Are You Doing It WRONG? | EQ Before or After Compression

[@killezbeats]

eq - comp - color eq. the basics!!!

[@gustavokoshikumo]

same here

[@dancooperwaves3685]

Always good to recap the basics, they’re often easy to forget

[@MasonTorrey]

You beat me to it.

[@SheldonBird]

I usually have an EQ before and after, and that gets the best of both!

[@_allcap]

This. Cut pre -> Comp -> Boost/Color.

[@pechondelgado]

I support this method as well.

[@d.o.doubledizzyproductions7440]

@@_allcap exactly

[@ivanadaev1000]

I have no experience in mixing whatsoever, but this was my first thought after watching the video.

[@jakobole]

YEs - also, sometimes an Exiter like Waves Vitamin is better than an EQ to give sparkle or rumble.....

[@heartbarbeats1150]

Thanks for taking the time to educate us. Still learning, still working..Bless all who read this with 🎶

[@nodaysback1]

I try to clean the signal up to sound the best that I can with eq before the compressor so that unwanted freq's won't potentially get brought out more by the make-up gain of the compressor.

[@DrewRycerz]

As a producer for 25 years i have to say this is absolutely genius.

[@zachary963]

You can’t just let us noobs hang like that! What makes this genius??

[@cofre.do.baltar]

@@zachary963 The genius is that Dan is trying to teach viewers to use their heads instead of setting to one thing like a dumb dumb.

[@LeakBanga]

Dan copper helped me keep my clients happy, Thank you for your contributions to the community of audio experts

[@SakuraRyokoMusic]

For Vocals; personally my existing chain looks like this: REC Buss -> Gain Stage, Noise Gate, CLA-76 (Mix Buss style), Corrective EQ, NS-1 (Remaining Cleanup), Simbalence/De-Ess, Additive EQ, CLA-2A (Limiter Mode), Tuning. This chain sometimes needs a 3rd EQ, or re-ordering where the NS1 goes; and rarely adding iZotope at the end, with only something like 65-75% wet. Then all of these Sub units feed into a Second level Vocal Buss with only very minor Color EQ (E-Channel/Pultec), Saturation (RC-20, J37, etc), SSL-G Comp (Glue), etc; like if I am doing vocal stacks, or using multiple singer's which require individual treatments / Sends. The Color / Saturation is only to taste for the Mixing / Mastering logic. So my answer is both. I do both, and all of the above that he mentioned.

[@rome8180]

I prefer both. Just like you said at the end. EQ --> Compression --> More EQ. Sometimes I'll skip that last EQ if I don't think I need it.

[@dancooperwaves3685]

Thank you for watching to the end! 👍👍 AND commenting with positive opinions.

[@palebluedotstudios]

Whenever I get this question, I always say "it depends on what you're doing". But I usual do corrective EQ > compression, then, if more shaping is needed, add an EQ after. And then more compression if needed.

[@jakobole]

I do subtractive EQ before, and additive after. I don't want the comp to react to stuff I don't want in the first place.

[@KnowleDJ]

I've found a general formula using 2 EQs. First Subtractive EQ then Compress then an Additive EQ works for me.

[@micmarkno]

I "arrange" them the way you do: corrction -> compression -> colour

[@ricardoayala2023]

I do that....correction with EQ, then compress a little here and there and finish with a little of EQ.

[@unlimited_code]

Everything will depend on what sound or frequency you want to work on in the general spectrum. Sometimes it can be: Compressor + EQ Other times: EQ + Compressor Other times: Compressor + EQ + Compressor And other times: EQ + Compressor + EQ For example: After correcting with an EQ, you turn on the Compressor (you lose harmonics) and can bring them back with an EQ driver.

[@bineowithlove]

How can I bring back harmonics with an EQ?

