Should you use EQ before or after compression? | Mixing Basics - Warren Huart: Produce Like A Pro

[@Producelikeapro]

Do you use EQ before or after compression? Why?

[@devandavisguitar9652]

Produce Like A Pro before, I don’t know

[@kytul]

Subtractive EQ before compression, so the frequencies I don't want are brought up or the lows are screwing up the compression. Boosting EQ after compression to sweeten the signal.

[@SatyajitKhairnar]

mostly before compression. all the times i'll at least high pass and remove bad frequencies. boosting can be done later, but mostly i'll do it before.

[@alexeysoloviev2924]

I just follow your example and use EQ like you use it ;) after watching all of your tutorial videos :)

[@Khunvyel]

Personally, I do both, depending on how it SOUNDS and which instrument it is applied on. Sometimes I'm much better off to tame the frequencies pushing the amplitude most with an equalizer if those are sonic spectrums I'm generally displeased with and have no way to change them in front of the microphone. Other times I have to get the levels evened out before I know what needs to be tweaked. Especially since low power and high power vocals have all kinds of different characteristics to tame. I sometimes have to go as far as separating those completely and give them different treatment. I hope I can fix that soon enough though, and be more satisfied with what comes in front of the microphone! I have to admit though, I started to use fewer instances multiband compression far more often instead of throwing several Compressiors and EQs in series, including to skip the de-esser myself and let an instance of the MBC handle it. That being said: I'm curios about the HOFA Equalizer plugin which is as surgical as an EQ but works off a threshold like a compressor. Do you have any experience with it?

[@owencoopersfx]

Simple answer: EQ out anything you know you don’t need, then compress, then EQ to color correct. Thanks for the video :) Greatest takeaway for me is putting in the de-esser earlier. Normally I do it toward the end 😅

[@AshCutlermusic]

Same here!!

[@alcoustic5297]

Same here

[@Producelikeapro]

Fantastic! Thanks ever so much for sharing!

[@DeeKeyLP]

Try coloring out with a character eq like some pultec emulation

[@Producelikeapro]

@@alcoustic5297 wonderful!

[@DANpimp95]

This video really is such a huge revelation. This really makes sense of the relationship between frequencies, and dynamics. I feel like now when I EQ I will be much more aware, and strategic about what I do going into my compressor. I see it as the EQ sets the precedent of how the compression will end up sounding. Amazing video nobody else has explained this as well as you 👍

[@Banditman]

Thank you so much for this Warren. I've seen many people post videos on what they do, but they don't always explain WHY. That WHY makes a huge difference!

[@chrismataran8302]

Basically I do what I've learnt from you :-) EQ and then COMP. Always good to repeat and repeat again those mixing basics. Thanks (again) Warren!

[@learnerforever6933]

Wow 🤩 Finally your tutorials are back! Thanks Warren.

[@jurgenschuler8389]

I really like the mixing basic series. It's so easy to forget. And it's a long way to do it with that sought after aplomb. Thanks!

[@Producelikeapro]

You Rock Jürgen! I'm so glad to be able to help! Have a marvellous time recording, many thanks Warren

[@robertsheard4018]

Warren, thank you so much for this (and all) your videos, I am much clearer about where and why you should apply EQ and compression. The examples you use to illustrate the point are so helpful to me, who at 55 is just getting into serious mixing. The De Esser trick is a new one to me, absolutely brilliant!

[@SpikeColgate]

Thanks again for another insightful and yet now seemingly obvious vid! Keep 'em coming, nice1!

[@GoodSneakers]

This was a very good reminder. I tend to forget this sometimes while trying to both write, record, produce and mix at the time. Another great video from Warren, and they just keep coming. Wonderful! Hugs from Sweden

[@splashesin8]

I for sure want to keep this in the "watch later" file so I can find it again and again. This is extremely helpful for me to come back to and reference. Thank you very much Warren! Also several helpful comments are here, filling in some of the visuals. Grateful for this platform. Every day is Thanksgiving❣️

[@seanohutton3185]

This Answer!... This!. Thank you for explaining stuff I have always done, because I was taught to do it this certain way , yet not exactly understanding why but doing as taught... I find it's comforting knowing that they steered me straight!. It's a bit different for me as my past is in live audio, and studio recording is a different beast, and mixing live VS recorded in the studio is a whole other world of new.

[@Producelikeapro]

Thanks ever so much Seano!!

[@GolgothaMediaStudio]

Fantastic, so much easier when you can see, and have your ears correlate the difference. The approach I first learned was to see the compressor to 3db of reduction and then start low cutting. Once it was obvious, back it off a tad.

