EQ > Comp vs. Comp > EQ... when mixing

[The MPCist]

Noticed that people all do it differently. Some compress and then EQ while others (me included), EQ and then compress.

How you guys doing it?

[allstaar]

Both ways.

Depends on the situation.

[narcoman]

yup. Although on most outboard mixers of the lower priced variety your stuck with inserts being before eq.

Not such an issue these days is it !!

[bassmac]

Since compression can behave like an EQ. ie: adding HF, cutting LF, etc. So I like to use it first and see where I'm at, and then EQ - or not. (hopefully)

[tzujan]

With rare exceptions I'm with bassmac. The release, to me, is a great tonal control (generally the faster the brighter) and with the Distressor the mid band and High Pass detection modes, I rarely need EQ.

[Steve MacMillan]

A good rule of thumb is do any gross corrective eq (like low end filtering) then compress and then your final fit it in the mix eq. Remember once you get your compressor set the way you want it any eq changes before will screw it up.

sm

[protooleo]

Yeah Steve your right compress then EQ. EQ befor will totaly change how the compresor reacts. Plus it sounds better to me anyway!

[2064]

Depends on the situation. But I tend to compress then EQ. (I use outboard stuff on the mix buss).

[Bokir]

Here's what I usually do:

subtractive eq > comp > additive eq.

I'm thinking by reducing what we don't need prior to comp, we won't make any unnecessary comp. Then, I can add some high shelf for emphasizing.

Just some more alternatives.