EQ Tips & Tricks

[Casey Saulpaugh]

EQing the pedal steel after it is recorded can be a fun way to improve the sound of the steel track...it can also help in learning how different frequencies relate to the instrument, our playing, and the overall recording.

Check out this article that has tips and tricks for EQing the pedal steel: http://playpedalsteel.com/eq-tips-trick ... dal-steel/

I find it very enjoyable to hear the pedal steel after it is recorded, since I'm more used to hearing it in the practice room or played live. The way it translates into a recorded context is interesting - all kinds of factors coming into play: mic placement, amp selection, direct recording, playing style, different guitars, etc.

Do ya'll have any EQ tips or suggestions? Any ideas or things you've learned from experimenting with EQ?

[Tony Prior]

excellent read., especially the 4K detail. I would add to cut everything under 50 or 80 HZ, maybe even 100. Not just for the Steel but for multiple instruments. That bottom end MUD literally disappears.

Try adding that cut back IN one instrument at a time and AB it. Your own ears will be the judge.

[Casey Saulpaugh]

Thanks Tony. That's a great piece of advice...that real low end can have so much energy that can be boomy, muddy, and "rumbly." I usually have a high-pass filter for this on most tracks too, and it's usually one of the first EQ adjustments I make on tracks because it is so helpful almost all of the time -- it's become habit to add this.

I usually start with 60 Hz and adjust from there depending on the instrument and what I'm hearing. ABing it is a good way to judge -- I find this low end to be really prominent/noticeable in different sound systems (car, home, studio, etc.) if the cut is not made. Thanks for sharing this, great tip!