AU filters, and some suggestions for use

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Level 1

74 points

AU filters, and some suggestions for use

I have just discovered the powerfull AU filters for the tracks, and would like some overall suggestions on their use. I have read on many forums and posts on what each one is, but my question is more on the line of when is enough enough, and can you degrade a file, like an image file, by too many filters?

Example one: Podcasts. Plain recording of vocal track with no efffect. After the recording, my thought is too apply the AUlowpass to take out the highend and clean up the sound. Then, maybe the AUMatrixReverb to fill it out.

Then, on the MasterTrack, apply the AUMultiband Compressor to balance the output. Is this something that would be ok?

Example two: Vocal recording project. Apply AUfilter to the backing instramental track to make it the way you want...

Record vocals again plain, vanilla, no effects. After the recording, add AUlowpass if needed, maybe AUGraphicEQ to shape the vocals, then do the MasterTrack effect as above.

I guess I would just like some more suggestions from people in the know on some use of the AU filters and how to do it best.

Thanks,
Cory

20" G5 iMac and 12" PowerBook G4, Mac OS X (10.4.4)

Posted on Feb 11, 2006 6:58 AM

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Answer 1

HangTime

Level 9

53,853 points

Feb 11, 2006 9:37 AM in response to Cory Shubert

It sounds to me like you have a pretty solid handle on things already. I don't know that I would use the LowPass filter, but sure, if it makes your recording sound better, GFI.

In the end, there is no rule, you use what effects your recording needs. Every track and every song has it's own set of characteristics that can be helped or destroyed with effects, you really have to trust your ear and your instincts.

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Answer 2

TGV

Level 1

104 points

Feb 12, 2006 12:47 AM in response to Cory Shubert

First, yes, you can degrade output, because a filter (by definition) changes the signal. However, if you use them carefully, they will enhance the sound. You don't have to worry about signal processing artefacts of too many filters in a row, since the design of the AU filters seems to be quite good. But in the end, your ears have to be the judge: why should you worry about degradation if you like the result?

About the low pass filter: normally, parametric EQ is used to cut specific frequency bands. E.g., if you have some trouble in the higher frequencies, it is unlikely you need to cut all of it, which is what a low pass filter does. This will make your mix sound dull. A parametric EQ can apply a much more precise and subtle edit, and at different places (most mixes also benefit from cutting the higher bass a little bit). EQ can also be used to boost. E.g., a slight increase around 12kHz can give some "air" to the mix.

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