[@galacticdrum311]

This is one of the most helpful mixing videos I've watched. De-esser first was super insightful. Thanks for this and your other videos!

[@moosehavenstudio]

You explain things so eloquently, I find that after listening to your explanations I have a habit of putting them in my Notes ( yes, I take notes) and implementing them. You will never get the credit you deserve, You teaching a whole generation of mixers that will be better than ever. I wish that years ago, as I was reading my EQ mags and Home Recording that I knew what you just told us, it would have gone a long way with me. For this I raise my glass to you and tell you that my mixes are so much better because of your instruction!!! May you teach forever, I glean a universe of truth in your videos, and your the perfect post audio for media student ( that I am, at age 61, but thats a long story), LOL.

[@alexeysoloviev2924]

Really amazing stuff Warren! Love all of your mixing videos help me and others I guess quite a lot to make all of our mixes to sounds good. Never will tired of learning from you! :)

[@SirEggbertfartalot]

"Never will tired of learning from you! :)" You are not alone in thinking that Alexey ;0)

[@miken8368]

WoW, fantastic explanation! Gee Warren, I keep getting better mixes the more of your videos I watch. Love it!!

[@HEVANCERECORDS]

Thanks Warren, the way you presented the topic in this video about EQ after Comp cuts thru some of the confusing stuffs that needs to be cleared out in my mind. Great video.

[@adrianl5899]

What a great teacher - super helpful. Thanks so much.

[@riktascale4]

Finally! A solid case for eq b4 compression. Wonderful sir and all points taken especially de- essing early. Have a marvelous day😃😃

[@Producelikeapro]

Hi steelwiz thanks ever so much! I’m so glad to be able to help! Have a marvellous time recording, many thanks Warren

[@wizmos74]

Many thanks Warren,found your channel,it's really great explained everything.I have to check all your previous videos what you've posted. One more time many thanks for wonderful channel here,cheers!

[@CNCChazz]

That was one of the best explanations and examples I have ever heard and seen on this subject. Thank you

[@Producelikeapro]

Wow! Thanks ever so much Chaz! That really means a lot my friend!

[@jasonsimmons7479]

Once again wonderful video Warren!

[@MartinLuxen]

Thanks Warren! I knew this already from your earlier video's, so I've taken over these things and it is awesome! Results are much better :). You're the best!

[@Producelikeapro]

Thanks ever so much Martin! I really appreciate it!

[@joeeldred8304]

Thanks for all your videos. A lot of the time I either don't have the equipment you have or I am not at that level yet. This video was perfect for me. Thanks.

[@stephenzeagman9985]

Fantastic! I eq before compression because that's what I had read to do, but never really understood why. This video explained why, so thank you!

[@Producelikeapro]

Thanks Steve for sharing your process!

[@jonmatthews4254]

Interesting as always, thanks. I use a highpass eq first, then a multiband compressor to avoid boosting unwanted low end indirectly with blanket compression, just the frequency areas desired.

[@matty6strings131]

Fabulous!! I’m currently mixing White Noise town and was actually applying these tips this morning, they’re great Warren!

[@Producelikeapro]

Hi matty6strings thanks ever so much my friend! I’m glad to be able to help!

[@Captinslog2011]

Right on time 👍 , thank you for your helpful and educating knowledge . Priceless perspective. Fab EQ first for me .

[@roxnroll8050]

This was SUCH a great video - thanks!

[@djones2087]

This is very relevant for me as I am trying to improve my mixing skills. Thank you!

[@DMerkel]

Warren, this is a great recap of the dynamics (pun both intended and not) of the relationship between EQ and compression. Such great tips!

[@Producelikeapro]

Dave Merkel thans ever so much my friend!!

[@matthewsweet5232]

This was very timely for me. I just used the filters on Waves Abbey Road TG Mastering Chain on the 2bus to not only bypass compression detection on the low end, but I pushed a bit of 2.3K into the detector to smooth out some accumulated harshness that I just couldn't quite drive out in the individual tracks. I'm trying to finish up my take on Mary Spender's "Someone Better" and get it posted to the PLAP academy to see how I'm doing. Thanks for all of the lessons! I have a long way to go, but I can hear things improving.

[@StigmatizedProductions]

Great stuff! The best way to "save" a mix of the big amounts of low end!

[@andypearce7442]

Excellent video! Thanks.

[@MartinLang1625]

Great Vid! Thanks! going to the dynamic video right now!

[@evighvitveis]

I usually do the subtractive EQ/filtering first, so the compressor only reacts to the signal i want it to. Alternatively use the internal side chain filter which most compressor plugins has these days👍

[@evighvitveis]

essentially the same as you do in this video 😂

[@Producelikeapro]

@@evighvitveis haha thanks ever so much!! I really appreciate your comment!

