Equalizer 31 bands for recording - Harmonica

[Danmusic]

Equalizer 31 bands for recording - Harmonica
The DP-24SD has limited EQ.
Is it a good idea to use equalizer 31 bands for recording ?
I’m asking that before purchase this EQ type. (My first option is external EQ because i don’t like DAW).
Especialy for harmonica and synth, i think it could nice. It’s not really easy for harmonica because i meet different scales, it depends of the song.
After some tests, i obtain too hiss on harmonica. Bad idea to send and re- record, re-record…

* I have Fabfilter Pro-Q3 and Pro-Q4 but… probably not just me, it’s more easy for me to work, to listen and adjust with closed eyes, more by ears.

 

[Mark Richards]

...Harmonica...hiss...The DP-24SD has limited EQ.

What makes you say that? The sweepable Input and Track parametric/adjustable-Q mid-range EQ should be perfect for tweaking the harmonica signal (DP-24SD OM, pages 37 & 56).

If you're recording hiss along with the harmonica signal, the best option would be to identify the cause and correct it at the source, rather than trying to fix it with EQ.

Re the 31 band equalizer, while I suppose it could be placed in the mix-down chain to address a seriously problematic narrow band FR issue in the signal, it's used most generally to smooth the frequency response at the control room listening position.

 

[Danmusic]

Thanks Mark.

I will try the EQ INPUT - reduce High at 1.7kHz and on EQ TRACK reduce High at 4.0 kHz.

My goal is to avoid repeat a send and record.

By “limited EQ” , i mean more bands as mid-range on equalizer.

With SCX-48 harmonica i have often have peaks at 1200-1800, 4000-4500 and 7000-7800.
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For hiss, i will test a Digiflex DSPDI on input.
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I know some guys uses Boss EQ Bass for blues style but i don’t think it could resolve my situation.

 

[-mjk-]

I find that such an approach being insisted upon before the recording even exists, is generally doomed to fail. I've mixed a number of records with harmonica, where the artist used a DP-24 with no EQ at all and I was able to work with the track using very little EQ - certainly within the limits of the DP machine capability.

With SCX-48 harmonica i have often have peaks at 1200-1800, 4000-4500 and 7000-7800

I would call those peaks a characteristic of the instrument. Are peaks "bad" somehow?

Record the instrument and see how it sounds. Produce by ear, not by specs.

If you're recording hiss along with the harmonica signal, the best option would be to identify the cause and correct it at the source, rather than trying to fix it with EQ.

This. Gain staging is important as well as not applying too much EQ. EQs are special amplifiers and they have their own issues that introduce problems into the mix.

 

[Danmusic]

Mjk,

You’re right for the gain. I will record without EQ and make adjustment if needed after on mix.
Maybe my problem is only the gain.

The SCX-48 harmonica has more mid-high level compared to Suziki Sirius or Hohner 64.
I tend to mix other instruments wide and faith with volume of mid and side.

At some point my ears become dizzy.

Yesterday, i have test to mix center mono. The result was better.
I always like my machine and continue to experiment.