What’s That? Equalisation Pt.1
Equalisation is the bread and butter of mixing. It is one of the most important tools in the arsenal but is often overlooked since .. well .. it’s such a beginner’s tool, right? However in this post I would like to discuss the different types of EQ and go into more depth about how they can be used.
I’m new to this… what actually is an EQ?
Equalisation is a tool we use to boost and cut the volume of specific frequencies making up a sound. For example, we all know somebody who turns the bass up to max using their car stereo system . We can do that to audio sources within a mix too, although that will most likely make everything very muddy!
Parametric EQ
Arguably the most important tool in the box, parametric EQs allow you to not only adjust gain at different frequencies, but also the Q and the type of EQ ajustment. Wait Jem - what do these even mean? Lemme try to explain below.
Frequency - The center frequency in Hz (or kHz) that you would like to alter. 20Hz is super low bass rumble, whilst 20,000 Hz (20 kHz) is at the high pitched end of human hearing.
Q - The bandwidth of an EQ curve affecting your center chosen frequency. For example, a narrow Q may only affect the chosen frequency. A wide Q will affect the chosen frequency the most, but the change to the applied gain with gradually lessen the further away it gets from the center frequency, like a wide slope on a graph.
Gain - The relative volume in dBs you would like to boost or cut at a given frequency
Type - Some parametric EQs (mainly digital ones) allow you to change the type of EQ curve applied. For example, a high pass filter will only allow frequencies above the chosen center frequency to pass, whilst a bell curve would make a notch that will equally affect the frequencies on both sides.
Note that some EQs (many analogue EQs) are only semi-parametric, so they feature less control than shown here. In many of these EQs, the Q is fixed.
Here’s a great video explaining how to use one of my favourite parametric EQs of all time, the FabFilter Pro Q 3.
Using a parametric EQ effectively and making good EQ decisions will clear up a mix and make it sound very professional and balanced. It really is one of the most important tools in the arsenal!
Graphic EQ
Graphic EQs generally consist of many fixed frequency bands on sliders. Graphic EQs generally require less tinkering as the only controls are either cut or boost with the gain sliders.
This can be great when using just the ears to quickly guide you to a sound you like. In addition to this, one may easier identify the fundamental frequency and upper harmonics of a sound with the graphic equaliser as these are quick and easy to use.
Due to their simplicity, graphic equalisers are very popular in the live sound industry in addition to being a popular method of equalisation in guitar pedals. For “surgical” equalisation, it is better to use parametric EQ. Graphic EQs generally work best while using gentle and broad strokes to add character to the audio.
Here’s a video showcasing one of my favourite graphic equalisers, the Waves API 560.
That’s a wrap for today, these two types of EQ covers the very basics for beginners.
Unfortunately this barely covers the surface for the real potential of EQs… part 2 will be coming soon!