[@JulyValls]

Amazing Warren, another great video from you!

[@davidallenhammond2777]

Brilliant, these discussions really help me in the learning process. Thanks a million. :)

[@Producelikeapro]

You Rock David! I'm so glad to be able to help! Have a marvellous time recording and mixing my friend, many thanks Warren!

[@smonomono4194]

Thank you man. This was so brilliant!!! ♥️

[@Producelikeapro]

Thanks ever so much

[@seansavageca]

Warren, great video and I appreciate the discussion for demonstration purposes. My question is wouldn't multiband compression allow you to do everything in one go (like a C4)? Less compression in the lows, harder in the mids and independent attack and release times along with independent makeup gain per frequency band.

[@allstar930]

This is by far the best video on this topic. Thank you!!

[@Producelikeapro]

Wow! Thanks ever so much

[@danvan7137]

For the last 20 years I've done HPF, De-esser, comp, second HPF, EQ (if necessary), FX for everything except low end signals (bass, kick, floor tom, etc.). But I never thought of setting up two master buss tracks for mastering. Great idea - Thanks!

[@Producelikeapro]

Hi Dan Van Gorkom fantastic! Thanks ever so much fo sharing!

[@88keyz]

I learned a lot from this video some new tricks of the trade and I also learned some of the things I have already been doing when it comes to eq and compression have been on point meaning similar to what other mixing engineer do when mixing 👍🏾

[@mickybister3868]

Excellent information! Thanks a lot! Very helpful.

[@JedWunderli]

Good stuff as always, Warren. I always benefit from reminders like these as well as learn some new ideas sometimes. Thanks a schnizle-ton.

[@Producelikeapro]

Thanks ever so much Jed! Always great to read your comments, however old!

[@briankingart]

Yeah, THAT'S Warren working! You go! A great lecture... AND MY EARS AGREE!

[@Producelikeapro]

Thanks ever so much Brian! I'm glad to be able to help!

[@montgomeryhaines2087]

Thanks Warren, and have a blessed holiday

[@Producelikeapro]

Hi Montgomery Haines thanks ever so much my friend!

[@IZBroadcast]

This song kicks ass Been living under a rock...Thank you Warren Huart✊

[@Producelikeapro]

Thanks ever so much!

[@darlenesheffield9835]

So much wonderful information!

[@Producelikeapro]

Thanks ever so much Darlene!

[@florian1695]

Great Video, I like when you explain that the bass comes up after each compressing cyclus

[@draztiqmeshaz6226]

You've got it sir, the answer is: it depends. Thanks for the reminiscence, BTW. I haven't seen those Renaissance plugs since the Cherry Sound days.

[@ryKirwan1]

Great vid. Super Informative 👍🏼

[@stuartwrigglesworth9339]

Another fantastic video.

[@nocturnalhouses9917]

You're the best man. Thank you for this!

[@Producelikeapro]

Thanks ever so much!

[@stupendousmusic4190]

Excellent Warren! I pretty much always eq before compressing/limiting, except on the main buss, where I usually just tickle the compressor-if I instantiate one-and then eq. Juxtaposition: Bobby Owsinski always compresses and then eqs when doing a mix. He says that if you want to maintain or enhance the sound, compress before eq; if you want to alter the sound, eq first, then compress. What are your thoughts (or anyone elses here) on this? How about NO COMPRESSION? Everything doesn't always need to be compressed (or even eq'ed for that matter).

[@cpottervlog8122]

This was very helpful

[@alcoustic5297]

Best explanation on this. Fantastic. Thanks Warren.

[@Producelikeapro]

Thanks ever so much Al! I'm so glad to be able to help!

[@samspaiser2704]

Wow, Warren you are practically a mind reader! I had this exact question last night - the order of compression and EQ in my in-the-box signal chain. What's more, I was specifically using REQ and RComp in my own mix as well. This video could not be more relevant and helpful! Thank you for the gift of information!

[@Kineticartist]

I think Warren is Psychic... tracked vocals on saturday with a female artist and Im in the mix doing this exact thing today and this vid shows up

[@Producelikeapro]

Thanks ever so much Sam! So glad to be able to help in any way I can!

[@Producelikeapro]

Hi@@Kineticartist aha! Great stuff! Glad to be able to help my friend!

[@ikshahangsubba6371]

thank you very much for sharing your knowledge to us your video helps a lot

[@Ahazzard39]

Most of the time while tracking I EQ first then compress. While mixing I usually EQ > Comp > EQ again. Thanks Warren!

