EQ or Compression First? Music Production Tutorial

EQ or compression first?
With the ability to use many plugins in whatever order we want, endless possibilities have been opened up! Unfortunately, this also causes some stress and worry that we are not using plugins in the right order. I think it's best to try and ask yourself what you want to achieve with the sound, what's the end goal? and then think about the best tools to get you there.
This is where I'm supposed to make an analogy about building a house and starting with the foundation first then the walls then the roof etc...but let's not waste any time :)
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[@inthemix]

This is where I'm supposed to make and analogy about building a house and starting with the foundation first then the walls then roof etc...but let's not waste any time :)

[@adamocollective6092]

Another great video from you ❤️💯

[@rajendraparab5579]

Great video great explanation ✌👍👍

[@Vamusic702]

Great video if you haven’t access to a compressor with side chain filter.

[@kingpencowboy7977]

Thx FAMILY

[@subele_music]

Channel after channel of trying to learn this stuff. You are the only one that gives us a detailed WHY and not just a WHAT. I swear everyone else’s content is just “do this and you’ll get this” and I’d never really utilize it. Your channel is exactly what I’ve been looking for. Thank you so mucchhhhh

[@ryanwaclaw2103]

Best mastering chain: 1.soundgoodizer 2.soundgoodizer 3.soundgoodizer 4.soundgoodizer

[@TrinesisInMadness]

Patcher with a LOT o' soundgoodizers

[@ExitStrategies]

Sausage Fattener would like to have a word with you.

[@ryanwaclaw2103]

Exit Strategies I’ll let my right hand man, mixcentric, handle that

[@hotmeal8531]

How about OTT? Ruins the sound pretty much the same way if you crank everything to much and remove midrange lol.

[@saturn2674]

soundgoddizer overrated ott will win

[@AnymMusic]

3 years in. still just twisting knobs in compressors and hope for the best.

[@chidzhustle3570]

5 years and I do the exact same thing. Changing the knee knob like “ooh what does this one do” 😂

[@AnimalzyNL]

@@chidzhustle3570 It's honestly the way to get the best results. Yes, there are some guidelines that may help you, but if it sounds proper, then who cares if you know what you've actually done with the knobs ;)

[@iqi616]

Get a drum track and run it into a compressor. Set threshold as high as possible, set ratio to max, set attack to minimum, set release to min, set make-up gain to 0. Start the drums rolling. Bring the threshold slowly all the way down and listen to what it does when it starts hitting the peaks and when it gets into the body of the sound. Leave the threshold low and slowly increase the attack. Listen how it lets more and more of the hits of the drums through. Dial back the attack and then slowly increase the release. Listen to how you can time it to the drum beat. Now experiment with less extreme settings.

[@marcjustinpascasio9955]

The hope for the best part is so relatable 😂

[@hazyb511]

Mixing is and will always be your own taste bro

[@NateDOGG3024]

There are a lot of tutorials that explain the "basics". Then there are tutorials that explain really advanced concepts. This tutorial hits that hard-to-reach middle spot that most KZbin tutorial-makers dream of hitting. Great video

[@kobalt77]

well said Nate, that made perfect sense to me.

[@Dyvineone]

Exactly

[@coolscube5062]

Stop on

[@mikesrandomchannel]

That's it!

[@duncangagnon8907]

exactly

[@allkinds1069]

ive literally learned something from every video ive watched from you, what a lad.

[@inthemix]

Nice! Glad to be of help :)

[@kobalt77]

me too, the man is a God send :)

[@to9_music]

I agree! Also I cancelled my netflix a little while back so now I guess I binge watch music production videos!!

[@lessthanpinochet]

Ahhh, Demon got me!

[@nobody458]

All Kinds you getting all kinds of gain

[@LaserChair]

at this point you are probably tho only youtuber who i trust with teaching production. good techniques, very good teaching

[@PuppiesVideosCompilation]

check firewalk this guy is also a great producer

[@AustinDouglas75]

Very true💯

[@ophelia_n1514]

@@libEluLLah Agreed. Simon Servida knows what he is talking about

[@shadymindfck4894]

Check busy works beats

[@joeygproducedit7863]

He needs your trust thank you. 😅

[@zachmaselli]

"As long as you got a vision in your head and you're following your ears, you'll be absolutely fine." Really solid advice there and great video!

[@waelchorfan9349]

subtractive EQ+Compression+Additive EQ that is the best way working for me also for years

[@layzbeats4722]

This guys Chanel is the reason you don’t need to go to university 😂😂

[@ophelia_n1514]

TBH

[@matrixate]

At some point, someone has to go to school for the real knowledge though. Not everyone can get a degree from KZbin.

