Equalizers

An Introduction to EQ, Types & Application

[email protected]
www.stuartjones.org
 Agenda

1. Introduction
2. Frequency
3. Harmonics
4. Types of EQ:
a. Shelving EQ
b. Filters
c. Parametric EQ
d. Graphic EQ
5. Q Factor
Typical Mixing Desk EQ
6. Typical Software EQ
7. Application
8. Supporting Documents

EQ
 Introduction

EQ
 What is EQ?

Control of the amplitude of areas of frequencies.

EQ
 Why is it called E.Q.?

Early telephone systems used EQ to balance or equalise input with output to

compensate for deterioration within long cables.

Nowadays EQ gets used for more creative purposes such as filter sweeps.

EQ
 Frequency

EQ
 Frequency
t
+
Amplitude

Time
0

The rate at which the source oscillates is the frequency of the sound wave it produces, and is quoted in hertz (Hz) or cycles per second (cps). 1000 hertz is
termed 1 kilohertz (1kHz)

EQ
 Frequency

The lowest string of a guitar vibrates approximately 82

times per seconds.

This means that a low ‘E’ (E2) on a acoustic guitar has

a frequency of 82 Hertz.

A standard bass is an octave below at 41.2Hz (E1)

EQ
 Frequency

The lowest note on a standard piano is 27.5 Hz, and the highest note is
4186 Hz.

However, as all sound contain many frequency components. These are

known as Harmonics.

In the case of the piano, frequencies will extend above 4kHz.

EQ
 3. Harmonics

EQ
 Harmonics

In this example, the sound is toggled between a sine wave and a square wave each at 100Hz.

The Sine wave is a simple waveform containing no harmonic content.

However, the square wave is rich in harmonics and extends far beyond the fundamental frequency.

EQ
 Harmonics

Harmonic Frequency Amplitude

f 100 1

1st 300 1/3

2nd 500 1/5

3rd 700 1/7

4th 900 1/9

Image showing a Square Wave with a fundamental frequency at 100Hz.

The chart on the right shows its harmonic content

EQ
 Harmonics

This example shows middle C on a piano. This has a fundamental frequency of 261.626 Hz and also contain components at 523Hz, 1046Hz, 2093Hz and so on.

EQ
Types of EQ
 A - Shelving EQ

EQ
 Shelving EQ

High Shelving Band

(10 decibel (dB) boost applied at 1kHz)

EQ
 Shelving EQ

Low Shelving Band

(10 decibel (dB) boost applied at 1kHz)

EQ
 B - Filters

EQ
 Filters

Lowpass Filter (Showing 1kHz Cut @ 24dB/octave)

EQ
 Filters

Highpass Filter (Showing 1kHz Cut @ 24dB/octave)

High pass filters are usually found on mixing desks. Used to cut out unwanted rumble.

EQ
 In this example, for every octave beyond the 10kHz cut off point, the signal is attenuated by
6dB

EQ
 Now the filter is set at 48dB/Oct the slope is much steeper

EQ
 C - Parametric EQ

EQ
 Parametric EQ

This has three controls:

1.cut/boost - dB
2.sweep control - Hz
3.‘Q’ factor - The ‘Q’ factor control adjusts the width of the band of frequencies to be attenuated. (how steeply it slopes).

EQ
 Q Factor

EQ
 Q Factor

3dB
Level (dB)

f1 f0 f2 frequency (Hz)

Low Q
EQ
 Q Factor

3dB
Level (dB)

f1 f0 f2 frequency (Hz)

High Q
EQ
 Q Factor

Peaking band - wide bandwidth (low Q)

EQ
 Q Factor

Peaking band - narrow bandwidth (high Q)

EQ
 D - Graphic

EQ
 Graphic

A series of fixed bands that can boost or cut. However, frequency bands cannot be moved. The more bands the better.
Professional graphics have 31/32 bands and are stereo. Some uses for graphic EQ:

• Mastering – When mastering a final mix.

• Live – Different venues have different acoustics. You could use a graphic Eq for the front of house sound or the on stage
monitor mix if your lucky enough to have two EQs.
• More flexible.

EQ
Typical Mixing Desk EQ
 Audient ASP8024 EQ
6
1 1
HF Shelving EQ - 2 band boost/cut for high and low
frequencies. Switchable between 10kHz and 18kHz.

2 LF Shelving EQ - 2 band boost/cut for high and low

2
frequencies. Switchable between 50Hz and 100Hz.

6
3 Parametric EQ - Boost/Cut (dB)
4

5 4 Parametric EQ - Sweep (kHz)

3

5 Parametric EQ - Q Factor

6 Places the eq in circuit

7 Places the eq in the short fader path (before tape)

 Typical Software EQ

EQ
 Logic Pro Channel EQ

1 2 3 3 3 3 2 1 1 Filter EQ

2 Shelving EQ

3 Parametric EQ

4 Q Factor

EQ
 Application

EQ
 These types of EQ charts are
common place and act as a good
introduction to instrument frequencies.

EQ Source - http://www.offbeat.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2012/06/eq-chart.pdf
 EQ Tips

1. Switch out the equaliser.

2. Listen to the raw sound.

3. Imagine the perfect sound.

4. Dual in an EQ setting that you hope will match your imagination.

5. Put the EQ in.

6. Not the right sound? See 1

EQ
 Why?

The human ear is great at comparing between toggled states (A:B). It is not so good at following slow changes because

it quickly adapts and loses perspective.

EQ
 References
Web

• http://www.stuartjones.org.uk/Student_Resources/Studio_Tutorials/Entries/2010/7/4_AUDIENT_ASP8024_-

_Equaliser.html

• http://www.wikirecording.org/EQ

• http://www.independentrecording.net/irn/resources/freqchart/main_display.htm

• http://www.offbeat.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2012/06/eq-chart.pdf

• http://www.rs-met.com/documents/tutorials/FrequencyAndPitch.pdf

• The Mix Engineers Handbook - Bobby Owsinski

Supporting Material

• http://quiztones.net/ - Free ear training app

Books

• Creative_Sequencing_Techniques_for_Music_Production_(by Andrea Pejrolo)

EQ
Equalizers
An Introduction to EQ, Types & Application

[email protected]
www.stuartjones.org