Hello, this is Jooyoung Kim, engineer and music producer.
Today, I want to talk about the basics of EQ. There’s so much to cover, I’m not sure where to begin… But let’s dive in!
EQ is a tool that allows you to adjust the volume based on frequency. Why would we need something like this?
The main reasons are:
1) To alter the tone of an instrument
2) To change the position of an instrument in the stereo image
3) To prevent sounds from different instruments from overlapping
4) To fix issues with recorded sources
We’ll go into more detail on the types of EQ in a later post, but for now, let’s discuss these reasons in more depth.
- To Alter the Tone of an Instrument
A drum kick typically handles low frequencies. But is it only low frequencies? Of course not.
High frequencies contribute to the attack, giving it a punchy feel, while the midrange can be quite prominent and can mask other instruments.
Thus, by using EQ, you can adjust these frequencies to create a balance that fits the song. This applies not just to kicks but to other instruments as well.
- To Change the Position of an Instrument in the Stereo Image
Using EQ to adjust an instrument can change its position in the stereo image. In typical speakers with a tweeter on top and a woofer on the bottom, cutting high frequencies can make a sound seem to move lower, while cutting low frequencies can make it seem to move higher.
You can also adjust just the left or right side with EQ to move the sound diagonally.
- To Prevent Sounds from Different Instruments from Overlapping
Instruments like acoustic piano, acoustic guitar, and synth pads produce sounds across a wide range of frequencies, which can cause other instruments, like vocals, to be masked.
This phenomenon, where instruments obscure each other, is known as masking. Kick and bass are classic examples of instruments that can mask each other. EQ is a traditional and fundamental way to address this issue.
- To Fix Issues with Recorded Sources
Singer’s Formant
When recording instruments, resonance in the room can cause certain frequencies to be overly emphasized.
There is also something called the Singer’s Formant, a specific resonance found in trained opera singers. Instruments, too, can have unique resonances or harsh sounds. For example, when recording a violin, the bow can produce a squeaky sound at certain high frequencies.
EQ is used to resolve these resonances.
Today, we covered why EQ is used. In the next post, we’ll discuss the different types of EQ and their uses. See you next time!
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