Applying EQ

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Gorty

Gorty

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I am going through the mixing process of getting all my recorded tracks sitting nicely in their respective positions relative to their desired frequencies.

In the process of applying the EQ I am using Shelving type EQ, TO THE POINT, could someone explain to me the basic difference between Shelving and Peak type EQ application? :o
 
"Peak type" EQ - which can be in the form of a graphic or parametric EQ - is based upon a center frequency which is boosted or cut with frequencies immediately above and below it being sinilarly affected less and less the further you get away from that center frequency. The "curve" is in the shape of a hill or valley with symmetrical slopes on each side of the center frequency.

"Shelving", is where you pick a frequency above or below which all the frequencies are boosted or cut. When a cut is made, this is similar to what is often called a high-pass or low-pass filter. For example if you apply a low shelf boost starting at, say, 200Hz, this means that the EQ boosting will start just below 200Hz, with the boost ramping higher as the frequencies decrease towards the low end of the audio spectrum. A "hogh pass filter" set for 200Hz would do the exact same thing except the EQ ramp would slant down as an EQ cut instead of a boost. The same thing for a high frequency shelf/low-pass filter, except they apply to the upper end of the spectrum with the boost or cut increasing and the frequency increases.

HTH,

G.
 
SouthSIDE Glen said:
"Peak type" EQ - which can be in the form of a graphic or parametric EQ - is based upon a center frequency which is boosted or cut with frequencies immediately above and below it being sinilarly affected less and less the further you get away from that center frequency. The "curve" is in the shape of a hill or valley with symmetrical slopes on each side of the center frequency.

"Shelving", is where you pick a frequency above or below which all the frequencies are boosted or cut. When a cut is made, this is similar to what is often called a high-pass or low-pass filter. For example if you apply a low shelf boost starting at, say, 200Hz, this means that the EQ boosting will start just below 200Hz, with the boost ramping higher as the frequencies decrease towards the low end of the audio spectrum. A "hogh pass filter" set for 200Hz would do the exact same thing except the EQ ramp would slant down as an EQ cut instead of a boost. The same thing for a high frequency shelf/low-pass filter, except they apply to the upper end of the spectrum with the boost or cut increasing and the frequency increases.

HTH,

G.
Click to expand...

Damn... Ted Philips Mystery Christian told me that 'shelving' was putting the EQ on a shelf and leaving it alone. And 'peak' was putting the EQ in a closet but leaving the door open just enough so you could take a 'peak' at it every now and then.


:)

Ok... I'll quit...
 
Thanx Southside,
I am digesting that info and will try to apply this into my mixing prowess!!

In applying EQ to my bass guitar track so far I have applied the use of Shelving without fully understanding the different types eq and how they differ, so far I have achieved a bass sound with clarity in the lows and mild yet not to brittle in the highs. "Forgive my definitions" generally happy with the results.

Question?
I was wondering is there a preference (be it proffessional or personal) in the type of EQ applied for guitars and bass? :o
 
Gorty said:
I was wondering is there a preference (be it proffessional or personal) in the type of EQ applied for guitars and bass? :o
Click to expand...
That's kind of like asking if there's a preference to what type of electric saw you'd use for pine or maple. :) There really isn't a preference based on instrument type so much as there is on "what is the EQ job to be done?" It's a matter of picking the right tool for the job at hand, regardless of the instrument.

Shelving and bandpass filtering is usually done when you need to do something EQ-wise that will apply to a range of frequencies at one end of the spectrum or the other, whereas using a graphic or parametric EQ for "peak" or "notch" EQing is the proper tool to use when you just need to "spot EQ" specific spots anywhere in the audio spectrum.

G.
 
Then again, there was some genius here a few weeks ago who knows how to EQ with his reverb. But he's working on a whole 'nother level.
 
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