EQ, or equalization, is a fundamental process in music production that allows you to adjust the volume level of specific frequencies within a sound. By manipulating these frequency levels, you can sculpt sound to your heart’s intent.
This article will help you understand the basics of EQ and explore its various types and applications. I’ll also share some indispensable tips on using EQ in music production that can help improve your mixes.
Key Takeaways
- EQ is a crucial technique in audio production for adjusting frequency levels.
- Different types of EQs have their own characteristics, features, pros and cons.
- How you approach EQ is largely defined by your end goal.
Understanding Audio EQ
What Do All The Dials represent?
When working with EQ, you’ll encounter a few essential parameters. Let’s break down the basic function and importance of each of them:
- Frequency: This parameter lets us choose the center frequency we want to affect. By selecting a particular frequency, we can target a specific area of the sound spectrum to shape and improve.
- Gain: The gain parameter lets us adjust the amplitude of that frequency. Increasing the gain will boost the frequency level, while decreasing it will attenuate (reduce) it.
- Q: The Q parameter, often known as bandwidth or resonance, stands for “quality factor.” This controls the range of frequencies affected around the chosen center frequency. A narrow Q will affect a small frequency band, while a wide Q will affect a broader range. Adjusting the Q allows us to hone in on problematic areas or spread the desired tonal change across a larger section of the sound spectrum.
- Filter Type: Different EQs offer various ‘shapes’ of filters, which affect how the signal is processed through it. These can range from shallow curves to sharp cut-offs and should be chosen appropriately depending on what you intend to achieve. For a full breakdown, check out our post on audio filter types.
What Are The Different Types Of EQ?
There are many types of EQs that exist in music production. For the sake of brevity, we’ll discuss the 3 primary types to give you a clear understanding of their differences in application.
- Parametric EQ allows us to control three parameters: frequency, gain, and bandwidth (also known as Q). This type of EQ provides maximum control and precision, allowing us to find and adjust specific frequencies within the audio signal. We can use it for both subtractive and additive EQ techniques to shape the sound effectively.
- Graphic EQ divides the frequency spectrum into multiple bands, usually ranging from 10 to 31, that can be adjusted individually. Each band represents a specific frequency range, and we can see the adjustments made. Graphic EQs are commonly used in live sound applications or to correct room acoustics.
- Semi Parametric EQ is a simplified version of a parametric equalizer, offering control over frequency and gain, but not bandwidth. It’s often found in analog hardware and can be used for broad adjustments in a mix.
Bear in mind these are just 3 of the main ones. The list goes way deeper, and includes:
- Shelving EQ
- Linear Phase EQ
- Dynamic EQ
- Mid-Side EQ
- Baxandall EQ
Why Use EQ?
Mix Balance
When we’re working with different audio tracks, they may compete for the same frequency space, leading to a muddy mix. By adjusting the EQ on individual tracks, we can carve out space for each element, allowing them to coexist without clashing.
Tone Shaping
Another use is to enhance the tone and character of an instrument or voice. EQ can be used to emphasize or de-emphasize certain frequencies, helping to shape the sound in a way that complements the overall mix. By boosting or cutting specific frequencies, we can bring out the desired qualities of a musical element.
Cleaning Up Imperfections
In many cases, audio tracks may contain unwanted noise or resonances. By using EQ, we can filter out or minimize these problematic frequencies, resulting in a cleaner and more focused mix. This can be particularly useful when working with poorly recorded tracks or mitigating issues such as rumble or hiss.
Sound Design
EQ is often used for creating sound design effects. Applying extreme EQ settings or automating EQ parameters can add interesting and unexpected characteristics to a sound. This might involve drastically cutting frequencies to create an intentionally fragile, delicate texture. Conversely, we can use resonant boosts to make a bold, distinctive statement, like creating an immensely weighted dubstep snare sound.
Tips For Using EQ In Music Production
Start With A Quality Recording
There’s an adage in the audio world that you “can’t polish a turd“.
This statement reinforces that we should all start with the highest-quality samples and recordings possible. This way, we have a solid foundation to work from, often resulting in less EQ being needed to get the job done.
For example, if you struggle to get a kick drum to fit into your mix, despite applying EQ — you might be working with the wrong kick.