[@EducateD_DJ]

But why go through all that work if you can just compress then eq? Keeping your harmonics the way you want them

[@WaterRiver777]

On sauce 💧

[@pyrra]

Or other times : balance EQ, normalize comp, color EQ, color comp and then..... MEGA LIMITER BRO

[@paulbasilico]

Exactly same approach for me. Subtractive eq -> Compressor -> Color EQ! Thanks

[@zachary963]

Eq before comp: Snappier, controlled, modern Comp before eq: Open, fresh, transparent

[@johnterelle5452]

Nice video and well presented, but you're mistaken about some things in the "history" section. A lot of old large-format analog consoles actually gave you switches to rearrange the components within the signal flow, like the SSL and Neve consoles. You also usually had an insert point that could appear in 2 or 3 different points where you would be able to insert an outboard hardware eq or comp.

[@nodaysback1]

I was thinking that as well. Also, If you have outboard pres, comps and eq's, you can connect them in the sequence that you want them in.

[@via_negativa6183]

I tend to Subtractive EQ before compression and then add Additive after, seems to get best results for me

[@bigmoneylikesauce6020]

I always put a "cleaning" EQ first, then a compressor to tighten up the signal a little bit, and then if I need to add some color I add another EQ (usually it's either Pultec or Solid EQ)

[@psvlmofficial]

The only situation where I'd put the compressor first is if I have a super clean vocal take (which is pretty tricky to achieve) and use the EQ to manipulate tones. Other than that, taming the vocals first before anything is always the reliable way ❤️

[@MonstarMk3]

I like to use corrective EQ first. My first eq will be cuts only and a hp filter. Then I will hit the compressor. Then I use a eq for color. Sometimes, instead of a eq after the compressor, I will use a SSL channel plugin.

[@manuelconde6117]

Studio Rack is a lifesaver! Love it!

[@RobyMBeki]

EQ on channels that need it, feed them all into a group. Use a compressor on the group and an EQ for tonal balance after the group compressor. Hope I helped someone!

[@mymechanicfriend6017]

i think i like your way.... Eq> Compression> Eq, [ where in Compression is in the middle], espeacially for vocal stims, and then there will be a Compressor on thee over all Master Bus Track, and maybe some added distortion of a Tape or Record Plugin on the Master! Yet... making sure Not to Overload any Signal for Processing for Final Mix-Down or for Mastering the Two-Stims... What do You all think?

[@ilikeflxwers]

Really awesome Video! I always use a surgical EQ before i use vintage modeled compressors. That way the compressor doesn't react as much on the low end and is more focused on the mid-range. After that i apply another EQ to cut introduced resonances and then i use more clean compressor like a Rennaissance or the FabFilter Pro-C to thicken up the signal a little more. After that most of the time there is some kind of PulTec emulation like the Puig or the TR5-EQP1A and a Maag EQ to achieve sheen / more air and low-mid stability. If i discover any resonances or unwanted frequencies after that i just pull up another surgical EQ (sometimes dynamic) to fix those problems. This chain works flawlessly for Vocals if you add a DeEsser before or after the vintage compressor.

[@svengali5862]

If you're talking inserts not sends , to me that sounds like too much eq-ing

[@ilikeflxwers]

@@svengali5862 The key is not to do any drastic changes to the signal. I tend to use specific EQ types for certain parts of the signal. The Maag brings in Air, the Pul-Tec adds some warmth and the Pro-Q cuts the resonances and boominess.

[@svengali5862]

@@ilikeflxwers I understand , but still a bit excessive to me for inserts. I add those things if needed in my vox bus where I route all my vocals and vox fx

[@svengali5862]

@@ilikeflxwers John Hanes was asked what is the thing you hate seeing young engineers do that harms their mixing and he said :when I see them pull up 3 plugins for something that needs only 1 to do the job

[@ilikeflxwers]

@@svengali5862 On the other hand you could say: Why let one plugin do all the heavy work when 3 plugins can do it better while not being "overloaded" with tasks? I use 2 Limiters that do about 1-2db of gain reduction instead of using one that does 4. Its just my approach. And everything you do depends on taste and genre :)

[@boototom]

As a remixer working with already usually well recorded and well produced takes, I don't need to color the sound after compression, and if I needed to do that I wouldn't use an eq effect, I would look for another effect (plate reverb, chorus, very slight saturation...), something that adds more than a simple eq effect.