[@Producelikeapro]

Thanks ever so much for sharing AJay! You Rock!

[@chieforgan12]

one of your best videos warren ,very good and useful information you help us hobby mixers a lot,great

[@Producelikeapro]

Thanks ever so much my friend!!

[@AudioReplica2023]

I use mainly Boz digital manic compressor exactly for this purpose. Since it have a side chain eq that you can use before compression it helps a lot when trying to make the compressor respond to a certain frequency range but the good thing is that side chain eq is not audible and does not eq your track at all...the only one listening for that eq changes is the compressor so you have plenty of freedom equing your track after compression again and not stuck to the tone you already dialed before compression.

[@TheJos44]

thanks another good one Warren!!!

[@mattstory2011]

Just want to say THANK YOU VERY MUCH for these tutorials , you have helped me immensely over the last few years.

[@88keyz]

This a Gem thanks much appreciated

[@Producelikeapro]

Thanks ever so much my friend!

[@mwintersteinsmith]

I do both... I listen with my ears first and then decide where I need to use both. EQ into compression, then DeEss, then EQ, into an MV2 😎👍👍🇬🇮

[@vainsacrosanct2014]

Thank you for this video. It will help me develop further. Thanks!

[@Producelikeapro]

Thanks ever so much Ivan! You Rock!!

[@ErikBongers]

Extremely insightful. (But the one but last sample, without delay/reverb, felt freshest to me.)

[@michaelorourke5848]

Great video Warren,Thank you!

[@Producelikeapro]

Thanks ever so much Michael!

[@johnvcougar]

I apply the Mike Stavrou principles in this regard. Typically subtractive stuff before, and maybe pre-emphasis to setup specific frequencies that trigger the compressor. Post-compression, the notable feature is that there is a multiplication factor to any boosts and cuts, so use sparingly! Take a peep at "Mixing with Your Mind" by Mike Stavrou. Amazing "bible" for mix balance engineering, imho.

[@mattrixx_audio]

Hi Warren. I admire your energy for all that you do here, which is clearly beyond your day to day!! Wow. Anyway, with relevance to HPF on master compressing etc. Have you tried “The Glue” by Andy Simper (Cytomic)?? OMG.. it has had permanent residency on my master buss for about 10 years now. Just incredible.

[@noahbirdrevolution]

I just looked at the chain for my radio show: EQ-reverb-Dsr-Comp. Not sure why I went verb there, but it is the slightest bit and it works.

[@Producelikeapro]

Thanks ever so much for sharing!

[@chrisibbetson]

Thank you! great insight and tips :-)

[@spacey_face]

Looking forward to the episode on dynamic compressors and their application! Thanks for the knowledge :)

[@Producelikeapro]

Yes! That's a marvellous idea!!

[@georgebarry3153]

@@Producelikeapro ..and who knows..maybe a bit on Expansion.

[@burgerguitars]

Awesome tips! Thanks Warren!

[@Producelikeapro]

burgerguitars thanks ever so much my friend!

[@ragingchimera8021]

Great lesson Warren, thank you!

[@Producelikeapro]

Thanks ever so much!!

[@tlgondatrack4820]

Very nice! Thank you!

[@JohnWallsrockmusic]

Great video as always Warren. Many thanks!

[@Producelikeapro]

Thanks ever so much!

[@JohnWallsrockmusic]

@@Producelikeapro Thanks to you. Best

[@WDeeGee1]

Great lesson, thank you!

[@Producelikeapro]

Thanks ever so much my friend!

[@geraldwebb7244]

Thanks for your work! Sharing is caring....

[@Producelikeapro]

I'm so glad to be able to help! Have a marvellous time recording, many thanks Warren

[@RC32Smiths01]

Really appreciative of the lesson and information here man! Helpful advice from an engineering maestro like yourself!

[@Producelikeapro]

You're very kind to say that!

[@RC32Smiths01]

@@Producelikeapro Why thank you man! You are very welcome!

[@Producelikeapro]

@@RC32Smiths01 always great to read your comments!

[@RC32Smiths01]

@@Producelikeapro it's always a blast to tune in!

[@crissabater7698]

Great video as always mate. I always cut first then compress then if needed EQ again for colour. Cheers. :-)

[@justinritter9876]

I use EQ before and after compression when needed. First I cut the mudders and the crudders > then compress - then add a bit of flavor or texture EQ to taste. Damn I love the Vocals the Singer is Throwing Down... Sweet energy and urgency with Her Singing On The Edge like that. Brilliant => Warren have a good day mate! Great video

[@Producelikeapro]

Thanks ever so much Justin! I really appreciate hearing your experiences and insight!

