1 - 10 are on sale for only $29 ea (Reg. $49 ea), or get them all in the XPro Styles PAK Bundle for only $149 (reg. $299)! Order now!
Learn more and listen to demos of XPro Styles PAKs.
Video: XPro Styles PAK 10 Overview & Styles Demos: Watch now!
XPro Styles PAKs require Band-in-a-Box® 2025 or higher and are compatible with ANY package, including the Pro, MegaPAK, UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, and Audiophile Edition.
Introducing Xtra Styles PAK 21 – Now Available for Mac Band-in-a-Box 2025 and Higher!
Xtra Styles PAK 21 for Mac & Windows Band-in-a-Box version 2025 (and higher) is here with 200 brand new RealStyles!
We're excited to bring you our latest Xtra Styles PAK installment—the all new Xtra Styles PAK 21 for Band-in-a-Box version 2025 (and higher)!
Rejoice, one and all, for Xtra Styles PAK 21 for Band-in-a-Box® is here! We’re serving up 200 brand spankin’ new styles to delight your musical taste buds! The first three courses are the classics you’ve come to know and love, including offerings from the rock & pop, jazz, and country genres, but, not to be outdone, this year’s fourth course is bro country! A wide ranging genre, you can find everything from hip-hop, uptempo outlaw country, hard hitting rock, funk, and even electronica, all with that familiar bro country flair. The dinner bell has been rung, pickup up Xtra Styles PAK 21 today!
In this PAK you’ll discover: Energetic folk rock, raucous train beats, fast country boogies, acid jazz grooves, laid-back funky jams, a bevy of breezy jazz waltzes, calm electro funk, indie synth pop, industrial synth metal, and more bro country than could possibly fit in the back of a pickup truck!
Special offers until December 31st, 2025!
All the Xtra Styles PAKs 1 - 21 are on special for only $29 each (reg $49), or get all 21 PAKs for $199 (reg $399)! Order now!
Learn more and listen to demos of the Xtra Styles PAK 21.
Video: Xtra Styles PAK 21 Overview & Styles Demos: Watch now!
Note: The Xtra Styles require the UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition of Band-in-a-Box®. (Xtra Styles PAK 21 requires the 2025 or higher UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition. They will not work with the Pro or MegaPAK version because they need the RealTracks from the UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Forums57
Topics85,335
Posts791,040
Members39,858
| |
Most Online25,754 Jan 24th, 2025
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
There are no members with birthdays on this day. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|