OK, EQ. Stands for "equalization". Basically this is the part of the mixing process where you get in and adjust specific frequencies in your different tracks. There are a few different reasons why you EQ stuff:1. To make an instrument sound clearer and more defined.
2. To make the instrument/mix sound LARGER THAN LIFE
3. To make all the elements of a mix fit together better so that each instrument has
its own place in the frequency range.
So, before we can talk about how we can use EQ to make our tracks better, we have to review some fundamental sound stuff...
The human range of hearing is 20 Hz to 20 kHz.
The middle of this range is 1 kHz.
The middle of this range is 1 kHz.
OK, are you with me so far? 20Hz to 20 kHz. So, any sound made by an instrument takes up a certain range of frequencies. Different instruments have different frequency ranges. For example, an 808 kick drum is going to go down to a pretty low frequency, while Mariah Carey singing those really high notes is going to be at a much higher frequency range, right?
What you need to understand is this:
Even though different instruments do have different frequency ranges, most of them overlap somewhat.
Here is a chart that shows some instruments and their ranges (click on the picture to see a larger image):
For example, a violin, an MC's voice, and a snare drum may all contain a lot of the same frequencies. This is important to understand when you're mixing music because if you have a bunch of instruments all playing in the same general area of the frequency spectrum, it means that they are all competing for the listener's attention. So, what you want to do is give each one its own special spot in the mix. You do that by cutting certain frequencies and boosting others.
Cutting and boosting- that's the basic concept. Now let's talk about the tools you have to accomplish this. There are basically two types of EQ that you use in mixing:
1. Shelving EQ - This is simple. With a shelving EQ, you're just boosting or cutting everything above or below a specific frequency. This is a more general tool that lets you make adjustments to big sections of your sound. You will generally have one for dealing with the High Frequencies, and one for the Low Frequencies. Here's a chart:
2. Peaking (aka Parametric) EQ - This one let's you zero in on a very specific frequency range to cut/boost. This is a more precise tool for working with really detailed parts of the sound. Generally, you will have a couple of these that are meant to be used in the Low-Mid and Hi-Mid ranges. Here's a chart:
This is what the Digirack EQ plugin that comes with Pro Tools looks like:
Notice that there are five sets of EQs. The middle three sets are all Peaking EQs. The ones on the far left and far right can be EITHER Peaking or Shelving, depending on how you set them. They will normally be set to Shelving.
Really knowing how to EQ is an art form and, just like any other art, takes years of practice to really master. Here are some basic tips to get you started:
1. LESS IS MORE. Something that is recorded halfway decently should not need more than a little EQ adjustment. Anything more than +/- 6 dB is a pretty big adjustment.
2.
What you need to understand is this:
Even though different instruments do have different frequency ranges, most of them overlap somewhat.
Here is a chart that shows some instruments and their ranges (click on the picture to see a larger image):
For example, a violin, an MC's voice, and a snare drum may all contain a lot of the same frequencies. This is important to understand when you're mixing music because if you have a bunch of instruments all playing in the same general area of the frequency spectrum, it means that they are all competing for the listener's attention. So, what you want to do is give each one its own special spot in the mix. You do that by cutting certain frequencies and boosting others.Cutting and boosting- that's the basic concept. Now let's talk about the tools you have to accomplish this. There are basically two types of EQ that you use in mixing:
1. Shelving EQ - This is simple. With a shelving EQ, you're just boosting or cutting everything above or below a specific frequency. This is a more general tool that lets you make adjustments to big sections of your sound. You will generally have one for dealing with the High Frequencies, and one for the Low Frequencies. Here's a chart:
2. Peaking (aka Parametric) EQ - This one let's you zero in on a very specific frequency range to cut/boost. This is a more precise tool for working with really detailed parts of the sound. Generally, you will have a couple of these that are meant to be used in the Low-Mid and Hi-Mid ranges. Here's a chart:
This is what the Digirack EQ plugin that comes with Pro Tools looks like:
Notice that there are five sets of EQs. The middle three sets are all Peaking EQs. The ones on the far left and far right can be EITHER Peaking or Shelving, depending on how you set them. They will normally be set to Shelving.
Really knowing how to EQ is an art form and, just like any other art, takes years of practice to really master. Here are some basic tips to get you started:
1. LESS IS MORE. Something that is recorded halfway decently should not need more than a little EQ adjustment. Anything more than +/- 6 dB is a pretty big adjustment.
2.
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