[@eddoorn1249]

Great video and extremely useful especially for beginning enthusiasts. This is one of those issues that has been argued tons of times, and probably will be argued tons of times again and again. I really like your six minutes of making sense of this. You also hinted on another one of those issues, perhaps without realising it. Some people are obsessed believers in 'mix with your ears, not with your eyes'. That's true, but at the same time, it's not. Using an EQ with a graphical interface visualising your nodes and the frequency spectrum, you get the added benefit of the visual information that can really help, especially for corrective EQ, like you also showed in your video. When EQ'ing for color and tone, that visual information becomes a bit less important.

[@CHIRVA93]

Thanks to the Waves Team for this video, u r the best!!! Certainly im using eq before compression, because this way very clean!

[@slxmgulileohzwgi5550]

Great conversation fr I was pondering about this

[@TheNexusComplex]

This is such an open-ended issue with so many variables. I do all my editing and corrective moves first to get the foundation of the tracks solidified (gain staging, time alignment, clip gain/volume automation, corrective/filters, EQ, pitch correction, de-essing, panning, etc.). Then I'll add compression (if needed) for various reasons such as post-edit leveling, color, character, etc. I may add some additional bus compression/parallel processing and color EQ depending on the instrument and genre. In this process, I try to get my mixes sounding as good as possible so that they sound like they could be printed without any mastering (although they will be mastered of course). Though I'm of the school for mixing into the 2bus...I usually only have a tape emulator for subtle analogue saturation and some light glue compression during mixing. Only when the mix is sounding stellar will I turn to the final 2bus mastering tweaks (usually spit polish MS EQ and a clipper or limiter).

[@LeakBanga]

Eq (Cuts) + Digital Compressor (Dynamic control) + Analog Eq (Boost)

[@Jordan-ht6oo]

Thanks for the video, for me I like putting my EQ before compressing I mean it all depends on the record ur doing but for what I’m used to is that EQ before compression I think when an EQ will shape and make the the sound a little more polished and then I just tighten it up with a comp to really bring all the shine I EQ’d

[@Joeman7890]

I love that option at the end of making your own channel strip in a way. 🤔

[@BobbyBriscoeBeats]

Depends on the source - I do subtractive/corrective eq first, then compress, then final eq last

[@Dachef313232]

Compressor first always for me. I record majority hip-hop/rap style Vocals and I have a very dry room with low noise. It allows me to work quickly and focus more on EQ. Doing it like this things can get Boxy but I can eq that out

[@Keroser1983]

The very last sentence is the key!

[@dancooperwaves3685]

Thank you for watching the video to the end! Much appreciated

[@johnviera3884]

This is such a great ad. Because it has effective data and lightly markets a better solution

[@DJPOLARIS6]

I have used both. I use Compression before EQ mainly if the recorded material is kind of weak or less dynamic as it should be. I gently compress then add EQ. I Normally use EQ before compression as this yields me the best results and quickest solutions. The 3rd that was mentioned above is a great technique .

[@thejacksontwinz]

Very nice video, On Eq And Compression, Thank you so much

[@spryrecords5418]

Another excellent video Dan! I have just watched another 10 of your videos, which despite my extensive knowledge and experience as producer and musician, have taught me lots of interesting things and answered many long pending questions, especially about using Waves plugins. Many thanks indeed!

[@SavBeatz97]

It all depends on the material. Sometimes I might not feel I need to eq right away. After I compress first I might want to add some color.

[@wnrad]

I think that it depends of the input signal, if it need controls the dynamic or fix some freq

[@Only1Science]

EQ/Comp for mixing and Comp/EQ for Sub-mixes and/or 2-Bus. If I ever do comp/eq first it's because the source signal is perfect to my ears and I don't have to eq much.

[@synthoelectro]

I'm a EQ 1st, compression 2nd kind of guy, been doing it for many years that way and sometimes if I feel like it, I'll ad eq 2nd.

[@DannyGouchi]

One before and one after as compression, don’t need the compressor doing extra work with unwanted frequencies so I EQ before compression and use another EQ after compression to make sure no unwanted frequencies are present, don’t need to use much on 2nd EQ sometimes I don’t need to use it at all but I keep it there for my reference.

