Equalization

Question 1

How do you use an equalizer (8 steps)?

Answer 1

p29 in reader
1. Listen for:
a) Mudd (too much of a boost in low mids, typically between 100 - 400 Hz.)
b) Enough lows (low bass around 30-80 Hz.)
c) Irritating or “honky” frequencies in the midrange (800-4000 Hz.)
d) Whether each sound is bright enough and has enough highs (2000-8000)
2. Pull up the EQ and, if necessary, Reset all volumes to “0” (if necessary)
3. Boost the volume all the way on the appropriate EQ dot.
(Don’t blow up speakers - Keep your hand on the Master Volume on the Interface
or Mixer)
4. Set the Bandwidth
a) Thin for cutting mudd, irritation and boosting lows. (around 6 on the “Q”
knob)
b) Medium for boosting highs (around 3 on the “Q” knob)
5. Sweep the Frequency (Click on the numbers next to the Frequency knob and use
the up and down arrows on the keyboard)
6. Come back to earth – Listen to what you started with by returning the Volume
Knob to “0” (type in “0” next to the Volume knob)
7. Boost or Cut the Volume to Taste (Click on the numbers next to the Volume knob
and use the up and down arrows on the keyboard)
8. Turn Bypass on/off/on to check to see if you like what you did. You can also bypass just the EQ that you did on a particular band by hitting the “IN” button on and off.

Question 2

How do you set the bandwidth knob for each of the four EQ frequencies?

Answer 2

6 - thin for mudd/bass/irritation/boosting lows
3 - highs/mids -> we are much more sensitive here

Question 3

What does “Q” or bandwidth on a Parametric equalizer do?

Answer 3

Set range of frequencies

Question 4

Name 3 main reasons for using a High Pass Filter or Bass Rolloff.

Answer 4

1. Get rid of low frequencies
2. Get rid of rumble (trucks, trains, earthquakes)
3. Turn off lows
   Example: roll of kick drum on hihat; distortion on toms

Question 4

What is the most irritating frequency range in sound?

Answer 4

1000-4000; generally most irritating is around 3000-4000 (chainsaw)

Question 5

What range is the “muddy” range?

Answer 5

100-400 mainly. Can go up to 800

Question 6

What is the frequency range of the treble knob on stereos that is used to boost highs?

Answer 6

5000-8000

Question 7

Name 4 instrument sounds that often need “Mud” taken out.

Answer 7

Any instrument with bass. Kick, piano, bass guitar (Be careful - don’t take away warmth), harp, toms (be careful - don’t take away warmth!)

Question 8

Name 3 instrument sounds when a thin bandwidth is helpful for getting rid of irritating frequencies.

Answer 8

Occasionally voice, distorted guitar, occasionally cymbals (mostly coming from a cheap mic)