[@SeFu2006]

You shouldn't limit your knowledge to just youtube

[@CERTI0151]

TheChosenOne That’s a very good point. I wasted at least 4 years watching people on KZbin who didn’t really know what they were talking about and I developed those peoples bad habits. In the mix is definitely a good one to watch but I still recommend an actual good education over KZbin. Good info here but a lot of the time it’s bro science

[@holymoly7118]

@@matrixate I agree that a lot of what you're refering to as the "real knowledge" isn't totally accessible on KZbin, but that information IS out there on the internet if you know where to look.

[@ShubhamKumar-ls9cz]

You take care of each n every fine detail in mix... thanks for this.... nice topic to discuss

[@DavidDiMuzio]

Really enjoyed this video. Very well thought out, and I love you visually demonstrated what you were doing with the NOVA to show the EQ/Compression effect.

[@geoffdavis9681]

This makes perfect sense, and I'll be experimenting with subtractive/compression/additive EQ on my mixes. Great tutorial. Thanks!

[@JasperVGomez]

So far, this channel has helped me a lot as I slowly teach myself about music production and how to use compression. I'm here because I know that compression cannot do it alone in the mix and I'm glad that I get to take away almost every information you have given us here about EQ. I adapt most of your practices on how to use them and I'm really happy to be here! Thank you very very much!

[@norbertbalaz5281]

Wow! Incredible value! Never thought about WHICH frequencys are triggering my compressor!

[@kobalt77]

snap ;)

[@djcampbell6547]

I find your videos amazing because when I watch one, a question is answered but along with that a new question arises and then of course you have a video for that question with an answer. I watch a lot of tutorials from a lot of different channels but you are certainly starting to rise above them all. Great content man!!

[@Cryo837]

Your tutorials are excellent. You are a natural born teacher.

[@clawe6379]

You're doing a really great job! It was informative, well eloquently spoken and best of all you managed to make the video short! Anyone that produces music usually turn to a tutorial to get a quick instruction and patience is usually not a thing that said person have at his/hers disposal in that given moment.

[@WDShorty]

My goodness this is so helpful. Something I wouldn't normally think about

[@RandomBazooka]

Hello In The Mix! Just wanted to say that you are a great teacher. I wish I had teachers like you for every subject in school. You have the ability to compress everything just the right amount, so that it doesn't get boring. The quick explaining with the timer is something else, because it made me so focused on this subject. I usually get carried away when I need to learn something new and then I miss important parts. So thank you for doing what you do.

[@TheMojophotos]

In 10 minutes you have taught me more about EQ and compression than most other videos over and hour long have done. Thanks so much.

[@inthemix]

Thank you, I'm so glad it helped. I might make a specific video about EQ and Compression

[@treehann]

That part where you time yourself explaining EQ and compression is funny and enjoyable as an edit. I like how much care you put into these videos.

[@ExplicableCashew]

That was about the best demostration of the effect of the EQ on the compressor input I've ever seen! That said, that's where multiband compressors shine - or even better, the FIR compressor in the Reaper suite

[@4dmind]

I subscribe to a lot of mixing channels, and I keep up with a lot of them rather densely, and I have to say - you're is easily the best in terms of useful information. I've been mixing and mastering now for about 15 years, and I learn from this channel rather frequently.

[@lowbs]

This is the first video I've found on here that hasn't confused the absolute shite out of me. Thank you! hit a major breakthrough in mixing my beats finally.

[@holotropik]

I have watched a lot of videos about Audio technique. This is the best explanation of EQ/Compression I have come across so far. This really got me thinking about Compression and EQ in a whole new way and my sound is better and CPU use is also lower. Thanks!!

[@jahva1O1]

This is really helpful.. ive been doing EQ>Comp... now ill do EQ>Comp>EQ

[@timmokoo5679]

The most amazing thing is how well the original guitar track was played. That was flawless. Precise and crisp.

[@benderbi]

Finally something really useful and coherent. Great vid man! ✌🏼

[@MexLuger]

Yo been watching your vids for a minute and gotta say, you explain things in a way anyone can understand, thank you for taking the time to explain these concepts!

[@dylangreen507]

This guys mind and the way he articulates his thoughts and knowledge amazes me. Let alone how much he knows. Envy

[@woody504]

Such a great tutorial! You’re a really gifted educator - thanks for sharing your knowledge. This is my new favorite channel

[@mrhell9216]

I've been watching you endlessly sir. You are such a help to the community. Thank you very much!!

[@tomnagasaka291]

As I learn more about DAW, everytime the doubt I have is different. Then I always come back to this channel to laern something new or make sure if I get it right. Great job!!

