Abe's Spectrum Analyzer

[Mehalic]

Hey guys,

does anyone else have any issues using/reading the new spectrum analyzer? I've been trying to use it to get my mixes sounding cleaner, and its worked a bit, but overall I think its tough to use especially in the lower end of the spectrum (for basses and kicks). Just wondering if anyone has any tips on getting a better mix with using spectrum?!

Here's hoping for cleaner mixes.

[ollyb303]

Use your ears!!

[zalo]

the only thing you can really use spectrum for is to see what frequencies arent being used or to see what is louder than everything else

dont watch it as you tweak things or youre going to make lifeless music

you can use it as a reference but everytime i throw it on my master track i delete it within 30 seconds

its a tool not a guide

[Mehalic]

Thanks Olly, I didn't think of that. I think after several years of working in my studio I know my ears aren't great, hence the use of a tool to aid me. Just hoping to get some tips and tricks for how other people use this tool to produce clear, full bottom end.

I usually stick a spectrum on the master after I've gotten all my parts ready and try and use either EQ and/or side chain compression to get the bottom end to sit right. It's worked ok, but I see a tonne of room for improvement here - what do other people do outside of what been said here?

Maybe the weak link in this chain is my ears and no tool will help with that. Phishing?



MM

[zalo]

the lower the frequency the less useful spectrum actually is

the best tool for getting low end right, is big speakers you can turn up loud

[feyshay]

Ears are the best. My favorite analyzer is the one that comes with the Fireface 800 that I have. Spend some time with analyzer and watch the height of low end peaks while listening to solid reference songs that you have. You'll get a feel for the pattern you need to be looking at, allowing you to follow your ears and eyes. IMO turning up the monitors can make it even more difficult to get the right bottom end.
Also, you may be having some difficulties if your room is not set up properly for monitoring (e.g. bass traps).
Go onto KVR and find some other spectrum analyzers. There are a number of free ones and cheap ones.

[zalo]

they say to mix quiet to get the right balance but i figure if the whole point is to make sure the bottom end doesnt sound like ass in the venue they are going to pump it

its a good thing to listen to your song at all volumes

i also pump it through different speakers (headphones, monitors, heck i run through my tv and a bose sounddock i have) when mixing

any way, my point with bass is that at loud volumes the subs have a lot more momentum, that means if your ducking bass for the kicks there is going to need to be a little more separation, im not saying a lot of separation, but trust me, a millisecond can make a world of difference

[Mehalic]

Thanks guys, appreciated the insight!

[AudioRuso]

most monitors do not produce the bass needed to accurately predict what the song will sound like on pa speakers

get a subwoofer and you're set no spectro needed