This is the #1 thing that I use a spectrum analyzer for. Revealing problems on individual channels and instruments Keep this in mind while you are working! Now, let’s look at four different use cases of spectrum analysis in music production, mixing and mastering.ġ. In this type of situation, you’re better of setting the slope at zero. A sloped setting will skew the visuals and make it hard to judge. Maybe you want to know how even the different notes are in your sub-bass track.
These settings usually work well for judging things in full range – complete songs, for instance.īut let’s say you’re looking at a specific range. A slope setting of -4.5 dB is also quite common. Depending on how the slope setting is set, the display of the analyzer can look quite different.Ī slope setting of -3 dB per octave matches pink noise and aims to represents sound the way our hearing works. It defines how steeply the analysis curve falls per octave. The slope (also sometimes called Tilt) is a setting that can be found in most spectrum analyzers.
The slope settingīefore you start working with an audio spectrum analyzer, you should familiarize yourself with the concept of slope. There are several situations where spectrum analysis can be extremely helpful.
Now that the important basic premise is established, we can go deeper into the why, when and how to use audio spectrum analysis. Using a spectrum analyzer in music production, mixing and mastering After all, all your audience has is what they hear (and how that makes them feel). Make visual feedback work for you and not against you.
Plus we have a natural bias for shiny new things.
Especially if you’re only starting out in music production! It sure used to confuse me. Spectrum analysis can be a confusing topic.