Whether you are a DJ, producer, music lover, or have watched a DJ set online, you have likely seen someone use an EQ to manipulate the sounds they are hearing. Tap in with SIX AM as we go over the basic understanding of EQs and there place within music.
EQ stands for equalization. In music, it is the process of adjusting the volume level of specific frequencies in an audio signal. This can be done to improve the sound quality of a recording, to make different instruments or sounds more prominent in a mix, or to create a desired effect.
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Sound is made up of waves of pressure that travel through the air. These waves have different frequencies, which correspond to different pitches. The human ear can hear frequencies from about 20 Hz to 20 kHz.
An EQ works by filtering these frequencies. A filter is a device that allows certain frequencies to pass through while blocking others. An EQ filter can be used to boost or cut specific frequencies in an audio signal.
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There are different types of EQ filters, each with its own characteristic sound. Some of the most common types of EQ filters include:
This filter allows low frequencies to pass through while blocking high frequencies. It is often used to remove unwanted noise from a signal or to create a “warm” or “mellow” sound.
This filter allows high frequencies to pass through while blocking low frequencies. It is often used to remove unwanted low-end rumble from a signal or to create a “bright” or “crisp” sound.
This filter allows a specific range of frequencies to pass through while blocking all other frequencies. It is often used to isolate a particular instrument or sound in a mix.
This filter removes a specific frequency from a signal. It is often used to reduce unwanted resonances or to create a “hollow” or “filtered” sound.
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EQ can be used in a variety of ways to improve the sound quality of a recording or to create a desired effect.
To remove unwanted noise: EQ can be used to remove unwanted noise from a signal, such as hiss, hum, or wind noise.
To balance the frequency spectrum: EQ can be used to balance the frequency spectrum of a signal, making sure that all of the frequencies are present in the correct proportions. This can help to improve the clarity and definition of a sound.
EQ can be used to make instruments or sounds more prominent in a mix. This can be done by boosting the frequencies that are important to that particular instrument or sound.
EQ can be used to create a variety of desired effects, such as making a sound warmer, brighter, or more aggressive.
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Start with a reference track: When you are first learning how to use EQ, it can be helpful to start with a reference track. This is a track that you already like the sound of. You can use the EQ on the reference track to see how the different frequencies are affecting the sound.
Be subtle: It is important to be subtle when using EQ. Too much EQ can make a sound harsh or unnatural. Start with small adjustments and then gradually increase the gain until you achieve the desired effect.
Listen carefully: The best way to learn how to use EQ is to listen carefully. Pay attention to how the different frequencies are affecting the sound. You may also want to use a spectrum analyzer to visualize the frequencies in a signal.
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A DJ mixer EQ is a set of filters that allow DJs to adjust the volume level of specific frequencies in an audio signal from a loaded track, record, or other form of audio source.
Typically they have three bands, which correspond to the low, mid, and high frequencies. Each band has a knob that can be used to boost or cut the volume of that frequency range.
Some well known industry standard DJ mixers include:
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A mixing desk, also known as a mixing console or mixing board, is an electronic device for mixing audio signals. It is used in sound recording and reproduction and sound reinforcement systems. Inputs to the console include microphones, signals from electric or electronic instruments, or recorded sounds. These mixing desks will usually contain a 4 band EQ amongst panning options and sometimes effects.
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A plug-in EQ is a software-based equalizer that can be used to adjust the frequency spectrum of an audio signal. Plug-in EQs are typically used in digital audio workstations (DAWs) to improve the sound quality of a mix or to create desired effects.
There are many different plug-in EQs available, each with its own unique features and sound.
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The history of EQ in music can be traced back to the early days of sound recording. In the early 1900s, engineers began to experiment with ways to adjust the frequency spectrum of audio signals. One of the earliest examples of an EQ was the RCA 8B, which was introduced in 1931. The RCA 8B had three bands, which could be used to boost or cut specific frequencies.
In the 1950s, graphic EQs began to become popular. Graphic EQs are a type of EQ that uses a series of sliders to adjust the frequency spectrum. This makes it easy to see how the EQ is affecting the sound, which is why they were nicknamed “graphic” EQs.
Graphic EQs were used in a variety of applications, including sound reinforcement, recording, and mastering. They were also used by musicians to create their own unique sounds.
In the 1970s, parametric EQs began to replace graphic EQs in many applications. Parametric EQs offer more flexibility than graphic EQs, as they allow you to adjust the frequency, bandwidth, and gain of each band.
Parametric EQs are now the most common type of EQ used in music production. They are used by engineers, producers, and musicians to create a wide variety of sounds.
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In the 1980s, digital EQs began to replace analog EQs. Digital EQs offer a number of advantages over analog EQs, including:
They are now the standard in music production. They are used by engineers, producers, and musicians to create a wide variety of sounds.
The future of EQ is likely to see the continued development of digital EQs. Digital EQs are becoming more powerful and flexible, and they are becoming easier to use.
It is also possible that we will see the development of new types of EQs, such as artificial intelligence-powered EQs. These EQs could be used to automatically adjust the frequency spectrum of a sound to create a desired effect.
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EQ is a powerful tool that can be used to improve the sound quality of a recording or to create a desired effect. With a little practice, you can learn how to use EQ to your advantage and create the sound you want.