Recording a DB with Logic Studio: Tips for right EQ??

[The Spanier]

Hi!

I´d like to have some tips for recording a double bass (pizzed and using a David Gage and the EQ´s and Plugins available in Logic Studio Pro 8).

I´d like to achieve the classic “Latin Tumbao” sound, which seems to be a bit compressed and rich at mid-high frequencies. To be honest, I cannot find a warm sound without “muting” the high freqs or overloading the low cue.

Some people suggest to cut everything below 50hz, and then boost tastefully around 320, but something must be missing. I would like to know a bit about using Hi-Pass filters…

I know there is not any fixed EQ standard and that it depends on the DB but… What is your EQ guideline for pizzed DB? Dou you use compressors, HI-Pass filters, reverbs, etc.,?

Thanks!!!!

[Ric Vice]

Originally Posted by The Spanier

Hi!

I´d like to have some tips for recording a double bass (pizzed and using a David Gage and the EQ´s and Plugins available in Logic Studio Pro 8).

I´d like to achieve the classic “Latin Tumbao” sound, which seems to be a bit compressed and rich at mid-high frequencies. To be honest, I cannot find a warm sound without “muting” the high freqs or overloading the low cue.

Some people suggest to cut everything below 50hz, and then boost tastefully around 320, but something must be missing. I would like to know a bit about using Hi-Pass filters…

I know there is not any fixed EQ standard and that it depends on the DB but… What is your EQ guideline for pizzed DB? Dou you use compressors, HI-Pass filters, reverbs, etc.,?

Thanks!!!!

Spanier,

Although I own a Realist and play through one, I avoid recording through it like the plague. The only success that I've ever had was using the very expensive Avalon U5 as a pre for the Realist. That sounded pretty good. But there has to be a less expensive solution for you. Perhaps there is a Avalon U5 computer model. I just don't know.

Ric

[moles]

+1

Well, I've actually done a couple of trial recordings with it, since I've only had the bass with the Realist on it for a few months now. But I just did some recording with a trio, and took two tracks - one for the Realist, and one with an AT2020 about a foot off the bridge. The Realist tracks are pretty much going in the recycle bin.

As far as eq'ing goes - if you play around with the high pass filter frequency a bit, you'll probably find you don't need to boost low mids. Just roll the lows off until it sounds right - the more low end you roll off, the more low mids and mids are present. Don't be afraid to get up there in the frequency range - just because the filter says 100hz doesn't mean that nothing below 100hz is audible. If it sounds right, it is right.

[Phil Redman]

Originally Posted by moles

+1

Well, I've actually done a couple of trial recordings with it, since I've only had the bass with the Realist on it for a few months now. But I just did some recording with a trio, and took two tracks - one for the Realist, and one with an AT2020 about a foot off the bridge. The Realist tracks are pretty much going in the recycle bin.

As far as eq'ing goes - if you play around with the high pass filter frequency a bit, you'll probably find you don't need to boost low mids. Just roll the lows off until it sounds right - the more low end you roll off, the more low mids and mids are present. Don't be afraid to get up there in the frequency range - just because the filter says 100hz doesn't mean that nothing below 100hz is audible. If it sounds right, it is right.

I concur with this. The HP filter is your friend and in my opinion the most critical basic eq adjustment for bass (live or recorded). I like to start with the HP at an absurdly high frequency and adjust it down until it sounds good. Using this method you're likely to settle on a higher frequency for the HP than you would starting from the bottom, which I find often works better in the mix.

[moles]

Yeah, I didn't even realize until I was doing some mixing last night, that I do this. I don't tend to bring the filter "insanely high" but it is easier for my ear to grab the sweet spot if I'm bringing the filter down, bringing the low end in as I adjust.

[bolo]

Originally Posted by Phil Redman

The HP filter is your friend and in my opinion the most critical basic eq adjustment for bass (live or recorded). I like to start with the HP at an absurdly high frequency and adjust it down until it sounds good. Using this method you're likely to settle on a higher frequency for the HP than you would starting from the bottom, which I find often works better in the mix.

Originally Posted by moles

Yeah, I didn't even realize until I was doing some mixing last night, that I do this. I don't tend to bring the filter "insanely high" but it is easier for my ear to grab the sweet spot if I'm bringing the filter down, bringing the low end in as I adjust.

Brilliant.

The HP filter is really the only "tone" control that I use live, both for my p/u and my mic. The EQ stays flat for both. Of course I spent a lot of time finding optimal placement for both, and the optimal fit for the p/u.

But starting with the HPF up high and lowering it just makes a lot of sense to me. So simple too.

So thanks for that!

[zeytoun]

I found this EQ article helpful
http://www.recordingeq.com/EQ/req0400/OctaveEQ.htm

I've used the tips to get a more vintage latin sound in my recordings (fat, full, lots of low-mids, somewhat gut-like):
-lower 100Hz to reduce boom
-up 200Hz a bit to add fatness (think of 200Hz and 100Hz as being connected)
-play with 250-500Hz to find a nice balance level of clarity/presence
-selectively pinpoint any of the higher frequencies that need reducing for a smoother sound (balanced against need for attack, brilliance, etc)

[The Spanier]

Thanks everyone!

That´s the key Zeytoun... Gut-like sound.I will follow your tips. It is hard to achieve it without mutting the low-freqs. Do you add a compressor as well?