First statement: Im am a mixing engineer, not a mastering dito. My problem is this: lately i have been doing alot of hardrock/metal mixes and the guitars sounds are making me want to change profession.. I have my lunchbox with an 550L to battle the build up in the lowmid/bass area, and i lowcut the subsonics relly hard, but they still jump out and bite me.... i have tried to avoid multiband compression on the guitars, but now might be the time..i have even tried the BSS 902 dynamic eq, but im still not convinced.. any suggestions on metal guitars tuned down? Fundamentals about 79Hz..
Going sideways -- Most of the metal guitar dudes I've ever recorded didn't know a good tone if one came up and bit them on the danglies. Always with that (And Justice for All) "Whoom whoom whoom" on every low note and palm mute. Rolling off everything below 600Hz by 3 or 4dB...
But the big problem was their tone and their cabinets... Fighting the "whoom-whooms" is a losing battle unless it's tackled at the source.
Thanx Mr Scrip! If i tackle it from this side then. I usually mic the obligatory Marshall with 2pcs of Sm 57, one on axis and the other about 30 degrees pointing at the cone, i check and align the phase (with input delay, not polarity) Then i print with a 60Hz lowcut.(12dB/oct) In mix i find my self applying a lowshelf from 400Hz -5dB, and another lowcut at 75Hz, but the 100-300 will not "sink in" if you know what i mean...do you have any real world example of how you have resolved this situation..?
I say check the tone dialed & then mic placement. Low-cut is very normal for guitars, other than that not a lot of EQ should be necessary. Back down the power amp gain, stand in front of the cabinet & dial the tone, then step away & boost power amp again & you should be fine.
I see your point nbarts, and that is one of the ways i would go about it if i where doing a private recording session with my band. But "The Metal demon guitarists" would never allow you to "help" them with their sound. Mix projects is the same deal, its already printed to tape, now lets fix it..
What i asked for was suggestions of creative and selective band compression, and maby tips on helpful "thingys" plugs etc etc
if the bands expectations are high, and they're paying me enough, i usually just re-record the part, or hire someone else to redo it. They'll be really proud of themselves, i promise.
