Jeff,
I suspect most would not agree with me that working on plugins (synths/samplers, etc) takes more effort in some respects than with acoustical instruments.
Each has its own set of things to tackle, of course -- but I just find EQ'ing digital instruments one has to be careful because there doesn't exist that natural acoustical harmonic structures, generally. Sure, some synths are even heavier harmonically (transients, formats, and all that) - but synths tend to be very specific in many ways.
I'm not sure I'm conveying what I mean ... but if I EQ a vocal, for example, it seems there's more 'room' for the tonal and apatial qualities to breathe.
With synths, even a little EQ seems to have more dramatic affect (in general).
And, as you point out - many synths (hardware or virtual) tend to have a certain emphasis in some areas. The Korg M1, as you mention, definitely has a certain sound to it, as did the DX7 as another example. Even though each were/are capable of many sounds, there was always an inherent quality about them. True for most synths.
But I suppose one could say that's true for most acoustic instruments as well. Yes - but not quite in the same limited way, I'd suggest.
As you again point out - even small EQ scoops tend to have much deeper affect on the synths.
ANd, while there's no doubt digital forms of compressors and other processing utilities have come a LONG way, I think, again, they tend to have more dramatic affect than their analog counterparts. That can be a good thing or a bad thing.
I find it also interesting how using different textures can bring out the highs (or lows) in other parts. If you have a lot of deep pizzicato strings combined with a basic drum beat and simple bass, the drums will probably need less highs because the pizz strings tend to not have many -- leaving that room for the drums.
Whereas if you have a heavy metal/distortion guitar that is loaded with harmonics, and takes up a lot of frequency space -- the drums probably will need a bit more pushing in both the highs and lows just to cut through.
Which, in summary leads me to say: "Sigh, there's no rest for the weary when it comes to mixing" LOL
post edited by ba_midi - 2010/09/18 19:58:12