Hi Everyone
I'm a music producer who's uses COS Pro alot, and I must say, it's significantly improved the quality of my music.
However, I've encountered a recurring issue related to dynamic range, especially while working on mixing tracks with dynamic elements like pianos and bass.
Here’s my process:
1. I start by checking the Peak to Loudness Ratio (PLR) and peak of the sound using a LUFs Loudness Meter.
2. My first step is to EQ using COS at 100% to fine-tune the tone.
3. Then, I apply COS again at 50% to find an average, generate a ceiling, then make minor adjustments to follow the noise guides like 4.5, 6, etc. I adhere to the ceilings at 50%
4. I then switch to 0% based on the 50% ceilings and fine tune the sound at 0% because I've come to like the tone and tightness of 0% on most sounds.
5. Next, I compress the sound to the desired PLR, for example, reducing a bass from 18 PLR to 12.
6. I open another instance of COS, using the same ceilings from the 50% setting but reverting the view back to 0%.
7. I line up 20 hertz to the bottom of the sound and I make my adjustments to parts that exceed the ceiling. My COS will typically have a “wave” pattern after I have done the adjustments to restore the sound post-compression.
However, I've noticed a problem, particularly with bass tracks. Even minor EQ adjustments post-compression tend to reduce my compression, increasing the dynamic range by 1-2 dB.
While other sounds seem more resilient, maintaining their PLR, I'm wondering if I'm handling the post-EQ incorrectly. The only workaround I’ve found is using a limiter on the track to bring the dynamic range back to the desired level, but I understand this can alter the equalization, similar to a compressor.
Any insights or advice on managing this issue would be greatly appreciated!
Hello, You basically answered your question near the end of your inquiry, "...but I understand this can alter the equalization, similar to a compressor." Low frequencies carry much more energy than higher frequencies, and since compressors/limiters react to energy, your dynamic range will be affected more by low frequency adjustments than high frequency adjustments post-compressor...regardless of the equalizer being used. That said, if you notice a change in frequency response after the compression stage, instead of just applying a limiter first, return to the compression stage and make the adjustments needed to ensure you are at your preferred dynamic range after any post-compression equalization...or go back to the pre-compression equalizer and make adjustments so that your spectrum curve is where it should be after compression has been applied. Regardless, it's a fine-tuning of balance between EQ and compression. Of course, limiters can still be used post-EQ to enhance.diminish a sounds transient shape for effect in order to get a specific sound...but find the best balance between pre-eq & compression first.