[@Middlestepofficial]

To avoid EQ-ing many times and disrupt the phase coherence of a signal, one can use dynamic EQs to tame the low-ends without cutting anything. Cutting "muddy frequency registers" by default is a great way to lose the power and beefiness of the music. Or as I heard some people refer to it as: "castrate the mix". To avoid any EQ, you can instead record correctly and then minimize actions you take during the mixing process. It's much better to lower high-end signal on the guitar amp than to later cut frequencies using EQs in post.

[@NikolausBrocke]

Good explanation. Driving (and coloring) eq into compression can be done with denise audio dragon fire in one plugin. And the unique feature is, that you can pull out the eq energy that drives compression after the compressor. So you color a compressor with eq settings and decide, if you want just the eq-colored compression or the eq plus the eq-colored compression. A different aproach than a corrective EQ. Great idea.

[@EgeYakut]

I always do corrective eq > comp >color eq

[@victorhugod387]

NIce video, very helpful. Thank you!

[@Yupppi]

I watched this in hopes of learning some reasoning, some behavior and suggestions. Turned out I've been accidentally using it just the way that is expressed in this video - first eq if there's some problem frequencies on the track to cut the problems, then compression and at the end slight eq to balance things out and make it nicer. I wouldn't like to boost a lot and make a lot of character decisions in the first eq just because I feel like compression often changes the sound and if the wrong frequencies hit the compression first, it starts sounding weird. More like just clean the track and make it rather balanced.

[@PastorPande.D.C]

this was helpfull, thanks👏👏👏

[@GTSongwriter]

You could use HoRNet CLMS - The tool that keeps perceived loudness constant while you mix. On either side of the EQ, put this plugin, and no matter what you boost or reduce, the EQ volume will stay the same!

[@chiefyovany572]

I do EQ high pass and -2 db on 200 hz range. Then smack it a little with comp. then subtractive & color eq, parallel comp, desser, reverb, saturation, stereo imagery, For vocals.

[@tazgoemi3574]

Sometimes its about what you hear the sound i mean if its sounds good then why follow the rules i like how you have explained this bro 🙏🏾

[@jibeji]

EQ - Compressor - De-Esser - EQ - Saturation (optionnal)

[@geneeshays]

I tend to put the DeEsser before the comp, that way the sibilance doesn't cause gain reduction on the whole signal

[@yxngbt387]

@@geneeshays good point

[@StratsRUs]

I use EQ for Hi and Low Pass first.Then compress...then EQ for tone and gain matching after, if necessary.

[@StephenAntKneeBk5]

Nicely presented, thanks.

[@albertm647]

i've know one thing, there's no only one or two way's to eq and compress signals, lots of possibilities as tracks you have :)

[@stevenstabile4379]

After compression!!! Did it for many years and was taught after by some world class engineers and producers!!!

[@boobo3763]

I'm sayin' the same thing! Can't even imagine doing EQ before. I'd be like "Uh... Wuh??" lol!

[@stevenstabile2332]

@@boobo3763 Maybe he's saying there is no right or wrong but I was taught by some of the best with amazing studios!! Compress, Gate then EQ!!!!!

[@boobo3763]

@@stevenstabile2332 Right on! Thnk you!

[@KogaNobuyoshi]

For a second, I was thinking that there was actually a correct order for mixing. I start off with pitch correction and then I compress, EQ, and add reverb.

[@atgred]

In the era of analog tape in a way we were equalizing into tape saturation, then when SSLs came, you either had one of two options, to eq into the compressor or viceversa. Today in the digital world, oh my!! Whatever works!!

[@yxngbt387]

This could be the wrong way to do it but I eq first, then I go with the Q1A’s as well as the CLA’s for compression and then I will do two additional multiband eq’s after I believe that’s referred to as the “additive” eq

[@NealMiskinMusic]

Yeah, I do the same thing for the same reasons. Surgical EQ first, then compression, then some tonal EQ, typically. I do like my DynamicEQs though, EQ and compression fused into one, that's pretty nifty!

[@yongewok]

Since EQ increases dynamic range across the spectrum and the compressor decreases it, I usually compress first and then EQ, at least if I want the EQ curve to be more noticeable. On the other hand, using the EQ first I can do some dramatic EQing and then squash it all down. Usually I'll have an EQ before and after, the main difference is which sounds I'm targeting in each stage. It really depends on what outcome I'm looking for. For channels that have lots of variation across the spectrum, I will usually go with a multiband compressor for those.

