Do high pass filters ruin your mixes? Fixing Bad Music Production and Mixing Advice EP.2

Summary

In this informative video, the host addresses the common belief that highpass filters can 'destroy' music, especially the low end. Through insightful examples, they demonstrate that while aggressive highpass filtering can indeed alter the audio waveform and sound, gentle highpass filtering is a common and useful technique employed by audio engineers to remove unwanted low frequencies. The host emphasizes that the key is moderation, as with any audio effect, and that obsessing over minor phase shifts from reasonable filtering is counterproductive. The video aims to debunk this misconception and encourage a more balanced approach to using highpass filters judiciously as a tool for cleaner, louder mixes.

Takeaways

• 👂 Audio engineers have long recommended using gentle high-pass filters to achieve clearer, louder mixes by removing inaudible or unwanted low-frequency content.
• ⚠️ Some advice claims that high-pass filters completely destroy the phase of the low end, based on examples showing altered waveforms. However, this is an exaggeration.
• 🔍 Extreme examples of high-pass filters (e.g., very steep cutoff at audible frequencies) can cause noticeable changes in waveforms and sound, but reasonable settings have minimal impact.
• 🎚 Linear phase filters can minimize pre-ringing artifacts and phase shifts compared to regular filters, but may still cause slight changes.
• ✅ Using gentle high-pass filters judiciously to clean up tracks is generally fine and won't ruin the music, as long as no negative audible difference is introduced.
• ⚖️ It's important to maintain perspective and not obsess over minor technical details that don't pose real problems for the creative process.
• 📊 Tools like plug-in doctors and analyzers can be useful for troubleshooting, but shouldn't dictate creative decisions like EQ curves.
• 🎵 Anything done to music will have a bigger impact than gentle high-pass filters, so focus on the bigger picture and trust your ears.
• 🌱 Approach advice and claims about potential problems with skepticism, especially when they concern issues you weren't previously worried about.
• 🧠 Ultimately, use your judgment and prioritize what sounds good musically, rather than getting caught up in exaggerated technical concerns.

Q & A

What is the topic being discussed in the video script?

The script discusses the use of highpass filters in audio production, specifically addressing concerns about their potential to 'destroy' or negatively impact the phase and low-end of a music mix.

What is the traditional advice regarding the use of highpass filters?

The traditional advice is to use gentle highpass or low shelf filters, usually no higher than 20-30 Hz, on tracks with inaudible or unwanted low-frequency content to achieve a clearer, louder mix. This technique has been used by audio engineers for decades and is known to be effective.

What is the 'bad advice' that the script aims to address?

The 'bad advice' being discussed is the claim that using highpass filters completely destroys the phase of a mix, especially the low-end, based on examples showing altered waveforms.

How does the script demonstrate the potential issues with the 'bad advice'?

The script uses audio examples and waveform visualizations to show that while highpass filters do indeed cause phase shifts, the extent of these shifts depends on the filter settings and the audio material. Extreme settings on very low-frequency content will cause noticeable phase shifts, but more reasonable settings on typical audio will have a minimal impact.

What is the main argument made in the script regarding the use of highpass filters?

The main argument is that while highpass filters can potentially ruin music if abused or overdone, using them gently and judiciously to clean up unwanted low-frequency content is a common and effective practice that should not be avoided due to concerns about phase shifts.

What is the advice given regarding the use of plugin analysis tools like 'Plugin Doctor'?

The script cautions against using plugin analysis tools like 'Plugin Doctor' to inform creative decisions like EQ curves, as they can lead to an overemphasis on technical details at the expense of musical considerations.

What is the overall message or takeaway from the script?

The overall message is that while any audio processing can potentially have negative impacts if overdone, gentle and judicious use of highpass filters is a standard and effective technique that should not be avoided due to concerns about phase shifts or other technical details, unless there is a clear audible issue.

How does the script address the potential for misinformation or exaggerated concerns about audio techniques?

The script acknowledges that there are often videos, posts, or discussions that can create problems or concerns "out of thin air" about audio techniques that engineers were not previously worried about. The script aims to provide a balanced perspective and encourage focusing on audible results rather than getting bogged down in exaggerated technical concerns.

What is the significance of the listening test included in the script?

The listening test, where the viewer is asked to identify which audio sample has a highpass filter applied, is intended to demonstrate that when used reasonably, the audible impact of highpass filters may be minimal or even unnoticeable, contrary to the concerns raised by the 'bad advice'.

What is the overall tone or approach taken by the script?

The overall tone of the script is educational and balanced, aiming to provide a nuanced perspective on the use of highpass filters. It acknowledges potential technical concerns but emphasizes practical considerations and audible results over exaggerated technical details.