> Hi Hi John--
> There usually is an abundance of low frequency energy under 60 Hz in
> natural settings unless they are very remote. This probably helps
> offset the NT1-A's bass deficiency some. When my NT1-A's were paired
> with various MKH's in a surround array, the difference/deficiency in
> the 80-300Hz range would always be noticeable. Ocean surf, wind can
> and other sound sources might add amplitude in this range, but they
> would also interfere with spatial detail. When I've used NT1-A's to
> represent spaces, full spectrum, I often used quite a bit of HF
> attenuation to make the overall tonal balance less bright and found
> it fairly unresponsive to EQ boosts in the 80-300Hz range to increase
> warmth. I suppose a look at some of your EQ curves for patterns
> might provide clues as to how you've achieved the good results.
Hi Rob,
That's a good idea, I will start taking screen shots of settings and curve so I
can share them visually.
My approach is typically far less complex than yours: I don't typically eq
channels independently, and though I find narrow stabs to be effective
sometimes, I usually apply a flowing curve that highlights some of the most
interesting aspects, without too exaggerated of slope on the transitions,and
leave it at that. You have shared some great ideas for eq that I hope to
explore when I get necessary software and find time.
I allow for a lot of creative experimentation in my eq approach. Sometimes I
put a low spot around 1K to distance the composition from the realm of human
conversion. Sometimes I imagine fault block mountains with tilted slabs and
escarpments and each range at a height to allow view of the features beyond. Or
a similar effect with an image of the Pacific ocean with large, each break
releasing energy to a gentle lapping at the shore. Usually though I start by
leaving the body as wide and flat as possible and roll the high Hz enough to
ease the hiss into the range of natural possibilities. If i need to attenuate
low frequencies above 30Hz I sometimes follow that up with slightly exaggerated
berm above it to keep a sense of strong foundation. Once top and bottom are
established, I play around with the stuff between until I find the sound I am
after.
I cannot comment on unresponsiveness of the NT1A to eq boosts between 80-300Hz
as I have not had a chance to compared it with many other mics, though I will
definitely listen for that limitation.
John Hartog
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