Dave Modisette
Max Output Level: 0 dBFS
- Total Posts : 11050
- Joined: 2003/11/13 22:12:55
- Location: Brandon, Florida
- Status: offline
Any good EQs for bass?
I was retouching a mix that I had done in Studio One 2 and I used the packaged S1 EQ on the bass track. One of the cool things about that plug was the frequency analyzer built into it. As well as the usual wiggly line view it included a real time bar graph view that you could zoom in on and see bars that were basically 2 notes (what would that be? 1/6 octave?) It was really good for finding and taming the odd note that boomed out in the mix. Problem is that it is a proprietary plug so I can't use it in any other host.
It would be nice to have a 3rd party plug that is similar that is VST and AAX.
|
batsbrew
Max Output Level: 0 dBFS
- Total Posts : 10037
- Joined: 2007/06/07 16:02:32
- Location: SL,UT
- Status: offline
Re: Any good EQs for bass?
2014/07/08 12:12:49
(permalink)
i like WAVES... my favorites, for bass, Renaissance EQ Q10 Paragraphic Equalizer
|
Eddie TX
Max Output Level: -68 dBFS
- Total Posts : 1104
- Joined: 2012/08/15 11:47:42
- Status: offline
Re: Any good EQs for bass?
2014/07/08 12:15:48
(permalink)
Sonar X3 Producer / Win 10 The future exists in all directions.
|
yorolpal
Max Output Level: 0 dBFS
- Total Posts : 13829
- Joined: 2003/11/20 11:50:37
- Status: offline
Re: Any good EQs for bass?
2014/07/08 13:14:34
(permalink)
Fabfilter ProQ.
Although WAVES hybrid eq has a little piano keyboard as well to see what notes will be effected.
Plus, the new Sonar fly out of the ProChannel eq is nice.
|
ltb
Max Output Level: -48 dBFS
- Total Posts : 2707
- Joined: 2005/06/19 13:34:08
- Status: offline
Re: Any good EQs for bass?
2014/07/08 13:28:57
(permalink)
For a Pultec model the Acustica Audio Cooltec EQP1 kicks serious butt over most of them.
|
bitflipper
01100010 01101001 01110100 01100110 01101100 01101
- Total Posts : 26036
- Joined: 2006/09/17 11:23:23
- Location: Everett, WA USA
- Status: offline
Re: Any good EQs for bass?
2014/07/08 13:35:29
(permalink)
Meldaproduction MDynamicEQ. I know I'm starting to sound like a broken record, but this really is a great EQ, and it works especially well for bass due to its dynamic action. You've got your conventional analyzer - yes, it shows note values - plus the sonogram that makes it trivially easy to position filters in the right spot. For surgical notches it'll do slopes up to 120 db/octave.
Second choice would be Fabfilter Pro-Q, for its beautiful and ergonomic user interface, And for its great Mid/Side support, even though that doesn't apply to bass.
 All else is in doubt, so this is the truth I cling to. My Stuff
|
brconflict
Max Output Level: -56.5 dBFS
- Total Posts : 1891
- Joined: 2012/10/05 21:28:30
- Status: offline
Re: Any good EQs for bass?
2014/07/08 13:58:12
(permalink)
I like Waves SSL EQ a lot, coupled with the RenEQ. However, the Sonar EQ with a touch of Tube Saturation (or tape) and SSL Console Emulation are pretty great.
Brian Sonar Platinum, Steinberg Wavelab Pro 9, MOTU 24CoreIO w/ low-slew OP-AMP mods and BLA external clock, True P8, Audient ASP008, API 512c, Chandler Germ500, Summit 2ba-221, GAP Pre-73, Peluso 22251, Peluso 2247LE, Mackie HR824, Polk Audio SRS-SDA 2.3tl w/upgraded Soniccraft crossovers and Goertz cables, powered by Pass-X350. All wiring Star-Quad XLR or Monster Cable. Power by Monster Power Signature AVS2000 voltage stabilizer and Signature Pro Power 5100 PowerCenter on a 20A isolation shielded circuit.
|
dstrenz
Max Output Level: -69 dBFS
- Total Posts : 1067
- Joined: 2005/12/10 09:59:06
- Location: Rochester, NY
- Status: offline
Re: Any good EQs for bass?
