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EQ, or equalization, is a fundamental tool in audio production that allows you to adjust the frequencies in your sound. While it may seem simple at first glance, mastering EQ is a challenging task that requires practice and expertise.
- What Is EQ?
- Getting Started with EQ
- EQ Types
- A Quick Guide to The Frequency Spectrum
You’re probably already familiar with the basic principle of equalisation, as the music playback app on your phone will feature a simple graphic EQ, for tailoring the sound to your liking. EQ in music production serves essentially the same role – sculpting the frequency content to make stuff sound ‘better’ – but rather than the whole track, it’s ap...
Loosely speaking, an EQ plugin can be thought of as sort of like a collection of volume controls, each one governing the level of a particular fixed or adjustable frequency range. Set the centre, corner or cutoff frequency you want to adjust for a given band, then raise or lower the gain control to cut or boost the volume of that frequency and a ra...
There are numerous types of EQ to consider, differing in terms of precision, sound and workflow; and many EQ plugins bring multiple types together, the combination of several parametric bands with high and low shelving bands, and high and low-pass filters being particularly common. Here’s a run-down of the main types of EQ you can expect to come ac...
Although any EQ processing will inevitably be highly dependent on the nature of the source material, there are some general rules to follow when it comes to cutting and boosting certain ‘standard’ frequency ranges.
- Graphic EQ. A graphic EQ works by separating individual frequencies into banks of sliders which you can add or remove as needed. The more frequencies contained on a graphic EQ the more accurate the controls are.
- Parametric EQ. A Parametric EQ is the most common type of EQ you will come across when mixing in the box. Your DAW will usually come with an EQ plugin as standard and may also utilize an analyzer which displays the frequencies present in the track.
- Shelving EQ. A shelving EQ is actually quite similar to a HPF/LPF. The term ‘shelf’ comes from the way in which the EQ parameters look. Whereas a HPF/LPF will have a steep curve, with a sudden drop off in frequencies, a shelving EQ will have a wide Q and a smooth curve which slopes to form a shelf-like shape.
- Linear Phase EQ. A Linear Phase EQ works very similarly to your Parametric EQ. When adding or removing frequencies in your Parametric EQ plugins a ‘smearing’ effect is created, where any frequency you are altering comes slightly out of phase with the rest of the frequencies in the signal.
Jun 14, 2023 · While both PEQs and GEQs are types of equalizers used to adjust the balance of different frequencies, they have some key differences. A GEQ provides a set number of fixed frequency bands (usually between 10 and 31), each with a slider for adjusting the gain.
- Dan Nagle
- A Parametric EQ, or PEQ, is a type of equalizer that allows for precise control over the 'parameters' of the EQ curve. These parameters typically i...
- The choice between a PEQ and GEQ depends largely on the specific needs of the mix. A GEQ might be easier to use for broad tonal shaping or when you...
- Yes, you can use both a PEQ and a GEQ on the same channel, and it's actually quite common in both live and studio settings. The PEQ might be used f...
- The most important thing to remember when using a PEQ is to trust your ears. While understanding the theory behind EQ and the tools at your disposa...
Sep 28, 2023 · EQ, short for equalization, is an incredibly useful audio tool that allows a listener, or sound engineer, to make adjustments to audio by amplifying and/or attenuating various frequency ranges.
Jul 10, 2023 · Discover how graphic EQs, parametric EQs, shelving EQs, high-pass and low-pass filters, dynamic EQs, and linear phase EQs can help you shape and control the frequency content of your audio signals. Enhance your audio experience and unleash your creativity with informed equalization techniques.
People also ask
What is EQ & how does it work?
What is a parametric equalizer?
Do you need a dynamic equalizer?
What is a graphic EQ & a parametric EQ?
Mar 1, 2023 · Understanding the different types of equalizers is crucial for any audio engineer, as the equalizer is arguably the most important signal processor in their arsenal. This article will break down everything you need to know about filters, graphic EQs, parametric EQs, linear- phase EQs, and dynamic EQs, including their respective roles and ...
