Why do I always lose headroom when I'm EQ'ing snares?

[DrGatineau]

i think it's pretty standard to cut below the fundamental

[nowaysj]

So, Gene, by this point, do you understand what is happening?

And also, this is a great lesson in being wary of accepting internet advice (like hipass everything) without understanding fundamentals. I'm wagging my finger, but in its sweep, it also lands on me.

[Genevieve]

So, Gene, by this point, do you understand what is happening?

Meh, I already asked Macc about this before and told me it was about phase shift. I tried using the linnear phase feature on Pro-Q to combat it, but it only reduced the amount of headroom I lost. I was just kind of frustrated and was hoping to learn a new way to get around the "problem".


I appreciate all the help/repleis in the thread tho

[bennyfroobs]

So, Gene, by this point, do you understand what is happening?

And also, this is a great lesson in being wary of accepting internet advice (like hipass everything) without understanding fundamentals. I'm wagging my finger, but in its sweep, it also lands on me.

haahahaha that was great

[AxeD]

is it common place to eq snares?

i don think ive ever really done it, maybe a little hi-lo pass depending on if its rather low end sound or has too many high end harmonics

When using samples, I guess most people just jump to the next one.
In recording, I have never left a snare unequalized. Even a black beauty needs some tweaking,
as there's much more in play like room, mic, drummer of course.

[Samuel_L_Damnson]

^ spot on.
With samples i only eq (besides the high pass) if im gonna layer samples.
Sometimes i will remove the fundamental cos i dont rly like the 150-300 hz ring any more.

[Artie_Fufkin]

I read about this before on gearslutz. It's called Gibbs phenomenon.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gibbs_phenomenon

Genevieve, if you're using a sampler, you could process the snare by itself and then re-import it in the sampler. Try bouncing it with a few different settings and then check the waveform at the start of the sample to see what it's doing. Also for fun, try loading up 100 of the same filter with the same settings to get an exaggerated idea of the effect that its causing. If you're using renoise, alt + click on the filter, ctrl+c, and then ctrl+v a bunch of times. Try it with a saw to get an idea of how the it phase shifts across the spectrum.

[_ronzlo_]

is it common place to eq snares?

i don think ive ever really done it, maybe a little hi-lo pass depending on if its rather low end sound or has too many high end harmonics

When using samples, I guess most people just jump to the next one.
In recording, I have never left a snare unequalized. Even a black beauty needs some tweaking,
as there's much more in play like room, mic, drummer of course.

I tend to only use EQ to cut very, very selectively and only when needed (when, say, another percussive voicing starts fighting with the tone of the snare). Trying to stick to the maxim that it is usually better to cut than boost (cut narrow, boost wide.)

That Gibbs phenomenon thing is very interesting btw.

[nowaysj]

When I'm low cutting, I just do it by ear, find the right spot, and then check my meters (why good meters are valuable), usually no issues.