Frequencies & EQ's - HELP!

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Shack

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How do I use the parametric eq on my mixer also what is 'Q' and how do I use it?

Do the eq bands on a mixer relate to specific frequencies? I ask because I keep seeing articles where you're advised to boost or cut at a certain frequency range, but I don't know where to find these frequencies.

Is there some rule of thumb for figuring out what frequency range an instrument is on?
 
Do a search (either here or on the web) and you'll find some links to frequency charts for instruments and voices.

As far as how to use a parametric EQ, it's pretty simply actually.

There are three parts to it. Frequency, Q, and Volume - Frequency and Q being very interactive (So is Volume, but to a lesser degree).

Frequency is used to determine the point at which you want your eq to corner at. Call it the starting frequency.

Q affects how many frequenies to the left and right of the corner frequency you want to include. Lower Q=more, Higher Q=Less.

Volume would then either increase or decrease the chosen frequencies you've determined by the frequency and Q settings.

Best way to figure out how parametric EQ works is to play with it on an instrument or voice and see what it does. You will quickly see how it's usage will affect the sound. One of the best methods for finding and eliminating an offending frequency band, is to turn the volume up several db, select a narrow Q (higher), and sweep the frequency up and down...Once you find the offending frequency, you'll know it. Then widen (lower) the Q a notch or two and decrease the volume to achieve the desired effect.

Make sense? If not, let us know...
 
Hey Sonusman... ;)

I wish concise answers to your questions were possible! There were some threads recently about common eq cuts and boosts that you will find very informative (esp. the articles posters link to): https://homerecording.com/bbs/showthread.php?s=&threadid=46498

These may also be of some use:

"Why Your Mixes Suck"
http://prorec.com/prorec/articles.n...62566B9001EF763

"All Things Being EQ-ual"
http://prorec.com/prorec/articles.n...62565D6001E69A8


Read, learn, futz around, and listen! Good luck!
 
Thanks a lot guys. I'll follow the advice, but somehow I feel i'll be back soon. So don't stray too far from home. Cheers!
 
Shack said:
How do I use the parametric eq on my mixer also what is 'Q' and how do I use it?

Do the eq bands on a mixer relate to specific frequencies? I ask because I keep seeing articles where you're advised to boost or cut at a certain frequency range, but I don't know where to find these frequencies.

Is there some rule of thumb for figuring out what frequency range an instrument is on?
Click to expand...

I think my first post in this link should clear up your questions about eq.

https://homerecording.com/bbs/showthread.php?s=&threadid=42525

Ed
 
Thanks a lot guys. Sonusman's advice I found very good - although at the price of the loss of my self esteem..... Nice one!
 
At least put a wink in there!!! :)

It was unfortunate that the person who started that other thread choose to be rather "difficult" as I usually don't like to poke that much fun! LOL....Okay, I do, but I would rather not. Haha....Okay, I do. But I would rather say it in a nice way!!! Hardy har har har....Okay, I wouldn't....;)

Glad the info helped! (shameless plug for homerecording.com) Where else on the web can you find info that is so pertinent and straight forward? :D

Ed
 
Trust me, you can't plug this site hard enough. It really is unbelievable for me cos i'm a musician having to get into the engineering side deep now cos i'm buying more and more equipment.

To get this info I used to have to
1. Ask the engineer when i'm at the studio session
2. Ask the store assistant on Saturday - every so often i'd have to but some guitar strings just to get him off my back.

If you're one of the dudes running this site, much kudos!

Peace out!!!
 
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