2014/07/08 21:43:01
(permalink)
Mod Bod
I was retouching a mix that I had done in Studio One 2 and I used the packaged S1 EQ on the bass track. One of the cool things about that plug was the frequency analyzer built into it. As well as the usual wiggly line view it included a real time bar graph view that you could zoom in on and see bars that were basically 2 notes (what would that be? 1/6 octave?) It was really good for finding and taming the odd note that boomed out in the mix. Problem is that it is a proprietary plug so I can't use it in any other host.
It would be nice to have a 3rd party plug that is similar that is VST and AAX.
DMGAudio Equilibrium has 1/3 and 1/12 octave bar graphs, and a the wiggly one and a few others.
|
Zo
Max Output Level: -25 dBFS
- Total Posts : 5036
- Joined: 2008/01/25 20:49:55
- Status: offline
Re: Any good EQs for bass?
2014/07/08 21:51:25
(permalink)
☄ Helpfulby bapu 2014/07/09 22:30:27
instant vibes :
Waves Helios
For sale (PM me) : transfert ilok includedEventide Ultrachannel make offersSoftube Summit EQIK Neve 1081 , Neve precision Comp/LimEastWest GoshtwriterSoundforge Pro 12
|
cliffr
Max Output Level: -80 dBFS
- Total Posts : 539
- Joined: 2010/02/19 21:44:43
- Location: Wellington, New Zealand
- Status: offline
Re: Any good EQs for bass?
2014/07/08 23:33:26
(permalink)
bitflipper
Meldaproduction MDynamicEQ. I know I'm starting to sound like a broken record, but this really is a great EQ, and it works especially well for bass due to its dynamic action. You've got your conventional analyzer - yes, it shows note values - plus the sonogram that makes it trivially easy to position filters in the right spot. For surgical notches it'll do slopes up to 120 db/octave.
Second choice would be Fabfilter Pro-Q, for its beautiful and ergonomic user interface, And for its great Mid/Side support, even though that doesn't apply to bass.
Dave, I agree 100%, since purchasing a few Melda plugins, and spending a little time to get to know them. Love your soundbyte articles on the Melda stuff too. Out of all the processing plugins I've bought, the MeldaProduction ones are right up the top for both functionality and value. I've got the MAutoDynamicEQ, and it has pretty much become my "go to". Some of the other Melda plugins are getting plenty of use over here, like the MSpectralDynamics, MMultibandDynamics, and MMultiAnalyzer. MMultiAnalyzer is on half price sale again, and at $40 is a total steal. I found it interesting to read your article and find that like you, my Fabfilter Pro-Q doesn't get so much use any more ... though it does look pretty :-). I was just using the Melda Dynamic EQ on a slightly wild Bass last night, and it's dynamic action works magic. So quick and easy to use, amazing results, and I don't need to add another compressor !. Funny how I'd been hanging out to get the Fabfilter stuff just a short time ago, and a few short weeks later a couple of Melda plugins have literally taken over making my Fabfilters almost redundant. Looking forward to reading more of your articles too. Cheers - Cliff
i7-950 24 GB, GTX 580, W7/64 Ultimate, Sonar Platinum, Alesis MasterControl, KRK Rokit RP8g2s Some Real piano, basses, and guitars, Komplete 8Ultimate, Ibanez guitars, MusicLab RG/Strat/LPC, Trilian, Omnisphere, RMX, EWQL SO Platinum, Pianos, Choirs, VOP, Gypsy, Goliath, SD2, MOR, Ra, HS, HB, too many plugs, Midi controllers, and all kinds of weird gadgets My Soundclick Page
|
bitflipper
01100010 01101001 01110100 01100110 01101100 01101
- Total Posts : 26036
- Joined: 2006/09/17 11:23:23
- Location: Everett, WA USA
- Status: offline
Re: Any good EQs for bass?
