Additive EQ - This is when you want to add or lift up certain
frequencies in order to brighten them, make them beefy or
generally help frequencies stand out in a mix.
Important types of EQ
In this EQ, you can identify the frequency you want to treat,
isolate it and either boost it or reduce it.
A third value can be controlled which is the bandwidth or
referred to as ‘Q’ value.
1.Shelving EQ This controls the range of frequencies which we can boost or cut.
This type of EQ is used when you want to cut or a boost the
high end or the low end of frequencies without completely
cutting it off. A wider ‘Q’ will affect a larger range of frequency and a
narrower smaller ‘Q’ value will affect a smaller range of
frequencies.
Shelving Eq’s basically affect all the frequencies generally
above or below a certain point. 4.Graphic EQ
Often you will use a low shelving EQ on a bass guitar to cut
muddiness in a mix. (Refer below)
On a vocal track generally one would add brightness by
applying this type of EQ. (Refer below)
They comprise of a lot of faders which represent the frequency
spectrum from 20hz all the way upto 20khz.
There are different sliders assigned to particular frequencies.
You can use them to either boost or cut frequencies.
2. High Pass and Low Pass EQ
Like their name suggests, the High Pass Eq will pass all high
frequencies and cut the low frequencies and Low Pass Eq will
pass low frequencies and cut the high frequencies.
They do what the Shelving Eq’s do, the difference is that they
only cut frequencies and not boost them.
This type of EQ is generally found on all live consoles for quick
implementation.
3.Parametric EQ
The Graphic EQ is generally connected to the mixer outputs to
control the tone of sound, or correct feedback problems.
10 Tips while applying ‘EQ’
1. Subtract rather than add.
2. Use your ears rather than your eyes.
3. Sweep through frequencies and identify the ones which
need to be cut or boosted. While doing so use a narrow ‘Q’
for accuracy.
4. Bass roll off things which are not going to contribute
to that frequency spectrum.
5. If you have to treat it a lot, there is something wrong
with the recording. Try record it again if you can.
6. Do not boost the high frequencies unnecessarily and
make your mix sound harsh.
7. The individual elements in a song matter, but keep the
entire song in perspective while applying EQ.
In a parametric EQ, you will have the ability to very
specifically alter a number of different parameters.
This form of EQ is normally the one we would end up using
the most.
8. Keep comparing your EQ application with your raw
sound or even another EQ for that matter. Do an A/B
compare.
9. The instruments should not sound alien. Keep it as
natural as possible.
10. Listen in Mono too when you are on the stage of
finalising and touch up the EQ a bit if needed.
The
Score Magazine
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