Subject:System usage question AP7

Posted by: fjk1138

Date:12/22/2009 9:01:24 PM

Hello,

I am just curious about this, sorry if it's a silly question.

Which of these scenarios will require more processing power from your PC?

1. Having 4 tracks of drums, with compression, EQ, and reverb on each

or

2. Having 4 tracks of drums routed to a bus, but the compression, EQ, and reverb are applied only to the bus track to affect the 4 tracks

I would assume #1 would use more system resources, am I correct?

Thanks

Subject:RE: System usage question AP7

Reply by: drbam

Date:12/23/2009 5:33:22 AM

Yes you are indeed correct.

Subject:RE: System usage question AP7

Reply by: _Gabriel_

Date:1/24/2010 9:11:30 AM

Well technically you are correct in your assumption but you will get an overall muddy sound using this technique. I use a seperate compressor, Reverb, Eq etc for each and every track. For eg, the attack and release on your compressor is different for snares as it is for the kick, Cymbals etc. I also use 5 or so different compressors and reverbs in my songs. Every compressor is different and what may sound great for vocals on one will sound lousy on guitars and so forth.

I use sends mostly for limiters to control transient notes. Does it use more processing power, sure it does but the difference in the musicality outcome is huge.

Subject:RE: System usage question AP7

Reply by: pwppch

Date:1/25/2010 7:47:13 AM

Well technically you are correct in your assumption but you will get an overall muddy sound using this technique.

I don't agree. It really depends on the material.

While I can see EQ and possibly dynamics per track, it depends on the overall goal of the mix and the content on the track.

WRT reverb, putting different reverbs with different settings on multiple tracks will lead to a very muddled mix.

The point of reverb is to put the "mix" into a space. The best application of reverb is on an assignable FX bus with only a wet output. This way each track or stem mix can be run through the same 'space' the reverb is providing. The overall level of the reverb is then controlable at the assignable FX's "return".

In contrast, using multiple reverbs on each voice /track/stem will require the use of a wet/dry mix in the reverb. If different settings or reverbs are used, then you are going to have conflicts in the final output with different reflections and space contradicting each other.

Of course there are special cases for processing like reverbs and chorus type FX that can and should be applied to individual tracks, but these are more along the lines of alterting the original data to produce an effect pre mix than to actually work the mix.

The media you are using - loops, one shots, Sample sets, etc - must also be considered. Much of the media that is provide is recorded with a very specific EQ and compression to start with. The media has been mastered with intent or to be as clean as possible. The simple application of EQ or dynamics is understandable so as to make existing content 'fit' into the mix. FX process to alter the sound is an antirely different purpose, but too much will defenitely add to the muddiness of an over all mix.

Peter

Subject:RE: System usage question AP7

Reply by: _Gabriel_

Date:1/27/2010 7:29:27 AM

Hey, thanks for chiming in Peter :)

But I guess we agree to disagree on this depending on the point of view and what is is exactly that you are wanting to do with the mix.

Myself I use plugs mostly for fix situations (unless of course I want to add special FX and ambiance). I like to keep the tracks as natural sounding as possible. I've learnt a long time ago that less is more in the mixing arena. With that said I find it essential to use individual compressors on drum kits, vocals, guitars and so forth. for eg. the attack and release time for a snare hit is drastically different than it is for your kick. I guess what I'm trying to say is I use compressors more in a musical sense then controlling and over processing dynamics. I also like to keep my compressors as transparent as possible.

For reverb, well there was a time I used the one reverb technique but as I've come to realize, every instrument has a different natural reverb associated to it. Also as we both know, all reverbs have a different tonality as do all compressors, EQs etc. some add more colorful, some are more natural and a lot just sound grainy. No brands mentioned here ;)

I will also use a different reverb on the main vocals as opposed to backing vocals, snare drum as opposed to toms and kick etc.

Again i emphasize, I use most plugs for fix situations. Like the ole saying goes the mix starts at the recording stage. Cr*p in, Cr*p out ;)

The beauty of engineering and production is all the different styles used. There really is no right or wrong way of doing it but we all develop a style or a trademark signature sound.

Very deep topic I could spend writing pages about but i don't think this is the forum to do it in!

All the best
Gabriel

Subject:RE: System usage question AP7

Reply by: drbam

Date:1/27/2010 10:44:39 AM

"For reverb, well there was a time I used the one reverb technique but as I've come to realize, every instrument has a different natural reverb associated to it."

I suppose one could make that argument if each instrument were in a different room or space. "Natural" reverb is the sound of the space/room the instrument is recorded in. It is impossible for a band to perform in the same room and have each instrument have a different sounding "natural reverb" associated with it.

Or perhaps a better way to put this is: please explain how it is possible to have a band perform in the same room and have each instrument have a different sounding "natural reverb" associated with it?

Subject:RE: System usage question AP7

Reply by: _Gabriel_

Date:1/27/2010 11:56:56 AM

Hmmm, I think your referring to the master bus reverb? Regardless of the room, each and every instrument has it's own natural reverb associated with the timber of that particular instrument. All I am suggesting is to emulate it and add sparkle which is what reverb is best known and used for by engineers. A good example of using different reverbs is while panning a tom roll from one side if the stereo field to the other, you slowly automate the reverb into that pan. Of course you gotta watch out for that release so it doesn't bleed into the other sections. Sounds real cool, try it sometime.

Listen, it's all good. I know a lot of folks that stick to one reverb and I know folks that use multiple reverbs. All depends on what you want to achieve and your personal style. There is NO right or wrong here :)

The most important thing about any final mix is the mix of each individual track.

Regards
Gabe

BTW, just recieved my copy of Pro 7. Works like a charm so far. We'll see how it does with 100 plus tracks ;)