2014/07/08 23:48:46
(permalink)
Ah, Cliff, you've drunk the MSpectralDynamics kool-aid! Is that not THE coolest plugin ever? I'm hard at work on a tutorial/review.
All else is in doubt, so this is the truth I cling to. My Stuff
|
Dave Modisette
Max Output Level: 0 dBFS
- Total Posts : 11050
- Joined: 2003/11/13 22:12:55
- Location: Brandon, Florida
- Status: offline
Re: Any good EQs for bass?
2014/07/09 09:31:06
(permalink)
Is this Dynamic EQ along the lines of the Waves C6 side chain compressor?
|
Dave Modisette
Max Output Level: 0 dBFS
- Total Posts : 11050
- Joined: 2003/11/13 22:12:55
- Location: Brandon, Florida
- Status: offline
Re: Any good EQs for bass?
2014/07/09 09:43:14
(permalink)
BTW, I jumped on the MMultiAnalyzer. That looks like a great tool to have.
|
cclarry
Max Output Level: 0 dBFS
- Total Posts : 20964
- Joined: 2012/02/07 09:42:07
- Status: offline
Re: Any good EQs for bass?
2014/07/09 09:57:16
(permalink)
Mod Bod
Is this Dynamic EQ along the lines of the Waves C6 side chain compressor?
MAutoDynamic is a BEAST Mod Bod...only comparable product is FF Pro-MB at twice the price...and MAuto has some INCREDIBLE features... I don't think Waves C6 is even in the same league...
|
Dave Modisette
Max Output Level: 0 dBFS
- Total Posts : 11050
- Joined: 2003/11/13 22:12:55
- Location: Brandon, Florida
- Status: offline
Re: Any good EQs for bass?
2014/07/09 10:06:38
(permalink)
This has been a definite GAS causing thread. Now I'm hoping for a sale on the MSpectralDynamics plug.
|
cclarry
Max Output Level: 0 dBFS
- Total Posts : 20964
- Joined: 2012/02/07 09:42:07
- Status: offline
Re: Any good EQs for bass?
2014/07/09 10:08:32
(permalink)
Mod Bod
This has been a definite GAS causing thread. Now I'm hoping for a sale on the MSpectralDynamics plug.
|
Leadfoot
Max Output Level: -47 dBFS
- Total Posts : 2817
- Joined: 2011/04/26 11:08:38
- Location: Indiana
- Status: offline
Re: Any good EQs for bass?
2014/07/09 10:08:51
(permalink)
I've been using the Maag EQ4. It's got a really nice sound to it. Then if I need to, I'll use the Quad Curve for any surgical eq-ing. I just started doing it that way recently, and feel like it's my new "go to" way.
|
cclarry
Max Output Level: 0 dBFS
- Total Posts : 20964
- Joined: 2012/02/07 09:42:07
- Status: offline
Re: Any good EQs for bass?
2014/07/09 10:35:24
(permalink)
Leadfoot
I've been using the Maag EQ4. It's got a really nice sound to it. Then if I need to, I'll use the Quad Curve for any surgical eq-ing. I just started doing it that way recently, and feel like it's my new "go to" way.
The Maag is one of my favs...great plugin..almost as good as the real deal...almost
|
Dave Modisette
Max Output Level: 0 dBFS
- Total Posts : 11050
- Joined: 2003/11/13 22:12:55
- Location: Brandon, Florida
- Status: offline
Re: Any good EQs for bass?
2014/07/09 11:38:54
(permalink)
cclarry
Leadfoot
I've been using the Maag EQ4. It's got a really nice sound to it. Then if I need to, I'll use the Quad Curve for any surgical eq-ing. I just started doing it that way recently, and feel like it's my new "go to" way.