[@Noone-of-your-Business]

High passing _always_ belongs first. Barely audible (or completely inaudible) deep end rumble wastes dynamic range and throws off the compressor's threshold detector. It also muddies up the mix.

[@PlottingTheDownfall]

You could use a compressor with an internal sidechain to roll out the low end rumble.

[@Noone-of-your-Business]

@@PlottingTheDownfall Why would you choose the complicated over the simple solution? Just use a high pass filter _before_ the compressor and be done with it.

[@Isaacthompson]

Great info thanks!

[@OriginalRaveParty]

I do both. In fact I often use several EQs, several compressors, and several EQs again.

[@Pax30001]

Thanks for sharing!

[@martinpritchettmusic]

I subtractive eq then compress i then do overall eqin in the mastering stage. If i have to add eq after a sound in the initial mixing stage after a compressor then to me it means I didnt get the eqing correct initially and im using a second eq to try and put back what i took away which makes no sense. So rule of thumb for me is get eqiing correct in the first place, understand what the compressor will do to that sound and then you wont need a second eq after the compressor because youve already put in to account what the compressor will do. Colour gets added to the entire mix in the mastering stage. Thats my thought process which of course is different to everyone elses.

[@joserivera5063]

1. EQ before if you need to level frequencies of the signal. 2. Reduce the dynamic range with a compressor to level the signal (All frequencies with the highest peak engaging the compressor by exceeding the Threshold). 3. EQ after if you need to change levels of the frequencies..

[@Juliano_DJOL]

Subtractive eq before and additive eq after, unless u are going for a certain sound like boosting highs on vocals and then running into a desser.

[@nathanespino2200]

Yup. I do subtractive EQing then compression to louden up some of the quiet vocals and give it some warmth. Then de easser. Then i go in there and use an SSL. And I'm done. You can parallel mix your vocals and make it stand out more in the mix, only if the mix(not the vocals) sound muddy as in there's a lot of instruments playing lol.

[@dancooperwaves3685]

Cool tip, thanks for sharing, We may borrow that idea for a future video

[@vipuldive6091]

Thank you sir 🙏

[@mus7700]

Your Audio needs a De esser first 😊

[@Julien_Flowers]

for real ? but won’t the compressor make the sibilances louder again?

[@alright392]

Yes!

[@rosemoonaqua]

@@Julien_Flowers For vocals I always tend to go Pitch Correction - EQ - De-Esser - Compressor - EQ - Compressor - Saturation & Distortion - Peak limiter so I guess it’s just a matter of what works best for you and what type of mic you’re even using as well as how sibilant the singer/rapper is in the first place can play a factor into what you find works best, once I get to that 2nd EQ I always have to wind up cutting those frequencies some more, but I use a de-esser before my first compressor so that first compressor won’t have to work as hard at taming everything and I can sculpt the sound better that way as I want that 1st compressor to hit every word. Since my voice is really sibilant as is if I don’t put the de-esser before the compression, that compressor naturally won’t hit the way I want it to.

[@Julien_Flowers]

@@rosemoonaqua very interesting i honestly never considered doing it that way before but i might try that because my voice is really sibilant aswell, thank u !

[@AG-jh4jj]

@@Julien_Flowers that's why it needs it so that once you compress the sibilances remain to a normal level

[@juliusbond5685]

I EQ before compressing but that’s usually if I’ve done the tracking for the mix. When I get audio sent to me depending on the quality of the recording I may sometimes place the compressor before the EQ just cause even after gain staging the level of the audio isn’t clear to where I make proper EQ decisions.

[@alejandropilijos]

hi, thanks for all your videos, are very claire ... i want to you talk some of techniques to keep the low bass clear since busses from the bass and kick to the mix buss .thanks in advance!!!

[@RithanVijay]

Really depends, most Of The time it’s eq>compressor>eq (optional)

[@ElMarcianoRojo.]

