Tweaking Solo Piano ???

[DigitalMusicProduction]

Hi

With solo piano is there an assumed certain frequency range that classical recordings can be tweaked to enhance for more body and clarity. This is not in correlation with previous posts concerning EQ presents which has already been answered, but rather about finely tweaking an area in the EQ spectrum that would make the piano sound better. Is there a common area for this? Maybe low mids for example.

[Eddy Deegan]

There isn't a simple answer to this. Different pianos have different tones, different piano libraries are sampled using different equipment in different environments and different piano pieces and styles may sound better with different processing than others.

You said this wasn't a question related to the previous questions but despite my (deliberately) repeated use of the word 'different' in the previous paragraph the answer will be much the same as those you've had before. Find a reference recording in a similar style and/or sound to that which you'd like to be comparable to and adjust your particular recording using that as a guide.

Even then, the best result is the one that sounds best and that cannot be distilled down to something as crude as a frequency range to EQ.

A few times in answer to your questions people have asked for some sample material but as far as I know you've not shared any yet. If you cannot share any then I fear that there is little more we can add to what we've already said.

If you share some sample recordings you'll get a lot more useful input!

[RichardT]

Hi

With solo piano is there an assumed certain frequency range that classical recordings can be tweaked to enhance for more body and clarity. This is not in correlation with previous posts concerning EQ presents which has already been answered, but rather about finely tweaking an area in the EQ spectrum that would make the piano sound better. Is there a common area for this? Maybe low mids for example.

No, you often ask for advice on things for which advice can’t be given! You have to trust your own judgment on this and do what sounds right to you. There are no general rules, you have to judge each piece individually to see what processing, if any, it needs.

[James Perrett]

As others have said, we really can't help you if you won't let us hear an example. A 30 second excerpt would probably be a start if you are worried about giving too much away.

[Martin Walker]

And on both Soundcloud and YouTube you can make recordings 'private' so that the general public won't see or hear them - just give us the private link here.

Martin

[DigitalMusicProduction]

And on both Soundcloud and YouTube you can make recordings 'private' so that the general public won't see or hear them - just give us the private link here.


Martin

Indeed, will be uploading the excerpt's and reference track with the link shortly.
what file type is preferred, mp3 or wav.

[RichardT]

Wav would be better!

[DigitalMusicProduction]

Sorry for the delay, still working on the tracks, excerpts coming shortly.

[DigitalMusicProduction]

Whilst on the topic of EQ I'm now experimenting with Logics Channel EQ plugin, NOT the presets but the band 6 parametric filter, I'm finding sweeping around this area at 2620Hz +4.2dB is providing a bit more clarity for the piano tracks. Am I therefore good to make subtle adjustments in this area in post production without effecting the overall EQ band.

I know this stuff, "physics" is not easy to teach in a forum post, but just one year in to music production.

[Hugh Robjohns]

EQ is entirely objective. If it sounds better to you, go with it.

[DigitalMusicProduction]

EQ is entirely objective. If it sounds better to you, go with it.

It most certainly does, applying that small tweak has provided more clarity in the upper register of the piano enabling it to breath more. Originally i think the causation of this was at the recording stage when trying to input a finely balanced and controlled recording so as to compensate for any harsh velocitys and overall to control the dynamics, somthing I'm now learning about..

[Hugh Robjohns]

There's a lot to be said for finding a nice piano in a nice room, and just recording it well.... You'd be on your tenth album by now....

[DigitalMusicProduction]

Thanks Hugh.

[MOF]

EQ is entirely objective. If it sounds better to you, go with it.

I think you mean ‘subjective’ otherwise the OP’s original question would have had a definitive answer.

[Hugh Robjohns]

You're quite rght! I blame a combination of income.petence and smell.chequers

[MOF]

You're quite rght! I blame a combination of income.petence and smell.chequers

Good to know, for a minute there I thought I’d missed something and you really did mean objective.