Spectographs - how are you using them?

decklyn · Post by **decklyn** » Fri Oct 05, 2007 5:53 pm

Anyone using a spectograph in production?
How are you using them?

relik · Post by **relik** » Fri Oct 05, 2007 6:14 pm

I use the Parametric EQ 2 in FL on all my tracks/channels. I use it to EQ each sound into the frequency range I want. It displays a live spectrum so you know exactly what frequencies are being used and the intensity of the sound.

I'll use it on each individual sound and then on a master channel over the whole track to see where everything is hitting and EQ as necessary. Really just use it as a visual and to know what samples are producing what frequencies and to see any distortion. Helps a lot with bass because I don't have good speakers to produce with, so just looking at the spectrum I will know what frequency and how loud it will be.

two oh one · Post by **two oh one** » Fri Oct 05, 2007 6:19 pm

I'm learning to take my eyes out of the equation as much as possible while I'm making a track. Eyes in music production are trouble.

Sharmaji · Post by **Sharmaji** » Sat Oct 06, 2007 5:38 pm

two oh one wrote:I'm learning to take my eyes out of the equation as much as possible while I'm making a track. Eyes in music production are trouble.

completely true. but if i'm confounded as to where some bass overlap is, i'll take a peek at the kick and sub.

also using 'em alot in mixdowns, to see where exactly i can fit in more sound in the midrange. 2db at 380hz is way different than 2db at 500hz...

cryptic · Post by **cryptic** » Sat Oct 06, 2007 5:53 pm

i use the waves paz a lot - great for mixing down!

Littlefoot · Post by **Littlefoot** » Sat Oct 06, 2007 6:01 pm

Spectrals are interesting..

yet I would probbaly avoid using them as a "tool" as such.

Infact, if I was looking to make something really spikey, i might use one, but in any other situation they are very decieving!

whineo · Post by **whineo** » Sat Oct 06, 2007 7:03 pm

Im a little confused as to how spectral analysers are becoming frowned upon in relation to 'using your ears'. I seem to remember a post in a different thread where their usage was deemed cheating.
Production is a visual process as well and Analysers are a fantastic visual aid.
I personally use an analyser throughout most of the production process and my production has rapidly improved since using them.
But surely the mixdown and end product will always be modified in relation to what you are hearing?

Littlefoot · Post by **Littlefoot** » Sat Oct 06, 2007 8:58 pm

Whineo wrote: Im a little confused as to how spectral analysers are becoming frowned upon in relation to 'using your ears'. I seem to remember a post in a different thread where their usage was deemed cheating.
Production is a visual process as well and Analysers are a fantastic visual aid.
I personally use an analyser throughout most of the production process and my production has rapidly improved since using them.
But surely the mixdown and end product will always be modified in relation to what you are hearing?

thing is mate, there isnt a corelation between 5k jumping up and down a bit more and your synth sounding "brighter".

its far too easy to see the results, and your brain thinks you have em

then you check it on another system and your mix is all over the place

visual aids, like i said, can be helpful but as a routine check, are only gonna make you lose your direction in the mix

Spectographs - how are you using them?

Spectographs - how are you using them?

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