CD-Rs: To EQ or not EQ...??

Just a quick question: When burning CDs using audio software, is it better to use one of the optional EQs or just do a "flat transfer," given the fact that the music is already EQd on the original disc??

Chris

 

I would go flat, unless you feel that it needs something.

 

Trouble with EQ is that you can make something good on one system. But on another system it could sound crappy.

If its something major, say way too bright, then after adjustment it might sound better on any system.

Season to taste, your mileage may vary, doesn't hurt to experiment, yada yada...

Of course keep the original handy if you change your mind later.

 

Often, especially with older music, I do feel it needs something and I don't hesitate to use it (judiciously, of course - don't overdo).

I have a few discs that are bass-shy, shrill or otherwise not to my liking and the EQ can help a lot. Especially useful when doing a compilation from several discs and you want to get a more consistent sound. But if I don't need it, I don't use it...

 

You answered your own question.

Do it flat. You can get into trouble really quickly if you start to tinker. It takes Steve a long time (and years and years of ear training) to properly EQ a song. Leave things alone. You'll only come to regret it later. Your tastes will change, your stereo will change and you'll have to do it all over again. If you leave it flat you have what was not only intended but a more natural representation of the music.

 

What audio software are you talking about? I wouldn't use any of the "on-the-fly" filters that some burning packages use.

 

I've used EQ on one of my own CD compilations, but for remedial purposes: the bass on one track was way too boomy and loud. In the car, the sub would overload! I whacked it by about -3dB and while it's still too loud, at least it's better. It's a recent recording, actually, the title track from Bebel Gilberto's "Tanto Tempo" CD. I don't know why some of these modern producers want the bass so damned loud! (I LIKE bass, but I have my limits too.)

 

This is a good thing to remember. I've EQ'd things, only to regret it later. I suggest keeping it pure unless you are really sure of what you are doing, and can hear it. OTOH, some things i've EQ'd and don't regret sprucing things up a bit. My work sounds great on everything I play ot on. And, I used software-based EQ. The wonderful thing is that with digital, you can do both.

Do this: make a flat copy, and an EQ'ed copy. Live with both for a while. See what makes you happiest over time.

 

Good advice.

I used a couple cuts off one of the Kinks' 1998 mono discs in a mix CD I made and even though I don't ever use EQ, I just felt I had to 'massage' them a bit. I had one of Steve's suggestions (for another series of discs altogether, but the sound was bad in about the same way) saved as a preset in CoolEdit and so I used it.. I'm not sure I'll ever be happy about having done that, although objectively it probably DOES sound better.

But that's just an (uncalled for) anecdote. The answer is no, I don't use EQ.