Can someone explain how EQ and compression works?...

[StrictlyB]

Almost a dummy's guide if you will, I looked on the net and there are articles but i don't understand a word of what these guys are saying.
Why do we use EQ and compression, and how does it work? For compression, there's shit like ratio and attack time, but what do these determine? As for EQ, all the different bars, what do they represent, and when do u move them up or down?
This sounds so noob but i really need someone to clarify this so i can stop using presets.
IF POSSIBLE, could you explain in terms of how it is laid out on cool edit, to make it easier to understand.

 

[t_muraoka]

For compression, there's shit like ratio and attack time, but what do these determine?

I've been putting together some tutorials on this stuff. They're still a bit rough-and-ready but the content's there:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JQ059J2ahdM
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V6_AQ0knTwY

Let us know if it makes sense

 

[bouldersoundguy]

EQ is simply a tone control with more precise adjustment than the simple bass and treble on home audio gear. The quickest way to get an idea of how it works is to try it.

Compression is basically automatic volume control. If you have a track that varies in volume too much a compressor can help reduce the volume changes. The parameters determine how the compressor reacts the the signal. You decide what level you want the compression to start with the threshold control. Below the threshold the audio is unaffected. The ratio determines how much compression happens above the threshold. With a 2:1 ratio, for every 2dB the input rises past the threshold the output will only rise 1dB. The attack setting controls the "lag" as the signal rises past the threshold, and the release controls the lag as the signal begins to drop toward the threshold. A "knee" control changes the transition at the threshold from a sharp change to a gradual one. Some compressors also have significant tonal effects. Again, the best thing to do is try it out.

 

[SouthSIDE Glen]

For everything you want to know about compression in a beginner's guide, click on the icon in my signature below, select "Resources" from the menu line on the website that comes up, and then select "Compression Uncompressed".

G.