[@danjolo3844]

Wow! This tutorial was amazing! Everything explained really well and you understand what you mean really easily. Love your videos man! :D

[@strangersun7721]

What a great video. You beautifully illustrate a concept that had always been mushy in my mind. This is very much appreciated. Thanks, man!

[@TumiSosa]

This is amazing. Im not sure where you from but you really saved those trying to get a great mix. All your explanations are in depth and they are easy to understand. We appreciate you.

[@virgilharden5767]

I enjoyed this video more than all of the others that I have watched for the past six months. It illuminated the various points of compression and EQ And it cleared up the confusion that I have been experiencing due to the ineffectiveness of the other videos. Thank you very much I really enjoyed this. Luke

[@Defayo]

You're such a great educator. Your approach is simple and expressly detailed. Thank you!

[@theunconciousmind7314]

I didnt know that a compression of the low end will make my highs reduced aswell!! This is a gamechanger! Thank you so much! 🙏

[@Flashback_Jack]

Beautiful explanation of how EQ and compression work together.

[@adrian4241]

Thanks for everything, you are one of the KZbinrs who post actually legit stuff about music and help us understand this theory better!! Thanks a lot for everything!!

[@petermiller5350]

I love the way you say things. Very thoughtful and concise. keep up the great work!

[@MrMrDeeCee]

Perfect yet again.🙌🏼

[@PsalmsMixerIDJ]

Dude your a great sound design musical teacher. Thanks for another amazing class and lesson. Keep dem' hits coming!!!

[@NEMANJAFF]

best tutorials on KZbin about these stuffs, what a guy

[@mlnrscurr]

really well made! Your videos help a lot. Thank you for giving so much free content and helping the community.

[@felipefarinos1191]

Your tutorials save a lot! Thx In The Mix!

[@travesdymusic]

Gotta say huge thanks!! I've watched this a few times but never applied it, and WOW!! This actually works!!

[@Lozh1993]

wow. best description of how to use EQ i've every heard. AWESOME man. keep it up my Scottish legend

[@JohnDoe-pm9ip]

There’s a ton of great videos on audio engineering and these are definitely among them. They’ve helped me a lot!

[@jurgenschuler8389]

Thank you for making the TDR Nova GE a little bit more known. I really like it. It's a little bit my go-to plugin for almost everything despite its delay of a few milliseconds - in my case 4.2 ms. Unless of course, I want to colour the tone using some vintage style device. Thank you! I might have gone to using its multiband capabilities here. I really enjoy your videos.

[@neutralfog]

This dude is a life saver.

[@la7nal7asan]

I can't thank you enough for all these valuable information. you are an angel for anyone who wants to learn sound engineering. Thanks for all your effort, much respect!

[@JeffoftheShout]

Thank you so much for this! I’ve kind of had an awakening recently, noticing that some of my mixes sound too thin. And I’m a fanatic when it comes to Hi-pas filtering, and sometimes I overdo it. This technique will definitely help! 👍🏼

[@MaxDettwiler]

Seriously, I must give you mad props. Your videos are always to the point, there is a clear message, you use proper terms but often clarify them, you repeat the important stuff, you speak clearly in proper English, you show both yourself and the DAW and you don't just show how to do stuff, but also why. I've been using FL since version 6, but I was always too lazy to look for tutorials, mainly because I am impatient, but also because there is a lot of crap tutorials out there, and it's hard to look for new knowledge when you don't know what you are missing. I am clearly seeing now that watching any of your videos will not be a waste of time and I will always learn something, even though I'm experienced. Thanks for sharing!

[@mikeroadblock]

Nice. Cheers!

[@Eyeolair]

Really enjoy your mellow approach to teaching :-D really gets your point across. Thank you!

[@sixthfloormemories1566]

I was always convinced I needed to use compression first, but I found that sometimes (mainly when things weren't really recorded properly) I couldn't get it it to work how I wanted it to: it would react to peaks in frequency ranges where I didn't want it to do so. Game changer when I started using eq first in these kinds of situations.

[@BloodSavedMe]

Understanding how my tools work to shape my sound is becoming more clear thanks to you.

[@marekhodun2987]

Great video ! Very helpful, very detailed and nicely explained ! You doing very good job for so many people with FL STUDIO !

[@martinwall8006]

Best video yet. Fabulous explanations thank you.

[@DownerRage666]

this is the best compression concept i have ever come across thank you

[@JamesBermingham]

You sir, are a fine teacher of sound and music technology. Excellent tutorial. 👍👏👏👏 Subscribed ✅

[@brodytrumpet]

I like the explaining using the term, 'energy', Well thought out!

