An EQ is a device that manipulates the level of frequencies. It allows you to shape audio to remove unwanted frequencies and enhance favorable ones. EQ is most often used on every element of a mix. It's essential not too underestimate the importance of EQ, as the impact it has on a mix sets the great apart from the good.
My Other Lenses
- Producing, Mixing & Mastering Dance Music
- The master-lens for this sub-lens.
EQ Basics
There are four general objectives that engineers try to accomplish with EQ. When working on your mix, you may be trying to do one, several, or all of these.
- Increase the clarity of an element.
- Make the element sound bigger and fuller.
- Help the element fit into mix and sit well amongst the other elements.
- Remove unwanted problem frequencies, such as noise or low-end mic rumble.
EQ Parameters
EQs have three basic controls: frequency, boost/cut, and Q.
- Frequency allows you to select the center frequency point in Hz for the manipulation you are applying.
- Boost/cut determines amount of level change in the frequency in dB.
- Q sets width of the area affected (with lower values being wider and larger values being narrower).
- Most EQs will also have a bypass button, which allows you to perform comparisons between the original and affected signals easily. Any sequencer will have its own built-in EQs, but you may want to use VST EQs as they usually have more features, configurability and larger graphical displays.
Using EQ
Think of EQ like a carpenter's chisel. It is used to cut away unwanted frequencies such that piece you are EQing will fit cleanly into the structure (song) you are building. There is one golden rule to EQ: don't boost when you can achieve the same result by cutting. EQ is best used subtractively. This is because whenever boost is applied it introduces phase shifting and noise which colors the sound and makes it more difficult to fit into the mix. This is not to say that you should never boost, but rather that you should do so judiciously.When EQing a track, it's also important to reference. Referencing means listening to your composition on different systems to get a better picture of how it will sound for your listeners. I know producers who used to take CDs of their production work down to the electronics store and listen to it in all the stereos there, all the way from boomboxes to top-end audiophile systems. Perspective is key as all speakers sound different.
EQ Tips
The purpose of EQ is to increase clarity and to help elements fit into their own space in the mix. Many original recordings sound dull and lifeless to our ears, or do not accurately recreate the sound of the actual instrument. EQ can be used to fix problems with a recording such as line noise or low-end rumble. It is also used to add sizzle and excitement to an instrument. Here are some tips and tricks I've picked up from the pros.
- Use a small Q value (wide frequency range) for boosting and a large Q value (narrow frequency range) for cutting. Narrow boosts throw off the timbre of the instrument.
- Small adjustments of 1-2 dB often suffice and sound more natural. That being said, if more aggressive EQ achieves the sound you want then do it. Trust your ears.
- Boost a small amount at two different frequencies rather than a large amount at one.
- Avoid EQing with the element on solo! The goal of mixing is the get the element to sit right and sound good as part of the whole. Often, properly mixed elements will sound bad when monitored by themselves but this is fine.
- When making a frequency boost or cut, also check the frequency that is ½ and twice that of the one you changed. For example, if you are giving a snare drum a boost at 5 kHz, also check 2.5 kHz and 10 kHz for problems. I expect this ties in with Nyquist theory and aliasing, but I won't go into it here.
Frequency Scanning
When using EQ to affect an element, a technique called frequency scanning will help you to analyze the signal and decide what needs to be done. To do this you use the EQ like a magnifying glass to zero in on the key frequency.
- Set the Q value to a moderate level (1 or 2).
- Apply 8-10 dB of boost or cut (depending on what you are trying to achieve).
- Sweep up and down through the frequency spectrum to find the area that needs to be adjusted. The high amount of boost or cut will enhance your ability to identify frequencies where you will make changes.
-If you're trying to reduce a problem frequency, scan for the point that makes it the least noticeable.
-When attempting to enhance an element, scan for the frequency that makes it the most clear. - When you find your frequency, you may want to fine tune the Q value to achieve the best effect.
- Adjust the boost or cut to an appropriate level (usually less than 8-10 dB).
by Vespers
Vespers, A.K.A. Andrew Betts, has been a musician and performing artist since the age of 5. While most kids were doing finger paintings in pre-school...
(more)Explore related pages
Recording music at home (and getting good results).- With the arrival of the digital age, and the personal computer, home recording h...
Easy World, with Julia Rogers Hamrick- After a profound experience that resulted in sudden awakening of consciousness,...
Techno Music- You don't have to be a computer nerd to like Techno music. All those bleep...
Music and Dance Lessons for the Tango- This lens is here to provide you with a little information on the Tango, and a l...
We All Love Vintage Gear (New stuff is cool too !)- A place to share in the stories, images, and sounds of vintage gear and vinyl re...
Creamfields- Radio 1 Return To Creamfields in 2008 For 10th Anniversary Year We can ex...