The Maag is one of my favs...great plugin..almost as good as the real deal...almost
Yep. I've got that one.
|
cclarry
Max Output Level: 0 dBFS
- Total Posts : 20964
- Joined: 2012/02/07 09:42:07
- Status: offline
Re: Any good EQs for bass?
2014/07/09 11:43:49
(permalink)
Mod Bod
cclarry
Leadfoot
I've been using the Maag EQ4. It's got a really nice sound to it. Then if I need to, I'll use the Quad Curve for any surgical eq-ing. I just started doing it that way recently, and feel like it's my new "go to" way.
The Maag is one of my favs...great plugin..almost as good as the real deal...almost
Yep. I've got that one.
I've got the freebie...which is great for free... I did the Demo of the Maag...it's on my wishlist.. One day I'll get the Maag...one day...LOL
|
bitflipper
01100010 01101001 01110100 01100110 01101100 01101
- Total Posts : 26036
- Joined: 2006/09/17 11:23:23
- Location: Everett, WA USA
- Status: offline
Re: Any good EQs for bass?
2014/07/09 13:47:33
(permalink)
I hear so many enthusiastic endorsements for the Maag (and have no reason to doubt their sincerity), but not once have I come across an explanation of what an "air band" actually is. Yes, it's a "transparent" (whatever that means) high shelf filter. So what?
I can think of only three possibilities:
a) it's a well-designed filter, free of artifacts
b) its boost curve is nonstandard, perhaps a Baxandall-type
c) it's adding unadvertised harmonic distortion
If it's (a) then it's not unique. If it's (b) they're playing tricks on you. I doubt it's (c), since harmonics above 10 Khz are inaudible.
Anybody ever actually analyze this EQ to see what it really does?
All else is in doubt, so this is the truth I cling to. My Stuff
|
cclarry
Max Output Level: 0 dBFS
- Total Posts : 20964
- Joined: 2012/02/07 09:42:07
- Status: offline
Re: Any good EQs for bass?
2014/07/09 13:56:28
(permalink)
It a well designed filter, and is a shelf based on selection with boost and cut, and is free of artifacts. What it does is extraordinary to say the least. The method - I'm sure that's patented by Maag. The freebie does a nice emulation (especially for the price). Here's a Video... https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EzQ5kmDeJS4
|
bitflipper
01100010 01101001 01110100 01100110 01101100 01101
- Total Posts : 26036
- Joined: 2006/09/17 11:23:23
- Location: Everett, WA USA
- Status: offline
Re: Any good EQs for bass?
2014/07/09 17:06:54
(permalink)
A patented filter? Unlikely. For one thing, the plugin is modeled from a hardware device. Here's a video where you can see the actual EQ curves. They look like any other equalizer, except for one interesting anomaly: turning up the lowest band raises the volume of all frequencies. An EQ that turns everything up, now that is unusual. And if you didn't know it was doing that, you might think it sounds better and not know why. When users rave about it, they tend to use phrases like "I don't know what it does, but it's magical". According to the hardware version's manual, all of the filters interact with one another. Turning any one of them up also turns up the adjacent bands. Could this be part of the "magic"? Seems like there'd be a tendency to boost the overall level every time you turned any band up. Some users comment that small changes seem to effect big audible differences. If turning one knob is the same as turning three knobs, then yeh, I could see that. I wonder if the big secret is just that the bands are very wide. One of the company's marketing bullets is less-than-normal phase shifts. My question for you electrical engineers is: how do you design a hardware filter that doesn't obey the laws of physics?
post edited by bitflipper - 2014/07/09 17:20:01
All else is in doubt, so this is the truth I cling to. My Stuff
|
smallstonefan
Max Output Level: -48 dBFS
- Total Posts : 2724
- Joined: 2003/11/20 11:41:35
- Location: Papillion, Nebraska
- Status: offline
Re: Any good EQs for bass?
