What Are The Different Types of EQ?

Let’s take a brief look at what EQ is before we look at different forms of EQ.

Equalizers use specialized filters to change the loudness of a specific frequency or a range of frequencies in the audio spectrum. From 20 Hz to 20 kHz, the audible frequency spectrum is covered. These frequencies can be attenuated, boosted, removed, or left unaltered using an equalizer. Changing the frequency of a sound or a whole mix affects the tone, loudness, and harmonic make-up of the sound.

Bass and treble settings on your car stereo, for example, maybe recognizable to you. These are very basic versions of EQ that eliminate all of the sound’s High or Low frequencies.

You’ll have sounds entering in on multiple tracks at different frequencies in your mix. Some are even at audible frequencies that are beyond the human hearing range. These different instruments or sounds are all seeking attention in the mix, and they’re often trying to do it at the same time.

Certain components or sounds will be lost as a result of this. A beginner may be tempted to turn up that track and attempt to force it to the front of the mix, but it is unlikely to succeed; it isn’t that simple.

EQs are available in a variety of formats, including plugins & hardware, and a producer can use more than one type in a single mix.

The following are the various forms of audio EQs:

Graphic equalizers use a bank of equally spaced slider controls to enhance or attenuate a range of fixed frequencies. They can also have as many as 31 bands. The frequency spectrum will be more realistic with more bands.

Furthermore, visual equalizers with smaller bandwidths are more precise. However, they aren’t as good as a parametric EQ for surgical operations. Each band’s filter design and bandwidth are completely uncontrollable. Graph equalizers, on the other hand, are typically employed to make large adjustments to the entire mix or bus groups.

Fixed EQs are the most basic EQs available, and may be found in car stereos, hi-fi stereos, and other audio equipment. They usually have two to three bands, and you can’t change the frequencies. Only Low, Mid, and High can be boosted or reduced.

The most basic form of EQ is shelving equalizers. A shelving equalizer increases or decreases the volume of frequencies above or below a set cutoff point. Predetermined filter curves with a broad Q are also seen in many shelving equalizers. Smooth sloping curves excel in emphasizing or attenuating frequencies in a wide, melodic way, resulting in increased clarity and presence.

High and low shelving filters are included in most shelving equalizers. Some include midrange bell curve filters as well. They’re great for sweetening and enlarging full mixtures. For example, increase the high and low end of a mix with a shelving equalizer to generate the famous “smiling” EQ curve.

Only digital versions of linear phase equalizers are available. Your parametric EQ plugin may also have a Linear Phase EQ option from time to time. They essentially offer equalization that does not change the source’s phase relationship; the phase is completely linear.

Dynamic Equalizers combine parametric equalization precision with dynamic compression or expansion control. This adaptable setup provides you with more control over sound shaping and enhancement. What do parametric and dynamic equalizers have in common? Parametric equalizers are linear processors, which means they continually process the input audio. Filter cuts and boosts, for example, are fixed and will not alter.

Nonlinear processors are dynamic equalizers. The filters are activated by a sidechain input source or respond to the internal audio source. Cuts and boosts, for example, react to incoming audio that exceeds a certain threshold level. This fluid movement responds to the beat of the music. Most dynamic equalizer plugins also have a threshold, attack, and release settings, which are common on compressors.

Which sort of equalization you use is entirely up to you and the project you are working on. It’s beneficial to understand how to operate a parametric EQ because you’ll be using it more frequently perhaps. You will profit from its precision and adaptability, even though it is tough at first.

For a polished mix and professional sound, equalization is essential. Understanding the many sorts of EQ and filter shapes can aid you in making smart mixing decisions. Knowing the sort of EQ to employ in certain contexts will also improve your outcomes and speed up your process.

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