Tuning Monitors

[mightypudge]

I was hoping to get some advice. I am considering the purchase of a dual channel EQ (like the ART 341) for the sole purpose of tuning my monitors to get a better mix. It seems all of my mixes are overrun with lower frequencies and also lack depth. I believe that when I am mixing I am boosting the wrong EQ frequencies to overcompensate for my flat response monitors. Then in a real world setting I am disappointed by what I hear.

Here is my setup in a nutshell:

G4 400MHz
Digital Performer 3.0
2408 mkII I/O
MOTU PCI-324 Sound Card
Carvin HT150 Power Amp
Event 20/20 Monitors

What I planned on doing was setting up my G4 so that the internal audio comes though my monitors, and popping in a CD with material similar to what I am mixing. Then adjusting the EQ until what I hear is similar to a normal hifi stereo setup.

Does anyone have any other tips or suggestions for tuning monitors?

[recordingpro]

Andrew,
Hey man, how ya doing? I must say that I warn that oft times more damage may be done than good.
- maybe its not your speakers, maybe its your room. And correcting it with an eq seems logical, but many eq's (even some higher end ones) are going to introduce phase anomilies (sp?) into the signal. Its just a thought, but you may want to try one (or more) of a couple things... (1) moving your speakers around....moving them even an inch or two may have a dramatic impact in the frequency response (2) Soundtreatment...you may want to evaluate what your room is doing to your sound, and take some simple measures to improve your situation. Of course, if you have an extra set of speakers or some headphones around, use them as a second referance.... get a couple differant perspectives on your sound.

Of course, with proper care and attention, and with a good eq, this is a totally feasible and often used practice...just keep in mind though that in an ideal world, this would be a last resort, and done with careful attention.

As a side note, problems with the Bass is the number one complaint with most novice engineers, new studios, and home setups. #2 and #3 seem to be Lower volume vs commercial material, and lack of depth or spaciousness in the mix. Give me a call (you know the number) and we can talk about some specific mixing tips also if you'd like.

Take care

[mightypudge]

Thanks for the great advice, both here on the forum and earlier today on the phone. I guess when you see something done many times in home studios, that doesn't mean it's the best solution. I'm going to try my other solution this weekend and let you know how that works.

It seems you and I are due for a lengthy conversation about what I'm doing wrong in this studio. Perhaos I should take a class or contract you to pay me a one-week visit to Philadelphia. What do you say? Good cheesesteaks out here!

[recordingpro]

mmmmm.... cheesesteaks. no problem for the help, I hope it works. Again, for the benefit of people reading this forum, I am not suggesting that you should NEVER use an eq to tune your room, but I do want to empasize that you should weigh all the options first, and then if needed, do put some careful thought and consideration into which eq you purchase.

[tygerrose]

If you can get your hands on a RTA ( real time analyzer) try testing the room through your speakers looking for problem frequencys. Take your speakers outside and check their response again. Are the problems in the speaker response or in the room? If it's in the room, a good acoustics book can give you things to change for specific frequencys. Hanging heavy drapes or moving blankets is a good start. Non parallel floor/ceiling and walls is another.
Just knowing the problem frequencys is helpful. You can mentally compensate for their response. Also, check your mix in good headphones that you are familiar with and have a flat response.

P.S. I'm origionally from Philly- the BEST CHEESESTEAKS BY GOD!!!

[alphajerk]

well if you arent than i am suggesting that you NEVER EQ SPEAKERS to match the room for a flat frequency response. christ, especially with something as crappy as an ART EQ. MAYBE a weiss or something but even then its ALWAYS better to treat the room.

once you analyze the room you can methodically go after the buildups and holes in the frequency spectrum by acoustically treating the room. EQ only induces phase issues in your monitors and ultimately your mix that you will falsely compensate for. treating the room does not do that, the room creates the phase issues but alievating yourself via treatment doesnt ADD issues like EQ does.

[mightypudge]

Thanks for all the responses (and the impromptu review of the "crappy" ART eq - gee, tell me how you REALLY feel about it). But treating the room is not an option, and I probably should have mentioned that in my original post.

[alphajerk]

i dont know why you feel i should lie about ART [isnt JUST their EQ dood... its ALL their stuff]

why CANT you treat the room? there are numerous way to NOT make it permanant from hanging drapes to trash can bass traps...

[mightypudge]

OK, terrific.