[@Producelikeapro]

P.S, yes Kaedyn is a wonderful singer! She was only 13 or 14 when she sang this!

[@ThisMichaelBrown]

Fantastic wisdom....I was making a de-essing mistake....thanks!

[@Producelikeapro]

You’re very welcome

[@DeltaWhiskeyBravo13579]

I EQ first, notches about 3 dB around 120, 250 Hz and another at 5 kHz. These 3 areas are always a bit too hot in my mix. This is a Livestream church audio I'm doing in Studio One 6 BTW. After the initial EQ, there's serial compression, and another broad brush Massive Passive EQ emulation. My effect sends have EQ (modified Abbey Road trick) then sidechain ducking compression too. My plug-ins: Melda - standard parametric EQ and freeform EQ, standard compressor Effects: MDelayMB, MReverbMB, MSaturatorMB, MDistortionMB, a Stereo widener Then the Pulsar Smasher parallel mixed in, the Pulsar Mu for glue compression, Pulsar Massive for final broad brush EQ Master bus gets the Melda UltraMaximizer and loudness metering

[@jeremiahlyleseditor437]

Your technique is great. Have you done a video on the affects of EQ and Compression on each of the various types of Instruments in a Pop Mix?

[@melsimons5418]

thank you Sr

[@diegooliveirabenjamin]

Tô bem vert honest with you I don't think I EVER thought about that, I just hear the track and go for the one that makes sense to me

[@Kineticartist]

Absolutely briliant video thank you thank you thank you Cheers mate

[@livingabovethe12th]

If one needs a rule of thumb for this....for correctional cuts like hpf, lpf, cutting low mids -> eq pre comp. Because then your comp won't be reacting to things you don't want to hear anyway. For enhancement additive eq like hi shelf boosts -> eq post comp. Because boosting into a comp will cause it to turn down what you are boosting. Best solution is dynamic freq-dependant eq before your broadband comp. Waves C6 type into whatever comp. Chain that always works for me live and in the studio is hpf+lpf -> dynamic eq -> broadband comp -> enhancement additive eq.

[@frankpaws]

I have a simple approach. Light Compression I'll do after EQ if I am shaping. If I am compressing heavier, I'll do some shaping before compression and after compression correction for anything it may have squashed too much. It really depends on what you feel and hear. If I am mixing dialog, I have a chain of several EQ's, compressors coming before and after.

[@Producelikeapro]

Hi frankpaws thanks ever so much for sharing!!

[@neovxr]

question - how should we fine-tune the hipassing when the rumble is massive? we can dial in anything from 6db/oct to 72db/oct and we can put more than one instance in the chain. for instance should we set some 24-slope with 40Hz, and then a 6-slope with 100Hz?

[@drumsandstix128]

Thanks Warren, this vlog has been a most useful lesson for me. Tell me please...What’s the story behind the cricket ball?

[@Juliano_DJOL]

Subtractive EQ, then Compress, then additive EQ...unless you wanna go for a crazy sound like maybe a parallel track with additive eq then super compress and add in a little of that to the orginal sound! MIXING IS SO FUN LOL!

[@Emergentministry]

I typically eq before anything. I am not a pro by no means, but it just makes since to me to take out all the unwanted frequencys before any effects are added. No point in applying effects to a frequency you don't want anyway. I actually think I learned that a long time ago on this same channel lol.

[@JordanMillsTracks]

Thats a good point! Although i generally EQ after reverb so that the reverb isnt muddying up what i just cleaned with EQ

[@boldbearStudios]

Great video, thanks a lot Warren! What about parallel compression and EQ? Often I find myself squashing vocals on a parallel track and blending it into the original (or slightly compressed/EQed) track. Sometimes I feel like there's some weird phase thing going on when I EQ the parallel track before the compressor. But sometimes not! What is your thought and experience on that?

[@MorenoMusical]

Bieeeennn!!! Gracias Warren!!!

[@andreventer8623]

Legend!

[@joshrainbow-IceTenor]

Hi Warren Amazingly good video, very grateful you made it. I have a question about my vocals sounding a bit muffled. I use still a digi002 that goes to a charteroak mic into a AD2044 avalon compr and to my AD2022 avalon pre into my windows XP old computer..I record all in my living room that has some foam behind me and a SE shield behnd the mic...I not use the high pas filter on the pre (should I, if yes how much) what is your advise to start with EQ (stock) should I just follow your directions or should I dramatically clean up the vocal to get a brighter sound like this lady sounds like on your video...hope you can give me some tips..kind regards Josh