Tips

EQ

Everything that produces a sound, does so at certain frequencies. In my opinion, the EQ is the most important tool in your audio production arsenal. It allows you to enhance the sounds you desire and it allows you to filter out those frequencies that may be clashing with other instruments frequencies; in other words it allows you to give each track its own sonic space by shaping the sounds. Although the Eq is a great tool the EQ will not improve tracks that are recorded too low and it cannot fix mistakes in the performance.


Most EQs have what is called a high pass and a low pass filter. The low pass filter reduces high frequencies and allows low frequencies to pass through, and high pass filter rolls off or reduces low frequencies while allowing high frequencies to pass. 


The parametric equalizer is the most popular and widely used audio equalizer. A Parametric EQ usually divides the frequency spectrum up into bands. Some EQs have just two bands, some EQs have as many as 4 to 32 bands. Usually, three or four bands will give you all the power you need. With a parametric EQ, you can select three parameters: the center frequency of the band, the amount of cut or boost, and the bandwidth or  “Q”. 


At first glance, the EQ can seem overwhelming however don't allow that to stop you from experimenting with it and eventually mastering this great tool. 


I normally use the Eq to filter out the frequencies that are not important to the sound I'm looking for. Just because you cant hear it, it doesn't mean that certain frequencies aren't clashing and therefore producing a "muddy" mix. I use a EQ on every instrument track to carve out the perfect sound for that instrument. EQ is used on everything. It can make thin sounds thicker, it can remove hiss at the high end, remove rumble at the low end and it can bring out the best of a specific instrument. Try this and see if it helps to clear up things for you. 


Also in my opinion, most instruments benefit most from a "cut" rather than a "boost." I know you hip hop producers like it when your bass drums "knock" however too much boost in the lower frequency levels of the EQ can make things more difficult later when trying to mix in vocals. Vocals are one of the most important part of any song or production. If a vocal doesn't sound good it can take away from the overall feel of the song. A little bit of EQ while mixing can take your vocal sound to a new level.

There are right ways and wrong ways to use an EQ. I believe that its wrong to use the EQ without creativity and imagination. Use this tool as often as you can and with as much knowledge and creativity you can add to it.

We would like to hear how you use Eq in your production.




Unkle Bowie
Executive Editor