Which EQ is everybody using with the Waves bundle?

[Johnny916]

Hi, I'm using Waves Diamond bundle and trying to figure out which EQ I should be using on my vocal tracks. There's 3 or 4 to choose from I believe, from 2 band to 4 band. Which one's are the pros using?

Also, is there a particular order in which I should be placing my plug-ins?
I usually do it in this order:
COMP
EQ
REVERB

[stanonbass]

I actually used the graphic eq before. But usually use the focusrite eqs. I might try messing with the waves eqs again. The way ive been doing it is Equing the sound first then adding compression and then verb or whatever other desired effect you want. You want to eq before compression. That way your not bringing up undesired frequencys. This is the way mastering works. I have and app called harbal. You eq and un compressed mix then add you limiting, compression etc.

Stan

[tempest18]

Hey Johnny,

You should use which ever band EQ you think the track needs. It depends how much you wanna manipulate the vocal. I would usually use a 4 so you can use an LPF if you want.

In terms of order, Some place EQ before compressor, Some prefer after. Once again it depends on the vocal track. Some believe that placing the EQ before the compressor and rolling off the bottom wont allow the compressor to pump that bottom end and work more efficiently. I'd say go with whatever sounds right.

Are you using Reverb as an insert?

In most cases you should set this up as an FX loop so you can dial in the amount of revb you want to mix against the dry signal.

Very rarely is reverb used as an insert.

I'm not a protools user yet but thought I'd answer your question anyway

Tempest

[Captain_Pants]

Personally, using the one that sounds best at the time!

[Johnny916]

Hey Tempest! You brought up a good point! I am using my EQ/Comp/Reverb as an insert on one aux track and busing all my vocal tracks to that aux. The aux is then going to the studio monitors analog 1-2.

Can you or somebody explain how I should be routing my vocal track plug-in's?
What's an FX loop?

[SimpleNatureSpirit]

Download and open the sessions from this page if you have the Waves Platinum or better installed:
Waves Mixing and Mastering Book

This is a great guide for professionally arranged sessions for several genres.

{BTW, there are updates on the page for anyone who already owns the book!}

[Clockwork12782]

Hey Tempest! You brought up a good point! I am using my EQ/Comp/Reverb as an insert on one aux track and busing all my vocal tracks to that aux. The aux is then going to the studio monitors analog 1-2.

Can you or somebody explain how I should be routing my vocal track plug-in's?
What's an FX loop?

First, take the Reverb off of the insert.
Second, Create a new aux track for the reverb by itself.
On your stereo vocal aux track, assign a send to the aux track with the reverb.

There you have it

[Johnny916]

Ok so put the reverb on its own stereo aux channel then send the vocal audio track at hand to that aux channel right?

I think you made an error:
"On your stereo vocal aux track, assign a send to the aux track with the reverb."

What about the compressor and EQ? Do I do the same thing with those channels?

[Chris Cavell]

No, he got it right...do it the same way you would on an analog console...in-line inserts for eq and comp...aux send to verb.

[tempest18]

Hey Johnny,

Why are you bussing the vocal track?

If you have several vocals that all need the same processing, Then maybe, But with a single track, Apply the processing on the track itself.

You also may want to try a waves delay on the vox, As well as a verb. I like the short tap delays, or the tape simulation ones in the waves tap delays.

Tempest