EQ before Auto-Tune
It is generally recommended to EQ your vocals before using Auto-Tune. This is because EQ can help to remove any harsh frequencies or boost the frequencies that you want to stand out. This can help the Auto-Tune plugin to work more effectively, as it will only be reacting to the frequencies that you have already shaped.
For example, if you are using Auto-Tune on a vocal track, you may want to EQ out some of the low frequencies before using it. This is because Auto-Tune can sometimes have difficulty tracking low frequencies accurately. EQing out the low frequencies can help the Auto-Tune plugin to track the vocal track more accurately and produce a more natural-sounding result.
EQ after Auto-Tune
However, there are some cases where you may want to EQ your vocals after using Auto-Tune. For example, if you are using Auto-Tune to correct a lot of pitch issues, you may want to EQ out some of the high frequencies after using it. This is because Auto-Tune can sometimes introduce harshness into the high frequencies. EQing out the high frequencies after using Auto-Tune can help to reduce this harshness and produce a more polished-sounding result.
Ultimately, the best way to decide whether to EQ your vocals before or after using Auto-Tune is to experiment and see what sounds best to you. There is no right or wrong answer, and the best order will vary depending on the specific vocal track you are working with and the sound you are trying to achieve.
Here are some additional tips for EQing and using Auto-Tune:
- Use EQ sparingly. A little bit of EQ can go a long way. It’s better to use small, targeted EQ boosts and cuts than to make drastic changes.
- Use Auto-Tune sparingly. Auto-Tune can be a very powerful tool, but it’s important to use it sparingly. Too much Auto-Tune can make your vocals sound robotic and unnatural.
- Listen to your vocals in different contexts. It’s important to listen to your vocals in different contexts, such as on headphones, in the car, and on different speakers. This will help you to ensure that your vocals sound good in all situations.
With practice, you will learn how to use EQ and Auto-Tune to achieve the sound you are looking for.
