10 basic tips for modern EQ technology

Objective:

Whether it is the pursuit of retro analog tones or high-precision transparent sound quality, modern computer music production of the middle of the new EQ plug-in with its super-frequency shaping and personalized features for the tone of the touch-up and remodeling provides unlimited possibilities.

Although EQ is not the most complex of audio engineering tools, the use of errors does have a big impact on sound. So, follow the 10 tips below to learn how to use modern equalization techniques correctly or skillfully.

1. Automatic monitoring

Many modern EQ plugins have automatic listening (Auto-listen) or solo mode, which allows you to listen carefully to the sound of a particular band. Let's say Brainworx bx_digital V2, FabFilter pro-q 2, and izotope Ozone 6 Equalizer plug-ins have this feature.

If your EQ plugin does not have the ability to automatically listen to solo frequencies, you can use the traditional sweep method, which is to set a narrower Q value (the larger the value is narrower) and increase the frequency, which can also achieve the effect of a solo band.

The purpose of the listening band is to find the frequency bands that are rising in loudness, helping you to trim the frequency bands that are prone to problems in the sound by fading or lifting.

2. Zoom function

Note the gain value on the vertical line of the parametric equalization (parametric EQ), if it is too wide, then you need to reconsider the attenuation or raise the gain values of some bands.

In the context of the plug-in conditions allowed, the balance is done fine-especially in the production process of the mastering. When it comes to fine tuning and control, some plug-ins offer a level-scaling feature that achieves a good frequency resolution rate.

3. Comparison of "fairness"

When the sound signal is balanced, the corresponding electrical frequency value will also be changed. The level matching (level-matching) function or the toggle comparison technique (A/b comparison) can help you "just" compare pre-balanced and balanced sounds to make the right judgments.

Step one: The output gain parameters can be observed on most EQ plugins, and the boost EQ will result in larger outputs, while attenuation will make the output smaller. Therefore, in order to exclude the influence of the level size on the sound, to accurately identify and judge the equilibrium effect, we need to adjust the level after lifting or attenuation.

Step two: Some modern EQ tools, such as izotope Ozone 6 equalizer module, 112dB Redline equalizer, FabFilter pro-q 2 have automatic gain compensation function (auto gain Make-up) When activated, the output level can be intelligently compensated for equalization adjustments, allowing you to more intuitively hear the effects of EQ on sound changes.

Step three: If you do not use the automatic compensation function, you can try to use the toggle comparison technique (A/b comparison). Set different EQ parameters in two separate windows, and manually switch to compare the differences between the two. Some EQ plugins are more perverted and have more than 8 sets of parameter comparisons, and the Meldaproduction mautodynamiceq in the diagram is an example.

4. Integrated use of multiple equalizer

Rebalancing is an important part of mixing engineering, where there are many different functions of the equalizer for use, understanding the hands of these "tools" and the flexibility to use them often lead to more effective results.

The precise parameter type equalizer brings a compact filter/attenuation function to find the resonance and remove the coarse, while the analog type equalizer, while lacking some precision, can add ambience and individuality.

Don't assume that you can meet all your needs with just one equalizer. Try different brands, types of equalizer, comprehensive use, creative to consider its position in the effect chain, will have a harvest. But be careful to ensure that there are no conflicting settings between the equalizers. For example, the first EQ has a higher frequency, but the same frequency is cut on the second EQ, which is obviously superfluous.

5. Organize EQ elements

How to understand the word "collation"? If the various adapters of the work are kept within a eight-degree range, the EQ analysis can be used to sort out the "personality frequencies" of each instrument, and the EQ will slightly attenuate these fundamental frequencies, improving overall clarity and compactness.

6. Bass Resonance

Little Labs ' Voice of God plugin is a unique low-frequency "magnifying glass". By adjusting the "frequency" and "amplitude" two parameters, the low frequency can be positioned and raised within a controllable range. This is a good weapon for aggravating the bottom drum/bass bass, or for adding "proximity benefits" to voice recordings.

In fact, Voice of God uses only the principle of the high-pass resonance filter. You can do this with the high pass filter in the EQ plugin, as long as you control the Q value: Load the high-pass filter in the sound signal, set a narrower Q value, and raise the frequency to the desired range.

7. Elimination of unwanted resonance

Equalization is a powerful way to eliminate glitches in the spectrum of sound signals, and there are three ways to do this:

Method one: As mentioned in the first section of the "Sweep" method. By sweeping the "protruding range" across the spectrum, the carpet-type searches out where too much resonance jumps out, and then cuts out the overly strident frequencies.

Method Two: Load the frequency analysis plug-in and observe the spectrum. It is clear that the steep part of the mountain is the frequency range that is too sharp. (More detailed information can be obtained by adjusting the resolution or sampling time)

Method Three: FabFilter pro-q 2 plugin provides a useful new mode-"Spectrum Grab": With the mouse in the Analysis display box for a few seconds, the image will freeze and void any existing EQ curve, Then you can simply change the spectral curve in the analyzer by clicking and dragging the mouse.

8. Associated Q value

As mentioned before, the gain and bandwidth width of the classic analog equalizer is usually interrelated, and the frequency increase or attenuation will affect the output level of the value, making the sound sound to have a simulated sound quality of warmth, smoothness, nature.

Many modern EQ plugins have an option called "Proportional bandwidth" to mimic this effect. FabFilter's Pro-q 2 has a "gain-q Interaction" button, which is between the Gain and Q values. Once activated, any gain or attenuation will introduce a little bit of the Q-value narrowing, and the adjustment of the Q value will also affect the change in the gain value.

9. Automation Settings

In the DAW's auto-operation function, you can preset the real-time change of most parameters. EQ is a parameter that can be automated.

For example, when you have a large number of intro in your song that need to highlight the low-frequency pad, and the main song starts out as a regular big three rock style, the orchestration and EQ requirements for different structural parts can be automatically set by drawing a line (that is, the auto-operation function).

EQ and Pitch issues

The frequency of a sound signal is closely related to its pitch, so you might want to trim the frequency more precisely by lifting or cutting the pitch. Some EQ plugins can display the note pitch value and its loudness level.

Once the pitch of the sound signal changes, the frequency of all harmonics will also change. If you use a narrow Q-value filter to raise or cut the harmonics of the sound, the pitch of the sound will be different, and your debugs will sound inconsistent. Neutralizing the conflict between the two takes a lot of time. The sound Radix surfereq plug-in is recommended here, which automatically solves the problem by tracking the pitch to change the EQ settings accordingly.

Source: Computer Music

10 basic tips for modern EQ technology (RPM)