Hey guys, i'm currently doing the mixdown of a track, and was wondering if I have to cut all the frequencies below 25-30Hz on the whole master?

Thanks

Ive always read that you do not want to cut them on the master, but to do it on each individual track that has frequencies going into that range.

As for not hearing those frequencies, I know you can still feel certain frequencies. And correct me if im wrong as im no expert on the issue, but i thought that even though you cant hear those frequencies, you can still feel them.

Quote from: gd4223 on February 17, 2016, 08:06:24 pm

Ive always read that you do not want to cut them on the master, but to do it on each individual track that has frequencies going into that range.

As for not hearing those frequencies, I know you can still feel certain frequencies. And correct me if im wrong as im no expert on the issue, but i thought that even though you cant hear those frequencies, you can still feel them.

You can, but not that low. That low is just pure rumble.

I'll typically throw a 6db slope at 35hz. Nothing is down there.

Also I always heard that these frequencies could "hurt" speakers or it is a pure rumor ?

I don't think there is a "right or wrong" answer here, but personally I find myself using a 35-40dB HPF on some of the individual tracks, and then say a 30-35dB HPF on the master... but here's something to consider when doing this:

If you are going to use a HPF attenuating everything <35dB on each individual synth, remember that doing so will slightly boost frequencies around the band and could give an undesirable bass boost.

As for what professionals find to be the most effective method I really couldn't begin to speculate on, everyone has their personal preferences

Almost everything under 20hz is inaudible, so cutting it out of the track isn't too noticeable. If anything, it helps when compressing or limiting the track, if they don't have a HP roll-off.

As for the speaker damage rumour, it has some truth to it. If someone has produced a track without paying attention to the sub end (very common with new producers because you cannot hear it - out of sight/hearing, out of mind), and something's put a stupid amount of bass energy down there, like a loud kick-drum, it's going to smash the hell out of the subwoofer driver/amplifier, which CAN get damaged as a result. I vaguely remember reading that most big speakers/subwoofers have safety thresholds for damaging levels nowadays, however.

You don't "have" to do anything.However cutting those super low frequencies would be a good idea.The more you cut,the more room you have for the other frequencies.That's one of the reasons you should practice subtractive equalizing.I always have an eq on the master which cuts below 20Hz and everything above 18K Hz and around.Also,if you,for any reason,want to boost some frequencies on eq on the master output,for boosting you should always linear phase eqs.

Do you feel you lose the sizzle at the top cutting at 18k?
I've tried it before and I don't know how I feel.

Quote from: Xan on February 18, 2016, 01:58:00 pm

Quote from: ShawOfficial on February 18, 2016, 01:16:32 pm

You don't "have" to do anything.However cutting those super low frequencies would be a good idea.The more you cut,the more room you have for the other frequencies.That's one of the reasons you should practice subtractive equalizing.I always have an eq on the master which cuts below 20Hz and everything above 18K Hz and around.Also,if you,for any reason,want to boost some frequencies on eq on the master output,for boosting you should always linear phase eqs.

Do you feel you lose the sizzle at the top cutting at 18k?
I've tried it before and I don't know how I feel.

it's not sizzle, it's just the ultra ultra stuff that makes it hard as hell to listen to at loud volumes.

You adjust this by increasing the volume of the cymbal track.

It's like, trimming the fat, you get a more efficient means of controlling the overall aspect with in the mix because of it.

because you trimmed fat, you have more room to add in other flavors that will make the mix more bountiful in other elements you have.

This is a the way of subtractive philosophy.

I'll only add tiny bumps to specific frequencies that relate to the range i want that element to cover.

And the way i have my channels set up, i usually go from low end to hi end.

I get that, but 18k seems low. I'd maybe do a 6db slope at 20k.

Just keep in mind that a sharp cut creates a phase shift around the cutting frequency, so even though you can't hear much below 20Hz, the phase shift created by the EQ will definitely affect the overall balance in the low frequency range, so you need to be careful.  Using a linear phase EQ might help, but you need to watch out for transient smearing.  To summarize, I try to avoid sharp cuts or boosts on the master, and always get rid of unwanted frequencies on individual channels or busses.

Article by Ethan Winer regarding EQ and phase shifts and what your sound really experiences. Interesting read nonetheless

http://ethanwiner.com/EQPhase.html