[@fedecloss880]

Excellent man. Great piece of knowledge! Thanks!

[@reval121]

Great video. I'm so happy to finally understand EQ and compressor differences.

[@Rio-uv1gs]

So compress everything equally and then use the Eq to pull up or down the frequencies you want to highlight....I knew I was on the right track... Good video👍🏾....

[@kelvinroberts9014]

Big thumbs up to you my friend, Thank you. You explain everything that needs to be explained in an excellent manner, and you have maintained the open mind of the student at the same time which is what good teachers do.

[@snuffash]

Thanks man, that's very helpful for someone who's trying to understand the basics of music production! :) Cheers from Poland :)

[@chrisjanzen7748]

Thanks. Never thought about single frequencies triggering the compression. Awesome video. Thanks for teaching.

[@AaronBoccio]

Thanks again Mike! Great info.

[@davidstiles4015]

Thank you so much for sharing your knowledge! It’s helping thousands of people (myself included) express themselves in their music. And with a more professional sound, their music gets all the more marketable. Thanks!

[@cyberslackin7281]

i love your videos man. very on point and presented in a sympathic style.

[@miloneint.design6771]

I actually learn from your videos, keep feeding us this knowledge 🔥🙌

[@rainergerads4891]

Absolutely well done AND well shown !

[@franciscohurtado3357]

hey man, your channel is awesome and this video just blew my mind... I just starting with mixing so this is invaluable

[@voodoochili12]

This is the best explanation of this concept on youtube

[@hauyeunglo3650]

Thank you so much for making these tutorials they are great!

[@Enatural_7]

Explained Eq and Compression in 60 seconds...and it made sense lol You’re a legend in my book

[@assadalsayed]

and my mixing is improving.. thanks alot!

[@arshim4782]

Just loved the tutorial man.That was very detailed.

[@a-nus]

I have learned so much from you, you're literally THE BEST

[@FEARDROP]

I've been using the TDR Nova for over 1 year. I always used the Threshold for specific frequencies but I didn't know it can actually compress ALLLLL frequencies at once! Damn! In Ableton, I always had the problem that I peaked in the final master chain from -1,0 dB to -0,9dB. With TDR I finally solved this problem. Thank you, Michael!!!

[@samsmusichub]

This is FULL of information! Definitely going to have to watch this again soon just absorb all the learning.

[@jeffmarc1846]

As others have commented, you have found a niche, exemplified by THIS video, where U show not only the why, the how and the what, but provide the ‘because’. At the root of this, your method of EQ/comp/EQ is really a subjective opinion, not that I disagree, but you had topped it off with the a healthy dose of ‘Because’. You explained, and showed the facts in a pleasant, non-authoritarian manor. Tho I already practice what you are teaching here regularly, I did it because my ears told me to and I understand how compression works. My point is, even tho none of this was new news for me, seeing the facts in your presentation has helped me visualize the processes in my head better than I already had. Nice job mate & thank you!

[@mikeroadblock]

Well put. Get out of my head! Cheers!

[@SapphireUnique]

This is so good dude, you are a legend!

[@sankalpmukherjee7789]

Don't stop..just love your tutorials..

[@shayanyadegari811]

Compression and EQing is a beautiful thing to do specially that I'm learning it better.

[@Hawx885]

This was so valuable information that I had to watch it again!

[@justincheung417]

Every video of yours is so useful and practical, thanks man

[@demian8439]

Thank you for this tutorial. I came to KZbin looking for an answer to a specific question I had, and you answered it perfectly. If I could make one suggestion, I would’ve loved to hear six or seven seconds of the original mix, and then six or seven seconds of your what it sounded like after you made those changes. Just to get a better understanding of the difference that you made. Thanks again.

[@longdongsilver4719]

Complex trechnical concepts made easy. Thank you for the detailed end easy to understand explanations.

[@sidechain0]

Incredible that you're teaching this knowledge for free. Thanks!

[@djaafar1]

One of the best teacher ever.

[@timothybrannigan]

Spot-on, as per usual!✌️

[@jaredbeard5992]

Hands down, the best FL tutor I've seen..

[@MusicCatElliott]

Thank you so much for your tutorials. Really helpful. You explain things really clearly 🙏👍

[@ccuny1]

Brilliant explanation and demonstration. Thank you very much.

[@samuelbenjamin3156]

You r awesome dude ...... I love ur tutorials, I got the answer for every thing I wanted to know. Thanku so much

[@tyrantula767]

Great info and love the professionalism

[@MichaelA-yn1tw]

Your explanations on these topics are priceless! Would really like a tutorial on kicks for EDM genre's if possible.