Logic Pro X: Why The Order Of FX Matters
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- čas přidán 30. 06. 2024
- In this episode, we’ll have a look at why the order of the FX chains we put together matters. Insert FX work in series, whereby one effect is ‘plugged into’ the next. So it makes sense that if we were to introduce Reverb first, for instance, that reverb will be present as we add EQ and Compression. Whereas if we added EQ and Compression first, they’ll apply their settings to a dry signal before the reverb is added later. Let’s explore this very example, as well as looking at the implications of the order of FX at the output stage.
00:00 Intro and track playback
01:34 Exploring the order of Vocal FX
03:28 Swapping Compressor and Space Designer
04:29 Microscope on Compressor and reverb order
07:07 Exploring other examples of FX switching
07:46 FX at the Output stage
10:27 Even a subtle EQ can cause problems
11:52 Summary
I love playing with inserts order all the time, in a very casual manner actually. I love surprises. Thanks Jono
Excellent idea, Donnie. A nice way to keep ideas fresh.
Fastest play button hit ever executed!
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Ha! Thank you so much.
Thanks, Jono. Inspiring take, as usual, on a seemingly simple concept with lots of room for complex elaboration! ✨It seems to me that usually, the last effect in the chain is the one that has the biggest impact on the sound. This can be helpful when dis-entangling “reverb or delay first”, “compressor or EQ first” kind of questions.
You're welcome. And - absolutely - that's a useful way to look at effects chains, for sure.
Very interesting and instructive video, Jono, thank you very much!
Thanks BF. Hope all's good with you!
Yes, Jono, I am good, thank you!
Nice work, Jono!
Thanks so much, Chris.
A good explanation, thank you 👍
You're welcome, Peter!
Another helpful video, thank you Jono! I would add that the sequence of eqcompression as another useful one . . . in your "output stage" discussion, you give the example of a small high-end boost after the limiter . . . if the eq comes before the limiter/compressor, then it might work better to cut the low end to get the high-end boost, since the compression will work across all frequencies, you'll get the high end boost but with subtractive eq, which can sometimes sound better. Thanks again for sharing your knowledge and helpful examples!
Hi Peter, absolutely right! Indeed, it looks as though a dedicated video on EQ > Compression and vice versa might be in demand, so this is a topic we'll look at in more depth. Huge thanks for your comment.
great video. awesome song
Thanks John!
❤❤❤Thank you J.B.!!❤️❤️❤️
You are most welcome!
Thank you, Jono Buchanan! Do you have a video on the order of EQ and compressor? I tend to do corrective EQ first, then a couple of compressors, then an additional EQ. Sometimes I can't remember the details of why I learned something is helpful, though. Also, when we are applying EQ in the step to carve space for each track for mix clarity, where is the ideal place to apply that? Do we need to be mindful of effects (esp. reverb) adding frequencies that negate our carving efforts, or is that negligible?
Hi Jennifer. This is a great question. Conventional wisdom is that EQ comes before Compression (Dynamics). Engineering/mixing advice will usually suggest that shaping tone first positively affects how Compressors respond to a signal, particularly where low frequencies are concerned, as these will often have most impact on how Compressors respond. But you know me well enough to know what I’m going to say next… let your ears decide which works best for you. Quite a lot of channel strip plug-ins offer Pre and Post Dynamics buttons in their EQ sections, more than suggesting that there are times when you’d want to flip those two around. In terms of the second part of your question - yes, I’d almost always EQ and Compress before adding reverb.
@@jonobuchananmusic Thank you so much! Please allow me to clarify. I always place EQ before reverb, but because reverb has its OWN EQ, I'm wondering if reverb has the potential to affect our previous efforts to EQ-carve space for each track. For instance, if I carve out some synth at 2K, and give the vocal a boost at 2K to help the vox cut through, but the synth's reverb after the EQ has 2K frequencies, will it make the synth compete with the vocal again? Should I be controlling the synth reverb at 2K so it doesn't interfere with my previous efforts?
@@jenniferlaynemusic Hi Jennifer. Thanks for sending over this example. Remember that EQ inside a reverb is designed to EQ only the reverb signal. So if you're adding reverb via an Auxiliary buss, think of this as a brand new sound source - almost like an instrument in its own right - which you're able to EQ to taste. If 2k is a problem in that reverb signal, yes, absolutely address that frequency with EQ.
If you're adding Reverb as an Insert at the end of an FX chain, remember that only a portion of the signal will be passing through the reverb plug-in (whatever percentage you've set as the Wet signal level). So if you're using 20% wet signal, effectively 80% of the whole signal won't respond to whatever EQ changes you make inside the reverb plug-in, but 100% of the signal WILL respond to an EQ changes you've made, if EQ is the first insert in your plug-in chain. So, in that example, I would definitely recommend getting tone under control at the top of the Insert chain first, which will help alleviate any likely tone-related reverb issues. I hope that helps!
Just be aware that changing the order of your stack can hit the CPU for a moment
If you have a lot going on and your son is playing when you try and swap you might crash your system
It appears the newest logic update pretty much demand anybody using logic has an M1 chip or newer
If you're not using an M1 chip and you try swapping out the order there's a good chance you can crash your system
In that regards logic is doing a little bit of bait and switch
They say for only $200 you can have all of this but the reality is you have to first have a good working MacBook and currently you're looking at 1700 minimum for a good MacBook Pro to run logic without crashing
So in reality you're at 2K if you wanna play around with logic
We’re the vocal from?
Hi Paul. It's an extract from an original song I recorded with a long-term collaborator and friend.
No limiter on your toaster? 😂
Ha!
Logic’s mastering assistance includes a limit in it
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