User`s guide
WWhhyy sshhoouulldd II uussee aa ppaarraammeettrriicc EEQQ iinnsstteeaadd ooff aa ggrraapphhiicc EEQQ??
Every EQ has its place. As a general rule of thumb, parametric
EQs are used for individual instruments (or tracks) and graphic
EQs are used for mixed material and for playback systems.
Parametric EQs give you more control over a signal -- they can
provide subtle or drastic results because they can be tuned to
specific frequencies. Parametric EQs allow you to boost or cut
narrow frequency bands to make individual instruments “sit” bet-
ter with other instruments when combined in a mix. This is usual-
ly accomplished with one or two bands. Graphic EQs are used
more for the shaping of material. They are nearly always used in
PA systems because they can adjust the speaker system to fit the
needs of a room while still sounding natural. Their application is
“broader” than that of a parametric.
WWhhaatt iiss tthhee bbeesstt wwaayy ttoo uussee EEQQ??
There are two schools of thought on EQ: 1) Use as much as you
need to make things sound good. 2) Don’t use any EQ. Most
people follow the suggestion of “if it sounds good, it is good.”
You need to use your ears and judge for yourself as their are no
steadfast rules for EQ’ing. Here are a few pointers to guide you.
Always tweak the instrument you are EQ’ing while listening to it
in the mix. EQ’ing an instrument when it is soloed doesn’t give
you a good representation of how it will sound when mixed with
other instruments. You’d be surprised at how
bad
a killer guitar
track can sound when it is isolated from the rest of the mix.
Remember, what makes it killer is how it sounds in relation to
the other instruments! Keep the big picture in mind.
Most people think of EQ as boosting only (“we’ll just add a little
EQ...”). Many times a “bad” sounding instrument can be fixed
by simply isolating the bad frequency and pulling it out. After
you determine approximately where the “problem area” is in the
instrument (highs, lows, mids), isolate the track and boost one of
5