A good rule of thumb is that the less you do to a sound to get it to sit right, the better. This is because adding EQ after EQ, among other plugins, can impart phase shift onto your signal. If you’ve ever wondered why your final mix sounds a little ‘fuzzy’ or ‘blurry’ around the edges, phase might be your issue!
Cut Before You Boost
When applying EQ, it’s generally a good idea to cut specific frequencies before considering boosting others. This forces your brain to identify problem areas first, which can help you serve the song better.
Also, try cutting with a narrower Q (bandwidth) and boosting with a broader Q. This will help you preserve the integrity of the signal/sample, while minimizing the risk of adding further phase issues.
Use Your Ears, Not Just Your Eyes
Trust your ears when equalizing. Our ears can detect different frequency components in an audio signal, and by actively listening, you’ll be able to make better decisions when choosing which frequencies to cut or boost.
Many music producers use a physical EQ or DAW control surface for this reason, as it forces them to rely on their ears more than their eyes.
Reference Other Tracks
Sometimes it’s helpful to reference other similar tracks while working on your own music. This can help you identify specific tonal characteristics or trends in the genre and ensure your mix stays competitive in terms of frequency balance.
However, always bear in mind to choose the correct reference. There is little point in choosing a lo-fi house track as a reference for your latest death metal anthem.
Pay Attention To Your Room’s Acoustics
Room acoustics can have a significant impact on EQ decision-making. How sound waves interact with the walls, ceiling, and floor of a room can cause certain frequencies to be amplified or attenuated, resulting in an uneven frequency response. This means that what you hear in a room may not accurately represent the true frequency content of the sound source.
It’s also a good idea to use measurement tools, such as a frequency analyzer or room measurement software, to get a better understanding of how the room is affecting the sound. By considering the room acoustics, you can make more informed EQ decisions and achieve a better overall sound.
Experiment With Analog Modelling EQs
Some EQs, like Fabfilter Pro Q, are designed to be transparent and clinical.
However, others, like the Waves API-550 series, pride themselves on the color and warmth they can add to a signal.
Experiment with both, and apply different analog modeling EQs across various instruments to find your signature sound.
Helpful Resources On EQ
Gear Guides
Further EQ Tutorials & Guides
- EQ Before Vs. After Reverb?
- EQ Before Vs. After Compression?
- The Guitar EQ Cheat Sheet
- The Vocal EQ Cheat Sheet
- Mid-Side EQ Tips & Tricks
- Subtractive Vs. Additive EQ: When To Use Each
- Linear Phase EQ Vs. Minimum Phase EQ: When To Use Each
FAQs
How can I improve vocal clarity with EQ settings?
To improve vocal clarity, we recommend focusing on the midrange frequencies, as they usually hold the essential elements of vocal presence. Also, consider making small cuts or boosts in the range of 4 kHz to 6 kHz to enhance clarity, and don’t forget to remove the low-end rumble by applying a high-pass filter below 100 Hz.
When should I use linear phase EQ?
We advise using linear phase EQ when dealing with projects that require surgical precision without introducing phase issues, commonly found in parallel processing on buses or mastering situations. Keep in mind that it might introduce pre-ringing, so be careful not to overdo it.
Subtractive vs additive EQ: when should I use each?
When considering subtractive vs additive EQ, we suggest using subtractive EQ to remove problematic frequencies or resonances and create more “space” in the mix.
Additive EQ, on the other hand, is best for enhancing specific tonal characteristics, such as the presence in a vocal or the shine in a cymbal.
Remember that both approaches work best to achieve the desired result.
When should I use mid-side EQ?
Using mid-side EQ is an excellent technique when you need to control the stereo image and fix issues that are more pronounced on either the sides or the center of a mix. It can help you to create space and widen your mix and is particularly useful when working with stereo elements like drum overheads, guitars, or synthesizers.
My guitars always sound harsh. What can I do?
If your guitars sound harsh, we recommend using EQ to tame those abrasive frequencies. One approach is to find the harsh frequencies by sweeping a narrow boost in the upper spectrum (around 2 kHz to 8 kHz) until the most offending frequency stands out, then make a small cut in that area.
For a more specific approach, you might want to check out this guitar EQ cheat sheet to better understand which frequencies to target.
