PUNEET SAMTANI
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EQUALIZATION!
To understand Equalization we need to understand frequencies.
T
he number of vibrations that are produced per second is
called frequency. Frequency varies for each sound and is
measured in hertz.
1 hertz = 1 vibration per second.
Humans have a listening frequency range between 20Hz to
20,000 hertz.
What is equalization and why do we need it ?
EQ is an abbreviation for the word EQUALIZATION.
An Equalizer allows us to just turn up or down individual
frequencies of individual elements or a particular sound.
This prevents us from raising/dropping the levels of an
instrument/track unnecessarily in a mix.
The highest frequency that a normal middle aged adult can
hear is only 12-14 kilohertz. Every instrument has a fundamental note.That fundamental
note determines the frequency spectrum of that instrument.
Besides that fundamental note, it also comprises of
overtones.
Before one can truly learn how to use EQ, we need to
understand the frequency spectrum. An overtone is a musical tone which is part of the harmonic
series above a fundamental note and heard with it.
Let's have a look at the frequency spectrum. By cutting/adjusting frequencies of a particular instrument
we can adjust the tone and change the timbre of that
particular instrument.
As we age our hearing worsens.
Frequency range classification
Frequency Range Frequency Values Sub-bass 20 to 60 Hz Bass 60 to 250 Hz When all the instruments/elements come together in a song,
they will be fighting together to sit properly in a mix. Some
frequencies will get added and and some lost. This is when
we look at approaches and types of Equalization.
Low midrange 250 to 500 Hz Approaches for Equalization.
Midrange 500 Hz to 2 kHz Upper midrange 2 to 4 kHz There are a couple of approaches one can use when you want
to EQ a track. One is for subtracting unwanted frequencies
and one is for enhancing them.
High’s (Presence) 4 to 6 kHz Air (Brilliance) 6 to 20 kHz
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Score Magazine
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Subtractive EQ - This is to smoothen out problems which
occur in the recording process. If certain frequencies that
are peaking out and need to be ironed out, you will cut/
subtract frequencies.