Stay Level with this! (Patreon)

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