Trouble understanding how to make corrections

Otakar Sroubek

Updated November 11, 2019 08:36

November 10, 2018 16:18

I'm new to Reference 4. Was hoping for some guidance with regards to how to use the waveform information to help mix a song. The waveforms generated by speaker calibration for my studio speakers or the waveforms for my headphones shows of course the before and after frequency response curves, but how do I use this information? For example, if the before shows peaks at 100 Hz then dips at various other frequencies Reference 4 will create the exact opposite waveforms to flatten out the curve. Do I compensate in these same areas with EQ in my DAW? Or, are the adjustments made during mixing with regards to EQ all based on how it sounds through the speakers or headphones and ignoring the waveforms? It seems that if the speakers or headphones are emphasizing or cutting certain frequencies, am I supposed to add or cut back at those same frequencies? I cannot find any tutorials with regards to actually using the plugin during the mixing process and how to make EQ decisions based on what the waveforms show, or is it all based on using my ears to make adjustments. Thanks

Official comment

Kārlis Stenders November 12, 2018 07:38 (Edited November 12, 2018 07:39)

Hi Otakar,

No need to compensate for anything manually. With correction enabled, the software is already calibrating the entire freq. spectrum for you automatically and at this point you can work away and adjust the mix to your liking, having the trust that what your're hearing is accurate. You can think of Reference as a lie detector - with correction on you'll be able to hear what your mix actually sounds like!

So the calibration will enable to make the right mixing decisions right from the start. Just remember to bypass the plugin for bouncing - the correction is for your speakers and headphones only - you don't want to imprint the correction EQ curve on your mix.

Thanks!

Rick Rumfelt November 08, 2019 17:53

I just did the calibration of my main monitor speakers today, and now I'm wondering something similar. To explain more precisely, I've been working on a project that's been sounding great in my well treated room - and I decided that I was overdue for calibration software to finalize the rooms needs. Well this current project sounds just as good now with the plugin engaged as it did before calibrating my speakers with Reference 4, but not very good now with it turned off. So that got me wondering - is the whole point of using your system, to make the mix sound as close to the ENGAGED plugin (using EQ and A/B technique) with the plugin turned OFF? I'm asking because no one seems to be saying those specific words. Only "be sure to turn off the plugin before rendering or exporting your mix" (or something similar - I didn't copy and paste the exact quotes). No one's following through with exact instructions (even within Sonarworks manual) on how to use this great product to finish a final mixdown! And I've Googled 'till my fingers are bleeding (just kidding).

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