Before and after

[@LohPro]

2x reasons to EQ before compression... (1) remove low-end that can trigger the compressor in ways I don't want & (2) to emphasize transients or exaggerate other parts of a signal (such as the mid harmonics of a bass) i like to EQ after to accentuate the compressor or after something like a reverb, to create "air"

[@NewcarsTv]

wow!! very helpful

[@MOETtelevision]

Appreciate the “Food For Fought” lol

[@jn2400]

I had a problem I couldn't solve for a week. Had a voice over which very harsh 250..didn't matter what I did I couldn't touch that bass without ruining the audio and brining up all kinds of bad resonances. Once I put that eq before compressor then added lower bass later problem solved. It was like night and day.

[@fabriceoze]

They depend if you put a compressor vintage with color you don't want to change the tone so i put my EQ Pre-Comp and at the same time if you have a compressor very transparently is not a problem to put Pre-EQ . All the situation is different i think experiment in your track at what you like . Is not a problem just a choice but sometimes it's a problem ( saturation and low end etc.. ) . But if the sound is good , the sound is good .

[@23Darrus]

EQ before compression. Shape the sound before you compress it. Sometimes more shaping after.

[@sean.jamieson]

Subtractive EQ before compression, additive EQ after compression. 90% of the time, and that’s if the signal even needs compression.

[@AncientInsights1]

I normally do eq (though wrongly) bfore compression.

[@LostStylus]

Doesn’t compression just undo the eq (unless you completely cut out the frequences?) I though its the goal of the compression - to make every frequency the same or almost the same level

[@digitaltrash_]

VOCALS: I use EQ first just to cut all below 100hz, then gentle compress big peaks, then do what ever I need with vocals (surgical eq, saturation, etc) Remember, if you put compressor after all bad freq was tamed, compressor will bring it all up and make it even again. Also please don't overcompress vocals expecially, it's sounds unprofessional ang unnatural. Thanks for reading!

[@GaryBradleymusic]

In standard consoles with EQ only, compression was over inserted between pre and EQ.

[@heavydbooysen9742]

EQ before compression. why should i compress muddyness or plosives if i need to remove bad frequenses

[@mehulparekh-mehvl8208]

Thank You Bro , You Cleanup Some Serious Issues - Thanks For Helping 👍🏻👍🏻

[@dancooperwaves3685]

Happy to help! Positive comments like yours make it easier for me to make more videos.

[@mehulparekh-mehvl8208]

@@dancooperwaves3685 You Are The Man Bro 👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻 , I'm Waiting For Your Next Video

[@88KeysMan]

I say it depends what you’re working with, but correction, EQ, color makes a whole lot of sense.

[@twistedtonestudio3716]

I have a 12 channel mixer, yamaha px1700 power amp. the art eq355 dual 31 band eq, art pro mpa II and art pro VLAII. what is the best way to set this up for live sound/live recording? I also have a focusrite scarlett 18i20 interface. using reaper to record

[@jaimomo65]

Eq before compressor to correct, and after to highlight

[@eltroniq1457]

DeEsser before or after comp?

[@tconnell1121]

if I want punch from the compressor, I put it last in the chain. If I think the compressor is "sucking up" the high end I will EQ last. One caveat with EQing last. You have to boost subtly, big boosts can make you clip, and you have no way to catch it, except to compromise with compressor or EQ. Kinda the "cat and mouse" thing he said in the video. Too many cuts can kind of undo everything the compressor adds(if that's what you're going for) Just my 2 cents. Ilike the idea of EQ, compress, EQ. Have to give it a try.

[@MasonTorrey]

Should we put EQ before or after compression is as silly as asking, should we mix before or after adding effects? Do what works best.

[@dancooperwaves3685]

I have to disagree. There are no such things as ”silly questions” in this game.

[@MasonTorrey]

@@dancooperwaves3685 Of course, but I think you know what I meant.

[@m4r5]

Mostly I m using a musical EQ before the compressor and a "clinical" EQ after the compressor.. and vice versa

[@TheMorgueLA]

Filter, Gate, Compression, EQ. Any fx you want added directly to the track should be added first (before the filter). This is not a rule, but a guideline.

[@rodrigosallesguitar]

I still have to try the Studio Rack...