Taming resonant sounds in the mix

[robussc]

I've been working hard to improve my mixing skills and things are improving, but one thing that I can't get a grip on are resonant sounds. They just cut through the mix like a laser beam. EQing doesn't seem to help much and I don't want to lose the edge the resonance gives to the sound, so what other options are there?

Thanks!

[PhillipOrdonez]

Can you share an example?

[Chizmata]

I've been working hard to improve my mixing skills and things are improving, but one thing that I can't get a grip on are resonant sounds. They just cut through the mix like a laser beam. EQing doesn't seem to help much and I don't want to lose the edge the resonance gives to the sound, so what other options are there?

Thanks!

its not easy, but single channel instead of sum EQ can help as well as just volume mixing.

[selig]

I've been working hard to improve my mixing skills and things are improving, but one thing that I can't get a grip on are resonant sounds. They just cut through the mix like a laser beam. EQing doesn't seem to help much and I don't want to lose the edge the resonance gives to the sound, so what other options are there?

Thanks!

What do you mean, an acoustic resonance or filter resonance?
Either way the thing they both have in common is they are basically sine waves, with all energy focused on a single frequency. If the frequency is super consistent (as with an microphone source), you can use a notch filter. But if it's a part of a synthesizer filter response that is sweeping, it's a moving target so you'll need dynamic/tracking solutions (or try a different filter type, they all resonate differently).

[robussc]

What do you mean, an acoustic resonance or filter resonance?

Sorry, synth filter resonance.

[robussc]

But if it's a part of a synthesizer filter response that is sweeping, it's a moving target so you'll need dynamic/tracking solutions (or try a different filter type, they all resonate differently).

Hmm - it's not sweeping fortunately. I was trying to use the SSL EQ but I guess that's not surgical enough. Not sure any standard Reason EQ is enough to do the job?

[robussc]

Can you share an example?

I'll see what I can do. Any recommendations on sharing platforms? Can this site host short bits of audio?

[Mataya]

Try different filter plugins. Maybe you'll find some with nicer resonance. I started using polyverse SuperModal. Love it.

Also I've been using BX refinement for years now. Works especially good on vocals and dialogue.

M

[dvdrtldg]

I know not everyone loves this plugin, but if you're in the mood to spend some money it might be worth checking out Oeksound Soothe 2

Free 20-day trial
https://oeksound.com/plugins/soothe2/

[robussc]

I know not everyone loves this plugin, but if you're in the mood to spend some money it might be worth checking out Oeksound Soothe 2

Free 20-day trial
https://oeksound.com/plugins/soothe2/

Thanks, that’s quite pricey though!

[dvdrtldg]

I know not everyone loves this plugin, but if you're in the mood to spend some money it might be worth checking out Oeksound Soothe 2

Free 20-day trial
https://oeksound.com/plugins/soothe2/

Thanks, that’s quite pricey though!

It is, for sure. YMMV but I've found it to be well worth it (and I picked it up during one of their reasonably frequent sales)

[BeReasonable]

TDR Nova and TDR slick eq both have an auto-learn function that scans your signal and detects resonant frequencies, and will set up eq points based on that. They have free and paid versions of both. Paid versions are quite affordable, especially when on sale.

[crimsonwarlock]

TDR Nova and TDR slick eq both have an auto-learn function that scans your signal and detects resonant frequencies, and will set up eq points based on that. They have free and paid versions of both. Paid versions are quite affordable, especially when on sale.

AFAIK that option is not available in the free versions.

[robussc]

Currently I’m using the MClass EQ as an insert on the offending channel to tamp it down further. It seems to be working so far.

[selig]

Resonance is excellent at getting a sound to cut through the mix. Adjusting the amount of resonance is how you control how much the sound cuts through the mix. If it’s too much, I’d simply start by reducing the resonance!
Synths are so good at controlling sound I find it best to start at the source when having a problem as you describe.
Try a different amount of resonance, different filter topologies, and FINALLY dynamic EQ or multi-band solution if you don’t have access to the original files.
An example would allow us to show you multiple solutions - there is almost always more than one solution to any problem in audio, and finding the best solution is part of the ‘fun’ of audio production IMO!

[DaveyG]

Currently I’m using the MClass EQ as an insert on the offending channel to tamp it down further. It seems to be working so far.

I've been trying not to bluntly say what selig has just said politely.
Turn down the resonance knob on the synth you nutter!
Accidental resonances in the mix can be tricky but here you have control of it at source.

When you work on a track for long enough it's really easy to end up overdoing some elements of the track, normally the elements that you really like - probably the ones that made you head in that direction with the track in the first place. I'm a sucker for big, room-shaking synth sounds - the sort that sound great solo but occupy most of the frequency spectrum. It normally takes me a break of two or three days before I can admit that I've overdone the synth again. (As an aside, these are the sort of sounds that manufacturers put in amongst the first few presets on a synth because it boosts sales!)

[BeReasonable]

TDR Nova and TDR slick eq both have an auto-learn function that scans your signal and detects resonant frequencies, and will set up eq points based on that. They have free and paid versions of both. Paid versions are quite affordable, especially when on sale.

AFAIK that option is not available in the free versions.

You're right. I was thinking number of bands was the big difference but that's one of the things only in the gentlemen's editions.

[robussc]

Resonance is excellent at getting a sound to cut through the mix. Adjusting the amount of resonance is how you control how much the sound cuts through the mix. If it’s too much, I’d simply start by reducing the resonance!
Synths are so good at controlling sound I find it best to start at the source when having a problem as you describe.
Try a different amount of resonance, different filter topologies, and FINALLY dynamic EQ or multi-band solution if you don’t have access to the original files.
An example would allow us to show you multiple solutions - there is almost always more than one solution to any problem in audio, and finding the best solution is part of the ‘fun’ of audio production IMO!

Good point. The sound in isolation is fine of course, but when included with everything else it’s too much. My blunt knife is helping, but you’re probably right that I should just go to the source.

[robussc]

Currently I’m using the MClass EQ as an insert on the offending channel to tamp it down further. It seems to be working so far.

I've been trying not to bluntly say what selig has just said politely.
Turn down the resonance knob on the synth you nutter!
Accidental resonances in the mix can be tricky but here you have control of it at source.

When you work on a track for long enough it's really easy to end up overdoing some elements of the track, normally the elements that you really like - probably the ones that made you head in that direction with the track in the first place. I'm a sucker for big, room-shaking synth sounds - the sort that sound great solo but occupy most of the frequency spectrum. It normally takes me a break of two or three days before I can admit that I've overdone the synth again. (As an aside, these are the sort of sounds that manufacturers put in amongst the first few presets on a synth because it boosts sales!)

Haha, yeah I hear you and Selig.