Dox
12 posts
Sep 04, 2017
6:11 AM
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Hi!
I would kindly ask to some "sound-expert" if you can speak, as general rules, about the most important frequencies to equalize (boost or cut) for harmonica to make sound more "fat" and "bigger", especially in recording situation.
many thanks, bye.
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nacoran
9596 posts
Sep 04, 2017
1:29 PM
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Generally speaking, lower the higher frequencies to get a fatter sound. Adding a little bit of reverb will help too. How much depends a lot on what equipment you are using and exactly what sound you are going for. A good hand cup on the harmonica will help too. I think generally you turn the gain up a bit (and the volume down to stay at the same levels) but that can depend on your amp.
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Nate
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First Post- May 8, 2009
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rogonzab
1032 posts
Sep 04, 2017
1:38 PM
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https://www.soundonsound.com/techniques/capturing-perfect-harmonica-recordings#.VwvoNMc6eog.facebook
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Sorry for any misspell, english is not my first language.
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Dox
14 posts
Sep 04, 2017
3:27 PM
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From rogonzab topic, I think these are the "numbers" I'm looking for:
"Often I'll find myself riding the level up on the lower notes and drastically bringing it down on the higher ones. You can do that with the EQ as well, to a certain extent, beefing up the low end a little bit and making sure it doesn't get too harsh at the top end. Around that 2-4kHz area, especially, it can be a very edgy instrument, but sometimes you want that effect.”
Using a cupped harp mic tends to produce a honky peak a little lower, at around 1kHz, that you may want to look out for or even emphasise in a blues context. If you want to add definition and brightness or emphasise the breathy quality of the harmonica, try boosting in the 6-8kHz area, while a boost at 200-400Hz will add warmth and fullness. Not much happens below this point, and applying a high-pass filter at 150-200Hz can reduce mix clutter and cut out some handling noise."
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AppalachiaBlues
58 posts
Sep 05, 2017
12:41 AM
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No hard and fast rules, since there are a lot of variables in any set-up. In general terms, I try to boost the 200-500 Hz on the bottom, and gently reduce the treble in the 2k-5k Hz range. But again... lots of variables at play with each set-up and sound system. It also depends on the type of music, the sound you're after, and the key of harp being used (a G harp and an Eb harp would ideally call for a different EQ).
Last Edited by AppalachiaBlues on Sep 05, 2017 12:44 AM
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Dox
15 posts
Sep 05, 2017
1:37 AM
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Hi! Yes, we know there are a lot of variables in the game, but your answers are good as starting point! Thanks!
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AppalachiaBlues
59 posts
Sep 05, 2017
2:19 AM
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Also: remember that feedback is often concentrated in certain frequencies, so EQ can increase or decrease feedback, if that is an issue in your system.
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snowman
283 posts
Sep 05, 2017
8:09 AM
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Not sure about which freq. etc
but once I started using delay {lone wolf}, to fatten my sound , I feel naked w/out it- should help with recording--I use mostly 1 repeat bounceback
Also heavy cupping will thicken the sound, especially in lower freq -as stated earlier
Compression will help even out the sound level of all the freq
Don't know if this helped , hope so
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Dox
17 posts
Sep 05, 2017
9:34 AM
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Yes snowman, you're right. Techniques are crucial for a good sound, some pedals also help. But, my question was about specific ranges of frequencies, especially for recording equalization (also with eq pedal useful live). Any instrument has its "peculiar" frequencies: I'm a bass player, and the bass equalization works often around 20-40hz (especially at 40hz there is a "hot spot"), 350-500hz, (550-800 also) and around 4K (or around 8K, depending on instruments and music). Frequencies listed above, has hit my question.
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