2014/07/09 17:39:56
(permalink)
Wow bit, that's a pretty fascinating video. I have been thinking of selling my Maag, as I just haven't felt the magic of it. I keep wanting to be wowed by it, but I always seem to prefer a different EQ...
|
cclarry
Max Output Level: 0 dBFS
- Total Posts : 20964
- Joined: 2012/02/07 09:42:07
- Status: offline
Re: Any good EQs for bass?
2014/07/09 18:51:38
(permalink)
Well..I guess Dave is right and some of the best Mix Engineers in the business are just whistling Dixie then....  I've used it...it's quite a nice EQ...and even the FREEBIE is nice... Is it for everything...no...but many well known Mix Engineers use it on the 1-2 Buss. And it shines on Acoustic Instruments and Vocals... To each his own....I always say... Everything isn't always about science boys...IJS
|
smallstonefan
Max Output Level: -48 dBFS
- Total Posts : 2724
- Joined: 2003/11/20 11:41:35
- Location: Papillion, Nebraska
- Status: offline
Re: Any good EQs for bass?
2014/07/09 18:53:12
(permalink)
Hi Larry,
I have no doubt it serves a purpose well, I just haven't seen it. But then again, I'm not doing any acoustic stuff, and I only work with one particular female vocalist who is already a bit strong in the upper frequencies. Perhaps it's just a tool for a job I currently don't have...
|
bapu
Max Output Level: 0 dBFS
- Total Posts : 86000
- Joined: 2006/11/25 21:23:28
- Location: Thousand Oaks, CA
- Status: offline
Re: Any good EQs for bass?
2014/07/09 22:36:31
(permalink)
Zo
instant vibes :
Waves Helios
Ummmm UAD Helios for me. Try the Ja Mon preset, then set the low EQ to 100 boost low eq to taste. Flip the switch under the hi-mid eq (1K to 3K) and boost to taste. Instant karma for sure.
|
bitflipper
01100010 01101001 01110100 01100110 01101100 01101
- Total Posts : 26036
- Joined: 2006/09/17 11:23:23
- Location: Everett, WA USA
- Status: offline
Re: Any good EQs for bass?
2014/07/10 10:23:20
(permalink)
cclarry
Everything isn't always about science boys...IJS
Of course it is. Even if you don't know (or care about) the science, somebody else does or the product couldn't exist. I haven't said the Maag isn't great, only that no one has offered an explanation as to why it might be. Sorry, but "many well-known engineers use it" is what's known as Argument from Authority.
All else is in doubt, so this is the truth I cling to. My Stuff
|
cclarry
Max Output Level: 0 dBFS
- Total Posts : 20964
- Joined: 2012/02/07 09:42:07
- Status: offline
Re: Any good EQs for bass?
2014/07/10 10:38:49
(permalink)
bitflipper
cclarry
Everything isn't always about science boys...IJS
Of course it is. Even if you don't know (or care about) the science, somebody else does or the product couldn't exist.
I haven't said the Maag isn't great, only that no one has offered an explanation as to why it might be. Sorry, but "many well-known engineers use it" is what's known as Argument from Authority.
Well it's more an argument for "paid endorsement"...but, that aside, I've used it and it definitely has some mojo goin' on...all hyper-analytical thinking aside... How they do it....that's for the Electrical and Science Majors to figure out...I personally don't care...I just know it works...and that's enough for me... I'd much rather make music, knowing the science that I know, then sit around and try to hyper-analyze it from an Electrical Engineers perspective...but that's just me
|
bitflipper
01100010 01101001 01110100 01100110 01101100 01101
- Total Posts : 26036
- Joined: 2006/09/17 11:23:23
- Location: Everett, WA USA
- Status: offline
Re: Any good EQs for bass?
2014/07/10 11:16:48
(permalink)
I'll accept that, Larry. Skepticism and the need to take things apart is part of who I am, but I completely understand that not everyone gives a flyin' f(ck about how stuff works. I'm just here to look out for those folks, so they don't get duped by unscrupulous marketers. Don't think of me as that weird guy who questions everything, think of me as the guy who's got your back.
All else is in doubt, so this is the truth I cling to. My Stuff
|