Need Understanding of EQ in relation to Orchestral Instruments

[Jim Shipley]

Can someone point me to a good reference (website, book, videos,...) to help me understand the use of EQ (but also all the VS plug-ins!) specifically for orchestral instruments like VSL? I understand the principle of filtering out undesirable sounds or frequencies, but I don't even know what to listen for (or how to search for them) when I'm using the EQ on a particular VSL instrument (e.g., exagerated resonant frequencies). Do I also need to listen to the full mix to listen for when two or more instruments play the same note in a way that causes some undesirable resonant interaction? I understand that compressors/limiters etc are used a lot in pop/rock music to boost & "drive" the sound. How can I use these effects "appropriately" for orchestral music? Any guidance will be greatly appreciated! - Jim

[Paul]

Hi Jim,

the best idea is to check out Vienna Suite that comes with 100s of presets for all orchestral instruments. A free demo license can be ordered here (click "try").

There are also some videos available, where we did our best to explain the features and possibilities of Vienna Suite!

Best,

Paul

[civilization 3]

@Jim Shipley said:

Do I also need to listen to the full mix...?

Yes. And, often what might sound best with a soloed track isn't what fits best in the mix - otoh sometimes what works best in a mix might seem harsh or deficient-sounding when exposed.

The presets in VS often are 'resonance menus', some potentially problematic areas are suggested here... you may notice certain consistencies in these, EG: '~250hz' is a low mids problem in so many mixes, a resonance of basses combine and build up into a 'muddy' situation...

[Beat Kaufmann]

Hi Jim

There are a lot of instruments in an orchestra. Lots of them have their own and typical frequency ranges. So the job of EQs can be to assign those ranges and cut the frequencies outside these certain ranges. As an example you can take bass instruments. It is important that only the lowest instruments get the lowest frequencies in the mix. So that means that all other instruments should get an EQ which cuts their low frequencies. Needless to say, that these "high" instruments sound not really natural when you listen to them alone.

Further EQs can "create" a sound, EQs can suppress resonance frequencies of each single instrument but also resonances of the whole mix and those of effects and so on, EQs can support frequencies of certain instruments... so there are really a lot of possible jobs for EQs.

Best

Beat