Sonic Space...

bluesrx · #1 02-05-2011, 01:07 PM

Can anyone point me to articles regarding sonic space in a live mix. My guitar player (who I've played with off and on for 16 years and is a very good player ) tends to play with the treble rolled off somewhat and also voices the chords on the bassy side ( barring chords using the E and the A strings ) At times and especially in louder settings it becomes just too thick.... I could easily power my way through it...but then it would really sound like crap I've talked to him several times about sonic space and infringing on my frequencies. I just don't think he can hear what I'm talking about. He'll play with a little more treble for awhile but then go back to cutting it.

Thanks in advance any kind of help.

KeithAlanK · #2 02-05-2011, 10:07 PM

Sounds like you know what you're talking about.
Too bad he'll probably never change.
I know a ton of guitarists who think a lot of lows makes them sound "heavy", when all it ever does is muddy-up the mix. Sometimes I ask them why they don't play bass if they love big bottom so much.

One idea is to borrow/rent a high quality spectrum analyzer.
Put the mic in front of his rig and show him what you're talking about.

hbarcat · #3 02-05-2011, 10:33 PM

Ideally, the guitarist (and keys) should roll off frequencies below 150 Hz to prevent intruding on the bass while the bassist should be cutting in the range of 200-2000 HZ to allow the guitars, keys, vocals, etc.. room to live.

In reality, this seldom happens because egos get in the way and most people don't want to contemplate that they might have to compromise their individual tone in order to benefit the group.

bluesrx · #4 02-09-2011, 10:26 PM

Thanks for the comments guys... The guy is really a great player but I just don't think he hears what I'm talking about. Seems to me I read an article dealing with this b ut can't find the right google to find it.

walker rosewood · #5 02-09-2011, 10:44 PM

google "frequency slotting" there's tons of results.

Also try to explain to your guitarist the difference between a good guitar tone when listening to it solo vs tone for 'in the mix' or in a band.

I tried googling Solo Tone vs Band Tone and most of the results were talkbass.