Stay Level with this!

Hey folks, welcome back! Today, I’m showing you a simple but powerful trick to match volumes and EQ frequencies between different tracks or effects. It’s a very straightforward setup that can be useful in many situations, and I want to explain how it works.

Key Points:

• Problem with EQ and Volume

  • When you apply an EQ to a track, it often changes the volume, especially if you boost certain frequencies.

  • Normally, you would manually compensate for the volume change by adjusting the output gain, but this can be tedious.

• Solution with FX Grid Patch

  • Instead of using a device container like Chain to match the volume, I created a simple FX grid patch that normalizes the signal.

  • The patch uses a follower to extract the volume envelope from the track and then multiplies the incoming signal with the adjusted volume to maintain consistent output.

• How the Grid Patch Works

  • The follower analyzes the volume of the incoming audio signal and normalizes it to 0 dB.

  • Then, we use this normalized signal to match the volume after processing, like EQ or other effects.

  • This ensures the volume stays consistent even after applying drastic EQ changes (like a low cut).

• Applications for Other Tracks

  • You can also use this to match the volume of different tracks. For example, you can link the volume of the bass to follow the drums.

  • By using a sidechain input, you can make one track’s volume fluctuate based on another track’s level. This is great for making bass volume react to drum hits, creating a dynamic interaction between tracks.

• Auto EQ with Frequency Matching

  • You can also use this grid patch to create a rough EQ match between tracks.

  • For example, you can match the frequencies of one drum loop to another by using frequency splitting and applying EQ to different bands.

  • This technique can help you align the frequencies of two tracks, making them sound more cohesive.

• Creative Uses

  • You can use this setup creatively to modulate sounds, match volumes, or even create dynamic EQ effects.

  • It’s also great for effects chains, where you need to maintain volume consistency without constantly adjusting output levels.

• How to Use

  • I’ve included the downloadable preset in the description so you can easily set this up in your own projects.

  • It’s a simple and effective way to solve the issue of fluctuating volume after EQ processing.

Final Thoughts:

• This method is straightforward but highly effective for volume matching and EQ adjustments.

• You can use it for a wide range of scenarios, from mixing tracks to creatively modulating sounds.

• If you want to try it out, download the preset I’ve linked below, and let me know what you think in the comments!

Download: https://bit.ly/3DrxG6y