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Best overall EQ for tweaking vocals, bass, guitar?
- Thread starter keano
- Start date
Cristofer
Member
Typically speaking, I would tend to use different EQ's for each of these tracks. That way, they each bring a different sound to the project and are also less likely to smear together in the mix. However, assuming you are only investing in one from your list, I would recommend the 1073. It is my go-to EQ on vocals and acoustic guitars, and I've certainly also used it on electrics and bass a handful as well. VERY musical and tasteful, even in extreme settings.
It has a very disctinctive sound, so using it on a lot of tracks simultaneously is often overkill (to my ears). In my mind, it's better to flavor the important tracks of a song, and give them added \"pop\" and presence compared to the rest. This being said, if you want a good EQ that will work well on almost every track of an entire mix, then check out the new Neve 88RS. It's a console strip emulation, so you also get dynamics processing as well. Much less vintage character, but just as present and responsive, and great for a more modern sound.
If you have the time, I would make use of the free 14-day trials that UA offers, and find out for yourself which one(s) you like best with the material you already have recorded.
I prefer the Cambridge and Precision EQ's for \"surgical\" maneuvers - ie: cutting problematic frequencies, subtle mastering EQ, etc. Though I must say, the Cambridge is certainly well-suited for a variety of tasks. To this day, I truly love it on synths. I also almost always have a Pultec-Pro in my mastering mix chain. Just a subtle user default setting that I created and have found polishes a mix well. But I digress... For instruments and vocals, read above. :wink:
EDIT: The Neve 1081 is very similar to the 1073, but has different frequencies available. Sometimes one, the other, or both can work best.
It has a very disctinctive sound, so using it on a lot of tracks simultaneously is often overkill (to my ears). In my mind, it's better to flavor the important tracks of a song, and give them added \"pop\" and presence compared to the rest. This being said, if you want a good EQ that will work well on almost every track of an entire mix, then check out the new Neve 88RS. It's a console strip emulation, so you also get dynamics processing as well. Much less vintage character, but just as present and responsive, and great for a more modern sound.
If you have the time, I would make use of the free 14-day trials that UA offers, and find out for yourself which one(s) you like best with the material you already have recorded.
I prefer the Cambridge and Precision EQ's for \"surgical\" maneuvers - ie: cutting problematic frequencies, subtle mastering EQ, etc. Though I must say, the Cambridge is certainly well-suited for a variety of tasks. To this day, I truly love it on synths. I also almost always have a Pultec-Pro in my mastering mix chain. Just a subtle user default setting that I created and have found polishes a mix well. But I digress... For instruments and vocals, read above. :wink:
EDIT: The Neve 1081 is very similar to the 1073, but has different frequencies available. Sometimes one, the other, or both can work best.
TheHopiWay
Active Member
The 88RS could also be a viable choice.
If your looking for just 1 EQ, I'd recommend the Pultec Pro, not only is it dirt cheap to buy compared to the Neve's etc, but to me it has the sweetest sounding high end (which is great for vocals). It can perform \"surgery\" on guitars and bass, plus its easy to use! 
For vox and bass try eq'ing post compression, have had great results in that order.
For guitar I'd usually use the neve 1081, but the pultec would certainly do the job.
Have fun!
For vox and bass try eq'ing post compression, have had great results in that order.
For guitar I'd usually use the neve 1081, but the pultec would certainly do the job.
Have fun!
Eric Dahlberg
Purveyor of musical dreams fullfilled.
The Neve 1073 excels on these three duties.